problem keeping the gas tank full enough for genset

[chin_k]

I was having trouble to get my generator started in two occasions in past few trips due to the gas level too low. I have to drive miles away and get a few gallons of gas and it would work fine. The generator seem to have issue if the fuel tank is less than 3/8 full. This is a bit frustrating, since I do not want to plan for both engine and generator when I decide where to get gas.

So I have two questions.
1, when the fuel is getting low, the generator seems to make some clicking sound. Any idea if this is harmful or not normal?
2, any way for me to lower the uptake tub lower to take advantage of the fuel in the tank? Is there a way for me to feed the generator from a portable gas tank (red plastic can)?

[caconcourse]

Hi Ching,

The factory installation is designed such that the generator does not run when the fuel tank is less than 1/2 full, so that the generator does not drain the main fuel tank and strand the vehicle. The fuel line for the generator only dips half way into the tank.

When traveling, I have to keep that in mind, and try to have a nearly full tank when dry camping, in case the generator is needed. However we rarely use the generator, mainly for air conditioning on hot days. I did get stuck in a campground once on a very hot day, with not enough fuel to run the generator, and it was stifling.

I believe the clicking is the electric fuel pump trying to prime the generator. You hear the same sound when you press up on the generator switch (instead of down), which allows you to prime the generator to help it start. Mine is kind of a slow starter, so I prime it for a few seconds this way whenever I start it. Probably doesn't hurt anything, but I wouldn't let it do that very long just in case.

On the other hand, I usually get gas when the tank is half empty unless we are on the freeway or in a heavily populated area where gas stations are abundant. You never know when you might get overextended and have trouble finding a gas station when traveling the backroads. Having an extra 100-150 miles reserve is comforting. Filling a half tank makes for a cheaper fill-up too , but I know I am only fooling myself.

[ASaucyBurrito]

I can only comment that the generator will pull fine from a jerry can. I had to use this setup when troubleshooting in the garage, just ran a fuel rated hose from the filter to a can sitting on the work bench. The height differential could be important depending on how strong the stock pump is, but it would probably be okay.

On the Chinook I suppose you could install something like this valve into the line and have it pull from either the main tank or your aux can. It would have to be your call on the relative safety of any of this.

Having never looked around the fuel tank, I don't know how hard it would be to drop the stock fuel line further in.

[chin_k]

Clay, your comment on cheaper fillups cracked me up, since this is the same thing I told others that I eat less because I took smaller bites.

Now, on the clicking sound, it seems to only happens when the fuel is getting low *AND* when the generator is already up and running. So I am not sure if the fuel pump really need to work that hard to make the noise. I will investigate more and see if the noise is indeed coming from the pump.

We do make use of the microwave more often than the roof AC, and this is the main reason I need to run the generator. It is frustrating at the end of a hike, when we are ready to nuke some food, and found that the microwave can't run because the generator is not getting fuel.

[chin_k]

Burrito, glad to know that the generator will work with a jerry can. As for the brass valve, I would prefer to get one with a single handle like this one. I need to verify the diameter of the fuel hose to make sure the barbed nipple will work. It is kind of a pain to have to jerry can, however, since if I am low in sugar, I am very clumpy, and very like set the whole camp site on fire.

Edit:
I would think that to extend the hose is not going to be a easy task. I think the fuel pump on my rig was replaced a few years ago, so I hope I don't have an excuse to drop the tank again.

[BobW9]

As I understand it, the generator hose connection should go down about 3/4 into the gas tank, so on level ground the generator should run down to 1/4 tank of gas. I've had my generator stop a number of times because of that, pretty nearly exactly on the 1/4 tank mark on my gauge.

When they dropped my tank to replace my old hose (which was causing the generator to sputter and stop at random times), I believe they said there was a metal spigot/pipe welded on that goes into the tank (down to the 1/4 mark), and the hose just attached to that at the top of the tank. So, they did not need to try to measure the hose sliding into the tank or anything.

Bob

[markatherton]

The generator pickup is an integral part of the main fuel pickup/sending unit. There is no adjustment in it.

[chin_k]

I guess the only two options is either do some reasonable planning, and keep the tank full enough, or add a valve to the line and keep a spare gallon around. Having portable gasoline is not a very good option, however. We have enough thing on the rig that can go up in flame already.