When I ran my generator last week, it surged, which is not good, since a surging engine causes surging voltage. I removed the carburetor, cleaned it thoroughly, reinstalled it and checked the operation. I still have a surging generator.
I did some research online about the problem. There are two possibilities I need to examine. One is the fuel tank valve filter. I haven't ever removed it, and there's the possibility it's partially clogged. If I can't remove the filter, I'll remove the valve, and either replace the valve, or remove the filter permanently. I'll install an in-line filter instead, which is probably the best solution.
The other problem may be the fuel solenoid on the bottom of the fuel bowl. If it's weak, it might not be holding as needed, which will require replacing the solenoid, or the carburetor, if that's not a part that is replaceable.
If neither of these solutions stop the surging, I'll go back to my head-scratching mode and continue my effort to not depend on a mechanic. I try to never let a small engine defeat me.
So, the new carburetor was placed, and the engine still surges. There is no fuel restriction from the tank. In fact, I replaced the fuel line, and added an in-line filter. Since the engine doesn't have many hours, I doubt the governor is the problem. The only thing left, if that is a possible problem, is something I'm not familiar with, but after researching, can cause surging.
There are two springs on the governor linkage. One is larger, and has most of the tension. There is a smaller spring, which I over pulled, and it's obvious it's not as taught as originally designed. My question (to anyone with knowledge, or has someone they know that does) can this cause surging. Of all the things, that's the only thing that's different.
Interesting. What kind of genny and how many whats, Jess? Please keep us poosted...
ReplyDeletePredator 6500 (Harbor Freight). So far, the fuel shut-off isn't a problem. I'll replace the fuel line. It has some small cracks, which can go all the way through and suck air. After that, I'll have to order the fuel solenoid. It runs around $15. That, or just replace the entire mess for about $45. I'll know after a trip to the parts house for fuel line and new clamps.
DeleteKudos for your perseverance. photog
ReplyDeleteI just ordered the carburetor, with the solenoid, gaskets and other miscellaneous parts. Delivery is tomorrow, the reviews were good, and it was only $21.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed!
DeleteHow's your air filter? New?
ReplyDeleteFresh gasoline?
Oil change?
Spark plug? New?
Gas cap? sometimes the vent gets clogged, causing a slight vacuum in the tank..
Does it surge under load as well?
Do you have a spark tester? the kind that attaches to the spark plug and spark plug lead? If you, you can attach that, start it, and see if the spark is continuous during a surge. If not, could be a solid state unit.
Gasoline is good, the filter good, oil is good, and new spark plug. I don't have a spark tester, so I either buy one, or have it tested. The gas cap is good. The reason I started dealing with the generator was gas was running out of the carburetor vent, even though it was running right. That led to cleaning everything, which required removing the carburetor, which led to the spring being distorted, which led to this point. I'm frustrated, and determined (aka stubborn to the point of fault) with repairing the generator.
DeleteI'd check the magneto and the coil to insure they are free of rust. Use a piece of paper bag between the coil and magneto to check for the air gap.
ReplyDeleteDeacon in Louisiana
Also Might be float level. Surging is usually too lean, try a little choke to see if it smooths out.
ReplyDelete