Fischer Panda Generator stops after about 1 hour

[Golden-Spirit]

Fischer Panda Marine Generator
Model PMS 4500 FCB
Serial number: BO1 034 041
Fitted by Fischer Panda on 14/03/2007
Run 2100 Hours

I have a technical problem with my Fischer Panda Generator.
It starts but cuts out after about 1 hour. The time it runs varies between 50 minutes to 1 hours 10 minutes. After some hours or overnight the generator will start again and run for approximately another hour. During the time the generator is running the AC output voltage is normal.

The obvious thought is overheating, however during the period the generator engine is stopping there are no indications on the remote control panel as to the reason; exhaust temperature, cylinder head temperature and oil pressure lights are all green.

I have replaced:
a.) The fuel solenoid assembly
b.) The external HARDI fuel pump, including hoses and upgraded the wiring
c.) Fuel filter
d.) Impeller
e.) Impeller drive belt
f.) Air filter

I have checked all wiring and under close supervision carried out the following tests, all of which have proved non-conclusive
1. Removal of exhaust temperature sensor lead as it is normally open
2. Removal of cylinder head sensor lead as it is normally open
3. Bypassed the thermo-switch in the winding as a fault here does not show on the control panel. As this thermo switch is normally closed linking the fuel solenoid relay to ground I connected the –Ve side of the relay permanently to ground for the duration of this test. No difference, thus assume I can eliminate the thermo-switch.

Does anybody have a suggestion as to what might be wrong and what else I could try?

Any help much appreciated.

Thanks.

Michael
s/y Golden Spirit of Islay, currently in New Zealand

[Jim473]

Since it has 2100 hrs I assume it ran properly for you at one time. These units do not have an internal battery charging circuit. Without an external charging source the battery will be depleted as the unit runs. Many people attach an external charger to the output voltage to keep the battery charged and the unit running. What is the condition of the battery and it’s charging system?

[Golden-Spirit]

Jim, Thanks for your reply. The battery for starting the generator is the same as the engine start battery and charged by the alternator and the main battery charger. It is also a new battery so no problems there. Michael

[lifgun]

Hmmm.... these are sensitive generators.... check the cooling fluid, check the oil level - I have a similar fp genset...and was pampering him for weeks- finally it was the oil pressure... before the wolves were producing the problem...

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by Golden-Spirit

Jim, Thanks for your reply. The battery for starting the generator is the same as the engine start battery and charged by the alternator and the main battery charger. It is also a new battery so no problems there. Michael

What supplies the DC power to the fuel pump and control system? The engine start battery that’s not being charged?

Maybe try moving the generator leads to the house battery.

[svHyLyte]

If the stoppage is a wind down, as it is when one shuts the machine off, rather than suddenly quitting cold, I suspect it might be something like sludge in the feed line to the fuel filter that build up to the point of starving the fuel pump and then, dissipates somewhat when the suction is relieved, allowing a restart and then repeat somewhat later. A simple test would be to disconnect the fuel line from the generator input side and temporarily connect it to a clear plastic line to the fuel return line to your tank and power the pump with jumpers for an hour or so to see whether the fuel delivery falls off rapidly after that time period and/or the pump, trying to meet demand, pulls air into your line at some point, perhaps the filter itself. If so, you may need your fuel tank/system "polished".

FWIW...

[Valmika]

I had similar problem on a different brand genset. I don't know if disconnecting the sensors would negate my thought but mine was an overheat due to sucking something into the raw water feed.

[Symphony]

you have nicely detailed your procedure so far, GoldenSpirit.
great idea, HyLyte.
interested to see what eventually fixes this problem.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by Symphony

you have nicely detailed your procedure so far, GoldenSpirit.
great idea, HyLyte.
interested to see what eventually fixes this problem.

I would agree. A well written and comprehensive description of well thought out troubleshooting. Refreshing to see.
I would also like to know the solution.

[Timreyn]

My FP generator would die in a similar manner but not at quite so specific times. Our problem was that I had too much load on the generator with several AC units running at the same time. One too many would kick on and the generator would die without giving a notice. When I reduced the load the generator would run until I shut it down. For us it was just an overload condition. Good Luck!

[svthreecheers]

Hi
Is the Gen Set connected to his own Fuel Tank ?
Maybe building up a vacuum due to plugged Vent ?
Let us know what you cam up with
Cheers
Siggi

[riverrat51]

could the fuel tank vent be clogged?

[captainjay]

A couple of things to check. The fuel pickup. I have seen production boats with screens on the pickup and they can clog.

Also does this unit have a temp sensor on the back end or bearing? Some FP gensets do.

Jay

[MikeHedge]

Yes — check the raw water supply from the thru-hull to the engine. Restricted flow will cause problems.

[bcsete]

Hi,

I have the same issue on a PF mini 8. 1 hour and it stops. I've redone the entire freshwater and raw water side of the cooling system. All new parts and had a radiator guy clean the heat exchanger. Replaced the water pump/impeller. Replaced all filters, oil, sensors & relays.

I also purchased a fuel pump from FP. I'm about to replace the fuel filter again because the current one clicks when it is pumping so you can hear it working. When the hour is up, it stops clicking. I will also try to move the pump closer to the tank. The tank is the same one used by the main engine.

Sorry no solution, but confirmation of the same problem. I'll post an update after I get some time to work on this beast again.