16KW cranks long before starting

[banshee]

I have a new installed 16KW generac (LP) and it seems like it cranks long before it starts. The LP gas installer switched it to NG to getting it started the first time and then switched it back to LP. It starts now on LP but cranks long before starting. The gas installer measured the W.C and has 11" off and 10" running. The manual stated 5-7". Could to much W.C cause this to crank long or is this normal. It starts better when it is switched to NG with LP source. Thanks for any help.

[Kelly Myers]

Take off the two thumbscrews on the air filter housing.

Remove the air filter.

Crank the generator.

IS the butterfly choke swinging back and forth?

[banshee]

Yes, generator cranks for about 5-6 seconds then starts. Seems a little long but maybe this is normal. When manually starting, generator begins to crank for 1-2 seconds then butterfly choke opens cranks for 3-4 seconds then starts.

[Kelly Myers]

That is normal.

It should start immediately after completing a run cycle though.

[banshee]

Generator now takes longer to start. I know the weather in PA has gotten colder but seems like this generator should fire up quicker. Recently the generator will crank unitl the first time out (no start). On the second crank it then starts. This generator never seemed to start correctly since new. If the generator has been running and I shut it down then restart it still cranks for 7-10 seconds before starting. Does anyone have issues like this and have ideas for resolving long crank time. 2007 generac 16KW aircool on LP

[Kelly Myers]

Whats your zip code?

[pcfrisch]

On my generator, according to the manual you have to adjust the fuel regulator screws 1/2 turn clockwise for LP.

[banshee]

Kelly my zip is 18064. I do not remember my manual stating anything about adjusting the regulator but I will check. I will gladly adjust a regulator if that will help with the crank time. Please advise if there is any adjustments I can check or adjust. Thanks

[banshee]

Nothing in manual about regulator adjustment for 16kw.

[Kelly Myers]

Kelly my zip is 18064. I do not remember my manual stating anything about adjusting the regulator but I will check. I will gladly adjust a regulator if that will help with the crank time. Please advise if there is any adjustments I can check or adjust. Thanks

You cannot adjust the regulator on your generator. That is for the older style.

I would recommend you getting in touch with Arc Electric. They're out of W Hazleton Pennsylvania. I've worked with them before, and they take good care of their customers. Phone number: 570-455-2370. I believe I've worked with Debbie.

They collect $250.00 as a deposit to come to your house, but if its warranty, they will reimburse you fully.

From my experience, 99% of starting issues end up being directly associated with fuel pressure, or some sort of issue. All the time we fix other contractor's fuel issues, and here in Michigan we do it during the fall and winter. And here's why.

Some contractors attach to furnace runs, both before and after the furnace. In the summer time, the furnace is drawing nothing, or maybe a little bit for the pilot. Well, when winter comes and the furnace is consuming 80,000-120,000 BTU's, it SEVERELY restricts fuel pressure to the generator.

A good mechanical contractor will of course size all of the piping for full load, but some don't!

I just want you to make sure your fuel pressure is proper before you pay a guardian dealer to come out and tell you the fuel pressure is at fault!

[pcfrisch]

An interesting note, I called my propane supplier about the size of the regulator and he said that I had the proper one for the generator. I have had this generator since 03 now and had no trouble with it in the winters that it ran.
However, I mentioned to the propane guy about the long run of the low pressure pipe which is about 40 feet to the generator from the regulator and he said they should have run another high pressure line with a regulator near the generator instead of that long distance of low pressure line.