Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine

Topic: Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine (Read 3337 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine

Reply #25 – August 29, 2011, 08:51:53 pm

The Facet 476459E will be our last pump you will ever need. Google for best prices $50.00 area

Re: Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine

Reply #26 – September 12, 2011, 04:47:23 pm

I was able to do some work on this issue today. I got an inline fuel filter that I could see the fuel flow. After installing the inline fuel filter and running the genny a few minutes, it looked like air bubbles were coming in the filter with the fuel. I ran it for 30 minutes or so and it started to stumble. So it looks like I will have to replace the fuel supply line to the generator.

I will be run a hose from the generator to a tank of fuel to confirm it does not have any air bubbles in it.

Re: Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine

Reply #27 – September 12, 2011, 06:51:39 pm

Dave's Facet is OEM on a lot of generators and is a great pump. My 10K on my U300 and the old Onan on my 1984 SOB have one that still works great.

I have noticed that some Power Tech 8Kw do have a different pump but the same Facet brand. A small square pump that mounts down on the generator frame. If yours looks like the photo, it is available at: Facet-Purolator FEP12SV Cube Universal Low-Pressure Solid-State Fuel Pump,

Clones are available but for $50, Facets are excellent quality.

Could change over to the big one without much work if so inclined.

Both pumps are about the same price. Have to say, the tall one is certainly more impressive. Does size matter?

Re: Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine

Reply #28 – September 12, 2011, 07:25:05 pm

Pierce, Gotta mention that Facet is/has been a problematic pump, not real dependable in our experience, replaced many including a plastic/PVC model Facet. The original design was Bendix, and a great pump, about 25 years a go Facet purchased the Bendix pump line, and seems they have kept the old original design pretty much in tact, but also came up with some new, cheaper designs including the one you mentioned plus the PVC body type, both have been less then wonderful in our experience.
My original square body Facet pump that came on my 10 kw Power Tech also failed, I had an old Bendix on the shelve, so installed it, still going great, it is only about 30 years old, took it off an old Onan the I junked.
As usual FWIW Been there, done that ,

Re: Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine

Reply #29 – September 12, 2011, 07:32:27 pm

Forgot to mention, I mounted the replacement round tube type, using the same mounts on the floor of the Power Tech, used barb fittings, new hose. Point is it works great laying down, usually it is mounted vertical.
In this case Size don't matter, it all in the head.

Re: Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine

Reply #30 – September 12, 2011, 08:00:19 pm

Dave,

Come to think of it, the fuel pump was painted blue on the Onan so it could have been/probably was a Bendix. Thats the kind we bought as kids. Think they were about $16 then and they did last forever. Guess you were right about the little square one (see below). Good idea mounting the bigger one flat.

ncaabbfan:

Would check the fuel pump for an internal air leak before replacing the hose to the tank. Plug the intake with a finger and use something like a Mityvac on the output side to see if it holds a vacuum. The square one I installed on my 7.3 conversion failed. Still pumped but leaked diesel and let air in.

Re: Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine

Reply #31 – September 12, 2011, 10:02:13 pm

Hello Morris,

If you decide its necessary to replace your generator fuel hoses you might benefit from some lessons I learned when I recently replaced them on our 1998 U-270. I'm sure you've read all the very helpful posts, however there seems to be lots of differences between year models. I suspect that your 1997 is like our 1998 (w/build number of 5330) and if it is, this should help:

Before starting the job, I raised the coach as high as possible and blocked the suspension for safety. I purchased a 12 volt fuel transfer pump from tractor Supply and pumped the fuel tank empty (in my case about 100 gallons) into two 50 gallon skid tanks.

