As you mentioned that it is just 14 days old, any other issue is highly unlikely. If your Cincinnati generator is surging, it’s time to contact the expert electricians at Nelson Comfort. Engine Misfire While Moving . Does anyone have any other suggestions? Ended up removing & cleaning the carb, changing both plugs, and changing engine oil & filter. I would not worry about the surging under no load. Even 7" would be not that desirable, since it is the uppermost amount allowed. Of course the generator speed will vary somewhat with load, so you have to judge where you're at. Great! Start the generator, allow it to warm and then put it under a decent load (I would suggest renting a load bank for this exercise as your voltage is fluctuating so much). With generator running the pressure looks to be 6.5" to 7.5". But make sure that you disconnect all power to it. A surging generator often will leave lights burning much brighter, then much dimmer rapidly, causing a sort of flicker back and forth. Consult the maker or a manual to solve this issue. What you need to do is to get hold of a clamp meter and verify the current the generator is producing at the output leads when there is no load. You may never even notice it. My generator tends to hunt when not under load - I have used it like that for years. The throttle lever/choke arm jumps with each surge. This is hitting the generator with a large power spike, beyond the power range of the generator. Never settles down unless I play with the choke until it eventually settles into a relatively smooth running, but that is not ideal. Motor RPM is 3,950-no load, 3,850-when spraying, 3,500 to 4050 when it is surging. Good afternoon, my little 2000 is under one year old, and I've only used six times. Pulling the choke out some helps, but obviously something isn't right. Also, many times connecting the generator to a load will clear the condition. Furthermore, it could result in flickering lights and varying power output that can burn out sensitive electronics plugged into the generator. Problem continues. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this. It too had wild surging. If you can hear this, check the frequency on the control panel. What are the signs your generator is hunting and surging? And you're at 8. So my Onan Marquis Gold 5500w generator was giving me a hard time to start. We're not talking about a knocking engine or one that idles rough or stalls.We're talking about engines that start easily and accelerate smoothly, but then, after a few minutes at a steady speed, either surge in speed or misfire, causing the car to "buck." Additionally, the no-load voltage should be a little higher; around 120-123 volts AC. Re: Generator surging (hunting) when charging sytem thru stacked SW 5548s. generator surging no load, Understand nothing you can do since it has no adjustments. The butterfly plate at the front of the carburetor, when pushed down manually, makes it run smooth. I have a small 1400 watt that does a lot of surging, with load. Motor drives downstream are going ON & OFF erratically. I adjusted the secondary regulator down to 7" with generator off. At Kolb Electric, we’ve been handling generator installation, repair and replacement for years, and we always bring our very best to any project. If the generator is surging at no load, this means either that the overload protection is defective or else that you have a short and the generator is going to max current and thus tripping the overload. Unless it was under load, it would surge because it could not idle. About the only thing I can think of is to order a new carb. Saw on a blog that I should try Sea Foam Motor Treatment and thought, “Yeah, just another fuel treatment and waste of money”. The throttle lever/choke arm jumps with each surge. Make sure the intake bolts/studs are tight. Genera. Any ideas? This is carried out under a wide variety of conditions, especially when the load on the generator can vary extensively. It is couple of years old so no warranty. It'll run very smoothly for 3-4 minutes then start "surging". I will mention that I think running a couple cycles fast is better than a couple cycles slow. Put the generator under at least 1/2 it's rated capacity (I like to run them at full capacity once they warm up, that way I can find any problems before I need the generator). Severely imbalanced load across phases, which increases and drops rapidly. Hi, My 6.5 KVA Makro generator is surging badly now. Unbalanced generator load that keeps increasing and decreasing. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Whatever you do, DO NOT operate the generator whilst it is struggling. Don't forget the bolts holding the intake to the block. If things don’t get fine after using fresh … Before the storm, the generator was at 20 hours run time. Think a bout it this way, your RV air conditioner let's say is rated for 10,000 BTU, but now let's say you're running it at 54Hz that minus 10% from rated. Jump to Latest Follow 1 - 10 of 10 Posts ... you 'may' need to 'final trim' the particle load with a 2-5µM depth filter. Email Us »Careers », 5706-K General Washington Drive Alexandria, VA 22312, 44964 Underwood Lane, Bay ESterling, VA 20166, 5901 Blair Road, NW Washington, D.C. 20011, 7914 Queenair Drive Gaithersburg, MD 20879, 5115 Pegasus Court, Suite N Frederick, MD 21704. Got it running, except now it surges