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Lost a generator water pump on our first long trip, was able to get it fixed a day later, then genset ran fine for a couple days.
Then early one morning it made some noises and shut down. It will re start, runs up to rpm, then slows to an idle then shuts down again..
Engine sounds fine, there was a round piece of plastic in generator compartment, and black dust around head unit..
Can I be lucky and just need brushes or something? I'm a mechanic, but not familiar with gensets.
I tried calling martin but no response yet.
What are the experts thoughts on keeping this old unit going vs. updating to something newer?
Derek & Ellie
Team Punisher Offshore #700
1991 43 Newell #254
LOTO
Posts: 5,908
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First order is change fuel filters.
How long does it run before shutting off? Is the shutdown quick or does the engine stumble? What does the fuel shut off do in conjunction with the shutdown?
Richard and Rhonda Entrekin
95 Newell, 390 Ex caretaker
99 Newell, 512 Ex caretaker
07 Prevost Marathon, 1025
Maverick Hybrid Toad
Inverness, FL (when we're home
)
Posts: 5
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(05-26-2026, 03:09 PM)Richard Wrote: First order is change fuel filters.
How long does it run before shutting off? Is the shutdown quick or does the engine stumble? What does the fuel shut off do in conjunction with the shutdown?
I don't believe it is an engine issue, it starts and runs up to governor, then within a couple seconds it slows to an idle speed for about 5 seconds, then shuts down. Engine sounds perfect the whole time. Zero AC voltage output though.
Derek & Ellie
Team Punisher Offshore #700
1991 43 Newell #254
LOTO
Posts: 2,737
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Just an FYI that engine is a tractor engine if I remember correctly. Might make it a bit easier to source parts.
Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
PO 1999 Foretravel 36'
1998 Newell 45' #486
1993 Newell 39' #337
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If the engine accelerates to rated speed and slows down, there are a couple of things you need to know, is the fuel solenoid pulled in? (Visual or voltage check), does the engine exhibit black smoke? (Indicates high load).
Typically, the controls don’t allow the engine ignition system (the 12v that keeps the solenoid in, the gauges alive, and lift pump running) to stay alive without ac voltage. So that might be the case here, no ac volts and the ignition system goes down but the solenoid linkage is binding keeping the engine running at low speed.
No mention of hours but Kohler brush style ends usually run 7000 hours or more before needing brushes. If you can get to the brush holders, look at brush length. If it’s good or decent, the regulator might be faulty.
Of course the fuel system could also be the reason the engine speed drops. Lots to check but I think you have two issues here.
Gordon Jones
1989-42~no slide-#188
2000-45'-2slide-#567
1999-45’-no slide Prevost XLV Marathon
