Engine won't start and generator quits on '79 FC 3208

[stephenskrocki]

I have two big problems. The generator has been cutting out
whenever I am driving. It will run for hours under load while
parked, but it will quite within about 10-15 minutes once I start
driving. An hour later, I can run it again for another 10-15
minutes. Sounds like an over-heating issue maybe, but it runs
better when it is sitting still and getting the hottest. I took it
to the shop and they were convinced it was because I had no Racor
water seperator (previous owner bypassed it rather than replace
it). I had one installed, but the problem persists.

Now that I have it back, it has sat for about a month and I can't
the main engine started! The generator still runs great (standing
still) but the main engine will not start. It turns over and I've
checked an re-checked that their is fuel in the lines. I replaced
the gasket on the priming pump too, since that was leaking a bit.
It will turn over with ether, but that doesn't help keep it
running. I spoke with the shop that worked on it, and they said
that they probably left something loose when they serviced the
filters or something to cause the fuel to siphon back to the tank.
However, as I said I can get fuel up past the engine-mounted fuel
filter but I cxan't get it to fire up. Has anyone had either the
problemw ith the generator or the problem with the main engine not
starting? Any ideas would be helpful. I've been on the phone with
the shop and even had a friend of a friend who is a mechanic come
and look and I don't know what to do! Before it went into the shop,
it started soooo sweet! Now, nothing. Please help if you can!

Stephen Skrocki
1979 FC 3208 CAT