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Topic: Generator Shut Off PowerTech 10kW (Read 1109 times) previous topic - next topic

Generator Shut Off PowerTech 10kW

Does anyone know at what temp the PowerTech 10kW shuts off? Today driving back from Nacogdoches, heading due west, both roof ACs blowing, the generator shut off.  I made it from Nac to Bucees  in Terrell for some jerky and stretch break (not fuel) and it shut off while parked.  This is second time in a similar situation this has happened.

It just had gen service at MOT. Would fuel pump be so intermittent?
1996 36' U295 Build #4879 Motorcade #18088
2007 Jeep Liberty 4x4 FMCA #F474816
Foretravel Mid-South
There's no happy like Foretravel happy!

Re: Generator Shut Off PowerTech 10kW

Reply #1 –
How old are fuel lines?  Mine cut off a couple times before replacing return and supply fuel lines, has not done so now for over one year.  I would start with a call to MOT since you just had it serviced and this just happened.
97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan

Re: Generator Shut Off PowerTech 10kW

Reply #2 –
Quote from: jhardman –
Does anyone know at what temp the PowerTech 10kW shuts off?
I found a discussion over at the Wanderlodge Owners Group (WOG) that may shed some light on your question.  One of the participants in the thread was our own Ernie Ekberg!  Some Bluebird coaches have equipment similar to Foretravel models, and I often find helpful information on their forum.  They have a "generator" sub-forum with lots of posts on Powertech...

Kubota / Powertech High Temp Shutdown / Thermostat Stuck - Wanderlodge...
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Generator Shut Off PowerTech 10kW

Reply #3 –
Not sure on yours,more info would be helpful but on my 8kw there is no indication of what is actually shutting it down.How do you know it is the engine temp.?If you don't have one go to Lowes and get one of the temp. guns,it is a valuable tool,shoot temps of
the radiator and see if it's actually too hot,check your fan if it's an electric one,check the radiator for blockage and debris.Check
the oil level,try decreasing the load on the generator and see what that does.Do some of those things and get back to us.If the
fan is not electric check for a loose belt.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Generator Shut Off PowerTech 10kW

Reply #4 –
Sounds like it could be an overheating problem. Does your generator cooling fan pull air out of the generator compartment into the back side of the fan?
On my '95 it did and the radiator was almost blocked solid with the failing insulation in the generator compartment.
Do you have a good flow of warm air coming out of the radiator under the coach?
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'

Re: Generator Shut Off PowerTech 10kW

Reply #5 –
Problem is that it can be a half dozen different things.. My culprit was either oil or coolant sensors. Don't know which one because I replaced both at the same time. When I know I will end up "throwing parts" at any issue, I start with the less expensive. I'm guessing the newer models can  be plugged into and show the problem, that could be nice. I don't know that to be the case but I do know the older units often take guess work unless there is an obvious issue.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Generator Shut Off PowerTech 10kW

Reply #6 –
When it shutdown did any of the fault leds light up on the controller on the generator?
I had a similar problem which I solved by rewiring all of the wires inside the control box.  Search for a post I made on generator shutdown, sorry I'm at limited internet access for another week.
Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
no longer 1999 36' U320 build #5522
2013 Rzr 570 & 2018 Ranger XP1000
2006 Lexus GX470
2011 Tahoe LT 4x4
Previous 1998 45' 2 slide Newell, 1993 39' Newell

Re: Generator Shut Off PowerTech 10kW

Reply #7 –
the good news: Your control board is protecting your generator from damage. My 98 8KW Powertech started shutting down under load this spring after performing fine the previous fall. Shut down rather quickly four times. Panel light on dash simply said: Fault. While trying to duplicate the problem at house it shut down, but this time I was standing with generator door open and saw for the first time the indicator on the control box which indicated "over temperature" or something like that.

Checked coolant: completely full
Check fan blades: intact
Check for fan blades turning: check while running (after cool down)
Removed nearest fan cover: could turn fan by hand, belt had too much deflection for my taste
Had to remove lower sound cover from chassis to get access to idler pulley bolt. Tightened belt eventually and generator now can run for hours pulling both AC units.

I also made use of infrared thermo gun to monitor heat flow from water pump, radiator, and hoses. Could see when thermostat opened and could watch temp go down.

Previously had an over-voltage problem cured by installing new regulator.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Generator Shut Off PowerTech 10kW

Reply #8 –
Check water pump fan belt.  Under cover.
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Generator Shut Off PowerTech 10kW

Reply #10 –
Yes I read that. Thanks.  I think his 96 and our 97 do not have a "fault" light like it seems the 98 must have.

And I had a similar shutoff off issue on what I think is the same generator.  Also belt was bad.  Radiator Hoses had been replaced and as they were slightly short and required routing over the valve cover which left an air bubble in that area. 

Required carefull bleeding and hose fill off the Isuzu engine to eliminate the bubble.

Real fix is a 150 dollar silicone hose set cut to correct leanght and goes around the engines end so any air bubbles go to the bleed valve correctly.  Uphill all the way.  Not up and down and up.

"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Generator Shut Off PowerTech 10kW

Reply #11 –
Flash and Bill,I thought the same thing but #7 is talking about his coach not jardman's,think we should wait til the original poster gets back and go from there,I'm dizzy already.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Generator Shut Off PowerTech 10kW

Reply #12 –
When I saw 10 KW I was thinking Kobota which would probably have the electric fan and radiator on the side. I'm not sure if a radiator in the generator compartment would have the insulation partical problem blocking the air flow through the radiator like some installations  with the radiator on the side.
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'
 

Re: Generator Shut Off PowerTech 10kW

Reply #13 –
Just got the coach back from Cantwell Power here in Fort Worth, the only authorized PowerTech service center here in Fort Worth on the PowerTech website.

Initial diagnosis, led to having the generator removed for further testing of gen and cooling system. It was determined the unit wasn't cooling correctly and they cleaned the cooling system.  Said radiator fins were quite dirty and plugged up; likely was the first  cleaning it had ever seen.  After that, they also found a defective oil pressure switch not closing at pressure rating. All seems well, but more extensive running with load and heat will tell the story.

Cantwell Power
2727 East Loop 820 South
Fort Worth, Texas 76119
817.731.2841
Jesse Barnes, Technician
$579
1996 36' U295 Build #4879 Motorcade #18088
2007 Jeep Liberty 4x4 FMCA #F474816
Foretravel Mid-South
There's no happy like Foretravel happy!