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Topic: Air filter on Power Tech (Read 610 times) previous topic - next topic

Air filter on Power Tech

Was enjoying the a/c, Directv etc while at Flying J at Knoxville, when I noticed the rpm/frequency dropping, WOW !!
Assumed the fuel filter between genset and tank was stopping up, changed it, started engine, right off noticed the hose between air filter & intake manifold collapsed.
Had just installed a new cartridge 65 hrs earlier, normally change about 200 hrs.
Removed the hose at intake, rubs great, just a little noisy.  Thinking of installing a wire spring inside the air hose like used on the bottom radiator hose.
Will run in survival mode till I get home and only stationary.
Dave M

Re: Air filter on Power Tech

Reply #1 –

I installed 2 of these silicon 90 elbows on my Isuzu due to the older rubber ones getting quite brittle-

Amazon.com: DPT, SH-175-90-BK, 1.75" 90 Degree Elbow 3-Ply 4mm Thickness High

The silicone ones are more pliable and cause less stress on the air filter housing which I have had to replace the mounting bracket already.

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Robert
Build # 5304
1998 34' U270 Cummins 6CTA8.3

Re: Air filter on Power Tech

Reply #2 –
Robert,

That is brilliant. We have had to rebuild our air cleaner bracket several times, as they break from vibrations. Never considered changing original elbows, but now we will.

Thanks,
Barry & Cindy

Re: Air filter on Power Tech

Reply #3 –

Actually, let me add something to it.  I did buy 2 of the elbows but ended up having to modify one of them into a coupling.

Facing the generator from the front of the coach, I cut off the factory elbow on the right at the intake manifold and replaced it with one of these 90s.  On the air filter housing, I would just buy one of the straight pieces to make a short flexible coupling between the filter housing and the original factory plastic 90.

Use a piece like this on the air filter side rather than chopping up the straight sections of the 90 like I did-
Amazon.com: DPT, SH-175-BK, 1.75" Straight 3-Ply 4mm Thickness High Temperature

These things are measured differently than construction materials so the 1.75"  was the correct size for the 1.5" PVC that was used on the generator ( I was too lazy to send back the 1.5" pieces that I ordered the first time which were oh so close to fitting but just wouldn't go on).

Picture added.

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Robert
Build # 5304
1998 34' U270 Cummins 6CTA8.3

Re: Air filter on Power Tech

Reply #4 –
Upon arriving home and getting into the air filter issue on the genset, I found I was wrong when the tine on new filter was 65 hrs, that was wrong, it would have been closer to 45 hrs.
After checking, indeed the filter was stopped up, no clue why, must have been in a bad area.  So installed new cartridge, will carry a spare at $20.00. Zero oil useage.

Re: Air filter on Power Tech

Reply #5 –
Well, I just ran my generator for two and a half days straight.  I got to love the power and reliability of these units. THey want to be run that is for sure.  Interesting that you had that issue. I will have to get a spare to carry as well. 
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Air filter on Power Tech

Reply #6 –
John,
Normal is 2-300 hours to change air filter, why this came as a surprise, this is the first time it actually stopped up to point of reducing intake air and slowing the rpm.
Why I guessed a fuel issue first, wrong, when started, the rubber hose sucked shut.  Oh wow!! Big surprise.
Thinking alternate air intake to filter canister, will snoop it out one day.

I have no problem running it for more than a week non stop once your comfy with oil consumption, ran the 12.5 kw on the MCI from time prior to startup until after was home in the garage, could be up to 18 days, never an issue.
Always felt that if I could wear it out would be a good sign of having a grand time ;D

Re: Air filter on Power Tech

Reply #7 –
THat is my goal to wear it out.  I will turn it on again at the end of the week and head to NAC.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Air filter on Power Tech

Reply #8 –
Do you think it would be worthwhile to add one of those 'Filter Minder" restriction indicators to the generator intake?  They don't cost much - around $20.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Air filter on Power Tech

Reply #9 –
Quote from: cajk –
Do you think it would be worthwhile to add one of those 'Filter Minder" restriction indicators to the generator intake?  They don't cost much - under $20.

Those are notorious for inaccuracy. A running gauge showing suction?
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4
 

Re: Air filter on Power Tech

Reply #10 –
Think Bob is correct here. They have to be super sensitive and almost need a mercury column to be accurate. Our air cleaner on the engine was super clogged but the telltale didn't show it. I installed another type but don't have much more faith in it either.

Air cleaner in a generator size has to be super cheap so why not just follow the owner's manual and replace according to engine hours?

Most aircraft have vacuum gauges but the reading is much higher as several gyro instruments are powered by the vacuum pump so won't work in this application.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)