danwegand Posted November 21, 2022 Posted November 21, 2022 how difficult is it to access and change glow plugs?
Ivan K Posted November 21, 2022 Posted November 21, 2022 (edited) It would depend on the engine but on my Isuzu it would be difficult to do without access from the top. See if you can get to them from the top opening, I suppose there is a removable access door on yours too. I would check if they even get power, I find it unlikely for all of them to quit. Edited November 21, 2022 by Ivan K
jacwjames Posted November 21, 2022 Posted November 21, 2022 On mine I would have to pull the top off the generator also. But that's not hard, while you have it off look at the belt, might be worth changing.
Doug and Nicki Posted November 21, 2022 Posted November 21, 2022 If it is an ONAN with Kabota engine, they are right on top. What makes you think they need changed?
OhReally Posted November 21, 2022 Posted November 21, 2022 Some Onan generators get cantankerous and start but then stop shortly thereafter when the oil level is low. You might want to rule that out before going further. -Jamie
MyronTruex Posted November 21, 2022 Posted November 21, 2022 I had to replace at least one glow plug years ago and changed all three at the same time. My generator is on a slide so getting inside is not difficult. At 1000 hrs I did the recommended maintenance which was belt change, thermostat, and I can't remember the rest but the glow plugs have been fine since the first issue. So if you are close to that mark you might want to gather all the components for a full maintenance.
michaelivan Posted November 22, 2022 Posted November 22, 2022 Was it running and stopped, or just won't start? One thing to check is the fuel level on the main tank. On our Windsor, when the fuel level drops below about 1/2 full the generator won't run because of the fuel pick up location in the tank.
tmw188 Posted December 24, 2022 Posted December 24, 2022 When do the glow plugs activate? If you push to start top of switch or is it in the down position? I know pushing it down shuts it down, but before starting it seems to run the fuel pump just like in the normal start position?
jacwjames Posted December 24, 2022 Posted December 24, 2022 This is right out of the manual "Preheat is the period of time prior to engine cranking when the glow plugs preheat the combustion chambers. The time is automatically varied by the genset controller on the basis of engine temperature." So if it is cold enough the engine won't start until the glow plugs have been activated long enough while holding down the control switch while starting.
tmw188 Posted December 24, 2022 Posted December 24, 2022 1 hour ago, jacwjames said: This is right out of the manual "Preheat is the period of time prior to engine cranking when the glow plugs preheat the combustion chambers. The time is automatically varied by the genset controller on the basis of engine temperature." So if it is cold enough the engine won't start until the glow plugs have been activated long enough while holding down the control switch while starting. Ok understand all that, but if you push down on the switch as if you were shutting it down but before you try starting it, it sounds as if it’s priming it also that’s my question?
jacwjames Posted December 25, 2022 Posted December 25, 2022 From the manual PRIMING THE FUEL SYSTEM The fuel system should be primed after replacing the fuel filter or running the genset out of fuel. To prime the fuel system hold the control switch down in its Stop position for at least 1 minute. So if you hold the stop button down too long it may start to prime. Just a guess.
Ivan K Posted December 25, 2022 Posted December 25, 2022 Holding the gen switch down before starting only runs the lift pump to get fuel to the mechanical high pressure pumps. Holding it up to start also runs the electric pump plus the controller decides whether and how long the glow plugs need to be preheated prior to cranking. Easy to confirm with a test lamp on one of the plugs. 1
tmw188 Posted December 25, 2022 Posted December 25, 2022 Good to know. I’ve serviced the Gen without having to engage that dedicated prime switch, now understand the reason for having that option. Thanks Jim and Ivan.
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