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Topic: cooling generator properly (Read 676 times) previous topic - next topic

cooling generator properly

I have the 10k, 4 cylinder and was wondering if you should open the side door below the drivers seat when operating in hot weather or the front hood? Does it get adequate air for the radiator with everything closed? Seems like it's really closed up.
Thanks
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: cooling generator properly

Reply #1 –
No, you don't have to open the doors.  It's system is designed to work fine that way.  It won't hurt to open the doors so long as there's no one around but the noise will be significantly higher.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: cooling generator properly

Reply #2 –
If you are concerned or just wondering, this gauge is good for your generator's temperatures. If you have a belt, make sure it's snug. Better to have a instrument panel gauge but you can open the compartment and check.

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

Re: cooling generator properly

Reply #3 –
Ok. Just never heard anyone talk about it. My Bounder 2 cylinder liked the bin door open with no radiator.
Unless its crazy hot, I won't worry about it.
Thanks everyone
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: cooling generator properly

Reply #4 –
If it's real hot100+, I'll open the front and side, it helps. Although not necessary. It gets HOTTT in the generator compartment.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: cooling generator properly

Reply #5 –
I've never never worried about it.  It will shut down if the temp goes up much at all.  The capacitor went out on the radiator blower motor causing a shutdown and when I went out to check it wasn't even hot enough to smell warm.  All appeared normal except that the temp fault light was on.
Rick & Rhonda
2003 U320 4220  Build #6199
Was
91 36' GV 300 Caterpillar, 92 40' U280 300 Cummins, 97 36' U295 300 Cummins, 2002
U320 450 Cummins
(Guess we're hooked)

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Re: cooling generator properly

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Johnstons –
I've never never worried about it.  It will shut down if the temp goes up much at all.  The capacitor went out on the radiator blower motor causing a shutdown and when I went out to check it wasn't even hot enough to smell warm.  All appeared normal except that the temp fault light was on.

    And where was that capacitor located? I have an 01 320 and have been starting the blower motor by hand for a few weeks now. And you are correct the shutdown temp seems to be very conservative. I like that.
      I also do not open any compartments for stationary operation. Thanks in advance, Brent

Re: cooling generator properly

Reply #7 –
It should be somewhere around the squirrel cage motor.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: cooling generator properly

Reply #8 –
Probably on the back side of the squirrel cage.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: cooling generator properly

Reply #9 –
My opinion is like a car they typically are designed to run in hot temps when the systems are working correctly. Would it hurt to open a door, probably not, is it necessary, shouldn't be. If the generator is running hot there may be some other lying issues. I currently have SOB and it has a 12kw Powertech brushless generator in a quiet box, totally all enclosed in a metal box. I noticed my dash gauge was slowly creeping up from 180 to 200-205 degrees. I knew it was time to check things out. I have 5000 hours on the unit and definitely time for a look over. With that said it has never has shut down, and I have a high electric rate usuage with 3 AC's, house fridge and 2 inverters.

Being proactive I opened it up, found a few issues that were in need of replacement. Decided it was time to replace the head unit end bearing, to my surprise it was still decent, I thought it had a good quality SKF bearing, so I installed the same brand. I hear it probably lasted because the generator has had regular use, which is a good thing. My exhaust had a fiberglass wrap inside the box and had developed a crack next the radiator putting hot gas and black soot into my radiator, I went ahead and installed new water pump, thermostat and belt. Belt was about ready to go. I even went ahead and changed all the fuel lines. Had the radiator checked at a shop it was clean just washed out the fins.

Now the just of my long story. It now runs at 180 degrees. I believe with the cooling system working correctly a generator should be able to run 24/7 at its thermostat rating.
John Hobbs
1995 U300 SE
M11 / Retarder
Private toilet
1 of 1
Wichita, Ks

Re: cooling generator properly

Reply #10 –
Redid mine a few years ago, replaced the rubber mounts,made a difference,especially when starting and stopping.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: cooling generator properly

Reply #11 –
Just to clarify, it's not necessary to open any doors if the generator cooling system is working properly. Next time you have your generator running in 100+ weather after an hour or so go put your hand on the top of the control box, you'll see what I mean.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country
 

Re: cooling generator properly

Reply #12 –
Yes. Seems they got it right on the design
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.