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Topic: Another Generator Compartment Insulation Job (Read 1042 times) previous topic - next topic

Another Generator Compartment Insulation Job

Finished re-insulating the generator compartment today. Like my engine compartment, the insulation was still in good shape but the plastic film covering it was on its way out. I installed the new stuff over the factory insulation everywhere but on the radiator side. On that side I removed the old stuff first. It's just too hard to get the radiator in and out of there with the original thick stuff in the way. I used Thermo-Tec products.

Insulation: #14125 for 48"x72" @ $61
Tape: #13997 for 30' @ $21

The tape is much thicker than the foil tape at the hardware store and I think it's worth it to spend a little extra on this component. Their adhesive is quite a bit pricier but I think the hardware stuff if fine.

Note: On the back wall there's a galvanized steel piece attached with screws going through the insulation into the bulkhead. Its purpose is to prevent the exhaust pipe from contacting the insulation. That pipe is well wrapped so it's probably not necessary. I reinstalled it though.
jor
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Re: Another Generator Compartment Insulation Job

Reply #1 –
While getting my generator serviced last month, at MOT, Wayne pulled out the old insulation, which was deteriorating badly, with pieces being sucked into the air filter. I asked him if I should reinsulate.  He said it was not for heat, but for sound. My call. I don't think the gen is too noisy. My buddy, who owns a FT says mine is much quieter than his. I am not sure if I want to tackle this job. What is the consensus ??
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: Another Generator Compartment Insulation Job

Reply #2 –
Do what makes you happy,redid mine but had the whole gen. out for a while and painted.Most of the newer foil types are for sound and heat.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Another Generator Compartment Insulation Job

Reply #3 –
Quote
I don't think the gen is too noisy. My buddy, who owns a FT says mine is much quieter than his.

The ones I've had all seem to produce about the same noise level. I measured this one a few months ago when we were camping in an area that was kinda generator sensitive. At about 30' out it measured around 64 decibels. From what I've read an acceptable level is in the mid to high 50s. I guess acceptable is in the ear of the hearer.

It would be interesting to know what noise level your generator produces without insulation.
jor
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Re: Another Generator Compartment Insulation Job

Reply #4 –
Wonder if the factory insulation was put there to cut down the generator noise heard by occupants inside the coach, rather than to keep people camped next to you happy?
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: Another Generator Compartment Insulation Job

Reply #5 –
Never thought it was for the people outside,always thought it was for those inside and to help with heat,I know what the MOT guy
said but unless he was one of the Foretravel engineers how does he know.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Another Generator Compartment Insulation Job

Reply #6 –
Jor,
Nice Job!  Looking to do mine and the engine compartment when I arrive in Florida in the next few days.  I'm taking out the entire generator and replacing the pancake and cleaning up the generator slide.
John M
John & Carm Morales

"We travel not to go anywhere, but to just go.  We travel for travel's sake.  Our great desire is to move."

Re: Another Generator Compartment Insulation Job

Reply #7 –
Quote
I'm taking out the entire generator and replacing the pancake and cleaning up the generator slide.
John M

Thanks, John. With the generator removed this job will be a piece of cake. You'll enjoy doing it.
jor
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Re: Another Generator Compartment Insulation Job

Reply #8 –
Your work looks very professional, as always Jor. 

The screws with fender washers are just screwed into the sheet metal sides of the quiet-box, or are they screwed into a framing member?



Re: Another Generator Compartment Insulation Job

Reply #9 –
Quote
The screws with fender washers are just screwed into the sheet metal sides of the quiet-box,

They just go into the box. They are actually stainless washers, bolts and nuts. I only did the six you see in the photo. I don't think they are really necessary as that adhesive stuff is very strong.
jor
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Re: Another Generator Compartment Insulation Job

Reply #10 –
jor, what " hardware stuff is fine " adhesive did you actually use???
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: Another Generator Compartment Insulation Job

Reply #11 –
NIce work Jor, its on my list for next year. The rubber coating on the generator door is failing as well, as are the screws holding the lock into place. Going to redo it all. Take out the generator, get the mounts changed, the pull out pan powder coated, etc.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: Another Generator Compartment Insulation Job

Reply #12 –
Quote
what " hardware stuff is fine " adhesive did you actually use???

Just a 3M product I got at Home Depot. I've used a lot of it when replacing the carpeting in the storage compartment on a couple of rigs. I've tried several different products and they all seem about the same.
jor
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Re: Another Generator Compartment Insulation Job

Reply #13 –
Quote from: jor –
Just a 3M product I got at Home Depot. I've used a lot of it when replacing the carpeting in the storage compartment on a couple of rigs. I've tried several different products and they all seem about the same.
jor
77, 99 or something else?
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Another Generator Compartment Insulation Job

Reply #14 –
Quote
77, 99 or something else?

Sorry, Crane, I threw the can. It was some kind of heavy duty spray adhesive. I used the expensive Thermo-Tec on my engine but I don't notice any difference between that and the whatever I used. Once you touch the material to that sticky surface it is stuck for good.
jor
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Re: Another Generator Compartment Insulation Job

Reply #15 –
Quote from: jor –
Finished re-insulating the generator compartment today.

 I used Thermo-Tec products.
Insulation: #14125 for 48"x72" @ $61

 
jor

Hi Jor

Was the one sheet of 48"x72" enough for the entire box?

Thanks
Ed
Ed and Michele
2000 U295  36'  (Build #5600)
8.3 ISC 350HP.
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Toad)
2001 Lance Truck Camper (Sold)
2001 Lazy Daze (Class C). RK Floor Plan (Sold)
 

Re: Another Generator Compartment Insulation Job

Reply #16 –
Quote
Was the one sheet of 48"x72" enough for the entire box?

Yes. Just barely.
jor
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