From driver's side, I carefully removed the fiberglass panel that covers the end of the fuel tank by cutting the silicone around the edges of the panel and around the filler neck. The panel was also heavily siliconed to the tank, so I had to work slowly by pulling gently and using pry bars between the panel and the fuel tank so I would not to crack the fiberglass. Once the panel was removed I sawed out and discarded the two black ABS pipes which vent the battery compartment (the pipe is two inch and readily available at big box stores and is easy to install w/silicone during reassembly). I could then see two return fittings, I removed the return hose at the generator and used air pressure to determine which was for the generator. I purchased 50' of 300 psi premium fuel hose from NAPA with the understanding that I would return the unused hose (I didn't want to risk pulling in a new hose and finding it too short). As others have suggested I then attached the new hose to the old hose using a 3/8" bolt w/head removed and covered it w/electrical tape. I choose to pull from the fuel tank to the generator. I then tried to pull the hose and it wouldn't move; I found that behind the step the generator fuel lines were bundled with heater hoses, etc. and I had to remove a large retaining clamp to free the hoses. Before I forget, I should mention that I found it impossible to re-install the clamp after the new hoses were in place and rather than using the original bolt I installed a stud in the mounting hole, I could then "hang" the clamp in place and secure with a washer and nut. I allowed extra hose at the tank in order to make gentle bends and allow some slack in the hose.

From the passenger side I removed and tagged the fuel sender wires and secured them out-of-the-way. I then removed the front door struts and propped the door full open, removed the bottom and front compartment trim pieces (I had to cut the seal at corners, but that easily remedied with silicone during reassembly). Next I removed the six tank mounting bolts (three each side) and raised one side of the tank at a time with a pry bar and placed 3/4 inch wood shims under the tank so the tank would slide. Then from the drivers side I pushed the tank half-way out of the passenger side compartment stopping before any strain was placed on the large fuel hose which supplies the coach engine. I could then reach and remove the generator suction fuel line which is located in the center of the tank. I pulled the new line from tank to generator and reused the original hose end as I did on the return line.

After replacing/refilling the fuel tank everything tested okay, so it was just a matter of putting everything back together. I worked on the job for two days (probably about 10 hours total) and the cost was about $125 not including the fuel transfer pump.

Re: Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine

Reply #32 – September 21, 2011, 06:10:21 pm

Hi guys,

Does anyone know where the 8 KW gen auto-start board is located for a '98 U270? And if it is under the front cabinet, how doyou remove that? Adjustment instructions would be helpful as well.

Jim

Re: Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine

Reply #33 – September 21, 2011, 07:12:53 pm

Jim, On a 10KW Isuzu that I am familiar with the auto start board is in the control box that contains the ES52 controller etc.that is mounted on the Generator at the right end. May be different on an 8.
Gary B

Re: Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine

Reply #34 – September 21, 2011, 09:04:05 pm

Jim, I do not know if your autostart control is like mine in the 2001 320 as in my coach the module is on the floor under the bottom of the compartment behind the swing out door under center of dash. It is the Dyna Gen BCM 12 module, it is a battery voltage sensor, that starts the generator when the batteries drop to a predetermined level, then charges. All the parameters are adjustable, if you have a good digital volt meter, it is not a complicated task to check or set.
The instructions are available, do asearch on this forum, for the BCM 12, you will find the info. As I mention, I have no clue what your setup is.
Glld luck
Dave

Re: Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine

Reply #35 – September 22, 2011, 11:29:14 pm

Quote from: ncaabbfan – September 12, 2011, 04:47:23 pm

I was able to do some work on this issue today. I got an inline fuel filter that I could see the fuel flow. After installing the inline fuel filter and running the genny a few minutes, it looked like air bubbles were coming in the filter with the fuel. I ran it for 30 minutes or so and it started to stumble. So it looks like I will have to replace the fuel supply line to the generator.

I will be run a hose from the generator to a tank of fuel to confirm it does not have any air bubbles in it.

Just to update this issue. I found the generator ran smoothly when I supplied fuel from a separate tank and a different hose connected to the suction side of the pump.

So I purchased 40 feet of hose to replace the supply and return hoses. I was able to route the supply hose from the generator to the tank without major issues other than I had to run the hose outside of the raceway.

The big issue I had was accessing the connection on the top of the tank. It is about mid way on the tank and extremely difficult to access. Our tank was at least 3/4 full, so I was not going to be able to move the tank in any manner.

I found that if I wedged myself between the tank and the propane tank I could just barely reach the connection. I purchased the crows foot wrench set and using it, I was able to disconnect the connector from the tank. I was not able to see the fitting on the tank from either side of the coach due to the cables and hoses that went across the top of the tank right over the fitting.

