"No Fuel" shutdown, has fuel

[MrShawn305]

So I recently purchased an MEP-802a genset and I've run it a few times with no issue. Today, I ran a 8/3 cable to my house breaker panel for future power outages. I started it up to test and it shut down on me three times after 5-10 minutes of running with the "no fuel" light on. The unit has a full tank of fuel which I verified by both the gauge and opening the fuel tank to look inside. I started it up again and enabled the battle short switch just to see if I could see something going on, but after that it ran for several hours without issue. I popped open the control panel and checked connections on the fuel gauge, but they all seemed tight. Anyone ever had an issue like this before? Not sure where I should start checking from here.

 

[Scoobyshep]

The gauge reflects the level in the main tank. No fuel light is from the day tank. Theres some floats in there that may be giving you trouble.

Is your 8/3 with a ground? Make sure the bonding is properly setup (nothing to do with the shutdowns, just a very common mistake people make when connecting a generator)

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[Guyfang]

There is no day take on a MEP-802A. But your problem might be with the float mentioned above. Pull the tank cover off, and remove the FL-1 and FL-2 Float switch out. Make sure the float moves correctly. Then test it IAW the test procedure in the TM.

 

[Scoobyshep]

My bad. Misread the number.


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[Ray70]

If your floats test out ok and the problem persists there may be a problem with the float control module or the fault panel on the machine.
Pull out the zig zag shaped dual float assembly as Guy suggested, and ohm out the lower float, make sure it's working correctly.
Also note: the float assembly rotates within the mounting ring. If installed slightly off the lower float can touch the side of the tank and get stuck.

 

[Guyfang]

And to add to what Ray wrote, you can also adjust height. So if its not set right, the float will not read level correctly, and give false readings. AND, if set too deep, the float can vibrate. And that is one shut off low fuel problem it took me a long time to catch. I tried everything, and it would run an hour, three hours, half a day, 30 min. Then shut down for low fuel.

Also, be on the look out for "foreign objects" in the tank. Like old floats, and such. Or the real kicker, trash. It gets sucked up into the fuel tube, and the engine starves of fuel. I once found 3 old floats bobbing around in a tank.

 

[Light in the Dark]

As you know from above, there are 2 key items to test and rule out here. Both called out in the TM as directed. Should be able to arrive at your answer rather quickly based on the TM info.

 

[Daybreak]

Howdy,
For a better understanding what your looking for.
The MEP-8xx fuel tank has many floats in it. They each do things. 1 float is the fuel level gauge. 1 is the low level shut off. They are also used for the AUX fuel pump filling. Kicks on the AUX fuel pump when gets around 1/4 tank, and fills until around 80% and then shuts off. The floats and arm get sticky and gummed up from sitting. You can reach into the fuel tank and try to manipulate the float arms for the first simple fix. You can also have a full tank and add some fuel additive to assist in removing gum and varnish. Sometimes the floats themselves have disintegrated from JP-8 fuel. If none of these simple steps don't work. Then you need to go deeper. Taking the front panel off and getting to the fuel tank.

I had a unit which has sporadic "no fuel light" After more running, fuel additive, the floats freed up after manipulating them and never a issue since.
Good luck.

 

[mciikurzroot]

It is sure sounding like one or so of the "floats" is stuck or maybe bad, bad id hard to do however. REMEMBER and I'm going from memory, each float is direction specific ^ v sketch it out when you pull the stick/stem out. Most often a stuck float is caused by residual fuel levels and inactivity and the fuel evaporates goes away over a long time and the float just become a part of the afterbirth near varnish, and thus stuck. Measure the stop points on your sketch and move the rings with you needle pliers scotch brite the stick/stem and reassembly. I had this exact situation on the 802 several months ago.. keep us posted..
Best: mac/mc

 

[MrShawn305]

I'll start doing some troubleshooting today, thank you all for the information. I'll update with what I find