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Topic: generator insulation (Read 845 times) previous topic - next topic

generator insulation

So far this trip's only issue has been a total collapse of the generator compartment insulation.  We are in Pigeon Forge today at the KOA (ok...but very convenient) but before heading out of Gainesville (2 day mandatory preview session) I went to check the generator oil and discovered the insulation from above draped down over the unit.  It almost completely collapsed all at once.  It looked fine just the day before.  Now, even with all that insulation out (and there was quite a bit), I haven't noticed more heat or noise than before which surprises me.  I guess removing the unit and reinsulating is in my future.  Also took my time this trip and noticed that if I stay at 60-63, the temp for the engine and tranny stay at 180.  66-70+ they climb to 190.  I also get a vibration at about 65 to about 67 that causes something in the ice making compartment start to rattle so I'm either at just over 60 or around 70.  I was kind of back and forth and averaged 8.5 mpg on the trip up.  I think I need to keep it at 60 and try to get at least 9, which is another testimonial for the other thread about older units with the 250 Hp CAT.  There will be maintenance items but there will also be close to 10 mpg possible if you take it easy.
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060

Re: generator insulation

Reply #1 –
Correct.  The U240 (Caterpillar 3116 250 HP) will get 10 MPG if driven 60-62.  If less than that as an average, you likely have something that needs to be tweaked.

And, the U225 with smaller Cummins B (230 HP) but with 4 speed vs 6 speed in the U240 will do the same.

Brett
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: generator insulation

Reply #2 –
I got 9.5 coming home but tried much harder to keep it under 65.  I think I'd need to stay closer to 60 and be religious about it to get to 10.  It seems to run best, sound best and ride best at about 62-63 so I'm happy with 9.5.  Strange that machines sometimes almost seem to have a personality.  My daughter thinks the coach is haunted.  She watches all those ghost buster shows.  Apparently a light came on in the middle of the night above her head on the pull out sofa and she thought my wife or I was up in the middle of the night another night because the coach moves a bit when someone is walking around but no one was up.  She wants me to find out if Donald and Maryann Green are still with us as their names are on a "built for" plaque above the door.  Anyone know the Greens?  I think he might be a doctor in PA based on some papers I found under a drawer.  I know they kept the interior of the coach in fantastic condition.  It is like staying in a brand new unit.  Forgot to mention that since pulling shims I can now get the coach into my driveway with minimal scrapping of the protective piping under the motor.  The front does feel a little lighter than before and I am seriously thinking about adding some weight as far forward as possible.  There is a lot of empty wasted space under the front end.  If it wasn't dangerous it would be the perfect spot for an auxiliary propane tank.  And the Traveler's Campground in Alachua 15 miles door to door to my daughter's dorm room is very nice and the folks who own it are too.  They let me park our car there during the mini vacation to Gatlinburg and we picked it up when coming back by.  I'm sure we'll be visiting with some regularity.
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060
 

Re: generator insulation

Reply #3 –
Quote
Now, even with all that insulation out (and there was quite a bit), I haven't noticed more heat or noise than before which surprises me.
When foam sound insulation degrades it also stops doing it's job.  You should notice a difference when you have it replaced.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho