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Old 21-10-2019, 16:23   #1
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Kubota generator problems.

During a power outage in our marina, ran my 6.5kw Kubota three cylinder diesel generator for some four hours. It started immediately and ran for about half an hour, then started to slow and splutter almost to a stop, but then suddenly picked up and run correctly—until it happened again. Eventually it was doing this more frequently, every ten minutes, until the shore power came back on and, I shut it down.
I would appreciate the insight of anyone who has experienced this, before I start to go through the many possibilities.
JR.
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Old 21-10-2019, 16:27   #2
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Re: Kubota generator problems.

You’ve got an air leak on your fuel pickup.
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Old 22-10-2019, 11:29   #3
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Re: Kubota generator problems.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sailmonkey View Post
You’ve got an air leak on your fuel pickup.
Hi Sailmonkey
When the problem first surfaced someone told me that, but said it might be the fuel pump. So I replaced it and all the lines with proper fuel tube and new clamps.
I did not replace the smaller pipes to the individual injectors or the return pipe.
I could not see or feel any fuel leaks. After that the motor ran perfectly, until I had to run it for a longer period recently.
I will be able to test it on Friday when I go to the boat.
Thanks JR
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Old 22-10-2019, 11:34   #4
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Re: Kubota generator problems.

Yeah, that's a fuel problem. Probably an air leak, but could be a clogged sieve or filter or crushed pipe, but usually that's a tiny air leak somewhere. How do I know? Don't ask


You can verify it by feeding the fuel pump directly from a jerry can.


Then work through every joint and hose until you find it.


But start with the simple things and change all the filters first, tighten all the hose clamps, etc.


Good luck.
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Old 23-10-2019, 06:17   #5
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Re: Kubota generator problems.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jolly Roger View Post
Hi Sailmonkey
When the problem first surfaced someone told me that, but said it might be the fuel pump. So I replaced it and all the lines with proper fuel tube and new clamps.
I did not replace the smaller pipes to the individual injectors or the return pipe.
I could not see or feel any fuel leaks. After that the motor ran perfectly, until I had to run it for a longer period recently.
I will be able to test it on Friday when I go to the boat.
Thanks JR


You won’t see or feel these leaks, somewhere, when the engine is running, air is being pulled into the fuel line. Maybe through a filter gasket, maybe a pipe fitting on the pickup tube.....good luck!
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Old 23-10-2019, 13:22   #6
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Re: Kubota generator problems.

Once upon a time, on a Volvo MD11, I had a similar problem. It turned out, after much hunting, to be aluminum crush washers that had been used under bolts in the fuel system. They’d corroded underneath the bolt heads or nuts, causing tiny leaks. Replacing them with copper washers solved the problem.
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Old 01-11-2019, 14:28   #7
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Re: Kubota generator problems.

I finally found time to thoroughly inspect every hose and hose clip in the generator system. I found a few of the small clips to be a bit loose, probably because the hose had contracted, so I tightened them up. A few pipes looked like they were nearly cracked, so I replaced them.
I ran the generator on full load for an hour, running two AC units, water heater, electric kettle, battery charger, and others.
The genny’ ran perfectly without a murmur, and cooler than normal for that type of load.
I guess the truth is, lack of maintenance and inspection was the true cause of the problem. Thanks everyone, for your advice.
JR
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Old 01-11-2019, 16:09   #8
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Re: Kubota generator problems.

Thanks for the report. I'm glad you were able to resolve the problem.
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