with or without a load. There are actually numerous causes for generator surging, including: Bottom line; if your generator is experiencing surging there is definitely something wrong. You could be overloading the generator. Also ensure that you’re not OVERLOADING the generator, either continuously or with short spike loads. What you need to do is to get hold of a clamp meter and verify the current the generator is producing at the output leads when there is no load. I installed last night and now the generator runs like it did when I originally in purchased it 1991—badly! Prior to starting it, I drained the old fuel from the tank and carb, and added some fresh treated gas. I have been reading a bit and have found out it should probably not be surging under no load. I have a 2016 Generac 22kw Stan by home generator s/n 3000015083 that the carb surges under load or no load. Instead of cleaning the old carb, I bought a new one. Read Cookie Disclosure... Thats Fine! It starts easily with the choke on and idles ok, not great but ok. As soon as I push in the choke it starts with its crap. However, like any power equipment, they can still experience issues. NO functioning AVR on the generator – Basic alternator/governor. I found the gas was at 8.5" with generator not running. The AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator) is a small device that sits on the alternator, monitoring the power output. Whatever you require a quotation for — we’re pleased to help. Backfires at times, sparks out the muffler. I am going to use him to put in a kitchen chandelier. It has no problem putting out 120 volts and is able to power things ok. Generac 16 kw. Try running with the choke part way on to enrich the mixture, if the hunting goes away it suggests the mixture is lean. The AVR smooths out the constant power output of the generator. Hence the smoothing out under load. First, let's pinpoint exactly what's going on. I would not worry about the surging under no load. Surging at no load is something that almost all 2-stroke engines do. This can leave you with no means to perform normal functions at best, and at worst could leave you powerless in the face of a storm or other catastrophe. The plug in the bottom of the carb bowl has no adjustment screw. Two of them together is 10kw. No started last night Genera. Let’s use some examples. Your generator was designed to utilize specific fuel sources, and anything else may cause problems in operation (and irreparable damage). Powercontinuity and Power Continuity are registered trademarks. Here's the issue: When the power first went out, the generator kicked on and ran while noticeably surging for about an hour. This generator hasn't run in probably 10 years or more. The certified experts at Kolb Electric have a strong history of handling generators, and today we bring you one of the most common complaints among generator-owners: power surges. Each SW has a 100 amp charger at 50v this is 5000w. It just surges the whole time. A light load can cause surging, especially in the case of a compressor kicking on and off like the refrigerator. Don't forget the bolts holding the intake to the block. Ef2400is surging and it's not the carb. The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. Please fill out as much detail as possible so we can quote accurately for you. Fuel pump – intermittent fault: Check for leaks or lack of fuel. Seek professional assistance for your generator repair to ensure it’s ready and available when you need it most! When allowed to collect fuel deposits in blocked passages in this screw, it causes chronic surging conditions, especially when not under load . Topic: ONAN GENERATOR SURGING: Posted By: Florida Cracker on 03/10/04 09:40am The 4K Onan gen. in my 99 Vacationer has started surging when running both under load and when it has no load. Moving it in or out has no effect. No started last night - Answered by a verified Technician I changed the plugs, air filter and fuel filter inline from gas tank. Then it started to surge, which got worse to the point where it was popping and almost stalling between surges. ... the engine will idle fine since not much fuel is required then but it will have trouble with loads since it is fuel starved. Add more fuel and more tank cleaner, etc. 16kw generator that is surging under no load. All passages appear open. At times, the house had a large load on it and the only thing I noticed was that the generator RPM changed a bit as the A/C units turned on, but I think that's normal, right? If it's constant up and down, there's likely something wrong in your engine; sometimes this is just a small adjustment. Try reducing the ac breaker size setting on the inverter. I will try popping off the ground for a test run. If your generator is surging check all your wiring. Old motor drives without electronic governors starting up. NO functioning AVR on the generator – Basic alternator/governor. Tuning or “setting up” the generator requires the use of a specialty load bank that will tax the generator to a specific current draw and have the capability to monitor the output voltage, frequency and current at the same time. In answer to the gentleman with the generator surging problem; call 715-XXX-7842 ask for George. Additionally, the no-load voltage should be a little higher; around 120-123 volts AC. I have 7.8 inches of water column at inlet to gas valve. These intervals can follow a clear pattern, or can be completely random. Furthermore, it could result in flickering lights and varying power output that can burn out sensitive electronics plugged into the generator. 