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Topic: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot? (Read 2699 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #20 –
You can crack open the petcock on top to bleed the air.  I would see if I could open it cold just to make sure it moves easily before I started it then close it right back.  Start engine and let it heat up then crack open petcock again to let air out. 

Do you have an infrared thermometer so you can see exactly how warm the engine is getting?  You really need to know if you are chasing a cooling problem or an indication problem. 

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #21 –
This maybe a stretch on the problem but in you early post you said electrical connections seemed good. I would check and retighten all connections especially at the breakers. If you have an infrared thermometer check temps at connections if one leg is hot that may the problem.   

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #22 –
Some of those photos almost look like there was a fire in the compartment at one time,  Also appears that some generic parts used for repairs, instead of OEM parts specific to this installation.  Looks like the idler pulley assembly was removed during "customization" process.  No telling what was done to the electrical connections.

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #23 –
I just skimmed over the posts. Just making sure you checked for AC 120V which is what runs the Gen. Cooling fan. You will get a hight temp fault after about 15 min. If the fan is not running.

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #24 –
There would be no problem running it while pulled out for diagnosing the problem. In your pictures it looks like something was removed on left side that might have been the idler mechanism. That alone would not cause the heating, if the water pump is turning. A real long shot is water pump impeller has failed. Not knowing about Isuzu pumps, I can say some automotive pumps have plastic impellers that become unattached from the shaft.  Have you removed the thermostat and ran without it yet?

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #25 –
Quote from: sedelange –
Do you have an infrared thermometer so you can see exactly how warm the engine is getting?

Quote from: joeszeidel –
If you have an infrared thermometer check temps at connections if one leg is hot that may the problem.   

I do have an infrared thermometer. Will use it in further trouble shooting.

Thanks,

Trent

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #26 –
Quote from: philtravel –
I just skimmed over the posts. Just making sure you checked for AC 120V which is what runs the Gen.

Yes, the fan runs good until the generator stops. The main problem seems to stem from the radiator and hoses not getting warm.
 
Trent


Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #27 –
Quote from: sedelange –
You can crack open the petcock on top to bleed the air.  I would see if I could open it cold just to make sure it moves easily before I started it then close it right back.  Start engine and let it heat up then crack open petcock again to let air out. 

Steve,

Thanks. I had not noticed the other petcock. after your message, I looked at my first picture again. There it is, sitting atop the water pump assembly, opposite the large radiator hose. Will try that next time.
 
Trent

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #28 –
Quote from: TulsaTrent –

Yes, the fan runs good until the generator stops. The main problem seems to stem from the radiator and hoses not getting warm.
 
Trent

Pump or thermostat is looking more like the problem

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #29 –
I would point a IR temp sensor at the high limit sensor and determine at what temperature it is kicking our.  If below 180 degrees I would replace the high temp sensor. 

Jason

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #30 –
Did you every find the source of your generator problem?

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #31 –
Quote from: sedelange –
Did you ever find the source of your generator problem?

Steve,
 
Not yet. We have had enough rain, so that the ground has not dried out enough yet.
 
Have been working on replacing the camera and monitor. Next will be the clearance lights, I want to get the middle three in the back done while I have the grill off. The rain is not helping that project, either.
 
Trent

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #32 –
Quote from: TulsaTrent –

Steve,
 
Not yet. We have had enough rain, so that the ground has not dried out enough yet.
 
Have been working on replacing the camera and monitor. Next will be the clearance lights, I want to get the middle three in the back done while I have the grill off. The rain is not helping that project, either.
 
Trent
What happened about the overheating generator?

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #33 –
Nothing yet.  :-[
 
I am still working on the clearance lights. Mother Nature is my excuse. It is either too wet, or too hot.  :(
Will let you know when I get backtuit.
 
BTW, the quiet box insulation was too far gone. Anyone got a recommendation for a good, not too thick, insulation for around the generator? I have seen some that are pretty expensive, but if they really quiet the noise level, it might be worth it.

Thanks,
 
Trent

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #34 –
Quote from: TulsaTrent –
Nothing yet.  :-[
 
I am still working on the clearance lights. Mother Nature is my excuse. It is either too wet, or too hot.  :(
Will let you know when I get backtuit.
 
BTW, the quiet box insulation was too far gone. Anyone got a recommendation for a good, not too thick, insulation for around the generator? I have seen some that are pretty expensive, but if they really quiet the noise level, it might be worth it.

Thanks,
 
Trent

I bought some of the most expensive online for my Monaco It was used for marine engine compartments. After all the time and effort and money it did not make much difference on it. Our Foretravel engine compartments are different as the Monaco is on a sliding shelf with a hydraulic ram that pushes the generator all the way out the front for servicing. That may be why it wasn't what I expected. If I do our Foretravel I will use a less expensive option.

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #35 –
Quote from: craneman –
If I do our Foretravel I will use a less expensive option.

Thank you for the user feedback; that is valuable information.
 
On that subject: I don't remember how much room is above the Quiet Box, but might it be beneficial to add insulation there and outside of the Quiet Box? Or is there too much metal-to-chassis contact to make much difference?
 
Thanks,
 
Trent

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #36 –
Trent,
Call these people and ask for info and a sample of the product they make for generator quiet boxes.
I used it in my eng and generator compartments.
It did help with that loud diesel knock from the engine.

Aap inc.
804-633-9454
[url=http://Www.aap.com

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #37 –
John,
 
Thanks for the link; will check it out.
 
Trent

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #38 –
Looks like they have a new address.
Aapusa.com
I think the product I used was
Whisper mat WM2.

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #39 –
If you have the isuzu with remote radiator and the fan is working I would bet strongly on the water pump belt.