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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 #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

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.

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

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.

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

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.