Then I had to insert the new connector in the end of the new hose and try to line up the connector with the fitting on the tank. Since I could not see the fitting from either side of the coach, I had to totally do it by feel with the tips of my fingers and try to rotate the connector at the same time. After several hours of trying, I finally was able to line up the hose connector with the tank fitting and rotate the connector to screw it on the fitting. I was able to tighten the connection with my finger tips using the crows foot wrench.

Due to the very cramped location, I had to come out of the compartment every 10-15 minutes to relax and recover some...then force myself back in between the two tanks to try again.

After finishing the installation of the supply hose, I then replaced the return hose. It was much easier as the access to the return fitting on the tank was very easy to access and was very easy to see.

After completing the change out of both hoses, I ran the generator for around 1 1/2 hours and ran thee air conditioner for 1 hour or greater. The engine ran smoothly and did not stumble in any manner. A day or two later, I ran the generator and the air conditioner again for around another hour and the generator engine ran very smoothly with no stumbling at all.

While taking out the old hoses, I found cracks and some leaks in both hoses. So they definitely needed to be replaced.

I just wish the generator supply fitting and the drive engine supply fitting had been placed 12-15 inches closer to the passenger side of the coach. I believe I could have seen the fitting and I would have had much easier access to it also.

I want to thank every one for the suggestions provided. They helped me very much in determining the problem and how to approach correcting the problem.

Re: Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine

Reply #36 – September 22, 2011, 11:36:04 pm

Quote from: ncaabbfan – September 22, 2011, 11:29:14 pm

I found that if I wedged myself between the tank and the propane tank I could just barely reach the connection.
Due to the very cramped location, I had to come out of the compartment every 10-15 minutes to relax and recover some...then force myself back in between the two tanks to try again.

Morris,

Congrats on doing the job yourself. One of Steve's and my favorite posted pics is one from Jerry Whiteaker on his genset fuel line replacement

The selected media item is not currently available.

Pretty much says it all, doesn't it?

Michelle

Re: Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine

Reply #37 – September 22, 2011, 11:49:56 pm

Quote from: Steve & Michelle – September 22, 2011, 11:36:04 pm

Morris,

Congrats on doing the job yourself. One of Steve's and my favorite posted pics is one from Jerry Whiteaker on his genset fuel line replacement

Pretty much says it all, doesn't it?

Michelle

Thank you.... I actually checked to see if I could slide in similar to the way Jerry did. But unfortunately, I am not as slender as he is. So I had to try something different. I am SOOOO glad it is completed.

And as I said, the suggestions and comments here allowed me to determine what the likely problem was. As it turned out, both hoses were cracked and starting to leak slightly.

Re: Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine

Reply #38 – September 23, 2011, 09:13:46 am

Morris, nice job. Welcome to the world of contortionism. That's a technical therm in the motorhome world.

I was wondering if you might have noticed if the hoses near the tank itself were cracked. I had presumed that since they were in a protected compartment they may not deteriorate as quickly. If that were the case maybe the old lines could be cut a couple of feet away from the tank and spliced into the new lines. If so, one wouldn't have to strain to reach the connectors on top of the tank precluding the need to join the contortion team. What do you think?

Re: Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine

Reply #39 – September 23, 2011, 09:19:20 am

Quote from: Kent Speers – September 23, 2011, 09:13:46 am

Morris, nice job. Welcome to the world of contortionism. That's a technical therm in the motorhome world.

I was wondering if you might have noticed if the hoses near the tank itself were cracked. I had presumed that since they were in a protected compartment they may not deteriorate as quickly. If that were the case maybe the old lines could be cut a couple of feet away from the tank and spliced into the new lines. If so, one wouldn't have to strain to reach the connectors on top of the tank precluding the need to join the contortion team. What do you think?

Kent! Kent!!!

I was just talking with your surgeon and he said you are NOT to attempt to make this fuel line replacement on your own. He said to lean on your friends.

