Generator fan capacitor question

Topic: Generator fan capacitor question (Read 1219 times) previous topic - next topic

Generator fan capacitor question

May 01, 2018, 04:29:54 pm

Kubota shut down during our exercise run yesterday and the "High Temp" indicator light was activated. Run time was about 10 mins.

Started the genset this AM and found that the cooling fan was not turning. I removed the screws holding the cover plate on and moved the squirrel cage with my finger and it began to spin and the Kubota ran for 30 mins. My understanding is, if a 110 VAC motor has trouble starting it would point to a capacitor problem. Usually the capacitor is mounted to the motor. Not on this one.

Does anyone know where the capacitor is located and/or do I need to replace the motor.

I called Avery at MOT this AM and he advised that the capacitor is on the motor housing and should be replaced without pulling the motor. I do not see a capacitor anywhere.

I also called Power Tech but have not heard back from them.

Thought I would check here before I call Avery back again.

Checked oil - OK
Checked Coolant - added some to overflow bottle
Engine coolant supply and return hoses are hot -
Breakers all appear to be OK

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Re: Generator fan capacitor question

Reply #1 – May 01, 2018, 04:44:50 pm

Scott, you are correct. Replace the start capacitor. You can take it out and test it with a meter. You can find the procedure on google. On one of our Foretravel Rallies one individual had to get to his capacitor from underneath.

Re: Generator fan capacitor question

Reply #2 – May 01, 2018, 04:47:32 pm

Thanks John. Got to find the dern thang first.

Re: Generator fan capacitor question

Reply #3 – May 01, 2018, 04:49:23 pm

Crawl underneath. That is where one member found it. Can't be seen from above.

Re: Generator fan capacitor question

Reply #4 – May 01, 2018, 05:10:56 pm

Quote from: Carol & Scott – May 01, 2018, 04:29:54 pm

Kubota shut down during our exercise run yesterday and the "High Temp" indicator light was activated. Run time was about 10 mins.

Started the genset this AM and found that the cooling fan was not turning. I removed the screws holding the cover plate on and moved the squirrel cage with my finger and it began to spin and the Kubota ran for 30 mins. My understanding is, if a 110 VAC motor has trouble starting it would point to a capacitor problem. Usually the capacitor is mounted to the motor. Not on this one.

Does anyone know where the capacitor is located and/or do I need to replace the motor.

I called Avery at MOT this AM and he advised that the capacitor is on the motor housing and should be replaced without pulling the motor. I do not see a capacitor anywhere.
I also called Power Tech but have not heard back from them.

Thought I would check here before I call Avery back again.

Checked oil - OK
Checked Coolant - added some to overflow bottle
Engine coolant supply and return hoses are hot -
Breakers all appear to be OK

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Look in a J box directly above the blower, mine [03] is in that box. The fact that it will start spinning when you turn the blower wheel could very well indicate the start cap.

Re: Generator fan capacitor question

Reply #5 – May 01, 2018, 05:13:33 pm

My capacitor is inside the junction box above the fan. Have an 03 so may be different

Re: Generator fan capacitor question

Reply #6 – May 01, 2018, 05:27:44 pm

I have an '00 U320 and the capacitor is not in the junction box above the fan in my coach. You may have followed my fan problems recently. One of the first things I did was test the fan motor by disconnecting the wires from the generator at the aforementioned junction box and connecting it to an appliance cord (from an old washer) and plugged it into an outlet on the side of our house with an extension cord. When I did this, I found the fan worked well and the issue was no power from the generator. I also posted a photo of the wiring to the fan and where it connected inside the control box on top of the generator. A lot of discussion regarding capacitors preceeded our finding the wiring problem. If your fan runs fine using your house current, there should not be a problem with the capacitor, if I'm not mistaken. I'm guessing you have a loose wire. If so, it could be in either of the two junction boxes (one behind the generator up high) or in the control box. You can PM me if you have any questions along this line.

Re: Generator fan capacitor question

Reply #7 – May 01, 2018, 11:27:34 pm

Thanks for the comments. Will see if I can find that thing.

