Winds of Change
New Member
I have a 1993 370 Express Cruiser with a 7.5 kw Quicksilver Generator which up until 2 weeks ago ran great. After starting the generator at the dock, we took off and approx 15 min into the run, it shut down. When we got to our destination, I tried to start it and it would start right up but died in approx 3-5 sec. It has continued to do that no matter what I do. I’ve read every posting on here regarding the QS generator and read the service manual cover to cover and I’m stumped. Here are the tests and results I’ve done so far.
1. Since it started and then died, I thought it may be the safety devices on wire 85. Disconnected the wire at the control module and tried again. I get the same results as before; it starts right up and then shuts down in 3-5 secs. I can do this over and over again; it doesn’t have to sit for a period of time before trying it again. I also checked each safety device and all the wires in between for shorts and open circuits. All checked out ok.
2. I checked for power to the fuel pump and fuel solenoid in the carb and both checked out okay, carb bowl was full. I even tried to keep it running using starting fluid and that had no impact on the results. Ran for 3-5 secs and shut down.
3. I changed all of the tune up parts just as precaution, points, plugs, condenser, cap, rotor and fuel filter. Same results, 3-5 secs and it shut down.
4. I had a mechanic come by and he hotwired it (jumping 12+ dc to the coil and the fuel pump & solenoid circuit) and it ran perfectly. While it was running, I noticed I was only getting 5-7 volts on the volt meter in the cabin. I’m thinking that may be right if the control unit is by passed and the voltage regulator is not sensing the field from the windings but not sure on this one. At that point, he basically said the generator windings were shorted and said replace it. I don’t think that is the case, the unit only has 170 hr on it.
5. I went through all the resistance checks on the main windings and exciter winding circuit on the rotor and they all check out ok. Also checked just about every wire to the control module and voltage regulator for open and shorted circuits. All appear to be okay.
6. The last thing I tested were the actual switches both on the generator and in the cabin panel since this behavior is very similar to leaving the switch in the cabin panel off and starting the generator from the bilge (runs for a few seconds and once you release the starter, it shuts down). Once again, each switch and all the wires check out okay.
What am I missing? Part of me thinks it is the control board but I’m not sure if it could be the voltage regulator. Any thoughts?
1. Since it started and then died, I thought it may be the safety devices on wire 85. Disconnected the wire at the control module and tried again. I get the same results as before; it starts right up and then shuts down in 3-5 secs. I can do this over and over again; it doesn’t have to sit for a period of time before trying it again. I also checked each safety device and all the wires in between for shorts and open circuits. All checked out ok.
2. I checked for power to the fuel pump and fuel solenoid in the carb and both checked out okay, carb bowl was full. I even tried to keep it running using starting fluid and that had no impact on the results. Ran for 3-5 secs and shut down.
3. I changed all of the tune up parts just as precaution, points, plugs, condenser, cap, rotor and fuel filter. Same results, 3-5 secs and it shut down.
4. I had a mechanic come by and he hotwired it (jumping 12+ dc to the coil and the fuel pump & solenoid circuit) and it ran perfectly. While it was running, I noticed I was only getting 5-7 volts on the volt meter in the cabin. I’m thinking that may be right if the control unit is by passed and the voltage regulator is not sensing the field from the windings but not sure on this one. At that point, he basically said the generator windings were shorted and said replace it. I don’t think that is the case, the unit only has 170 hr on it.
5. I went through all the resistance checks on the main windings and exciter winding circuit on the rotor and they all check out ok. Also checked just about every wire to the control module and voltage regulator for open and shorted circuits. All appear to be okay.
6. The last thing I tested were the actual switches both on the generator and in the cabin panel since this behavior is very similar to leaving the switch in the cabin panel off and starting the generator from the bilge (runs for a few seconds and once you release the starter, it shuts down). Once again, each switch and all the wires check out okay.
What am I missing? Part of me thinks it is the control board but I’m not sure if it could be the voltage regulator. Any thoughts?