Re: Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine

Reply #40 – September 23, 2011, 09:50:45 am

George, have you been talking to Peggy? No, I did not intend on doing it myself. I am campaigning to get Steve and Michelle to stop by on their return from Sana Fe. I have several projects that need tending to.

Re: Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine

Reply #41 – September 23, 2011, 09:53:04 am

Quote from: Kent Speers – September 23, 2011, 09:50:45 am

George, have you been talking to Peggy? No, I did not intend on doing it myself. I am campaigning to get Steve and Michelle to stop by on their return from Sana Fe. I have several projects that need tending to.

Now you're thinking properly.

Re: Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine

Reply #42 – September 23, 2011, 10:42:55 am

Why have I not heard of anyone replacing the hose(s) to the main engine?

Re: Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine

Reply #43 – September 23, 2011, 10:56:07 am

Bigger hose deteriorates slower. Less and larger bends.

Re: Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine

Reply #44 – September 23, 2011, 11:53:59 am

Gayland, If your referring to the fuel hoses on the generator vs the main engine fuel hoses, It is MY OPINION and experience there is a major difference in quality in the hoses, the hoses on the generator are normally the quality used on small engines, cheap and simple to replace. The hoses on the main engine are of a much higher quality and durability. They use fittings crimped on. I do not know what the main difference is, however most large engines contain a wire structure internal along with other long life materials, unseen on the normal small engine hoses. You can purchase the same quality fuel lines in the small size, but be ready for a major difference in price due to the crimped fittings, these are not secured with a hose clamp.
As usual, you get what you pay for , IF YOUR LUCKY.
FWIW

Re: Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine

Reply #45 – September 23, 2011, 12:03:11 pm

Quote from: Gayland Baasch – September 23, 2011, 10:42:55 am

Why have I not heard of anyone replacing the hose(s) to the main engine?

I suspect it is the concentrated heat in the gen compartment that deteriorates the hose as you will find that most of the cracking is within the compartment itself. The hose beyond the closed compartment looked fine when I replaced mine. I have used the left over good hose sections on a variety of equipment with no problems.

Re: Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine

Reply #46 – September 23, 2011, 12:50:01 pm

When I replaced my gen hose,I replaced it with Lawrence Marine Nova Flex, approved for under deck placement,with a 2 hr. burn rating from Amazon Hose and Rubber Co.

Re: Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine

Reply #47 – September 23, 2011, 01:17:44 pm

Quote from: Rick – September 23, 2011, 12:03:11 pm

Quote from: Gayland Baasch – September 23, 2011, 10:42:55 am
Why have I not heard of anyone replacing the hose(s) to the main engine?
I suspect it is the concentrated heat in the gen compartment that deteriorates the hose as you will find that most of the cracking is within the compartment itself. The hose beyond the closed compartment looked fine when I replaced mine. I have used the left over good hose sections on a variety of equipment with no problems.

I had suspected that most of the cracking was on the generator end. Is there a reason one cannot just splice into the good line outside of the generator compartment thereby eliminating the need to crawl into the fuel bay? Also, I don't recall hearing of the cracked fuel lines occurring on the older model Grand Villas. Any ideas on that one? Of course that could just be my feeble memory.

Re: Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine

Reply #48 – September 23, 2011, 01:41:16 pm

Kent, When my Kubota PT10 acted up I replaced the fuel line and that cured it. The line looked good but had a wet spot just where it passed thru the bulkhead that separates the generator bay from the fuel tank bay. It was difficult but I was able to reach the fitting on the top of the tank without pulling the tank.
Gary B

Re: Power Tech 8KW generator w/ Isuzu 3LB1 diesel engine

Reply #49 – September 23, 2011, 01:53:29 pm

Gary, would it have be practical to disconnect the hose from the fuel pump. Attach a new section of hose via a barbed splice ( see photo here - 3/8 Hose Barb Splice, Brass BEGi) and pull it through to the fuel bay side then cut off the bad part of the old hose and again splice in the new hose to the good section of the old hose and pull it back through to the generator bay. This would eliminate the contortion of the body to hook the new line up to the fuel tank. I am presuming your generator is right behind the drivers front wheel as mine is.

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