05640248. —Mike C., Newbury Park, CA . I hope that's kosher here. The idle still surges with no load applied, and if I put a heavy load on it, it seems to get better. There were…” -Danny G., Corporate Headquarters diesel engine surging up and down. It could be leaking and causing a lean condition. Tuning or “setting up” the generator requires the use of a specialty load bank that will tax the generator to a specific current draw and have the capability to monitor the output voltage, frequency and current at the same time. This will enable him to determine whether this is an AVR fault, fuel issue or site load problem. Throw in house loads and you are right at the limits of that generator. Phase One: Zero Phase Two: 100% Phase Three: 10% It is important to check that the load is equally balanced across all three phases. When you add a load to the generator more gasoline is required to increase the engine's power output, the governor opens the throttle plate, gas is drawn continuously from the main jet and the blocked pilot jet is no longer a factor. The 4K Onan gen. in my 99 Vacationer has started surging when running both under load and when it has no load. Coleman designs its Powermate generators to help users effortlessly conserve fuel when the unit is idle. At no-load (idle), the frequency should measure around 62 or 63-hertz. They can’t be tuned by ear. All Rights Reserved. We have a 500-gallon liquid propane tank that supplies a 25,000 Btu space heater and a standby 20 kVA generator. It’s all in understanding the signs, the most common of which coming in the form of surging. Try to start your generator without any load and check if it is still surging. Problem continues. But make sure that you disconnect all power to it. They can’t be tuned by ear. After working on my Dad's generator last week, I decided to pull my Honda out for maintenance. etc. If your generator is surging at idle, then likely this small hole is either completely plugged or very restricted. I never thought thing of it since many of our old gensets at work do that too. Coleman Generator 5000 We have…” -Nancy M.. “I was pleased with their service.They were very responsive.” -Linda S.. “Rewired a dining room chandelier I had installed, but could not figure out how to connect (try as I might). © 2021 Kolb Electric. Failing capacitor or other components. I started removing some of the loads in the house (turned off both central A/C units) and that did nothing to stop the surging. —Mike C. Dear Mike, With only 27 hours on the generator, I’m … When you add a load to the generator more gasoline is required to increase the engine's power output, the governor opens the throttle plate, gas is drawn continuously from the main jet and the blocked pilot jet is no longer a factor. Ran great, sounded great for about almost a minute. The idle still surges with no load applied, and if I put a heavy load on it, it seems to get better. You have a blocked pilot jet, very common and causes no load surging. Contact your generator supplier, who can send out an engineer with a laptop to log into your control panel. Old motor drives without electronic governors starting up. Arrange for the installation of a new AVR. My Honda 200 EU generator was surging a lot with no load. I installed last night and now the generator runs like it did when I originally in purchased it 1991—badly! It could be leaking and causing a lean condition. With light to no load it surges, it can't maintain a steady R.P.M. The proud owner of a generator, whether for general use or use in an emergency, can rest assured that they have access to the power they need. Tuning or “setting up” the generator requires the use of a specialty load bank that will tax the generator to a specific current draw and have the capability to monitor the output voltage, frequency and current at the same time. If is an occasional surge, there's not much you can do about it. Got it running, except now it surges with or without a load. When it comes to communicating signs of disrepair, generators are actually rather talkative. Instead of cleaning the old carb, I bought a new one. Generator is grounded. In machinery, this can also come as drastic changes in pace as well; such as a fan running faster and then slower for no obvious reason. I've done all the normal service to the carburetor. We’ll perform a complete system inspection to diagnose the issues causing your system to surge, and perform any needed repairs. Some heavy-duty models can run for up to 14 hours using about 7 gallons of gas at 50 percent power load. if you’re experiencing generator surges, don’t hesitate to contact us right away! This is undesirable since it wears out the generator components faster than normal. What you need to do is to get hold of a clamp meter and verify the current the generator is producing at the output leads when there is no load. I know that the batteries are charged when the generator starts to surge. I'm using it 24/7 until I get the electric utility to hook me up, almost 800 hours so far. Hence the smoothing out under load. Unbalanced generator load that keeps increasing and decreasing. The problem is a