Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 15, 2025 ...

Preemptive maintenance on diesel genset or "paging Dave M"

March 09, 2012, 06:43:45 pm

I've noted a distressing trend of folks having to replace their Powertech genset end.  Since I now have my headlight conversion complete and ready to move on to the next project,  I'm thinking of pulling the genset and tearing it down for inspection, possible bearing replacement and a general R&R.  Will also relocate the control box to the side blower bay as others have done.  It's running fine right now and I'd like to keep it that way. 

Would appreciate input from any who have had gen problems, particularly if you have knowledge of failure mode.  I'm going to obtain what service manuals I can find. Guess my primary question at this point is whether or not there are adjustments, alignments, wear parts that would make this a worthwhile project, or is it a "run her till she pukes, there's nothing you can do inside" deal.  If that's the case I'll move on to my solar installation.  This is a 10KW model, 1996 vintage.

Thanks, Chuck

Quote Selected

Re: Preemptive maintenance on diesel genset or "paging Dave M"

Reply #1 – March 09, 2012, 07:42:56 pm

I believe Powertech recommends pedestal bearing replacement at like 5K hours.

The only 'recommended' work outside of normal preventive maint is relocating the voltage regulator 'of the unit' to the same box as the cooling fan. The Powertech mech I talked with at the Leesburg shop said the vibration and heat would eventually fracture the solder joints and boards.

I would really recommend replacing the rubber isolation mounts - they usually are gone by the 8-10 year point.

Best thing for these generators is run them as much as possible. We run ours on the road to power the reefer and AC units - always.

Quote Selected

Re: Preemptive maintenance on diesel genset or "paging Dave M"

Reply #2 – March 09, 2012, 09:12:14 pm

Thanks Dave.  The genset is only at around 1500 hours, but when I cranked it up after rebuilding the carrier frame and housing it spit out quite a bit of Mexican gravel and sand from when it did its nose dive in Mx with previous owner.  That might be a good reason to go ahead with bearings unless they are sealed.  Sure would be nice to know what's killing so many gensets, though, and try to head it off at the pass.

Quote Selected

Re: Preemptive maintenance on diesel genset or "paging Dave M"

Reply #3 – March 09, 2012, 09:19:14 pm

Do we have access to a service manual for the Powertech generators? I have been searching the forum, but only find Operators Manual.

Quote Selected