E008
Perkins Engine Underspeed / Loss of Speed Control

Controller shows E008, generator stops and indicates underspeed / underfrequency

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Fuel restriction causing power loss, Faulty electronic governor actuator, Incorrect governor gain settings, Mechanical binding in fuel rack or throttle linkage

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Remove load from the generator before troubleshooting speed issues to avoid stalling under load.

  • Check fuel system: Confirm filters are clean and fuel supply is unrestricted (see E002 steps). A starved engine may not maintain rated speed under load.
  • Inspect throttle/actuator linkage: On mechanical governor systems, check the linkage from the governor to the fuel pump for stiffness, corrosion, or misadjustment. Lubricate pivot points and ensure free movement.
  • Electronic actuator test: For sets with an electronic governor actuator on the fuel pump, observe its movement during start and load changes. If it does not respond or moves erratically, test supply voltage and control signal from the governor module.
  • Controller settings: Verify rated speed, droop, and PID parameters in the governor or generator controller. Incorrect tuning can cause slow response and underspeed trips.
  • Load test: After corrections, run the generator and gradually apply load while monitoring frequency (Hz). It should remain within the specified band (typically ±1–2 Hz).
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Electronic Governor Actuator
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