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Topic: PowerTech IDL8000 generator producing 160 volts on both lines (Read 914 times) previous topic - next topic

PowerTech IDL8000 generator producing 160 volts on both lines

Could use some help. My generator has started running over voltage (160 volts both lines). It sometimes settles down and runs 120. The Progressive shuts it down when it goes high as it is wired downstream of ATS. I can't find anything in my manual about the location or trouble shooting of the voltage regulator. 1998 U270. Generator ran fine last year.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: PowerTech IDL8000 generator producing 160 volts on both lines

Reply #1 –
Call Jeff at Powertech. He gave me the trouble shooting info for my 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: PowerTech IDL8000 generator producing 160 volts on both lines

Reply #2 –
Is it still maintaining 60 cycles +/- ?



wantabe

Re: PowerTech IDL8000 generator producing 160 volts on both lines

Reply #3 –
I didn't check. Will that be recorded in my Progressive remote display?
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: PowerTech IDL8000 generator producing 160 volts on both lines

Reply #4 –
Mine did the same thing. It was a bad voltage regulator. Its in the box on top of the generator.

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

Re: PowerTech IDL8000 generator producing 160 volts on both lines

Reply #5 –
You might see if the neutral are tightened down well in you the pedestal/genertor ATS. Shut off all 120 volt power before your do this.
Jim
Jim Frerichs
2002 U320 42'

Re: PowerTech IDL8000 generator producing 160 volts on both lines

Reply #6 –
As Mark said, your problem is the classic symptom of a failing voltage regulator.  We had the same thing happen.  You were protected because you have a hardwired Progressive Industries EMS wired between transfer switch and main breaker.  Those with EMS hard wired before transfer switch and those who have a non-hardwired plug-in EMS will not be protected from this problem.  And those with a non-EMS Surge Protector will also not be protected from generator anomolies.
Only hardwired EMS units installed after transfer switch protect from over & under voltages from both shore AND generator.
Voltage regulators are different for brush and non-brush generators, so be sure to let PowerTech know which you have.  I hear that model number is not enough to be sure which we have.  Brush units have a large removable panel cover over bearing center end.
By the way our brushes wore down our commutator, that could have caused us $1,000 damage if not caught early enough.
Easy to replace voltage regulator.  Fastened down in bottom of control box with a single wire plug connector.  Take a look before you call if you want.
Barry

Re: PowerTech IDL8000 generator producing 160 volts on both lines

Reply #7 –
Thanks Barry, I will pull the cover. I also found much more detailed product information on the generator including serial number, etc. I will have that info when I talk with Jeff along with a picture of the voltage regulator.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: PowerTech IDL8000 generator producing 160 volts on both lines

Reply #8 –
Called  Jeff and he recommended a new voltage regulator. After some discussion we determined that I have the brushless generator, so he sent that part. I installed it Saturday and I'm getting 115 V on both legs.  Thanks for the help. Voltage regulator is a very simple change out.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: PowerTech IDL8000 generator producing 160 volts on both lines

Reply #9 –
I have been having the same problem with my PT 8000k producing high voltage, 147 volts on both legs. Pulled and inspected-cleaned the brushes they seemed to be fine with 540 hours. I have been fortunate to be able to restart and it would register back down to safe voltage level of 124. The problem would not arise again until I let the generator sit unused for a few days. Today though no matter how many restarts the voltage Is reading 147 after the 4th try, time to order a voltage regulator and hope that solves the problem. Also have ordered a Progressive HW-50 surge protector that I will mount after the AT switch.
Doug W.
96 36' U270 CSGI #4946
04 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
PNW

Re: PowerTech IDL8000 generator producing 160 volts on both lines

Reply #10 –
 The number one question they will ask when you order the part is whether or not you have brushed or brushless generator. Takes different regulator, price seems to be the same.  I turned the generator switch to off, pull the generator along the rails toward me, took four screws off the cover that has all the switches breakers and hour meter. The cover pulls straight toward you and you can gently lay control cover upside down still attached. One plug on regulator to remove straight up. Two bolts hold regulator, need shorty Phillips for one screw. Tiny voltage adjustment screw on regulator. I did not need to adjust.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.