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Topic: Powertech Generator - hour meter keeps running when off (Read 2286 times) previous topic - next topic
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Powertech Generator - hour meter keeps running when off

Yahoo Message Number: 107281
I'm having a strange issue with my Powertech PTS 7000 generator. Even after the generator engine is shut off, the hour meters on the remote panel and on the generator itself both keep running. There is also a sound like a small electric motor running inside the generator bay (which I'm hypothesizing is whatever it is that turns the mechanical hour gauge when it is running). Other than this, everything electrical is working properly in all the various modes, including the generator when it actually is running.

This all started yesterday when I ran below 1/4 tank of fuel, which caused the generator to shut off. I fueled up and restarted it with no problems, but ever since then it has had this hour meter problem when shut off.

I have tried completely disconnecting from shore power, turning off all breakers, and starting & stopping the gen several times. The only thing that makes the meter stop running is disconnecting the battery power from the generator while it is not running, but as soon as the battery is reconnected it starts the meter ticking again.
Any ideas? My guess is something inside the generator brains is stuck like a relay, but I am hoping it is not something that is keeping the glow plugs energized or something that will cause harm beyond racking up many false hours on the meters.

Also any recommendations for a Powertech generator service shop in the Minneapolis area would be appreciated.

Mark M

1998 Intrigue #10661
 

Re: Powertech Generator - hour meter keeps running when off - Fixed

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 107340
The problem ended up being a stuck "2-pole oil pressure shutdown switch". That's what shuts off the fuel pump (and hour meter) when the generator engine is stopped. The switch apparently stuck closed, so it never shut off the fuel pump. Disconnecting a wire from it stopped the pump. $52 bucks for the replacement part from Powertech, who helped me diagnose it over the phone.

So a pretty simple repair, and no harm done other than the electric fuel pump running for about 18 hours that the generator was not running (which apparently just circulates back into the tank), and extra hours ticked on the meter.

Mark M

1998 Intrigue #10661