Quicksilver generator won't stay running for more than a second or two.

[lciambotti]

I have an issue with the generator stating and running for a second or two then shutting off. I can look down and see the fuel stop flowing. I tried pouring in a little gas but it didn't seem to run any longer. I pulled off the fuel line and I do have fuel pressure. Any thoughts? Its an OS-5.0G.
Thanks

 

[Boater420]

Do you have gauges on the generator? Oil pressure, water temp? Sounds like a sensor is either failing or doing it's job. My guess is either low oil or no oil pressure.

It might also be shutting itself down due to an over-speed condition. Does it rev up right before it shuts down? Id check the oil in the governor as well. Low oil will cause the governor to lose it's ability to control the RPMs of the genny which will also cause a shut down.

Do you have a switch you hold down while starting the genny? On my Westerbeke, I hold down a preheat switch while starting the unit. This switch bypasses all the sensors. If you have this type of switch continue to keep it depressed after the generator starts. If it keeps running you know you either have bad sensors or a problem with the generator. Don't hold the button down too long after the generator starts. You don't want to do any damage in case the sensors are working and you're low on oil or the governor is failing.

 

[trflgrl]

Do you have gauges on the generator? Oil pressure, water temp? Sounds like a sensor is either failing or doing it's job. My guess is either low oil or no oil pressure.

It might also be shutting itself down due to an over-speed condition. Does it rev up right before it shuts down? Id check the oil in the governor as well. Low oil will cause the governor to lose it's ability to control the RPMs of the genny which will also cause a shut down.

Do you have a switch you hold down while starting the genny? On my Westerbeke, I hold down a preheat switch while starting the unit. This switch bypasses all the sensors. If you have this type of switch continue to keep it depressed after the generator starts. If it keeps running you know you either have bad sensors or a problem with the generator. Don't hold the button down too long after the generator starts. You don't want to do any damage in case the sensors are working and you're low on oil or the governor is failing.

Too much oil may cause problems, too--I have a QS 4.0 and the governor takes very little oil; when my mechanic drained some, it helped similar symptoms. IIRC, dwna1a had a similar experience--the dealer even sent technicians to troubleshoot, but at a dock neighbor's suggestion, adjusting the oil in the governor was a big part of the solution. For you, it may not solve completely, but could eliminate one variable!