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Topic: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot? (Read 2443 times) previous topic - next topic

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

Trent and Jean Eyler
2000  U295  4003  WTFE  ISC  350
Build#5603 MC#17385

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


Trent and Jean Eyler
2000  U295  4003  WTFE  ISC  350
Build#5603 MC#17385

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

Trent and Jean Eyler
2000  U295  4003  WTFE  ISC  350
Build#5603 MC#17385

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
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

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
Jason
1999 U320 36'

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #30 –
Did you every find the source of your generator problem?
Steve DeLange
2005 U320T 40'
Pearland, Texas

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
Trent and Jean Eyler
2000  U295  4003  WTFE  ISC  350
Build#5603 MC#17385

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?
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

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
Trent and Jean Eyler
2000  U295  4003  WTFE  ISC  350
Build#5603 MC#17385

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.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

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
Trent and Jean Eyler
2000  U295  4003  WTFE  ISC  350
Build#5603 MC#17385

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
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #37 –
John,
 
Thanks for the link; will check it out.
 
Trent
Trent and Jean Eyler
2000  U295  4003  WTFE  ISC  350
Build#5603 MC#17385

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.
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'

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.

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #40 –
Problem resolved!
 
After all the weeping and gnashing of teeth, my problem was , , ,
 
    lack of enough coolant in my generator! I added enough from a jug of 50/50 coolant mix to fill it properly. Ran it for about 30 minutes last night with no problem. Will run it for a couple of hours this morning, to verify.
 
ONE of the things that can make a generator get too hot, is insufficient coolant.
 
Thanks for all the help and suggestions,
 
Trent
Trent and Jean Eyler
2000  U295  4003  WTFE  ISC  350
Build#5603 MC#17385

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #41 –
Quote from: TulsaTrent –
Problem resolved!
 
After all the weeping and gnashing of teeth, my problem was , , ,
 
    lack of enough coolant in my generator! I added enough from a jug of 50/50 coolant mix to fill it properly. Ran it for about 30 minutes last night with no problem. Will run it for a couple of hours this morning, to verify.


Check the condition of your radiator cap and the overflow hose.  We had a similar issue (low coolant level) a few years ago.  We found some cracking at the ends of the hose on ours (coolant would flow out to overflow when hot but air would suck back in as it cooled) and the gasket was questionable on the cap so we replaced both.  Problem solved.

If you have an AquaHot, it's a good time to check the same on that unit.  We replaced overflow hose and radiator cap on our AH after finding cracks in the overflow hose where it attaches to the AH.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #42 –
Quote from: Michelle –
Check the condition of your radiator cap and the overflow hose.

Michelle,
 
Given the cost-benefit analysis, replacing the radiator cap certainly seems prudent. (Any one know what size and temperature I need?)
 
My overflow tube goes to the top plug of the overflow tank. Another hose hangs straight down from that plug. The second overflow stops just above the steel frame. Is that normal? Should I replace it with a longer piece that stops below the generator? Or is the overflow of the overflow tank not common enough to worry about?
 
Thanks,
 
Trent
Trent and Jean Eyler
2000  U295  4003  WTFE  ISC  350
Build#5603 MC#17385

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #43 –
Quote from: TulsaTrent –

Michelle,
 
Given the cost-benefit analysis, replacing the radiator cap certainly seems prudent. (Any one know what size and temperature I need?)


Ours was 13 psi (also the same on the AquaHot).  NAPA should be able to match on size if you bring them the current one.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #44 –
If you are not having the coolant flow back into the overflow tank, besides the other suggestions , try this: Odd as it may seem...check for cracks in the top of the radiator where the cap screws on. You might have to use your cell phone camera to see all the way around. There could an air leak there.

Jim
Jim Frerichs
2002 U320 42'

Re: What Makes a Generator Get Too Hot?

Reply #45 –
Diesel Generators sometimes have too high temperatures, especially in the summer, what is the reason? There are six main reasons.
1.Generator temperature is too high may be caused by the motor damp, need to be local dry.
2.The generator set is in poor condition. If it is the silicon rectifier, can check the silicon components. Check whether the excitation circuit is grounded.
3.Generator fan cooling is bad. Check if the duct is blocked and the fan is damaged.
4.When the generator is running, the stator winding has short circuit or leakage. The stator windings should be checked at this time.
5.When the generator is running, it has core friction between the stator and the rotor. Most of the reason is caused by damage to the bearing, should immediately stop repair or replace the bearing.
6.Generator running load time is too long. At this point should reduce the load.
Nerver give up.