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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Renovations => Topic started by: John Morales on March 25, 2019, 01:24:26 pm

Title: Ambitious Job
Post by: John Morales on March 25, 2019, 01:24:26 pm
Some of you know from last summer while in Illinois my generator burned up.  I took it to the nearest Power Tech service center and they said it needed a new generator, $5500 plus any incidentals.  I called Power Tech in Leesburg, Fl and they said the the generator package was around $3000 plus taxes.  I then figured I should change the generator myself when I got to Florida.  Mean time someone on the forum told about a generator for sale on classified.  I called the guy, it was exactly what I needed.  Brand new still in the box.  I got a great deal at $1000 but I had to travel to Texas and pick it up.

I'm in Florida and started my project.  Before working on the generator I had Red Tractor change all of my fuel lines.  I then pulled the old generator off of the engine, then I pulled the engine.  I removed the slide tray and had it sandblasted and powder coated. $85.  I removed all of the old insulation from the compartment and cleaned it up.  I used the Cool Tech sound deadening insulation in the compartment. It is the same stuff they use in sound deadening in the classic car restorations. It was self adhesive and I also sprayed the compartment walls with 3M 90. Once putting down the insulation their was no getting it up without a struggle.

I reinstalled the tray, engine and generator.  I replaced the fuel pump and I added an extra ground strap coming off ofl the coach frame to the ground coming from the tray to the engine.  With the powder coating of the tray I wasn't sure if I would have any issues with getting a good ground. 

This morning I called Power Tech to go over the wiring connections with Jeff.  We fired everything up and everything is running great and we are back in business.

Thanks to Power Tech, Craneman and Red Tractor on the forum and the referral on classifieds I was able to have a successful installation.  Below are the pictures of the ambitious job. 

I Praise God for the wisdom he gives me to do these things.
John M
Title: Re: Ambitious Job
Post by: D.J. Osborn on March 25, 2019, 01:40:26 pm
Great job, John! Hope to see the finished project in person some day!
Title: Re: Ambitious Job
Post by: Bob & Sue on March 25, 2019, 01:41:34 pm
Nice work on the new Geny.  Your ready for another 40,000 hrs.
    What was the cause of the old Geny burning up and how many hrs on it ??
Title: Re: Ambitious Job
Post by: Realmccoy on March 25, 2019, 01:42:25 pm
You converted an expensive problem into a moderately priced comprehensive solution. You are far ahead of where you started. Where did you do the work?
Title: Re: Ambitious Job
Post by: John44 on March 25, 2019, 01:45:43 pm
Looks good John,only thing I may do different is install new motor mounts.
Title: Re: Ambitious Job
Post by: John Morales on March 25, 2019, 02:34:58 pm
Nice work on the new Geny.  Your ready for another 40,000 hrs.
    What was the cause of the old Geny burning up and how many hrs on it ??
The previous generator was replaced under the previous owner.  Who ever installed the generator and voltage regulator did a shabby job.  They only put one screw on the regulator and over time with the Isuzu rough start and stops the regulator broke loose and shorted everything in the box and smoked the generator.
Title: Re: Ambitious Job
Post by: John Morales on March 25, 2019, 02:37:47 pm
I was an electrician in the Air Force on the B52 and KC135 and worked as a Tool & Die Maker till I went into management.
John M
Title: Re: Ambitious Job
Post by: John Morales on March 25, 2019, 02:39:14 pm
Looks good John,only thing I may do different is install new motor mounts.
I thought about the new mounts.  The old ones looked great so I reused them.
Title: Re: Ambitious Job
Post by: juicesqueezer on March 25, 2019, 02:44:48 pm
I was an electrician in the Air Force on the B52 and KC135 and worked as a Tool & Die Maker till I went into management.
John M

Great work John;  where were you stationed?  I was at Travis AFB and was a jet mech on C-130's, C-135's, KC-135's, C-141's and C-5A's just before I was discharged in '66.
Title: Re: Ambitious Job
Post by: John Morales on March 25, 2019, 03:11:12 pm
Great work John;  where were you stationed?  I was at Travis AFB and was a jet mech on C-130's, C-135's, KC-135's, C-141's and C-5A's just before I was discharged in '66.
I was stationed at Robins AFB, GA.  Great learning experience.
Title: Re: Ambitious Job
Post by: Bill Chaplin on March 25, 2019, 04:28:34 pm
I was stationed at Robins AFB, GA.  Great learning experience.

I picked 2 brand new HC130H,s @ Robins in 1966 54th Rescue Sqdn (Goose Bay ) Lab
(was Flight Engineer on C54's & HC130)
Title: Re: Ambitious Job
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on March 25, 2019, 05:10:51 pm
Good way to research to get the best possible price and then install it. Hate to see so many folks get @#$% by an RV shop. NEVER PAY LIST PRICE

Nice work again!

Pierce
Title: Re: Ambitious Job
Post by: jor on March 25, 2019, 05:44:37 pm
That is one sweet lookin' genny! Bien hecho!
jor
Title: Re: Ambitious Job
Post by: ohsonew on March 25, 2019, 06:08:16 pm
John that looks terrific. Looks like a new sideline for you???????????

Larry
Title: Re: Ambitious Job
Post by: John Morales on March 25, 2019, 06:49:00 pm
No. I do it because I like the challenge and at the same time save a few coach bucks.  Also, I know how it got done.  If someone needs the help or encouragement I will do that also.
John M.
Title: Re: Ambitious Job
Post by: rbark on March 25, 2019, 08:01:28 pm
Great job John!
Title: Re: Ambitious Job
Post by: Bill and Marsha on March 25, 2019, 09:38:40 pm
Great Job John, I imagine the self satisfaction and pride to complete a project like this is priceless!
Title: Re: Ambitious Job
Post by: Travelin' Man (RIP) on March 26, 2019, 08:29:36 pm
Great job John.
Title: Re: Ambitious Job
Post by: Tom West on April 03, 2019, 09:03:29 pm
Which Power Tech outfit did you call about wiring instructions.  Jeff?  The project you just conquered is amazing.  Each of these motor homes is an engineering feat
Title: Re: Ambitious Job
Post by: floridarandy on April 04, 2019, 06:33:57 am
John, terrific post!  Can you tell a difference in sound with the new insulation?
Title: Re: Ambitious Job
Post by: joeszeidel on April 04, 2019, 07:46:13 am
John from pictures of some of your past projects, I knew this one would turn out the way it did. Given your past training it's no wonder that you have a quality work ethic. I wish I had your skills. Great Job.
Title: Re: Ambitious Job
Post by: John Morales on April 04, 2019, 08:40:15 pm
Which Power Tech outfit did you call about wiring instructions.  Jeff?  The project you just conquered is amazing.  Each of these motor homes is an engineering feat
Yes, I contacted tech support at Power Tech in Leesburg, Florida.  Jeff usually answers but sometimes they have other techs answering the phone.  They are very helpful.
John M.
Title: Re: Ambitious Job
Post by: hdff on April 04, 2019, 10:09:23 pm
Nice job, looks new...