I have a Powerteck 10KW genset. 2001 U320. ~200 hrs. Oil and filter was changed by PO 2 years ago at 160 hrs. I am changing the oil now and will do it in the each Fall going forward. Looks like fuel filter is the original Kubota filter but way under their 400 hr service interval. Air filter looks original as well and is clean. I try to run the generator at some load for 1/2 -1 hr a month (or two) year round. No issues with the genset.
So what is best practice for servicing a low use generator that sits stored over the worst of the winter?
Thanks for your feedback
Roger
Roger,
The 10 kw with the Kubota is a great setup, My air filter needs changed about every 200 hrs from getting very full of dirt, oil & filter changes happen at same time. Make sure your radiator is full, use bleader valve on radiator top to make sure, also top off the neck with the pressure cap and make sure the over flo bottle is about half full, belt snug and not freyed.
Everyone has an opinion, this is mine. I expect to get at least 10,000 hrs from mine, so far about 2100, so long way togo, yes I baby it, the last one I put over 6,000 hrs (MCI Bus conversion) on and it is still like new, did need a new starter bendix, not bad for 20 years use. Be nice to it and it will return the favor.
Air Filter About $15,00, I also use a larger oil filter and fuel filter, yes I am crazy.
Dave,
Did you really mean 20 hours between changes for the air, oil and filters? Onan's recommendiaton for their 7.5KW Kubota is 100 hrs for oil & filter, 200 hrs for fuel filter, and 400 hrs for the air filter. I changed out an air cleaner at slightly more than 250 hrs and it had a barely noticeable layer of dust on it.
Might the side-installed generators in the Unihome Grandvillas bring in less dirt due to their location than the front-installed generators of the Unicoaches? My generator (21 years old) has 3,000+ hrs on it and is going strong.
[ (post script):The reason I stated "20" hrs is because in your email message the hours stated were "20", not 200.] Can't figure why there'd be a difference.
Thanks Dave,
I guess I will change the oil filter and oil every fall no matter what the hours. I have a new air filter so maybe that now as well and then keep an eye on it. Kubota says 400 hours on the fuel filter. They are pretty cheap. I have one of those as well so I'll do that as well and then annually as well. I usually leave the tanks at least 3/4 full over the winter and add an algicide additive.
Coolant levels are right where they are supposed to be.
Inside of the case the genset is amazingly clean, hardly any dust even.
All of the filters and oil are about $50. Pretty cheap insurance.
Roger
Hi Don, You are real quick, I added the last 0 for 200 hrs within a minute or less of posting ;D when I reread it.
Good to see you back.
Dave M
Interesting: Dave, your post, when it came via email showed 20 hrs, but when I accessed the Forum website same message reads 200 hrs. Go figure. I guess we don't vary much in our service approach after all.
The e-mails are sent when the post is initially submitted. Dave posted, the e-mail went out, and he edited his original post. E-mails do not go out for post edits.
Oh Roger,
Do not for get the fuel filter between the back of genset and front of tank area, a easy over looked filter that has stung more than a few.
So are there two fuel filters? The one in front that looks like an oil filter cartridge and another one?
Replacing the fuel filter cartridge and purging the air is a little intimidating. Not much detail on what to do. It looks like there is a fuel line solenoid just before the filter cartridge. I see where the air bleed valve is. Do you have to try to start the genset to pressurize the line and fill the filter and expel the air?
This is the part I am a bit unsure of.
I haven't found a plain language description of this process anywhere.
Thanks,
Roger
LOOK Behind & under the genset, you will see another filter.
That is a fuel pump, not a solenoid ahead of filter inside gen cabinet.
Find & open bleeder screw on injection pump. cycle the start cycle until you get fuel, resecure screw nd enjoy .
Sure would be nice to post a pix with arrows, over my head. Eliminate lots of words.
Dave,
Your wish is my command! With a Mac, open the photo/image/etc. with the application that is included with the Mac OS called "Preview". With Preview open, follow the video instructions here.
Mac OSX Howto: Annotate Image With Preview (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIFX-NIAXWk#ws)
Pierce
Pierce,
I thank you, howsomever, I do not have the Apple/Mac, do have the IPad, maybe it has an application that works, it does take nice pix, but I get lost after that, Ideas ?
Tnx
Been snooping for the application, so here goes. IF it works, arrow should pointing to the bleeder screw.
Dave,
Here is a free app from the Apple store called
Skitch. See and read reviews at: Skitch for iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/skitch/id490505997?mt=8)
If you are like me, a photo or video is worth ten thousand words. Here is a link to several
Youtube videos that show how to use
Skitch: you tube skitch - Google Search (https://www.google.com/search?q=you+tube+skitch&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-beta)
And last but not least, here is a link to using
Skitch on MS Windows: Skitch, Our Favorite Screenshot and Annotation Tool, Comes to Windows (http://lifehacker.com/5955051/skitch-our-favorite-screenshot-and-annotation-tool-comes-to-windows)
Only problem with Windows is that you may have to fight "blue screens" and requests to make sure you have an "authentic Microsoft operating system". ;D ;D ;D
Standby for a review of a great GPS app for iPads. Works with an iPad with internal GPS or a jailbroken iPad. Free certain days or cheap otherwise. Your brother will love it for ATV off road use. Once you have the app on your iPad, the Topo, public transport, backroads and trails, MapQuest, etc. maps FOR FREE by selecting the area you want and the type of map. Works everywhere in the world and has GREAT tracking ability. It's called
Maps 3D and is at the Apple Store: Maps 3D - GPS Tracks for Bike, Hike, Ski & Outdoor for iPhone, iPod touch, and (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/maps-3d-gps-tracks-for-bike/id391304000?mt=8) We used it yesterday on really rough back roads in the Sierras. Outstanding. After maps downloaded, no internet connection needed. (offline navigation)
Finally comes
PhotoSync, an app to send photos from your iPad to any bluetooth computer or other bluetooth tablet/smart phone device. Works fast and well. A 5 star must have iOS app. See at: PhotoSync - wirelessly transfers your photos and videos for iPhone, iPod touch, (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/photosync-wirelessly-transfers/id415850124?mt=8)
Pierce
Dave,
You've got it! Who says you can't teach old dogs new tricks? If I can do it with my meager mind, anyone can.
P
Pierce,
Yes I needed a big hint, thanks.
Greetings ALL,
Onan suggests the single generator bearing be replaced every 2,000 hrs., or every five (5) years, whichever comes first. This procedure is not complicated BTW. Change the fan belt and hoses every 5 years too.
IF for some reason the bearing fails, be prepared, the cost is (much) more than the price of the bearing.
I also suggest going to larger air/oil filter(s) and use synthetic oil.
Keep the cooling system to spec by adding a pint of RMI 25.
The one problem generators have is not being run.
pc
pc,
Correct, The biggest failure I've seen on the DKD Onan is the V-Belt, Took care of a Bookmobile with one, had to put new belt on every 2,000 hrs, and the bearing I suggest every 3,000 hrs and dont let it go bad, your correct the cost goes vertical if it comes apart.
As usual, the little Kubota goes & goes with only one Kubota issue, that being the Damper pulley, have seen ONE that came loose, engine would not cool due to fan not coming up to full speed, reason, the hub and pulley came disconnected, acted like a bearing between the two, so fan & water pump ran very slow. Became aware of it when trying to rotate engine using the damper pulley, it just rotated, not the engine. Was a tuff one to find due to installation, but a feel good when finally was found, Another day of getting educated.