Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Generator end bearing on a 12K (Read 1120 times) previous topic - next topic

Generator end bearing on a 12K

Hello all,
I am wondering if anyone has any guidance/photos/etc on doing the end bearing on a Powertech 12KW.  The 12KW has an exciter on the end so it's very different and it looks like all that needs to come off.  I wonder though if I can leave the exciter stator attached to the end bracket (that holds the bearing) and pull the whole thing by hand or if I'll need a puller of some sort.  And how do I remove the exciter rotor?  It doesn't seem to be obvious.  I assume unscrew and tag all the wires.  But there is no bolt in the center holding it on, just threads.  So do I thread a slide hammer into that and start yanking?  I've had the new bearing for quite some time and I really need to get it installed sooner or later, especially as our hour number is well into the 4000's.  I really wish there was a youtube video out there to give me some confidence.  The exciter adds a layer of complication the smaller generators don't seem to have.

Re: Generator end bearing on a 12K

Reply #1 –
Did mine but yours sounds different,post some pictures can help you figure it out.On the 8kw the cover comes off and the bearing is
on the shaft and you need a puller to remove.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Generator end bearing on a 12K

Reply #2 –
Call Power Tech on Monday, I believe you should have a bolt and flat washer on the end. There is a puller required that they send when you buy a generator head from them.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Generator end bearing on a 12K

Reply #3 –
I just replaced mine on a 10kw. But I believe they are basically the same except for the Exciter rotor. Once the end cover is off with the Exciter Stator. You just need a bearing puller. No need to remove the rotor.
Dave & Danette
2005 Foretravel U270, 3620 PBLW, Build #6331
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2017 Can-Am Maverick X3 RR
2016 Polaris Turbo RZR
Motorcade #17839

Re: Generator end bearing on a 12K

Reply #4 –
Can you guys post some pics of what you are referencing? This is something I was thinking of getting to someday .. just because. ^.^d 

Re: Generator end bearing on a 12K

Reply #5 –
John, Dave and Danette, when you replaced the bearing did you inspect or replace brushes and holders?  Did you buy bearing from Powertech or source locally?
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Generator end bearing on a 12K

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Chuck Pearson –
John, Dave and Danette, when you replaced the bearing did you inspect or replace brushes and holders?  Did you buy bearing from Powertech or source locally?
Chuck, theirs would be brushless as is our '99 Don't know what year the change was made.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Generator end bearing on a 12K

Reply #7 –
Correct, Mine is brushless. After talking to Jeff @ PT, he said the only replaceable parts on our unit was the Exciter Stator and bearing. Although they do sell the Exciter Rotor online. It would upgrade my 10kw to 12.5kw. Since I replaced my Exciter Stator I just got the bearing from them also. Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures. But it wasn't difficult at all. One tip on the end plate, after removing the 4 screws holding it on. There are 2 screw holes on the cover for end plate removal.  Use 2 of the screws in these holes as you tighten them it will pop the cover off.
Dave & Danette
2005 Foretravel U270, 3620 PBLW, Build #6331
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2017 Can-Am Maverick X3 RR
2016 Polaris Turbo RZR
Motorcade #17839

Re: Generator end bearing on a 12K

Reply #8 –
I replaced the brushes and bought the bearing from powertech along with the brushes.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Generator end bearing on a 12K

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Dave & Danette –
Correct, Mine is brushless. After talking to Jeff @ PT, he said the only replaceable parts on our unit was the Exciter Stator and bearing. Although they do sell the Exciter Rotor online. It would upgrade my 10kw to 12.5kw. Since I replaced my Exciter Stator I just got the bearing from them also. Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures. But it wasn't difficult at all. One tip on the end plate, after removing the 4 screws holding it on. There are 2 screw holes on the cover for end plate removal.  Use 2 of the screws in these holes as you tighten them it will pop the cover off.

This is very helpful, I think I'll give it another shot after we return from our summer travels.

Re: Generator end bearing on a 12K

Reply #10 –
Mark,
On my 10k PowerTec I would have to remove the back cover, then the exicter rotor, then the exciter stator, and finally the bearing bracket.  You should be able to get to the bearing without removing the main stator.  See attachment.  I don't know if your 12k looks the same as mine.  I just recently changed out my generator.  As you can on my picture the bearing is close to the end of the main rotor shaft with plenty of room to remove the bearing.  The other picture shows the tool needed to pull the exicter rotor. Hope this helps or gives you insight.
John M.
John & Carm Morales

"We travel not to go anywhere, but to just go.  We travel for travel's sake.  Our great desire is to move."

Re: Generator end bearing on a 12K

Reply #11 –
John, it looks similar but I can't be sure without seeing the exciter stator as well.  My exciter rotor has 6 or so screw terminals and wires on it (diode board?).  Perhaps that part comes off easily and you've already removed it.  Did you acquire this tool from Powertech or was this a DIY assembly.  It looks like it could be made with simple tools.

Re: Generator end bearing on a 12K

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Mark D –
John, it looks similar but I can't be sure without seeing the exciter stator as well.  My exciter rotor has 6 or so screw terminals and wires on it (diode board?).  Perhaps that part comes off easily and you've already removed it.  Did you acquire this tool from Powertech or was this a DIY assembly.  It looks like it could be made with simple tools.
Mark,
Whenever you buy a replacement generator from PowerTec it comes with the tool and everything you need to change the generator.  You can call PowerTec and see if you can purchase the tool and the bearing from them.  Worth a try.
John M.
John & Carm Morales

"We travel not to go anywhere, but to just go.  We travel for travel's sake.  Our great desire is to move."

Re: Generator end bearing on a 12K

Reply #13 –
Looks like they made it easier on the newer models. On mine the bearing is on the end of the shaft, the end cover actually slips over the bearing. No need to pull anything but the cover to get to the bearing.
Dave & Danette
2005 Foretravel U270, 3620 PBLW, Build #6331
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2017 Can-Am Maverick X3 RR
2016 Polaris Turbo RZR
Motorcade #17839

Re: Generator end bearing on a 12K

Reply #14 –
Quote from: John Morales –
Mark,
Whenever you buy a replacement generator from PowerTec it comes with the tool and everything you need to change the generator.  You can call PowerTec and see if you can purchase the tool and the bearing from them.  Worth a try.
John M.

I did buy the bearing from them but no mention of the tool.  Its existence is news to me ;)
 

Re: Generator end bearing on a 12K

Reply #15 –
Quote from: Mark D –
I did buy the bearing from them but no mention of the tool.  Its existence is news to me ;)
If you go to Harbor Freight you can find a puller there you can use fairly cheap or call PowerTec to compare.  You will need the tool to pull the exciter rotor.
John M.

https://www.harborfreight.com/bolt-type-wheel-puller-set-62620.html?cid=paid_google|*PLA+-+All+Products+-+Higher+Sales+Items|New+Products+-+%282%29+Price+%2410-30|62620&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&mkwid=sl5mAxOZd|pcrid|278918170779|pkw||pmt||pdv|m|slid||product|62620|&pgrid=57009142739&ptaid=pla-489589369912&pcid=1458484684&gclid=Cj0KCQjwu-HoBRD5ARIsAPIPendjrp6yNGXun33_JC_iqanJ0YlgL6n-2UqeH7JyF2ref9HPyLzBlrMaAsLbEALw_wcB
John & Carm Morales

"We travel not to go anywhere, but to just go.  We travel for travel's sake.  Our great desire is to move."