Generator stops on very hot days when driving

[Trempert]

I keep getting vapor lock on my fuel line. I can tell because when I'm by the generator I can hear the pump clicking loudly which means it is running dry. When you prime your generator you will typically hear the clicking for a few seconds until it fills up with fuel and this is normal. Last year I insulated the fuel line with a fuel noodle and that worked until and extremely hot day last week. So, I went and bought an after market 1-4 PSI fuel pump and installed it as close as I could to the head tank and spliced the wires for power into the existing pump so they run at the same time. I'm going to Florida in a week and I sure hope this finally solves the problem. Attached are some pics.

[Secarider]

Is there anyway you can be pushing to much fuel to the generator? I take it that the generator vapor locks sitting still and driving?

I have been having issues with the generator shutting down since it was new, thought I had fuel pump issues I replaced fuel pump, still issues dying under load driving and sitting still. Now I replaced the carb, I replaced carb because when I sprayed carb with cleaner it seemed to run smoother. Running generator while sitting still no issues after 1 hour of running. I haven't taken it out on the road yet to see if issue is gone.

I never heard the clicking before shutdown, it would just bogg down and shut off.

[kenandterry]

My 2010 Georgetown 330TS came equipped with a Generac 6500 generator.....probably close to the end of units equipped with Generac before Onan became the genny of choice.

So....

Which brand of genny are people comparing?
My genny runs fine for hours if parked. Only cuts out when travelling. I suspect my problem is fuel vapour lock because of heat, oil level low when sloshing, or fuel starvation because of sloshing only while underway.

Anyone else?

[AquaMan]

I had the problem with vapor lock when out west and 105 degrees. I haven't had much problems since, but haven't been in that high of a heat since. I think a lot of it is the heat from the engine (along with ambient air) that doesn't allow enough fresh air to circulate. A couple times I had to stop and open the generator door to let things try to cool off. My thought was to create a small air dam in front and under the generator to direct air up and and around the generator itself. Others have had to put vents in the compartment door to allow heat to escape, I don't see this as an option for me. Let us know how the double fuel pump works.

BTW, 2 responses and both from Tipp City, OH

Edit: Ooops Kenandterry slipped in

[kenandterry]

A buddy of mine and I drove through Tipp City (or at least real close on I-75) on the way to Dayton once......does that count

[Finemess1]

Yes,
Had the same issue with our FR3 30DS
There was a long thread about a year ago about the same problem.
The fix for us was a plastic color matched grill and inside the genny compartment door plastic shroud that funnels cooling air from outside the coach rather than from under the coach.
Parts required can be had from Forest River through your local dealer.

[kenandterry]

What brand of genny are you talking about for this fresh air grill?
Where is the air intake scoop located.....top, side, bottom?

[Finemess1]

Originally Posted by kenandterry

What brand of genny are you talking about for this fresh air grill?
Where is the air intake scoop located.....top, side, bottom?

It is an Onan 4000,
The grill is mounted through the genny compartment door.
Really clean install, will try to post pictures later

[kenandterry]

My genny is a Generac 6500. The air intake for this genny is from the bottom of the unit, up through a snorkel inside the cabinet to the carburetor.

They don’t make them anymore.....Generac decided to focus on the residential market and leave the RV market to Onan.....which is now changing it’s name to Cummins who own them.

Cummins Power Systems and Onan - the history

[texasbuckeye]

Lost our generator in New Mexico on the way back to Texas . . . of course, full sun, hot day, and had a flat on my tow dolly . . . very uncomfortable stop. Two year old Onan 4000. Had just changed the oil and filter before the trip. Back home, couldn't get the generator to run very long at all. Replaced the fuel pump and so far it's been good.

[AquaMan]

Originally Posted by kenandterry

A buddy of mine and I drove through Tipp City (or at least real close on I-75) on the way to Dayton once......does that count

Counts in my book!

[coachbb]

What kind of oil should I use in my generator. Olan 7000

[wvphil]

I emailed onan last year about the 5500 gas shutting down intermittently on hot days under heavy load ie both a/c’s running while moving but mine seemed to run without issues for extended time while not moving ie sitting at rest area for hours without issue. The tech support replied indicating they believed the problem was due to insufficient cooling. This is what I did to improve air flow to my generator. Seems to be much improved since modifying last year. There was a similar cooling issue with the smaller air cooled onans and a kit was made available by onan to correct the problem. There is not a kit available for the 5500 that I am aware of. I installed the vents myself with no problems. Used multi tool with metal cutting blade after masking and drilling four corners.
[ATTACH]186824

[coachbb]

Thanks

[gpci]

Where did you buy the vents , Iam interested in doing same but want it to look good

[wvphil]

Google “west marine” item is black slotted ventilator. Model # 280811
mfg 337291wm price was 8.99 each. They have them in black and white.