Skip to main content
Topic: Power Tech Generator Air Intake System (Read 888 times) previous topic - next topic

Power Tech Generator Air Intake System

I made a very disturbing discovery today as I was installing new insulation in my generator compartment.  The PVC pipe which connects the air filter to the air intake manifold on the Isuzu diesel engine was not in place.  For some undetermined amount of time I have been running my generator with absolutely no air filtration. 

The PVC assembly was in two pieces wedged at the very back of the generator compartment.  The PVC was painted black and could not be seen even when the generator was rolled forward for maintenance.  I had removed the tray beneath the generator in order to replace the insulation, that is the only way I was able to see the problem. 

On my Power Tech 10 KW generator with the Isuzu engine, the PVC air plenum comes off the back of the air filter housing and goes about a foot to the right to the intake manifold.  If you reach over the top of the engine you can feel the PVC to make sure it is properly connected on both ends. 

On my generator apparently one of the PVC joints in the middle of the pipe had never had cement applied to it.  That joint separated and left the two pieces cantilevered on their end connections.  The stress of being cantilevered and the vibration of the engine eventually caused to fall out of their end connections.  At some point both ends had come in contact with the exhaust system and partially melted. 

So, PLEASE check the air intake systems on your generator. 

Richard
Jan & Richard Witt
1999 U-320  36ft WTFE
Build Number: 5478 Motorcade: 16599
2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited w/Air Force One
Jan: NO5U, Richard:KA5RIW
The selected media item is not currently available.

Re: Power Tech Generator Air Intake System

Reply #1
Mine melted also.  Posted pictures here a few years ago.  Can't find them here?
"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 Generator Air Intake System

Reply #2
Mine also failed, Isuzu 8Kw, and was not visible. Discovered in annual maintenance check. I went to the hardware store and rebuilt mine. Like you, I have no idea how long it had been apart.
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: Power Tech Generator Air Intake System

Reply #3
Mine has a section of Gates hose connecting the two ends. I thought it was factory but maybe this one also failed sometime in the past.
jor

93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320