Mep-003A Ice Storm Runaway Engine

[m38inmaine]

My BIL was running his oo3A during the ice storm here in Maine, it was running fine then all of a sudden went wide open. I think when that happened it also blew a ring on the no 2 piston as it's blowing oil. Anyway all the linkage is free and it did it while running at normal speed so I assume the injector pump has let go. Any comments appreciated.

 

[doghead]

If you lift the air shroud(above the IP), look in to the right at the throttle/governor linkage.

Did the spring fall down or off? It goes on a grooved fine adjust thingy in there.

 

[doghead]

Gimpyrobb has IPs, maybe even motor parts.

 

[pmramsey]

I have a new MEP-003 Onan motor in the crate...new...not rebuilt and the IP is installed. Just a note...I never run my MEP-003s less that full throttle (1800 rpm) give or take a few due to outside air temp, air pressure, and altitude. I do not spool it either up or down slowly except when fine tuning the output to 60hz. If the outside temp is below 20 F at initial startup, I start the engine on the secondary fuel pump connected to a 5-gal j-can that I keep in a warm part of the house. I also drain the oil from the case until the engine will not start (oil pressure switch) when putting the generator away. I top up the engine with warm oil prior to the first start.

 

[m38inmaine]

I'm pretty sure I recall seeing the spring but I will check it again. There is no control over the throttle it stays wide open. The throttle control is free and moves easily and like I said it happened while running at normal speed making power. I will see if he is interested in your engine, thanks.

 

[Munchies]

If he wants to build it engine parts are available. I wonder if it was eating engine oil to run away or diesel. Check the oil for level and diesel contamination.

 

[gimpyrobb]

Yes, I have any IP part you might need and have access to many other MEP parts.

 

[storeman]

Sounds like key broke off throttle control inside IP if moving throttle arm affects nothing. Jerry

 

[Ray70]

Maybe it would be worth trying to start it again and try manually pushing down on the linkage at the IP to verify if the linkage is having any affect on engine speed or not? Have someone else there ready to shut it down if things get out of hand and have the air intake tube off and a rag handy incase there is a problem and you are unable to shut it down from the switch.
Merry Christmas to everyone and as usual.... Thanks to Gimpy Robb for the Christmas Avatar treat!

 

[steelandcanvas]

Maybe it would be worth trying to start it again and try manually pushing down on the linkage at the IP to verify if the linkage is having any affect on engine speed or not?

Do you really think he should try and start it with a broken ring and blowing oil?

 

[1800 Diesel]

Do you really think he should try and start it with a broken ring and blowing oil?

Agree--I believe he should pull the IP first. Don't do any more engine damage over what has already occurred. At least verify what Jerry suggested above--he knows these IPs well!

Kevin

 

[Ray70]

Guess I missed the broken ring part, but still, I don't think starting it for a few seconds will cause any additional damage, as long as he's able to kill the air supply in case of a run away situation. Maybe there's a way to check the IP functionality without starting it, not sure myself, if so I'm sure someone will chime in soon.

 

[Triple Jim]

With a sudden oil burning problem, I'd be thinking more of a broken or melted piston than a broken ring.

 

[m38inmaine]

I have not been able to get back to the gen yet but he said he was clearing snow with the tractor while it was running and when he returned it was wide open, so it could have been minutes or 1/2 hour running wide open. Thanks for all the replies, I will get to it tomorrow and report back.

 

[dangier]

With the unit blowing oil, it needs to be taken apart to access the possible damage under the information provided. Running wide open for who knows how long leaves little confidence in the mechanicals.
David

 

[procarshop]

if it has alot of blow bye a diesel will run of the blow-bye the intake has a crankcase breater in it and the motor thinks it is fuel, correct the blow -bye leave the pump alone.

 

[m38inmaine]

Got a chance to get back to it today, found that a small linkage on the side of the pump had fallen off. It's held on with two screws, it fell down on top of the trailer deck luckily. Will report back once I get it put back on, of course it is in a tight spot and it's cold and snowing.

 

[gimpyrobb]

Got a chance to get back to it today, found that a small linkage on the side of the pump had fallen off. It's held on with two screws, it fell down on top of the trailer deck luckily. Will report back once I get it put back on, of course it is in a tight spot and it's cold and snowing.

Pics too!

 

[storeman]

The small linkage on the side of the pump is your throttle control. If the throttle worked its way loose with the carrier and its' bolts off the unit, I think it would have similar effect as key at end of the throttle control breaking off. Maybe you got lucky and no internal IP damage. Maybe. "Tis the season for hope, after all.
Jerry i

 

[dangier]

Any updates on your unit? With your weather up there as it is, hopefully you have it running.