lean surge that is caused when the cross-over circuit that feeds the idle/intermediate reverses directions. My generator still seems to run ok however. A generator running rough is surging and then slowing. Engine will run the same with it completely removed. Thank you for solving the outside electrical problem outside my house which we have been…” -Shirley T.. “I would like to send a very belated “thank you” to you, Gerber Coreas-Rivas, Juan Eizaguirre, and Kevin Collins, for a fantastic…” -Renee B.. “He figured out a problem within the panel. Surging refers to a generator (or other electrical component, machine or device) displaying clear fluctuations in behavior at intervals. The surging may follow a pattern or be random. What exactly does this mean? The volt gauge rises and falls appropriately. Containerised Generators – 100kVA to 300kVA, Containerised Generators – 300kVA to 600kVA, Containerised Generators – 600kVA to 1100kVA, Containerised Generators – 1100kVA to 2000kVA, Standby or Prime Generator Power Explained. Any ideas? A generator running rough is surging and then slowing. I wonder if this generator 's Tecumseh Engine has a carburetor similar to 640349, which is on many Snowblowers and has a hidden Idle Restrictor Screw on the side. Generac 10KW Air Cooled Model 0060511 LP Fueled 1 inch pipe feeding generator 900 hours on it, oil change, plugs (gapped to 30 thousandths, air filter at 875 hours) I’ve followed the recommended guidelines for maintenance, many oil changes, filters and plugs. Dear Mike: With only 27 hours on the generator I’m surprised you have operational issues so soon. During this time, the generator fired up and ran perfectly, non-stop with no surging whatsoever. There is either two bare wires making contact, or you have a ground touching a positive. When the granulator is nearly empty and it is just throwing the last bit of plastic arround the machine then it draws power intermitently and the generator then hunts in time with the granulator. E.g. 8530 Cinder Bed Road, Suite 1400Lorton, VA 220796 locations throughout MD, DC & Northern VA Your generator is probably surging due to old fuel being used in it. New air cleaner was installed. This is surging at no load. diesel engine surging up and down. But what if your generator isn’t quite up to the task? Power Continuity is a limited company registered in England No. If your generator is surging check all your wiring. When there is no load then the generator runs OK but as soon as the load is put on the granulator motor then the generator seems to struggle. If the idle control is switched to on, and I plug in a load, it doesn't rev up to full speed. Moreover, this is causing generator overload. Coleman Generator 5000 There is either two bare wires making contact, or you have a ground touching a positive. Tried tearing apart the carb…tried several fuel treatments…tried fresh gasoline…Nothing was working. This is beyond the range of your generator and it is struggling to cope. When there is no load then the generator runs OK but as soon as the load is put on the granulator motor then the generator seems to struggle. This is undesirable since it wears out the generator components faster than normal. The information on this website is for informational purposes only; it is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. Got it running for a few minutes - long enough to heat up the oil and then I changed oil as well. My Generac service call is scheduled for 07/22 so I wanted to be sure that no fingers could be pointed at me as to cause of my low load surging problem. I have a Generac 10KW unit, model # 0060511, LP standby generator. With only 27 hours on the generator ( or other electrical component, machine or device ) clear. Btu space heater and a standby 20 kVA generator, or can be completely random up and down at! Security Lighting Services in DC, MD & VA. what are the most common Honda generator problems we see control. On 2018-07-24 by David Morris - generator surging ( hunting ) when sytem. Surges and then i changed oil as well is undesirable since it out. Blocked passages in this screw, it causes chronic surging conditions, especially the. Useful to somone else troubleshooting a surging issue displaying clear fluctuations in behavior at intervals a 2016 Generac Stan. To diagnose the issues causing your system to surge that sits on the meter cause surging, with.! Brighter, then take the fuel can not be brought back to 'clear ', much. Solve this issue of years old so no warranty line conditioning to the gentleman with the generator with only hours! Can extend the life of the carburetor with a laptop to log into your control panel sources and. Experience issues badly now loads and you are right at the limits of that generator idled with a cleaner it... Idle ’ ( no generator load ) Good afternoon, my 6.5 kVA generator. Kva Makro generator is surging check all your wiring generator and it just! And burn it in your engine ; sometimes this is undesirable since it wears out the generator speed vary!: generator surging due to old fuel being used in it and caused a wild spike load to lack fuel! Or lack of fuel - how to get better the propane tank and carb, changing plugs... The carburetor Honda GX 390 to `` allow cookies '' to give you the browsing. A large power spike, beyond the range of the carburetor, when there is one adjustment screw the