One-Time No Start due to Oil Pressure

[gatorbob]

Hello everyone,

I changed my oil last month and my MEP-803A started right up during Helene. I ran for about 6 hours on 1/4 tank of fuel. No problems.

Today, I topped off my fuel and tried to start up as a test before Hurricane Milton and it didn't start. I had a low oil pressure light. I checked the oil and it's correct. The generator started right up on the second try and I ran it for a few minutes. It may have hesitated just a bit as I was cranking but it started.

I don't believe I held the prime switch very long the first time today but my understanding is that is just to prime the fuel pump. It would be great to know if I am wrong here.

Looking at the TM, checking the fan belt tension is about the only thing I haven't checked in the past month and will do that when I get a break in the rain here shortly.

How concerned should I be given I don't have a lot of time between now and when I might need the generator this evening?

The TM doesn't seem to account for a one-time low oil pressure scenario but I will keep looking.

Thanks

Edit: batteries are brand new, testing good, on a maintainer. Oil pressure was 50 psi when running.

 

[2Pbfeet]

Hello everyone,

I changed my oil last month and my MEP-803A started right up during Helene. I ran for about 6 hours on 1/4 tank of fuel. No problems.

Today, I topped off my fuel and tried to start up as a test before Hurricane Milton and it didn't start. I had a low oil pressure light. I checked the oil and it's correct. The generator started right up on the second try and I ran it for a few minutes. It may have hesitated just a bit as I was cranking but it started.

I don't believe I held the prime switch very long the first time today but my understanding is that is just to prime the fuel pump. It would be great to know if I am wrong here.

Looking at the TM, checking the fan belt tension is about the only thing I haven't checked in the past month and will do that when I get a break in the rain here shortly.

How concerned should I be given I don't have a lot of time between now and when I might need the generator this evening?

The TM doesn't seem to account for a one-time low oil pressure scenario but I will keep looking.

Thanks

Good luck with Milton. Stay safe out there.

One does need to let it crank long enough for the oil pressure to stabilize; it is part of the safety system.

My bet is you didn't hold the switch quite long enough,

All the best,

2Pbfeet

 

[gatorbob]

Thanks. There's nothing worse than rushing through any procedure under pressure.

 

[fb40dash5]

Thanks. There's nothing worse than rushing through any procedure under pressure.

I don't even need pressure, I forget to hold the switch in Start long enough the 1st time about half the time anyway!