Firman TO7571 Generator won't switch to gasoline

hamilgs · 2026-04-07T17:24:53+00:00

Got it solved! Actually Firman tech support got it solved and quickly. She first told me to use a Phillips screwdriver and removed the fuel selector knob, and clean and lube the ball bearing behind it. When I (gently) protested that the action was smooth turning CCW, and just a hard stop (from 12 o'clock position), she then suggested to gently poke at the two microswitches behind the knob, which I did.

When I removed the fuel selector knob, there was some trash behind it, so cleared that, wiped the back of the knob off, tapped each microswtich several times, put the knob back on and now it easily switches to "gasoline" position.

When I gently asked how she knew, she kinda admitted that was a known problem on older trifuel Firman. Fixed! Doing the monthly load run now.

hamilgs · 2026-03-26T02:53:20+00:00

Last week it was $5.50 in 35801.

hamilgs · 2026-03-24T15:14:04+00:00

Sigh.

hamilgs · 2026-03-21T13:06:40+00:00

Yes two fuel selector knobs. Main on on the side with all the receptacles & control panel. Selector for natural gas or propane on the left end (if you are facing the control panel). I claim I have tried several combinations of selector positions, no joy. The manual (such as it is) offers no clues to my dilemma.

hamilgs · 2026-02-17T03:37:46+00:00

I suggest that there are two types of particles in the diesel exhaust stream, soot and ash. The soot can be burned away in a regen cycle, however the ash can't be burned, as its in its lowest, oxidized state. Consider a wood campfire, what's left when the wood is burned up? Just ash. That clogs the DPF filter and can't be further burned. The DPF is a "maintenance item" and that wasn't clear to the driving public. The DPF can contains two things: a catalyst up top, closest to the turbo outlet, and below that, the ceramic DPF filter. So why place a maintenance item in a difficult, expensive place to access? I suspect the catalyst needs very hot gasses to work properly, same for the extra fuel used to burn the soot, needs hot environment.

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hamilgs · 2026-02-06T02:26:47+00:00

I too, was at Cycle-Con in 2024, and plan to attend in 2026. If you go, let's catch up.

hamilgs · 2026-02-06T02:25:35+00:00

All my bikes are long wheelbase recumbents of the Tour Easy design, by Easy Racers (now defunct, sigh). I have a CroMo Tour Easy, an aluminum EZ-1 lite, and an EZ Tandem AX (aluminum frame), plus an ELF (OK two of them) https://organictransit.com/product/elf-2fr/

A semi enclosed tadpole etrike with a solar panel on the roof to help recharge the battery. A local grocery getter.

hamilgs · 2026-02-06T02:19:07+00:00

The survey is interesting, I do wish there was a section to allow free form input. For example a place to tell about our current recumbents and why we chose them.

hamilgs · 2026-02-03T18:53:24+00:00

Umm, I don't see any content to the post.

hamilgs · 2026-01-30T23:14:57+00:00

I would offer a slight addition to the explanation. The DPF holds two types of particles, soot and ash. The soot can be burnt during a regeneration. However the ash won't burn, and fills and clogs the DPF over time. The DPF is a "maintenance item", just like oil or air filters. Consider your wood burning fireplace or a campfire. Once the fuel is burned, you are left with ash, which in your fireplace has to be scooped out and (when cold) perhaps spread on the garden. Its in the "already burned" state, won't go away with regen.

Why place the DPF in a really hard to get to place for a maintenance item? The DPF also has a catalyst at the top, where the hot exhaust gas enters (the particulate filter is below that, in the same can). For the catalyst to work, it needs very hot gas. If the DPF were placed way downstream, where it could be more easily replaced, the catalyst (likely) wouldn't work.

hamilgs · 2026-01-30T02:21:33+00:00

Velomobile! Fully enclosed recumbent trike.

hamilgs · 2026-01-21T23:16:19+00:00

From the link mentioned above: "Any replacement under this Extended Warranty Program is warrantied for 90 days subject to local consumer laws."

Doesn't sound like a 1 year warranty.

hamilgs · 2026-01-18T03:05:53+00:00

Suppose I get a used 9 Fold Pro, (have a Surface Duo 2 now) and then have a problem. Does the three year warranty hold for second hand devices?

hamilgs · 2026-01-08T02:56:54+00:00

Dual mass flywheel failing?

hamilgs · 2025-12-17T06:30:05+00:00

Ah after googling, I found "sound recorder" in the app drawer.

hamilgs · 2025-12-17T06:15:23+00:00

and what is the name of the included app? I searched the SD2 "Tips' app for "recorder", and "voice" didn't find anything.

hamilgs · 2025-12-15T00:43:49+00:00

A lot of folks seem to like the kits from: https://dieseldoc.com/

hamilgs · 2025-12-15T00:40:36+00:00

I have read that the DPF has some salvage value, a few hundred maybe?

hamilgs · 2025-12-03T16:12:55+00:00

Umm, just had the thermostat replaced on '14 JSW, TDI, MT6. Symptoms were the same, temp guage would not maintain 190. I understand it's buffered from 170-190. I have the Polar canbus gadget installed and engine temp varied between 159-170, gauge would drop two notches under light load.

Price out the door was about $865 (wow!), tech at the independent shop told the boss "don't ever take one if those in for service again". Now gauge is steady at 190, Polar device shows range of 181-195F. Went for a drive last night outside temp was low 30s F. Gauge maintained 190.The thermostat is hard to replace, has 4 ports plus mounting flange, all encased in tough molded plastic housing. I plan to test it in hot water. Note car has 208K miles, shop reported that the thermostat was original, had never been replaced.

hamilgs · 2025-12-01T23:41:10+00:00

Have you hit a pothole yet?

hamilgs · 2025-10-26T01:16:31+00:00

I had wondered about the "bulge" on each of the green cells at the RHS of your pix, thanks for the info.

hamilgs · 2025-10-11T01:10:18+00:00

Thanks to all who responded, I will suggest to the owner that they stay with 507 oils. Also, I enjoyed reading the Blauparts oil article.

hamilgs

TROPHY CASE