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Topic: Generator engine shuts off with indicator light showing "High Temperature" (Read 798 times) previous topic - next topic

Generator engine shuts off with indicator light showing "High Temperature"

I am a newbie and have a 1998 U 320 with an Isuzu driven Power Technology 10 KW generator.  It worked fine last fall and was started twice during the winter and powered a 1500 watt electric heater for 30 minutes without a problem.  I started it last Sunday, it started easily, ran for about 5 minutes and stopped and the light indicating high temperature came on.  After adequate time to allow cooling I restarted the generator and had the same result.  I did this three times, same results.  I determined that the coolant level is normal and the radiator cooling fan is running when the engine is running.  The owner's manual for the generator has a "trouble shooting tree" that suggests that one should remove the wire from the water temperature switch, and if the engine runs, replace the switch.  This makes no sense to me, without knowing whether or not the engine is too hot at the time the engine shuts down.  The upper radiator hose seems hot, but the radiator tank does not.  Perhaps the coolant is not circulating, and if not the problem may be with the coolant pump.  Is it belt driven?  I have not had time to investigate.  I am prepared to take the coach to the local FT certified shop for repair, but thought that I would consult with the forum members before doing so.  Perhaps someone else has experienced a similar problem.  I will appreciate comments or questions.
Gary Vanhoff
1998 U320
3600 WTFE
Build No. 5342
2007 HHR Toad
Spokane Valley, Washington

Re: Generator engine shuts off with indicator light showing "High Temperature"

Reply #1 –
Gary,

My 1995 10 kw water pump belt is hidden on the right side of the gen (as you are facing it) under a cover that has the coolant tank on top of the cover.

Pull the gen as far out as you can and look under that cover.  The pump is near the top of the engine.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Generator engine shuts off with indicator light showing "High Temperature"

Reply #2 –
Gary,  I assume you have the front mounted 3 cylinder Isuzu. With hot top hose and cool tank on radiator I would look to the thermostat.
Taking the wire off the sensor is not a bad idea, may be corroded and simply cleaning up the connector may help.  To reach  to sensor you will probably have to remove the cover under the generator to get to it.
Also check to see that cooling fan that is probably in left front compartment is running, these are usually 110V, check voltage from generator to fan.
Some others here have more knowledge of these generators.  You can also call Powertech and speak with their technicians.
Good Luck
Gary B

Re: Generator engine shuts off with indicator light showing "High Temperature"

Reply #3 –
I agree with Gary to call the technicians at Power Tech. I called them once and they were very helpful. I think his name was Jeff if I remember correctly.

Mark Z
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Mark and Tanya
Milton , Florida
US Navy Veteran (DV)
1999 U270 Special 40' CAI , 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

Re: Generator engine shuts off with indicator light showing "High Temperature"

Reply #4 –
Keeping it simple, Radiator Full?, Water Pump turning?, Fan on Radiator Running?
These are the basics, if all the above are OK, then looks like a sender issue, (Rare)
Hint, on filling radiator, check at radiator, not just the pressure cap or recovery bottle.
I am not familiar with the Isuzu engine, just the Kubota, but the basics are the same.
Good Luck
Dave M

Re: Generator engine shuts off with indicator light showing "High Temperature"

Reply #5 –
Make sure you check the bleeder valve at the top of the radiator when the generator is running and fan is operating.  You may have an air lock preventing adequate water flow.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: Generator engine shuts off with indicator light showing "High Temperature"

Reply #6 –
Do you still have the original insulation in the gen compartment?
Mine was flaking off and filled the radiator fins up.
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'

Re: Generator engine shuts off with indicator light showing "High Temperature"

Reply #7 –
Quote from: amos.harrison –
Make sure you check the bleeder valve at the top of the radiator when the generator is running and fan is operating.  You may have an air lock preventing adequate water flow.

And stand to the side not in line with the valve. I turned mine once to bleed it and wow it shot all over... Thankfully I was mostly behind it and I got my hand out of the way and closed it pretty fast.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon