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Topic: Powertech Generator "High Temperature" light (Read 2187 times) previous topic - next topic

Powertech Generator "High Temperature" light

I've been chasing the cause of my PT Generator shutting down after just a few minutes of run time. This happens with or without a load. See the first pic. After draining, flushing and adding new antifreeze it still shuts down after just a few minutes and the High Temperature light comes on.

Is this (second pic) a fuse? It does not seem to do any thing. The generator runs (for a few minutes) with it in or out. Could this be the source of my High Temp light?

Any thoughts.

Thanks
Ed
Ed and Michele
2000 U295  36'  (Build #5600)
8.3 ISC 350HP.
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Toad)
2001 Lance Truck Camper (Sold)
2001 Lazy Daze (Class C). RK Floor Plan (Sold)

Re: Powertech Generator "High Temperature" light

Reply #1 –
Ed, are you sure you've purged all the air from the system? I'd start from there.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Powertech Generator "High Temperature" light

Reply #2 –
Is the fan running?  On ours, there is a switch that controls the fan and if that switch is in the "off" position, the fan will not come on - resulting in overheating and the generator will shut itself off.
1996 U295 36' WTBI

Re: Powertech Generator "High Temperature" light

Reply #3 –
Ed,
I don't know the specifics about your generator but I don't think that is a fuse but a circuit breaker that PT is using as a "fault" button.  They typically pop out (showing the white band as to get your attention) to indicate that a fault has occurred.  Normally the generator will not start until that button is reset (but strangely yours does).  Your owners manual should discuss the functionality of this in detail.  PT went a step further and added indicator lights to help you zero in on the problem.  I would try to verify if the engine is actually getting hot (assuming the coolant level is good) by using a IR thermometer on the thermostat housing of the engine.  If it's not then I would suspect the temperature sensor.  I wouldn't think a bad reset button would cause your symptoms.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Powertech Generator "High Temperature" light

Reply #4 –
I just had a similar issue after servicing the gen set cooling system. The generator would shut down and I had a flashing low oil light which on my coach flashing means low coolant. Sure enough even though the purging procedure was followed after an additional two hours of running the coolant level was low. Added coolant, ran for four hours on the the next leg with no problems.
2002 U320 40Ft  MC # 15759
Coach # 5995
Previous coaches
2002 U320 coach  #5941
1996 U270 coach #4808

Re: Powertech Generator "High Temperature" light

Reply #5 –
Thanks

I really don't think it is actually overheating as it shuts down after just a few minutes. Fan was running.

Burping it was a PITA. After flushing I got most of a gallon down the fill. It holds 4.22 qts.

Yes it ran (however briefly) while the CB was popped out. You can see the green Engine Run light and the popped breaker in the second pic above.

Sadly no mention of this CB in anything I can find on the Powertech web site. I downloaded a manual but no mention there either.

Can you tell me where the temperature sensor is located?

Thanks
Ed
Ed and Michele
2000 U295  36'  (Build #5600)
8.3 ISC 350HP.
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Toad)
2001 Lance Truck Camper (Sold)
2001 Lazy Daze (Class C). RK Floor Plan (Sold)

Re: Powertech Generator "High Temperature" light

Reply #6 –
Be sure your belt is snug.  When we purchased ours 3yrs. ago I had the same problem and found the belt loose not turning water pump properly.
Jerry & Nanci
1999 U270 34'WTFI
2011 Malibu
A smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows when to say it.

Re: Powertech Generator "High Temperature" light

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Green99 –
Be sure your belt is snug.  When we purchased ours 3yrs. ago I had the same problem and found the belt loose not turning water pump properly.

I'll check the coolant level again and the belt appears tight but I'll check it also.

ed
Ed and Michele
2000 U295  36'  (Build #5600)
8.3 ISC 350HP.
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Toad)
2001 Lance Truck Camper (Sold)
2001 Lazy Daze (Class C). RK Floor Plan (Sold)

Re: Powertech Generator "High Temperature" light

Reply #8 –
Ed,
Just noticed you said it only runs for a few minutes.  Disregard the belt, I didn't read close enough.
Jerry & Nanci
1999 U270 34'WTFI
2011 Malibu
A smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows when to say it.

Re: Powertech Generator "High Temperature" light

Reply #9 –
Stuck thermostat?
"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: Powertech Generator "High Temperature" light

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Lance Camper –
Can you tell me where the temperature sensor is located?
I can't say I'm familiar with you model generator (10Kw in a quiet box) 
Dave Katsuki  has a 8Kw (not in a quiet box) that he pulled to redo the insulation.  He thoughtfully took a picture of the rarely seen backside: Re-insulating the generator compartment
The temperature sensor (seen on the back side) has a single wire leading to it.  I don't know if yours is actually located there but I would guess the sensor will look very much like that one.
Is there any information in your Foretravel books? 
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Powertech Generator "High Temperature" light

Reply #11 –
I think my temp sensor is located on the front, upper right as you look at the generator.  Mine was leaking and just in finger tight.  I just tightened it and it seems to have fixed the leak.  It has one wire with a female spade connector to a male on the sensor.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Powertech Generator "High Temperature" light

Reply #12 –
I just went through the same problem with my Powertech generator.  Turned out to be a bad sending unit.  Unit would run for a short period and shut down.  High temp warning light ON.  this would happen just as you say.  Long before the engine would have time to even get hot.  To trouble shoot just unplug the temp sending unit and start the generator.  If it continues to run the sending unit is BAD.  Cost from Powertech factory in Florida, about $40.00.  Hope this helps.

Nick
Nick
1999 U295 40'

Re: Powertech Generator "High Temperature" light

Reply #13 –
Ed:

I had a similar problem with mine after service- needed to be re-burped several times to be sure to get all of the air out of the system.  When you think you have all of the air out- burp it again and see what happens.

The other thing could be your squirrel cage fan not running- I replaced mine several years ago.

Hope you get it worked out.
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing

Re: Powertech Generator "High Temperature" light

Reply #14 –
Ed,
What was the solution to your Powertech problem?
Larry
Larry and Terry
Ex 2004 U270 36'

Re: Powertech Generator "High Temperature" light

Reply #15 –
Quote from: ltg –
Ed,
What was the solution to your Powertech problem?
Larry


On hold till Monday.  In my neck of the woods a lot of businesses close on weekends. I'm originally from the NY metro area. The city that never sleeps. It's a little hard to get use to.

I did learn that the circuit breaker mentioned above is a "thermal circuit breaker" and based on conversations with counter men at various auto parts stores could be related to my problem. I sent an email to PT in Florida but their offices are also probably closed for the weekend. Hopefully they will respond by Monday.

Since I could not find the circuit breaker locally I ordered the part on line for double the price. Shipping and handling Arrrghhh !
When I get the C/B installed, if it still overheats, I'm going to check the temperature sensor. It's on the rear of my genny and not easy to get to.

Ed
Ed and Michele
2000 U295  36'  (Build #5600)
8.3 ISC 350HP.
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Toad)
2001 Lance Truck Camper (Sold)
2001 Lazy Daze (Class C). RK Floor Plan (Sold)

Re: Powertech Generator "High Temperature" light

Reply #16 –
Heard back from Jeff at Powertech. The circuit breaker mentioned above (if tripped) will shut down the fan and could cause the overheat problem. I have the cb on order.

Ed
Ed and Michele
2000 U295  36'  (Build #5600)
8.3 ISC 350HP.
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Toad)
2001 Lance Truck Camper (Sold)
2001 Lazy Daze (Class C). RK Floor Plan (Sold)
 

Re: Powertech Generator "High Temperature" light

Reply #17 –
Thanks to all who offered suggestions, thank you.

I received the circuit breaker in the mail, installed it this morning. The generator has been purring away for about 90 minutes with both air conditioners running. Problem solved. (Fingers crossed).

The old circuit breaker was in such bad shape I think it had tripped and was not showing the white stripe indicating it was indeed tripped. That led to the radiator fan not running and the generator quickly overheating.

New circuit breaker, fresh antifreeze, and I learned something about my coach. I'm happy.

Ed
Ed and Michele
2000 U295  36'  (Build #5600)
8.3 ISC 350HP.
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Toad)
2001 Lance Truck Camper (Sold)
2001 Lazy Daze (Class C). RK Floor Plan (Sold)