Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: power tech  (Read 829 times) previous topic - next topic

power tech

Trying to start the generator and it went into fault. How do I get the codes. It was hard starting m be only on one cylinder. I think
a glow plug or two is gone. It's 9 degrees out side
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: power tech

Reply #1 –
oldg,

With the limited info you give I'll go out on a limb with you saying you have a diesel powered unit with it being a Powertech.  With this being the case your fault lights are on the ES 52 module unit that is mounted in the generator control box. If you will give more info on which power unit (actual engine like Isuzu, Perkins or Kubota), size, and age that you have it would be of great help.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

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

Re: power tech

Reply #2 –
What year and model?
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: power tech

Reply #3 –
It's 1999 320, Just bought it and I'm on my way home. I've got it going and I think only one glow plug is working so I will leave it run all night as it may not start in the morning. Will fix it when I get home.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: power tech

Reply #4 –
I replaced my Isuzu powertech glow plugs
"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: power tech

Reply #5 –
It is 0 F this morning in Bute Montana. I am glad I left the generator going last night as I don't think it would have started this morning. The Cummins is going and we will be away soon
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: power tech

Reply #6 –
With the unit running all night you  most likely have some small thing that needs fixing. It could be glow plug failure, glow plug relay failure, cracked fuel line. Have a safe trip home. 

Welcome to the group of owners. These coaches have a learning curve so just ask question as they come up, one of us most likely will have some help in figuring out your problem.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

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

Re: power tech

Reply #7 –
Quote from: oldguy –
It's 1999 320, Just bought it and I'm on my way home. I've got it going and I think only one glow plug is working so I will leave it run all night as it may not start in the morning. Will fix it when I get home.

Congrats on your new to you coach!  Welcome to the forum!
Joe & Dottie Allen
Sold!  December 2023.      2000 U320; build # 5645
Our coach " Maxine"
Motorcade #  15922;  Escapee 150950; FMCA F330833; Boondockers Welcome;  Harvest Hosts;  Thousand Trails
'98 U320 from 2000-'06
USAF '62-'66

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." ―Epicurus

Re: power tech

Reply #8 –
I'm sure it's glow plugs I heard it starting the night before and new it needed a glow plug or two even though it started right up.
I've been a member of the forum for at least 5 years and now finally got the coach that I wanted. I'm in Spokane right now and
tomorrow I will drop off the previous at the airport so he can go back to Michigan. He drove out with me so I got to learn a lot about the coach as things came up. This coach is a dream to drive. On this trip we have had rain, snow, wind, and sunshine and the coach
handled it all.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: power tech

Reply #9 –
Congratulations. That is quite a plus to have the previous owner make the trip home with you. That had to be a wealth of information. How did you manage to get him to do that?
The selected media item is not currently available.
Lynn & Marilyn Sickel
Tollville, AR
1997  U320  40'
2021 Chevrolet Silverado pickup
Motorcader  17257

Re: power tech

Reply #10 –
He volunteered. I live in Canada and would have had to get a permit in every state, so he came with to Spokane. He would have come all the way to my place but he doesn't have a passport. We have had a great time together and  have had a great road trip.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: power tech

Reply #11 –
Thanks Mike for the information as it was exactly what I was looking for. I had found it when you had responded so I didn't read
your hole response until last night.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: power tech

Reply #12 –
I checked the glow plugs today they are good. I checked them with a ohm meter and I put current through them and they lite up.
The gen started fine until we got to -9 and then not so good. So when it's cold like that or colder I will start the glow plugs and
then before the engine cranks up I will shut it off and then start it up right away and then it should start. The colder it gets the
longer the glow plugs need to be on.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: power tech

Reply #13 –
Did you check to see if the glow plugs are getting power during the start of the start up sequence?

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

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

Re: power tech

Reply #14 –
Yes I did, thanks Mike. I was going to ask where the temp gauge was so the glow plugs would time longer but on the topic cold
start someone said to cycle the glow plugs so I thought maybe there isn't one. The Onan gen will take a lot longer in real cold weather
before it cranks over. As someone said there is a big learning curve and I'm learning
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport