- 2,229
- 3,868
- 113
- Location
- Pepperell, Massachusetts
Some MEP-831A users have experienced flames coming out of the exhaust and possibly cracking of the exhaust pipe.
If you find this occurring with an 831A it’s caused by incomplete combustion of the diesel fuel that is then being forced into the muffler. The incomplete combustion can be caused by a clogged air-filter. A clogged air filter will restrict the amount of combustion air entering the cylinder causing the unburned fuel to enter the exhaust system. The fuel then catches fire as the temperature in the muffler increases. Under light loading conditions the generator can cause the generator to run cool and hasten the buildup of fuel and carbon residue in the engine and exhaust system of the generator. I.E. wet stacking.
The issue can also be due to the engine valve clearance being incorrect.
The exhaust pipe cracks and failures are caused by loosening of the muffler mounting hardware on the rear of the engine. Due to the single-cylinder engine design, the muffler mounting hardware on the rear of the engine will be subjected to high vibrations. The muffler will become loose and eventually destroy the mounting bolts leading to the exhaust pipe cracking and failing.
Suggested precautions and corrective actions to take are:
1) Inspect and replace air filter more frequently when operating in an extremely dusty environment.
2) Increase the load to the generator to the rated capacity as close as possible to prevent wet stacking.
3) Inspect, tighten and replace, if necessary, muffler mounting hardware.
4) Adjust engine valve clearance in accordance with TM 9-2815-257-24.
If you find this occurring with an 831A it’s caused by incomplete combustion of the diesel fuel that is then being forced into the muffler. The incomplete combustion can be caused by a clogged air-filter. A clogged air filter will restrict the amount of combustion air entering the cylinder causing the unburned fuel to enter the exhaust system. The fuel then catches fire as the temperature in the muffler increases. Under light loading conditions the generator can cause the generator to run cool and hasten the buildup of fuel and carbon residue in the engine and exhaust system of the generator. I.E. wet stacking.
The issue can also be due to the engine valve clearance being incorrect.
The exhaust pipe cracks and failures are caused by loosening of the muffler mounting hardware on the rear of the engine. Due to the single-cylinder engine design, the muffler mounting hardware on the rear of the engine will be subjected to high vibrations. The muffler will become loose and eventually destroy the mounting bolts leading to the exhaust pipe cracking and failing.
Suggested precautions and corrective actions to take are:
1) Inspect and replace air filter more frequently when operating in an extremely dusty environment.
2) Increase the load to the generator to the rated capacity as close as possible to prevent wet stacking.
3) Inspect, tighten and replace, if necessary, muffler mounting hardware.
4) Adjust engine valve clearance in accordance with TM 9-2815-257-24.