Diesel Generator Engine Won't Start

[mlh1936]

My diesel generator engine has been running great until now. I think I let the fuel quantity get too low while the generator was running. The generator engine quit. Now it won't even turn over.  It has a flashing indicator light in the start switch. The start battery is good.  Appreciate any thoughts on the matter. Thanks.

[John316]

What kind of generator? How are you trying to start it? By the key downstairs, or by the remote panel?

If it doesn't even turn over, then how do you know you have good battery voltage? Do you have good connections between the battery and generator? If you let the fuel get too low, have you purged the air from it?

God bless,

John

[mlh1936]

Thanks for answering. My generator has a Kubota diesel engine. I'm trying to start it from a remote panel. I'm assuming the battery is still good because it was strong on the last start before the problem ocurred and was charged at least 6 hours before it ran out of fuel. I confess I have never purged an engine before. Can anyone give me a crash course on that?

[luvrbus]

Do you have 2 switches on your panel


good luck

[John316]

I would check the battery to see if it really is good. Methinks it might not but, if it doesn't even crank. I would go down to the generator and try starting it manually. See if that works.

Now, here is how I purge the air from the Kubota's that I have had/worked on.
There will be a bleeder at the top of the fuel filter. Prime it until you get a bunch of pure fuel, with no air bubbles in it. On my 2004 Bobcat it had a manual bulb that you squeezed to prime it. On our generator it has a automatic fuel pump on it. I crank the engine and then stop. The fuel pump then runs and I have the bleeder valve open, and fuel sprays out. Repeat a couple of times. Then close the bleeder at the top of the fuel filter, and open the upper breather valve. It is a round nob, about the size of a quarter. It in the middle upper part of the engine. You can see it on the outside. Open that, while you crank. Let her fire up, smooth out, and you are set.

I leave our valve cracked maybe an eighth a turn. That makes sure that there is no air in the system.

God bless,

John

[mlh1936]

Thanks, I'll give it a shot tomorrow.

[mlh1936]

I forgot to reply to luvurbus. I only have one switch on the panel.

[niles500]

Have your battery 'Load tested' - HTH & FWIW

[Utahclaimjumper]

You still havent said what gen you have, if its an Onan quiet diesel than you have a box (sides) to contend with and it wont be fun.>>>Dan

[luvrbus]

You guys educate me on a 1 switch starter on a Kubota are the glow plugs engaged by relays or a circuit board.
Mine will not turn over without holding the glow plug switch at the same time as the starter. 


good luck

[mikeH8H-649]

on my kubota you turn the key to the left for 20 seconds or so for the glow plugs then to the right for start it is a 10kw powertech

[JackConrad]

    I think Mal has the PowerTech with the  control board. The control board is energized by momentarily energizing the start/stop switch. The board then controls relays to activate the glow plugs and fuel pump. After a preset time time, the board activates the starter. Oil pressure then releases the starter. If the engine does not fire in a preset time, the starter stops, waits a preset time and tries again. After 2 or 3 unsuccessful tries (I forget which), it shuts down.  
   I do not know if PowerTech still makes the "manual" version like mine that uses a 2 position switch and relays. I hold the switch in the preheat position (which engerizes the glow plugs & fuel pump) then move the switch to the start position and hold until the engine starts.
  Mal,  
    If you have the PowerTech unit with the control board, check the small fuse(s) in the front of the panel near your LED indicator lights on the generator. I would also check battery voltage at the connection on the end of the generator housing while it is trying to start.  Jack

[boxcarOkie]

Have your battery 'Load tested' - HTH & FWIW

Hoping to not appear all that not up to speed, what does "HTH" represent?

Thanks,

BCO

[luvrbus]

Thanks Jack that was what I was looking for, I know the glow plugs and the starter are tied together some way on all the Kubota's I have seen.
On my tractor you turn the key on and depending on the temp it starts in a few seconds I am not looking forward to chasing a problem if it doesn't start some day


good luck

[JackConrad]

BoxcarOkie,
    HTH= Hope This Helps

Clifford,
    I have the PowerTech wiring diagrams ("Manual" & "Control Board" style). If you ever need copies, let me know.  Jack