generator issues

[workingonadream]

Hello all. I have an onan 15kw that runs out of fuel after 5 minutes. I can make it run normal from a fuel jug though. i eliminated the lift pump and then worked my way back to the racor fuel water separator. when i bypassed the racor, the genset ran great from my fuel jug, i did this by removing the outlet side hose, the one going to the genset, and rigging it to run from the jug. however, when i did the same from the inlet side,thus putting the racor back into play, it only ran for 5 minutes again. so, this is where i can use some advice. can the hose on the inlet side be bad, or can the racor 500 be bad. has anyone had a similar issue. just to be clear, i bypassed the boats fuel tank when testing the intake side, but i did use the existing rubber line in the bypass, which is about 3ft long.
the boat is a 1979 46c and the generator is plumbed to the belly tank in the engine room.

[MadHatter53]

Sounds like you found it. Something is up w your racor.

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Have you verified the rubber seals in the rancor? Use a section of clear plastic line from racor to lift pump and look for air. It is possible the fuel line is picking up air. You said it was rubber, and rubber it shouldn’t be.

[SEVEN]

It’s either a clogged fuel filter, fuel line obstruction or it’s sucking air.

[workingonadream]

Thanks seven, but I took the filter out for the test and the supply line I used is not clogged. I'm just wondering if it's more common for the rubber supply line to break down and suck air, or if its more common for the racor to suck air

[SEVEN]

More often the filter housing. I had one that sucked are from the drain. A pinched gasket would do the same.

[Pascal]

Inspect the fuel hose especially near the fittings for cracks or damage Hard to say more without knowing what kind of hose it is Or just replace it

Then pull the racors and inspect it. Seals, gaskets etc.

[rob71]

If you have not disassembled the Racor yet. Unscrew the turbine and see if there is any gunk around the check ball.

[motoryacht lover]

I had a similiar issue with a gas boat that had racors and as Robert said the clear line showed bubbles and we replaced the racor and the problem went away. You could do as others say and go through it replacing seals etc.