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Topic: generator kicking out  (Read 958 times) previous topic - next topic

generator kicking out

I have a new issue and am hoping someone can help me.  I have a 2001 U270 with 10K Powertech diesel generator.  Now that it is hot, my generator is running fine while sitting, but on the road with the A/C on, it kicks off- showing a fault light.  When I stop to check it, I find that the cooling fan breaker has tripped.  I can restart it, but then it kicks out again on the road.  I checked my coolant level and it seems fine.  I am used to driving with the generator running and the A/C keeping me cool for the past 4 years.

Any clues as to what might be happening here?  I can do basic mechanics, but not much of an electrician.

Thanks for your help.  This forum and the people are great.

Ted
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing

Re: generator kicking out

Reply #1 –
Ted,
We had a similar problem and ended up changing out the fan breaker. After that we have had no more problems with the fan tripping while we were in motion going down the road. It was summarised that the breaker must of had a weak spring.
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: generator kicking out

Reply #2 –
I would be thinking either the circuit breaker on the radiator fan AND / OR the electric fan motor.
Other things that could contribute to a problem would be low voltage and / or low frequency.
Poor wiring, where the wire might have worn through and trying to short the fan / trip breaker.
Good luck

Re: generator kicking out

Reply #3 –
Thanks for your  ideas- how do I get to the fan breaker?  Does it screw out or do I need to take something apart?

Ted
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing

Re: generator kicking out

Reply #4 –
Ted, You most likely will need to slide the generator forward enough to get into the control box on top of genset. I am not familiar with the 270 setup, but on my 320, it will need to be moved far enough to get into it.
Not sure if need to disconnect the exhaust, just maybe, not a big deal either way.
Dave M

Re: generator kicking out

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Dave M –
Ted, You most likely will need to slide the generator forward enough to get into the control box on top of genset. I am not familiar with the 270 setup, but on my 320, it will need to be moved far enough to get into it.
Not sure if need to disconnect the exhaust, just maybe, not a big deal either way.
Dave M

My friend who has a 2000 U270 had to disconnect the exhaust to pull his generator forward.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: generator kicking out

Reply #6 –
I don't have to disconnect my exhaust to pull the generator forward.  The exhaust pipe has a flexible loop that allows pulling it forward.  There are 2 bolts (1 each side)  in the slide mechanism that have to be removed first.  There is also enough slack in the cables and hoses as well to allow movement and handle on the platform for pulling.  There is a ground strap that limits forward movement.
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: generator kicking out

Reply #7 –
I got a call back from a Powertech tech who suggested that I might have an air bubble in my line.  He suggested disconnecting the hose by the thermostat, running water through to push the air out of the thermostat to get rid of the bubble.  He thinks the bubble moves while I drive and that is what is kicking it out.  Anyone ever had anything like that before???

On a related question, how often do you change the air filter on your generator?  I'm wondering if I should do that while I am doing the other stuff.

Thanks.
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing
 

Re: generator kicking out

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Ted & Karen –
On a related question, how often do you change the air filter on your generator?  I'm wondering if I should do that while I am doing the other stuff.

Thanks.

Foretravel's maintenance book says every 200 hours but I think Power tech says every 400 hours.
Dave M. would probably know for sure.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"