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Topic: 2000 u320 generator run capacitor location (Read 653 times) previous topic - next topic

2000 u320 generator run capacitor location

  Good Morning,
 
Attending my first Scca Runoffs event at Virginia International Raceway this week, I've had a generator shut off due to overheating of water temp.    Narrowed down that the radiator fan isn't coming on, we'll it will start turning for maybe 5 minutes then stops.  Soon after the water temps rise, puke out of radiator cap hose.

Looks like to me possibly the run capacitor, but haven't had any luck locating the capacitor.

Remote radiator with electric squirrel cage fan exiting thru radiatorto passenger wheel well.

The fan will manually spin with fingers pushing, but to me has some resistance.    Thinking eventureplace the fan, but want to try replacing the capacitor first if I can locate it.
     
Any thoughts are appreciated.

David
David and Christi Spillman
2003gv
1992 airstream classic limited
1989 avion XB
1989 avion 32s
1987 avion 34w
1998  U270 36' "Project"
1983 avion 34w
1962 avion T25

Re: 2000 u320 generator run capacitor location

Reply #1 –
David, I have seen the capacitor mounted on the fan cage on the back side.  Would need a mirror to see it.

If true, mount new one on front side where you can easily access it.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: 2000 u320 generator run capacitor location

Reply #2 –
David they mounted the start capacitor on the back side of the fan housing. The wires are long enough to relocate to were it can be reached. If it starts thou it sounds like it may be old but still functioning. I always recommend changing the start capacitors every ten years on everything. They originally dont come with wire boots and I installed during relocation to prevent shock. Be careful not to get shocked while searching for it. If it is difficult to turn there may be a problem. Typically your problem sounds like you have an air entrapment issue. Check fluid level. There are good posts on how to bleed the system.

Re: 2000 u320 generator run capacitor location

Reply #3 –

I recently did a total rebuild of all things Gen. I found my capacitor mounted behind the top water hose for the radiator between the radiator and the main housing of the gen. If I laid on my back under the gen, top left area, the gap between the Gen housing and the radiator housing It can be found mounted against radiator side. It had quite a long lead on it so I installed the new one on the flat panel just above the radiator ( the wall between the front tire and rad) Here is the one I ordered and works great, so cheap bought 2.

Must have been one of those things installed on a late friday or early monday when the coach was being built.

15 uF 6% 370V/440V Oval Run Start Capacitor for AC Motor Run or Fan Start...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918

Re: 2000 u320 generator run capacitor location

Reply #4 –
Don't have that style but if his fan is not coming on don't think it is air in the system.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: 2000 u320 generator run capacitor location

Reply #5 –
I had a similar problem several years ago. Turned out to be a problem with the voltage regulator.
Eric & Nancy
1999 36 Ft. U320 WTFE
2016 GMC Terrain

Re: 2000 u320 generator run capacitor location

Reply #6 –
Update,
  Thank goodness it was cool this past weekend.
Replaced capacitor, no change.  Electric fan "smells hot" and squirrel cage fan becomes more difficult to spin..    will remove and test on the bench.

  David
David and Christi Spillman
2003gv
1992 airstream classic limited
1989 avion XB
1989 avion 32s
1987 avion 34w
1998  U270 36' "Project"
1983 avion 34w
1962 avion T25

Re: 2000 u320 generator run capacitor location

Reply #7 –
Much distress removing fan from motor shaft..... maybe a hour of beating, smacking even buying a fancy puller,finally  Called a HVAC friend.  after he explained the importance of cleaning/ wire brushing shaft before pushing shaft out of the fan, it all made sense. 24 years of accumulated crud on the motor shaft it was causing friction that would stop a freight train.    Cleaned,wire brushed it smooth, the fan practically fell off. 
    Now to source correct fan motor.

David
David and Christi Spillman
2003gv
1992 airstream classic limited
1989 avion XB
1989 avion 32s
1987 avion 34w
1998  U270 36' "Project"
1983 avion 34w
1962 avion T25

Re: 2000 u320 generator run capacitor location

Reply #8 –
You might try Grainger supply for the motor
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: 2000 u320 generator run capacitor location

Reply #9 –
Update...
  Removed radiator, squirrel cage and accompanying electric motor.....
    Vapor blasted, repainted all of cage. 
Learned that when removing fan from motor shaft, one must push fan down shaft, sand shaft before lifting to  trying to separate. Found a used motor on eBay for $50 bucks, installed, put it all back together.....    to the realization that it's bearings are making noise ....  Hindsight being 20/20  .....  as a good friend noted that I cut the wrong corner buying a used motor......    Grrrrrr.......  May rebuild the original, to have handy when the bearing  noise becomes unbearable...... 
        One more item on this beast that I completely understand how it's put together......

      Grrrrrr.......

    Crashed on second lap of first runoffs, clipped a non-stationary spun car  ...... tough weekend it was.....

David

     
David and Christi Spillman
2003gv
1992 airstream classic limited
1989 avion XB
1989 avion 32s
1987 avion 34w
1998  U270 36' "Project"
1983 avion 34w
1962 avion T25

Re: 2000 u320 generator run capacitor location

Reply #10 –
Quote from: ratbug –
Update...
  Removed radiator, squirrel cage and accompanying electric motor.....
    Vapor blasted, repainted all of cage. 
Learned that when removing fan from motor shaft, one must push fan down shaft, sand shaft before lifting to  trying to separate. Found a used motor on eBay for $50 bucks, installed, put it all back together.....    to the realization that it's bearings are making noise ....  Hindsight being 20/20  .....  as a good friend noted that I cut the wrong corner buying a used motor......    Grrrrrr.......  May rebuild the original, to have handy when the bearing  noise becomes unbearable...... 
        One more item on this beast that I completely understand how it's put together......

      Grrrrrr.......

    Crashed on second lap of first runoffs, clipped a non-stationary spun car  ...... tough weekend it was.....

David

     
David, I may be having the same problem as you. I'm trying a new capacitor 1st but if that's not it I may need a new motor also. I know you purchased a used motor but do you have a part number for a new one?
Thanks.
Dylan and Aimee
2001 U320 4013
Unit# 5896
450 HP/IFS
 

Re: 2000 u320 generator run capacitor location

Reply #11 –
Here are the part numbers for motor and capacitor from when I replaced ours.
Bought at FOT.
Call and make sure they will work for your application.
Frank & Daisy
NO LONGER  "looking for the perfect Foretravel
36' or less non slide preferred."  She has been found and is ours.
2003 U320 36' non slide  Unit 6103
Cummins ISM 450
Allison 4000MH

Re: 2000 u320 generator run capacitor location

Reply #12 –
Also check Grainger since they sell Dayton
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago
 

Re: 2000 u320 generator run capacitor location

Reply #13 –
I had a similar problem and it was just related to a air bubble in the cooling system. It takes a while to bleed the remote radiator. The fan issue is a separate thing and I don't think it's related to your start capacitor. But as Rudy said in the beginning make sure you relocate your start capacitor to the front of the squirrel cage and be careful about the expose wires.
The other thing to make sure is that the breaker for the squirrel cage fan isn't tripped.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired