Generac LP generator didn't start up when needed today

[CalG]

CT 990 engine from the literature. Air cooled V twin from the looks.

15kw back up suggests it's a baseline home style piece of equipment.

I notice these coil replacement kits
https://www.amazon.com/Generac-0K63030SRV-MAGNETO-KIT/dp/B00XRF2TL8

Are "weak coils" a common issue with the GT990 engine?

 

[radios1]

check for spark, if it's there, it must be fuel. if it was overly rich, you'd smell the propane smell.. this problem is why regular exercises are needed to detect problems, it also prevents some by charging the battery and making the fuel delivery system work..

 

[ruffdog]

Out in the barn also means mice and the damage they do.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Just don't gp blowing up the barn!

 

[CalG]

Out in the barn also means mice and the damage they do.

I thought about that too. Mice love airboxes! Hence the air cleaner check mentioned in the original post. ;-)

 

[CalG]

check for spark, if it's there, it must be fuel. if it was overly rich, you'd smell the propane smell.. this problem is why regular exercises are needed to detect problems, it also prevents some by charging the battery and making the fuel delivery system work..

Battery is maintained off the units built in system. If the power Co. is providing juice, the generator battery is being kept charge.

The regular exercise seems like a great tool, and I've asked the gal to pay attention to when the weekly session is heard. But if she doesn't hear anything, what's to notice? I can't expect her to hang around all afternoon on the day the session is supposed to take place. And I'm not going to run over there once a week to check it for her. I can't imagine the weekly cycle timer being that repeatable. the time likely drifts, and the entire process is done in less than 15 minutes.

Please note, the gal is trying to recover from a cancer, she has cateracts and is getting that surgery, and she lives some distance from me (10 min drive) .

 

[kenmac]

the thing about stand by generators is. they stand by most of the time. So, when they are needed, they tend not to start.
Part of this problem was solved when they started the program for them to turn on and run for a while once a week.
Years ago, I ran a propane powered truck. When it was cold out, I Had to start it on gasoline, get the engine hot, then switch to propane

 

[mike48130]

I had a 15KW that I never had any issues with unless it was very cold. I built a cold weather kit for it and solved that problem.

It should have a built in battery charger to keep the battery topped off, so make sure the battery is good even tho you said only a year old. I wouldn't waste your time on the valves. Figure you if you are getting spark first. There are solenoids for the gas that can always go bad or get clogged.

I assume you checked the obvious that no one turned off the gas?

 

[grsthegreat]

if that unit is 8 years old like you say, it has 2 stepper motors (chokes) take off the air filter cover and make sure the choke plates move when motor tries to crank over. Usually it first closes fully then opens 1/2 way. it may cycle a few times. . Also, there's a small stepper motor in there and a spring that moves the choke plate over the venturi when cranking. These little motors have been known to freeze up or rust. Theres a second round stepper motor on the side of the air intake box that should cycle during starting also.

if both of these are working properly, then its either spark issue ( i use an inline spark tester) or fuel delivery. if all else fails, you can take a blunt object like the back end of a drill bit and push on the fuel bellow inside the fuel regulator down by the battery. there are 4 or 5 holes on face of regulator. while cranking and not starting if you gently push object into one of these holes and unit fires up, you need to replace regulator.


ive never seen mice problems in any generac unit ive worked on. they have a good metal screening system. Changing the mags is not too difficult, but i have not seen that issue too often. you HAVE to verify spark first. You have not stated whether she has had the valves adjusted in the past. i have brought dead generators back to life many times with a simple valve adjustment.

as for propane starting in severe cold, the only issue i've ever seen with this is in the propane tank itself if allowed to get too low, or a tank thats too small. Ive had some people try and run a generator from a 100 gallon propane tank. ive had several issues with this. i even had one guy try and run his with a bunch if 7 gallon tanks. now these will freeze up. I've had mine running when its 10 below and never had any issues . At that time i had a 500 gal above ground tank. Now i have a 1,000 gal underground tank.

 

[ruffdog]

^^good info!^^