New RW 427 generator starving.

bosshoss

Member
2016 RW 427 with RT package. Generator ran fine for first 20 hours or so. Gen died from gas starvation. Changed the filter on the fuel pump under the Onan thinking there might be trash in the new fuel tanks. Ran for about 10 minutes and starved out again. Changed filter again and pump would not pick up suction from tank(30' away). Relocated fuel pump from under Onan to fuel tank. Good fuel flow now and will test generator under load tomorrow. Anybody else have this problem yet?
 

danemayer

Well-known member
Hi bosshoss,

Welcome to the Heartland Owners Forum.

Thanks for sharing your solution. I'm sure others will comment if they've had similar issues.
 

CarterKraft

Well-known member
You might check over all the fuel tank vents just to be sure it's not just pulling a vacuum.

I personally don't care for the pump to be mounted at the front and the tank at the rear, especially with the tank lower than the pump.

Another tip is to install a strainer before the filter to help protect the pump and filter from large debris.

33971 is a Wix 1/4" inline strainer
 

bosshoss

Member
You might check over all the fuel tank vents just to be sure it's not just pulling a vacuum.

I personally don't care for the pump to be mounted at the front and the tank at the rear, especially with the tank lower than the pump.

Another tip is to install a strainer before the filter to help protect the pump and filter from large debris.

33971 is a Wix 1/4" inline strainer
Good idea. Relocating the fuel pump did not help. The top of the tank is not accessable without dropping it. I'll leave the gas cap off and try it again before installing a new fuel pump. I tested the fuel pump on my bench and it pumped but I didn't think to put a pressure gage on it. If it doesn't pump with the cap off,,,, I will replace it and try again. It should be the dealers problem but that's 4 hrs from here.
 

hoefler

Well-known member
With the pump up there with the engine, it most likely getting hot. Fuel pumps like to stay cool and pump cool fuel, hot fuel will vaporize and you will get a vapor lock.
 
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avvidclif

Well-known member
Good idea. Relocating the fuel pump did not help. The top of the tank is not accessable without dropping it. I'll leave the gas cap off and try it again before installing a new fuel pump. I tested the fuel pump on my bench and it pumped but I didn't think to put a pressure gage on it. If it doesn't pump with the cap off,,,, I will replace it and try again. It should be the dealers problem but that's 4 hrs from here.

Check with Onan, there might be a dealer closer and they probably made the pump.
 

bosshoss

Member
It was the fuel pump. Replaced the Onan fuel pump with an Airtex. Tested for an hour today successfully. Only got about 20 hours out of the original pump, hopefully this one last a long time. Thanks for the suggestions. Now on to other bugs like awning not fully retracting, leveling system, computer controlled lighting. I may take it back to dealer for that kind of stuff.
 

CarterKraft

Well-known member
It was the fuel pump. Replaced the Onan fuel pump with an Airtex. Tested for an hour today successfully. Only got about 20 hours out of the original pump, hopefully this one last a long time. Thanks for the suggestions. Now on to other bugs like awning not fully retracting, leveling system, computer controlled lighting. I may take it back to dealer for that kind of stuff.


Good deal.

I do all my own stunts unless it's a major problem. The back and forth is miserable.
 
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