Quicksilver 8KW generator operation

[northern]

We have a 1989 Quicksilver 8KW generator. Engine starts and runs fine. The temperature of the engine based on heat gun remain constant regardless of load on generator. Manual says max AMP draw is 33 per side. We have a 140AMP inverter charger and a village marine watermaker. The draw rate for the watermaker is 10 AMPS at 120 volt. The draw rate for the inverter at 80% is 12 AMPS at 120 volts. The generator will run for 2 to 3 hours then sputter and stall. It will start again and continue to operate well for 2 to 3 hours.

If I load both sides to 20 AMPS at 120 volts the generator will stall and sputter after half an hour. It will restart again and continue to operate for 10 to 15 minutes then stall.

The voltage output at no load is 124. At 20 AMP is 119. Voltage output fluctuates +/-1 volt

I adjust the control panel in the generator once to set voltage as per manual.

Questions

Does:

The control panel sound like it is wearing out

It seem like the windings in the generator are deteriorating

It seem there could be problem with the governor on the engine

 

[km1125]

Actually, it sounds like you have a fuel issue. When was the last time it had fuel filter(s) replaced? It doesn't sound like there's an issue with the generator side, but it's just that the engine quits running. Is that correct?

I'm guessing this is a gas generator. Has the anti-siphon valve ever been cleaned or replaced?

 

[PlayDate]

It doesn't seem like a safety is being triggered although I am suspicious of the oil pressure sensor given it's age and the shorter run interval when it is loaded up. I agree it seems like it is running out of gas which could be the beginning of an electric fuel pump failure or restriction.

It is not the control board with that behavior.

How many hours are on the generator and when was the last time the fuel pump, spark plugs replaced and the oil changed? What weight oil was used?

 

[markrsimon]

I would vote for the over temp sensor on the back (exhaust manifold just before where the raw water gets dumped in) is suspect - or you’re on the edge of over temp.

I dont recall the temp (have to dig out my manual) but get the IR gun on that part and read the temps there.

If you are sure oil and temp are good - you can bypass those sensors - for testing.

Your governor seems okay, given your voltage (+/- a few volts) is stable across load ranges. AC freq measurements would definitely let us know if there was a governor issue.

Im not thinking its a fuel issue either - as I would not expect it to run as long as it does on a restart.

 

[markrsimon]

Looks like the temp limit might be around 245.. Here is a thread with more detail about that sensor and overheating.. along with a link to a replacement part.

http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php...but-dies-in-3-5-sec.11950/page-2#post-1164701