Brad :
Can't help with the check valve, but my question is how is air getting into
the line in the first place ? The generator fuel pump should have check
valves in it so that even if the main engine is sucking against the line, it
should remain full of fuel. Something must be leaking.
Also, assuming your generator has a carb (Ok, my Onan is an antique), why is
it's float bowl dry ? It should not be possible to suck it dry through the
fuel line unless the vent is blocked somehow.
One solution might be to add a Facet type fuel pump to feed the generator.
On my generator, even though it uses magneto ignition, there is provision
for a fuel pump feed (I replaced the original Onan electric pump with a
Facet, which helped starting immensely).
Also, it shouldn't be too hard to build a check valve from a ball bearing, a
brass pipe coupling and a pair of suitable "NPT to hose barb" adapters.
Mount it vertically or use a spring to push the ball up against the hole in
one of the couplings. Tap it into place the first time, to create a bit of
a seat in the brass.
Randall
> I'm in need of a small fuel line check valve for our motorhome.
> The situation we have is the onboard ac generator is tapped off
> of the same point that feeds the engine. What we are
> experiencing is fuel starvation when first starting the onboard
> generator (with vehicle engine NOT running). It appears that the
> gas line to the generator is getting sucked dry when the vehicle
> engine runs and then when we try to start the generator it cranks
> for a long time before fuel finally reaches the generator.
>
> One shop suggested a check valve be put in the line where the
> generator fuel line taps off. This would keep fuel in the line
> and allow a more rapid start of the generator. Problem is, the
> automotive stores around me (autozone and o'reilys) have NO clue
> what I'm looking for.
>
> Would anyone out there know of a source for fuel line check
> valves? I had hoped that fuel filters would not allow reverse
> flow but that appears not to be the case, at least with the
> filter that I just checked.
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