Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Powertech generator (Read 4467 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Powertech generator

Yahoo Message Number: 23323
Our generator has been running fine until this past week. We tried to turn it on going down the road and it started, ran for about two minutes and then shut down. Once we got home I have tried it about a dozen times and it starts quickly, runs smoothly, but then shuts down after about 30 seconds to about a minute or two. We have a full tank of fuel.

Any ideas as to the possible problem?

Dave McFadden

2000 Intrigue #11104

Re: Powertech generator

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 23324
Re: [Country-Coach-Owners] Powertech generatorHave you checked the coolant and all the filters? Just guessing.
--
Sue

'05-42' Allure #31254

Re: Powertech generator

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 23326
We had a problem a year ago with our 2003. The cables on the top of the generator had come loose. The generator had to be pulled out to find the problem and the solution. Prior to takeing it out they thought the computer board was bad which could also be a similar reaction.

Re: Powertech generator

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 23327
We had a problem a year ago with our 2003. The cables on the top of the generator had come loose. The generator had to be pulled out to find the problem and the solution. Prior to takeing it out they thought the computer board was bad which could also be a similar reaction.

Re: Powertech generator

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 23328
I had exactly the same system on our PT last summer. Came home changed the oil and all filters and it hasn't happened again since but I'm not sure what the fix was. I bought a small coolant overheat switch as someone said that might be the problem but I didn't install it and it hasn't failed since. Be interesting to hear your solution.
Ron 98 Allure 30185

Sue Conant wrote:

Re: Powertech generator

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 23329
Dave

I have also had this problem. Mine happen when we tried to start the generator from the front panel over the door. Didn't push the on/off switch on that panel before pressing the gen start button. It would start then shut off because the battery was charged I believe. Starting it from the back bedroom it would run. We were trying to dry clothes as we drove down the road.

Gordon Hertz

Intrigue 2003 First Avenue

Re: Powertech generator

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 23331
Dave, check your settings on the Trace---sounds like your clock is off or your quiet time settings need correction. I had this very problem on a 2000 Intrigue I owned. The dealer said I need a new inverter, but a CC tech at a CCI rally fixed it in about 20 seconds by resetting the above.

Walt Rothermel

03Allure30811 ( still for sale )

Re: Powertech generator

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 23334
The first thing to check is oil level. Many generators have a shut off when low oil is detected. If the oil level is fine, then check the rest of the oil system to see if the unit THINKS the oil is low (filter and pressure switch). If you haven't done it lately, go ahead and change the oil and filter. Check the air filter too.

Next is gas supply. Most generators shut off when the tank reaches 1/4 full, but you say your tank is full. Check the fuel filter and fuel pump to ensure that it is getting a steady supply of fuel.

If neither of these is it, do you have a thermal shutoff which is tripping?

Lastly, check the control circuits to insure that the unit is not getting a bogus 'shut off' signal, or if a voltage is required to keep it running, that that power is not being interrupted.

Also, I remember seeing some posts about generators cutting out while moving. You may want to do a search and see if any of those relate to your situation.

John 04 Inspire 51078 (Onan generator)

Quote from: pinchuscc
Our generator has been running fine until this past week. We

tried to

Quote
turn it on going down the road and it started, ran for about two > minutes and then shut down. Once we got home I have tried it

about a

Quote
dozen times and it starts quickly, runs smoothly, but then shuts

down

Quote
after about 30 seconds to about a minute or two. We have a full

tank

Re: Powertech generator

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 23348
No I was on a demo ride, and after a review with the sales persona all parties just walked away.

Re: Powertech generator

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 23349
Check the fuse on top of the generator, I had this problem at one time and I believe that was it!!!!!! Carl

Allure 30873

Re: Powertech generator

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 23356
Hi, Here is a list of the problems I've encountered with our gen. over the course of ownership. Starting with what I think may be the most likely culprit in your unit.
1. Loose spade connector in the control module box.
This caused intermittent run/fail condition. (I had to RTV silicone all of mine)

2. Fuel pump gradually giving out. If you have to try 2 times to start when the gen. runs a few seconds and shuts off, it means the fuel pump hasn't fully primed the line within the normal 15-20 second pre-startup.
Replaced mine with a unit from Auto-Zone for about $37.00. An easy do-it-yourself fix. (Must be a 4-11 psi unit.)

3. Faulty or intermittent oil pressure switch as mentioned by other users.

4. Same with water temp sending unit.

5. Small, very small, chance that the "low fuel" wire
(I believe it is #84 on my coach) is losing connection somehow in the overhead control panel.
But I'm betting on the fuel pump.
Good luck

--- pinchuscc mac2434@...> wrote:

Quote
Our generator has been running fine until this past > week. We tried to etc etc etc.

Re: Powertech generator

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 23362
Dave,

I have a 7KW Powertech with 3 cylinder Kubota engine in my 98 Intrigue. I had similar problems last summer, but sometimes ran a little longer before it cut out on its own. Sounds very similar, no starting issues, runs smooth and then just cuts out. I called Powertech in Florida and talked to a tech. After explaining the symptoms, he nailed it...a bad oil pressure switch. Even though you probably have good pressure, the switch is telling the engine you don't and it shuts down for self-protection. (Mine was located on the right front of the engine (facing out toward you) and had 3 wires connected to two terminals. I tried to find a replacement locally but could't get an exact match.
Powertech referred me to a distributor in PA that stocks them and I ordered it from them. You should have a part number on the switch itself. If you choose to replace it yourself, you may want to unhook the chassis battery as one of the 3 wires stays hot despite cutting off the electrical service in the power bay. In my case it was no worse than that 1st cup of coffee in the morning for a wake-up. Since I replaced the switch, she runs like a top.
The outfit in PA is Winco Fluid Power Inc. 215-657-4940. My item # was NAS SM-19A-10R/ATVT, though yours may be different. If you can't find Powertech, let me know. I have their number in the coach somewhere. Hope this helps.

Kevin Barron

98 Intrigue #10550
Annapolis, MD