Sven - will try your test and see what I get.

Re: Generator fan capacitor question

Reply #8 – May 02, 2018, 07:22:09 am

On my fan the capacitor is mounted to the back side of the fan housing. I need to slide out the generator, crawl up behind the generator and look back at the rear of the fan. Voila!

Re: Generator fan capacitor question

Reply #9 – May 02, 2018, 09:37:09 am

Argh.

Re: Generator fan capacitor question

Reply #10 – May 02, 2018, 07:37:54 pm

Mine (1998) is right on front of the blower as you open the door to the bay. Sorry that yours is harder to find.

Also make sure the 15(?) amp breaker for the fan is good.

Re: Generator fan capacitor question

Reply #11 – May 02, 2018, 09:49:11 pm

I replaced temp sensor and it kept running on Powertech 8k. Interesting what shuts them down.
99 U270. Found belt loose adjusted that also with help of friend with long screwdriver while I tightened belt from underneath and behind.

Re: Generator fan capacitor question

Reply #12 – May 02, 2018, 11:49:49 pm

Been raining today. Will look closer tomorrow.

Belt is tight and fuse is good.

Re: Generator fan capacitor question

Reply #13 – May 03, 2018, 11:17:18 am

Quote from: stevec22 – May 02, 2018, 07:37:54 pm

Mine (1998) is right on front of the blower as you open the door to the bay. Sorry that yours is harder to find.

Also make sure the 15(?) amp breaker for the fan is good.

If anyone needs to replace the circuit breaker, you can get them at Graingers for a couple of dollars; if you got to Power Tech, it will cost close to $50.

Re: Generator fan capacitor question

Reply #14 – May 04, 2018, 07:24:27 pm

Found the capacitor. Located attached to the fan housing - way behind and up. Took a long heavy screwdriver and loosened the fastening strap allowing the capacitor to slide up out of the strap. Upon inspection, one wire was not connected. Corrosion ran supreme. PN 97f9121. Ordered a replacement from Amazon. Will mount the new one in an accessible place.

More to come.

Re: Generator fan capacitor question

Reply #15 – May 05, 2018, 09:32:46 pm

Pic of top of our capacitor.

Re: Generator fan capacitor question

Reply #16 – May 05, 2018, 10:06:30 pm

Ouch

Re: Generator fan capacitor question

Reply #17 – May 07, 2018, 10:41:55 am

My new capacitor is arriving today and will install in a new location.

Just wondering - Can I cover the connectors with something like silicone to protect the connections from moisture?

Re: Generator fan capacitor question

Reply #18 – May 07, 2018, 10:44:12 am

Dielectric grease should be sufficient. See if any other replies have a better idea.

Re: Generator fan capacitor question

Reply #19 – May 07, 2018, 10:45:22 am

You could but a gob of dielectric grease will protect and waterprrof them just as well.

Re: Generator fan capacitor question

Reply #20 – May 07, 2018, 10:51:06 am

Thanks

Re: Generator fan capacitor question

Reply #21 – May 07, 2018, 11:52:13 am

Quote from: Carol & Scott – May 07, 2018, 10:41:55 am

My new capacitor is arriving today and will install in a new location.

Just wondering - Can I cover the connectors with something like silicone to protect the connections from moisture?

There are two different types of silicone. One kind ( I think the one that smells like vinegar, but not positive`) does not do a good job with electric connections

Re: Generator fan capacitor question

Reply #22 – May 07, 2018, 12:04:52 pm

Check with Mouser electronics or Allied electronics for Capacitor boots.

Re: Generator fan capacitor question

Reply #23 – May 07, 2018, 02:34:07 pm

Scott,
Here you go.
Capacitor End Caps and Protective Boots - Passive Components from Allied...

Re: Generator fan capacitor question

Reply #24 – May 07, 2018, 04:14:07 pm

Next question:

There r 2 wires attached to the capacitor, one is solid red the other is red wth a white stripe.

Which is + and which is - ?

I will check with NAPA re: silicone seal and maybe just cover with dialectic grease.

Thanx again.

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