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Topic: Generator Help Emerald 4k 1998 (Read 353 times) previous topic - next topic
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Generator Help Emerald 4k 1998
Hello all, I am looking for advice on a generator problem I am having this summer.  I Have read through Lazy Daze Companion and did not find what I am looking for.

I have a 1998 Lazy Daze with Onan Emerald 4k Genset. 

My issue is generator shuts down after about 15 minutes some times 30 when driving down the high way.

When My rig is turned off and I start generator It will run all day long under heavy loads with no issues at all.  I have ran it last week in 5 hour, 3 hour and 2 hour blocks.  But once I hit the road before you know it has shut down.

Here is what I have done to trouble shoot.

Replaced fuel filter
Spark Plugs
Air filter
Seafoamed with a remote fuel source 2 times,
Changed oil and adjusted oil level to various levels.

Its been acting up all summer. But now it seems to be narrowed down to only failing when driving as I cant get it to fail in my driveway.

Thanks for the help
1998 RB
Re: Generator Help Emerald 4k 1998
Reply #1 –
Oil level switch.
I have seen some service Bulletins the oil level switches indicating that the oil level switches detect low oil as well as overfilled crankcases.  Maybe the splashing of oil due to vehicle motion causes it to shut down. 
One service bulletin indicated that oil at the full mark was enough to trip the oil level switch.  In my case I own a Microlite 2.8K  on a Class B and an Emerald 4K on a 1988 MB, so I do not remember which machine the service bulletin was for. 
Note that high oil level can be as bad as low oil levels for an engine.

I have never been able to keep my Microlite running when the Chassis engine is running.  They share the same fuel suction line. I also checked the NSPH, Suction Head pressure, of the fuel pumps once and it was about equal to the depth of a 1/4 tank of fuel(fuel is 8" below the generator).  The Modern Pressure Vacuum Fuel caps cause an additional suction to form in the fuel tanks( i.e. the effective fuel level get raised to about 4" below the generator).
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath
Re: Generator Help Emerald 4k 1998
Reply #2 –
The rubber fuel lines, running from the tank to the generator, can develop cracks with age, that open up as the rubber line heats up, allowing the generator's fuel to suck air instead of fuel.
This was a common problem with rigs built in the early to mid-2000s and may extend back to your model year.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Generator Help Emerald 4k 1998
Reply #3 –
I will Investigate the fuel line more.  Can I just replace with standard 1/4 id fuel hose you think?? Also the oil switch I have thought about but did not make sense because it was working fine just sitting.  Also it has shut down on me when parked and chassis engine running along with gen set. so the splashing oil does not answer.  Its a weird problem.  I have owned the coach for going on 4 years and generator has always ran fine while going down the road.  In fact about the only time I use it is when driving to help keep the back cool for the kids in this summer florida heat.
1998 RB
Re: Generator Help Emerald 4k 1998
Reply #4 –
Quote from: whipskipper  - 
I will Investigate the fuel line more.  Can I just replace with standard 1/4 id fuel hose you think??

The fuel line consists of a long, hard-line with short pieces of rubber fuel line hose at each end. It's the rubber end pieces that rot out and leak air. Getting to the the short piece on the top of the fuel pump is the main issue, the tank usually needs to be dropped, at least  partially if not all the way down. If this is the case, I would replace the fuel pump and emission hoses.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Generator Help Emerald 4k 1998
Reply #5 –
The usual way to test for a cracked fuel line leaking air is to pull the fuel hose off at the input to the generator and connect a short section off fuel hose that reaches to the bottom of a gas can.  If the generator starts and runs reliably, then is is very likely your line to the fuel tank is leaking air.

Art
Art and Barbara
Settled in Atterdag Village of Solvang
2015-2022 fulltime in a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37AP
2002-2015 2002 LD MB
Art's blog
Re: Generator Help Emerald 4k 1998
Reply #6 –
Quote from: whipskipper  - 
Hello all, I am looking for advice on a generator problem I am having this summer.  I Have read through Lazy Daze Companion and did not find what I am looking for.

I have a 1998 Lazy Daze with Onan Emerald 4k Genset. 

My issue is generator shuts down after about 15 minutes some times 30 when driving down the high way.

When My rig is turned off and I start generator It will run all day long under heavy loads with no issues at all.  I have ran it last week in 5 hour, 3 hour and 2 hour blocks.  But once I hit the road before you know it has shut down.

Here is what I have done to trouble shoot.

Replaced fuel filter
Spark Plugs
Air filter
Seafoamed with a remote fuel source 2 times,
Changed oil and adjusted oil level to various levels.

Its been acting up all summer. But now it seems to be narrowed down to only failing when driving as I cant get it to fail in my driveway.

Thanks for the help
What floor plan/model LD do you have. I'd like to add it to your profile.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Generator Help Emerald 4k 1998
Reply #8 –
Quote from: Older_Fossil  - 
The usual way to test for a cracked fuel line leaking air is to pull the fuel hose off at the input to the generator and connect a short section off fuel hose that reaches to the bottom of a gas can.  If the generator starts and runs reliably, then is is very likely your line to the fuel tank is leaking air.

Art
Since it is running fine for hours on end with the coach parked I think the cracked fuel line is not the problem.  unless you think running a remote fuel tank while driving down the road will give any answers
1998 RB
Re: Generator Help Emerald 4k 1998
Reply #9 –
Posted my issue on irv2 forum as well.  Couple guys have had same issue on their generators and said fuel pump fixed it.  I am gonna go that route for now and report back in a week or so.  Thanks for all the help.
1998 RB