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Topic: Generator antifreeze change? (Read 774 times) previous topic - next topic

Generator antifreeze change?

Here we go again another head scratch er, I am going to service the Power Tech gen PTS MH-10, 4 cylinder Kubota diesel engine. It has Wix fuel & Oil filters on it so I looked at manual and I bought Kubota filters, Oil filter HH160-32093 - Fuel 15221-43170. Now when I first got MH I serviced Gen I put new radiator hoses filters and green antifreeze in, Now time to service gen again so one of last projects was flush and fill Cummings with Delo ELC coolant  (Red) with blank filter. So I would like to do the same on Gen, Kubota dealer said we use green stuff and to use green. Called Chevron tek # and spoke to them and they said it would be good to do, Better heat transfer, Any one else do the same?
Art
1997 Prevost 40'
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Re: Generator antifreeze change?

Reply #1 –
Art,

I would ask Kubota why not use the ELC?  Perhaps there is a reason.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Generator antifreeze change?

Reply #2 –
That's next, it was the kid at the counter that told me there had a problem with a tractor that had gel in it, someone might have mixed antifreeze's
Art
1997 Prevost 40'
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Re: Generator antifreeze change?

Reply #3 –
Art, we always use the same coolant that we use in our Cummins for our generator.  Figure that Cummins is more particular and that carrying a couple spare gallons of the same stuff used in both makes more sense.  I pay no attention what our generator calls for, thinking that diesels have similar needs and if it is good enough for our big engine it is good enough for our small engine.

Re: Generator antifreeze change?

Reply #4 –
Quote from: prevostart –
That's next, it was the kid at the counter that told me there had a problem with a tractor that had gel in it, someone might have mixed antifreeze's

No idea-- the kid at the counter MAY be right.  Again, I would call Kubota or Power Tech.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Generator antifreeze change?

Reply #5 –
Got a call into Kubota engines of America, haven't heard yet, But I feel pretty good talking to teks at Chevron they seem very sharp, he talked about both antifreeze's and the additives in both and how they work with the metals to keep away corrosion, and new style antifreeze transfers heat better. But I am a worrier and I will speak to Kubota in AM 
Art
1997 Prevost 40'
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Re: Generator antifreeze change?

Reply #6 –
When I changed mine, I flushed and replaced hoses and used NAPA ELC but it was the green stuff. Much less $$ than the OAT used in the Cummins and according to my diesel mechanic not necessary in the non sleeved Kubota.
 
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Generator antifreeze change?

Reply #7 –
Quote from: prevostart –
and new style antifreeze transfers heat better. 

I haven't heard other people mention it but I immediately noticed this in real world driving after changing over to Final Charge antifreeze.
Robert
Build # 5304
1998 34' U270 Cummins 6CTA8.3

Re: Generator antifreeze change?

Reply #8 –
Got the run around from Kubota they passed me off to 3 different places, so I called Power Tech, Talked to a service guy named Jeff and he had no problem answering my question, He said just a good quality green antifreeze is fine and if you want to switch to ELC (red) antifreeze just make sure you flush it out good before you change it over.
Art
1997 Prevost 40'
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Re: Generator antifreeze change?

Reply #9 –
A call to Powertech always results in answers as Jeff Jones, the service manager has been around a long time and is very familiar with Foretravels with Powertech gensets.  Even though Powertech no longer uses Kobota & Isuzu, and no longer does Foretravel buy from Powertech, Jeff is always helpful.  The only way they make money on us anymore is with parts, and the seem to carry all the parts we need for stuff they no longer sell.  We are fortunate to have their products in our coaches.  I think of Jeff as our James Triana, always knowing and helpful.

Re: Generator antifreeze change?

Reply #10 –
Even though Powertech no longer uses Kobota & Isuzu, and no longer does Foretravel buy from Powertech, Jeff is always helpful. 


What are they using ??????
1993 U300, 6v92
build 4366
USAF retired, Flight Engineer, C124, C130
 ATP, A & E.  & ex AI

Re: Generator antifreeze change?

Reply #11 –
Several years ago, Powertech was using Caterpillar engines and their products went yellow, but I really don't know what diesel engines are in current lineup.  I may be incorrect and they may still also use Kubota & Isuzu.
But as far as I know Foretravel switched 100% to Cummins Onan.  I heard that Cummins made Foretravel a generator deal since they were using Cummins engines.  Better to be in bed with just one supplier.
I believe that Powertech's Foretravel salesman was not happy losing to Onan.
Foretravel probably buys spare parts from Powertech.