Generator fuel starvation with 1/4 tank of fuel?

[Vince_nj1]

Last Sunday, my generator started and ran for a few seconds and then shut off. I tried to start re-start, but it kept stalling. I appears that it is not getting any fuel. My first thought is that the fuel filter might be clogged or that the fuel pump stopped working. After doing some research, I have found that on some installations, the fuel pick up tube for the generator is higher than the engine pick up tube. If I can believe my fuel gauges, I should have just under 1/4 tank of fuel.

Has anyone experienced fuel starvation to their generator when the boat only has 1/4 tank of fuel?

I was going to start pulling things apart, but I think I will just fuel the boat up before I get out the tools.

 

[Alex F]

....After doing some research, I have found that on some installations, the fuel pick up tube for the generator is higher than the engine pick up tube. If I can believe my fuel gauges, I should have just under 1/4 tank of fuel....

That's interesting findings. It makes sense in a way. Let us know what happens when you fill up.

 

[gg51p]

I was told that Sea Ray does this so you wont run out of gas. You must have 25% gas for the ginny to work. It happened to me.

 

[Vince_nj1]

Generator problem solved. Fueled up and the generator started.

Now if I only had fuel gauges that worked. :smt021: Prior to fueling up, my smart craft showed 5 gallons in one tank and 30 in the other. Then a few minutes later, still sitting at the dock, the 5 gallons jumped to 20 and the 30 gallons changed to 27. I put 40 gallons in each tank and smart craft reported 101 gallons and 96 gallons. I think I have somewhere around 55 gallons in each tank.

 

[Bucit]

I was told the same thing that's it's for safety so you do not run out of gas. It doesn't operate off the gauges but as you said the pick-up is shorter than the fuel pick-up si if you're low it will shut off.

 

[sbw1]

It's common to have a short fuel pick up on the genny so the generator does not run the engines out of gas.