Generac 48kw generator: DOA, Generac unable to repair/not helpful

[ponytug]

There are clearly a few issues with her installer's actions. Thanks for helping to identify them.

Also in the photo is that there isn't five feet of pipe from the regulator to the generator, as also suggested in the installation manual.

All the best,

Peter

 

[grsthegreat]

On the photo i posted there is an object labeled JET PORT KEEPER. this is the place where the propane jet is stored. Its supposed to replace the natural gas jet. This photo id copied off of the installation manual for a current model 48kw generator. I took the image from generac site. So i dont know why you cant find it on your install manual.

 

[ponytug]

On the photo i posted there is an object labeled JET PORT KEEPER. this is the place where the propane jet is stored. Its supposed to replace the natural gas jet. This photo id copied off of the installation manual for a current model 48kw generator. I took the image from generac site. So i dont know why you cant find it on your install manual.

I don't know what to tell you. Newer model?

Figure 6-1 in her manual is the keypad layout for the computer controller.

No mention of jets anywhere in the manual that I can find.

All the best,

Peter

 

[grsthegreat]

You know, that model on page 19 of the installation manual, shows the unit is configured to how it was ordered.... which is odd as ive never see that statement in a liquid cooled manual. Then it goes on to say some units can be converted and to refer to owners manual. I downloaded a new owners manual and on page 7 it talks about reconfiguring the software, but not the ports. So now im confused. I went onto my Generac dealers portal and looked under configuring a liquid cooled for purchase. The note specifically says the 48 kw units are factory configured for natural gas but are field convertible with lp jet that is included with generator.

 

[grsthegreat]

Im still sure that theres a propane jet that needs to be installed, because no single jet can work for both propane or nat gas.

But at this point the owner will have to contact generac tech snd find the answer. I think their newer manuals left out the conversion section. I have the older 45 and 48 manuals that show it.

If they did leave it out, that really sucks.

 

[ponytug]

I'm with you. It has me scratching my head. I don't know what to make of it, unless there is a servo that flips jets, or the ECU itself manages the needle valve to accommodate the difference between natural gas and propane. I recall that some of the air-cooled units that switch have a nifty lever/piston that is rotated/translated to convert from natural gas to propane and back.

When I'm next over there, I will look inside and see if there is a jet storage area on the carburetor.

All the best,

Peter

 

[grsthegreat]

The air cooled units have a rotating set of jets. One set for propane, the other for nat gas. All i do know is that the liquid cooled units do not have this feature. There is a control command for lp gas that needs to be set during original install. If that wasnt done properly, it will have to be set under the dealer portal in the control panel. But that alone will not change the fuel flows. It adjusts the electronic controls of the unit using a fuel with higher btu ratings.

 

[mmancuso13]

As has been mentioned numerous times now in the thread, you MUST change the jet / jets (AKA orifice) from Nat Gas to Propane.

This is true on water heaters, dyers, gen sets, etc...

You will not get the unit running correctly without doing so...

 

[grsthegreat]

Unbelievable....i just got the following message from Generac..

The new 48kw 4.5L no longer uses jets its done through the programing of the controller that adjust the fuel inlet. If the unit is hunting please make sure the firmware is up to date. We have a firmware update to work with hunting issues under load.

ECM should be a 280 version and the controller should be a 1.04.
These firmware versions are available on the Gen service site under documentation and service documents.


I cant believe that there isnt a better description in the manuals. This is a major change, and hardly anything is written up about it.

 

[ponytug]

Greg, you Rock! That's great sleuthing.

I had just scheduled a site visit with my neighbor to check on the jet issue. I will check on the software version (if I can) instead.

I'm betting that the regulator/piping isn't helping.

More when I know it.

All the best,

Peter

Unbelievable....i just got the following message from Generac..

The new 48kw 4.5L no longer uses jets its done through the programing of the controller that adjust the fuel inlet. If the unit is hunting please make sure the firmware is up to date. We have a firmware update to work with hunting issues under load.

ECM should be a 280 version and the controller should be a 1.04.
These firmware versions are available on the Gen service site under documentation and service documents.


I cant believe that there isnt a better description in the manuals. This is a major change, and hardly anything is written up about it.