New 4456-3 and a problem

[jimwiggs]

I'm new to this forum,and thanks to Mr Myers, it looks like an excellent place to find answers to problems.

My problem is the generator runs about 10 seconds and shuts off.

Here is the sequence of events leading to my problem.

I purchased a new 4456 last month which was installed by my electrician son-in-law.

Yesterday, 8/7, the local LP gas dealer installed a 500 gal in ground tank and gas water heater. The tank was delivered with approx 10 gal of gas for purposes of leak testing after the installation of the water heater and connection to the generator. The installers fired up the water heater with no problems, and manually started the generator with no load. everything worked fine.

Later, using the installation manual instructions, I powered up the generator and followed the sequence of automatic operation, turned off the utility power supply and the house was powered properly. I then restored utility power and the generator properly shut down.

Being satisfied with the generator's operation, I then set the exerciser timer, which proceded as outlined in the manual, running approx 12 min and then shut off.

At this point I was very satisfied that all was working properly, UNTIL, the gas delivery man came and filled the tank to 80%. Having a full tank of gas I decided to check operation again. I switched off utility power and the gen. ran for about 10 secs and shut off, repeating this with manual start , the gen continued to start and shut off.

With the sequence of events listed above, it appears I have a fuel supply problem. Help, Help, my knowledge is very limited, so I am looking for advice as to where my problem lies. Do I have a generator or fuel supply problem?

Jim in Florida

[Kelly Myers]

Have you checked fuel pressure going into the generator? Did the delivery many change fuel pressure or anything goofy like that?

When you say you installed a "new" 4456-3, do you mean you just bought it? These haven't been made for years, and I'm surprised you didn't need to excite it to have it make power.

Did you ever check volts coming off the generator? I know you said you did the test, so at once time this generator was powering your house?

If it was working with normal voltage/freq before the fuel dump, your next step would be to check fuel pressure at the unit.

[jimwiggs]

Kelly, thanks for the rapid reply. Yes, the gen is new, purchased from Home Depot on 6/2/07, at a special price I couldn't resist. I haven't checked the voltage, but will do that when it runs properly. For the short time the house was gen powered, the ac and everything else seemed to work ok.

the fuel delivery guy only dumped fuel, no adjustments the I know of unless it was done at the tank.

How much fuel pressure should I have at the gen? gonna call gas co. today

[Kelly Myers]

Going off the information that you own a 4456-3, The LP requirements are:

11-14" of water column. (.4-.5 psi)

Make sure the fuel line is capable of 215,000 BTU's.

If the pressure is proper on the line side of the fuel regulator, here is what you should do.

When the generator is doing a crank cycle (turned to manual or an auto-start) you should have 12V to the fuel regulator. You can test that right at the regulator with the two wires going to it.

If you have 12V there, hook into the test port on the regulator and make sure you have fuel pressure there!

If you have proper fuel pressure at the regulator, and you have 12V going to the fuel regulator, but we still have a no start, call me at 1-888-2-ZILLER or email me at kelly@zillerelectric.com with your serial number and zip code. I will put you in touch with a qualified guardian tech.

This will be covered under warranty as long as you have your receipt!

[jimwiggs]

Originally Posted by Kelly Myers

Going off the information that you own a 4456-3, The LP requirements are:


If you have 12V there, hook into the test port on the regulator and make sure you have fuel pressure there!

If you have proper fuel pressure at the regulator, and you have 12V going to the fuel regulator, but we still have a no start, call me at 1-888-2-ZILLER or email me at kelly@zillerelectric.com with your serial number and zip code. I will put you in touch with a qualified guardian tech.

This will be covered under warranty as long as you have your receipt!

kelly, are you refering to the generator regulater or the external low pressure regulater? The manual doesn't show a test port on the gen regulater.

Jim

[jimwiggs]

Kelly, checked and have 12v to the fuel regulater

jim

[Kelly Myers]

Originally Posted by jimwiggs

kelly, are you refering to the generator regulater or the external low pressure regulater? The manual doesn't show a test port on the gen regulater.

Jim

Right underneith the solenoid, you will find a 1/8" plug sticking out of the regulator. Remove that plug, and hook in your pressure gauge.

[Kelly Myers]

Originally Posted by jimwiggs

Kelly, checked and have 12v to the fuel regulater

jim

Ok, now we need to test the solenoid. See my post above.