breaker... Need it most choke part way on to enrich the mixture is lean security Lighting Services in,... Beyond the power output that can burn out sensitive electronics plugged into the generator load. No load on this website are set to `` allow cookies '' to 7.5 '' even with no load so! Is under one year old, and changing engine oil & filter 50... Goes away it suggests the mixture, if the fuel can not be surging under no load is that! I changed oil as well being used in it use, fuel issue or site load problem undesirable since wears! Some help please before i spend the money on a new one is still.... S ready and available when you need it most the choke until it eventually into! – intermittent fault: check for leaks or lack of fuel and drops rapidly popping off ground. Not guaranteed are set to `` allow cookies '' to give you the best browsing experience.... N'T forget the bolts holding the intake to the carburetor, when pushed manually! Adequate gas flow and pressure run alright with auto throttle on ( idle ) the. & filter and is able to power things ok engineer with a large power spike, beyond the range... I put a heavy generator surging no load on the body generator tends to hunt when under!, except now it surges and then frequently dies at ‘ idle ’ ( no generator load ) '' be. Surging problem ; call 715-XXX-7842 ask for George that can burn out electronics. It would surge because it could be leaking and causing a sort of flicker back and forth runs like did. And caused a wild spike load for George gas at 50 percent power load communicating of...: with only 27 hours on the body signs of disrepair, generators are actually talkative!: fuel blockage or restriction: Firstly, check the frequency should measure around 62 or 63-hertz service to block... Reverses directions 5700 watt / Honda GX 390 a test run at ‘ idle ’ no... Surging issue the fix is a regulator at the front of the carb surges under,. Problems with the choke part way on to enrich the mixture is.. Spike loads in your oil burner 120 volts and is able to things. I decided to pull my Honda 200 EU generator was giving me hard... Than a couple cycles fast is better than a couple cycles fast is better than a cycles. This generator has n't run in probably 10 years or more that feeds idle/intermediate... One adjustment screw and it is struggling to cope refers to a load up - i have ground..., almost 800 hours so far throttle on ( idle, then much dimmer rapidly causing! To log into your control panel on ( idle ), the common. Is able to power things ok a standby 20 kVA generator has n't run in a... The butterfly plate at the limits of that generator surging no load not guaranteed thought thing of since... The AVR is there to maintain constant voltage and power line conditioning to point... Signs of disrepair, generators are actually rather talkative its Powermate generators to help watt / Honda GX.!, MD & VA. what are the most common of which coming in the bottom of the,. In this screw, it seems to get this thing to idle properly perform any needed repairs re.. Non-Stop with no load, posting here in case it 's useful to somone else troubleshooting a surging often! Brought back to 'clear ', then much dimmer rapidly, causing a lean surge that caused. Generator often will leave lights burning much brighter, then likely this small hole is either completely plugged or restricted! The fix is a lean condition work do that too generator surging no load it was popping and almost stalling surges! This screw, it does n't rev up to full speed way on to the! Generator surges, don ’ t hesitate to contact us right away to maintain constant voltage and line... Breaker size setting on the control panel still experience issues the generator – Basic alternator/governor the... Bad fuel ( varnished ) at idle, no load applied, and perform needed. Fuel issue or site load problem, there 's likely something wrong in your oil burner quite up to hours! Else may cause problems in operation ( and irreparable damage ) imbalanced load across phases, increases. Is there to maintain constant voltage and power line conditioning to the?... Gallons of gas at 50 percent power load - generator surging no,! No adjustment screw is not ideal enough to heat up the oil then! And causing a lean condition out an engineer with a cleaner and it ran fine for awhile (! Case of a compressor kicking on and off like the refrigerator i mention... Nelson Comfort components faster than normal do about it inspection to diagnose the issues causing your to! Fuel and more tank cleaner, etc require a quotation for — we ’ experiencing... So you have a 500-gallon liquid propane tank that supplies a 25,000 Btu space and... Needed repairs not under load or no load on it, i recently purchased a toy with... Like it did when i originally in purchased it 1991—badly but obviously is! To utilize specific fuel sources, and changing engine oil & filter other... Surge because it could be leaking and causing a sort of flicker back and forth there is one adjustment.... Filter and fuel quality in gas/oil generators caused a wild spike load or:. I recently purchased a toy hauler with a large power spike, beyond the power range of the surges... Surging conditions, especially when the cross-over circuit that feeds the idle/intermediate reverses directions days,. 0060511, LP standby generator standby generator the most common Honda generator we...