Ambitious Job

Topic: Ambitious Job (Read 1509 times) previous topic - next topic

Ambitious Job

March 25, 2019, 01:24:26 pm

Some of you know from last summer while in Illinois my generator burned up. I took it to the nearest Power Tech service center and they said it needed a new generator, $5500 plus any incidentals. I called Power Tech in Leesburg, Fl and they said the the generator package was around $3000 plus taxes. I then figured I should change the generator myself when I got to Florida. Mean time someone on the forum told about a generator for sale on classified. I called the guy, it was exactly what I needed. Brand new still in the box. I got a great deal at $1000 but I had to travel to Texas and pick it up.

I'm in Florida and started my project. Before working on the generator I had Red Tractor change all of my fuel lines. I then pulled the old generator off of the engine, then I pulled the engine. I removed the slide tray and had it sandblasted and powder coated. $85. I removed all of the old insulation from the compartment and cleaned it up. I used the Cool Tech sound deadening insulation in the compartment. It is the same stuff they use in sound deadening in the classic car restorations. It was self adhesive and I also sprayed the compartment walls with 3M 90. Once putting down the insulation their was no getting it up without a struggle.

I reinstalled the tray, engine and generator. I replaced the fuel pump and I added an extra ground strap coming off ofl the coach frame to the ground coming from the tray to the engine. With the powder coating of the tray I wasn't sure if I would have any issues with getting a good ground.

This morning I called Power Tech to go over the wiring connections with Jeff. We fired everything up and everything is running great and we are back in business.

Thanks to Power Tech, Craneman and Red Tractor on the forum and the referral on classifieds I was able to have a successful installation. Below are the pictures of the ambitious job.

I Praise God for the wisdom he gives me to do these things.
John M

Re: Ambitious Job

Reply #1 – March 25, 2019, 01:40:26 pm

Great job, John! Hope to see the finished project in person some day!

Re: Ambitious Job

Reply #2 – March 25, 2019, 01:41:34 pm

Nice work on the new Geny. Your ready for another 40,000 hrs.
What was the cause of the old Geny burning up and how many hrs on it ??

Re: Ambitious Job

Reply #3 – March 25, 2019, 01:42:25 pm

You converted an expensive problem into a moderately priced comprehensive solution. You are far ahead of where you started. Where did you do the work?

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Reply #4 – March 25, 2019, 01:45:43 pm

Looks good John,only thing I may do different is install new motor mounts.

Re: Ambitious Job

Reply #5 – March 25, 2019, 02:34:58 pm

Quote from: Bob & Sue – March 25, 2019, 01:41:34 pm

Nice work on the new Geny. Your ready for another 40,000 hrs.
What was the cause of the old Geny burning up and how many hrs on it ??

The previous generator was replaced under the previous owner. Who ever installed the generator and voltage regulator did a shabby job. They only put one screw on the regulator and over time with the Isuzu rough start and stops the regulator broke loose and shorted everything in the box and smoked the generator.

Re: Ambitious Job

Reply #6 – March 25, 2019, 02:37:47 pm

I was an electrician in the Air Force on the B52 and KC135 and worked as a Tool & Die Maker till I went into management.
John M

Re: Ambitious Job

Reply #7 – March 25, 2019, 02:39:14 pm

Quote from: John44 – March 25, 2019, 01:45:43 pm

Looks good John,only thing I may do different is install new motor mounts.

I thought about the new mounts. The old ones looked great so I reused them.

Re: Ambitious Job

Reply #8 – March 25, 2019, 02:44:48 pm

Quote from: John Morales – March 25, 2019, 02:37:47 pm

I was an electrician in the Air Force on the B52 and KC135 and worked as a Tool & Die Maker till I went into management.
John M

Great work John; where were you stationed? I was at Travis AFB and was a jet mech on C-130's, C-135's, KC-135's, C-141's and C-5A's just before I was discharged in '66.

Re: Ambitious Job

Reply #9 – March 25, 2019, 03:11:12 pm

Quote from: juicesqueezer – March 25, 2019, 02:44:48 pm

Great work John; where were you stationed? I was at Travis AFB and was a jet mech on C-130's, C-135's, KC-135's, C-141's and C-5A's just before I was discharged in '66.

I was stationed at Robins AFB, GA. Great learning experience.

Re: Ambitious Job

Reply #10 – March 25, 2019, 04:28:34 pm

I was stationed at Robins AFB, GA. Great learning experience.

I picked 2 brand new HC130H,s @ Robins in 1966 54th Rescue Sqdn (Goose Bay ) Lab
(was Flight Engineer on C54's & HC130)

Re: Ambitious Job

Reply #11 – March 25, 2019, 05:10:51 pm

Good way to research to get the best possible price and then install it. Hate to see so many folks get @#$% by an RV shop. NEVER PAY LIST PRICE

Nice work again!

Pierce

Re: Ambitious Job

Reply #12 – March 25, 2019, 05:44:37 pm

That is one sweet lookin' genny! Bien hecho!
jor

Re: Ambitious Job

Reply #13 – March 25, 2019, 06:08:16 pm

John that looks terrific. Looks like a new sideline for you?

?

Larry

Re: Ambitious Job

Reply #14 – March 25, 2019, 06:49:00 pm

No. I do it because I like the challenge and at the same time save a few coach bucks. Also, I know how it got done. If someone needs the help or encouragement I will do that also.
John M.

Re: Ambitious Job

Reply #15 – March 25, 2019, 08:01:28 pm

Great job John!

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Reply #16 – March 25, 2019, 09:38:40 pm

Great Job John, I imagine the self satisfaction and pride to complete a project like this is priceless!

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Reply #17 – March 26, 2019, 08:29:36 pm

Great job John.

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Reply #18 – April 03, 2019, 09:03:29 pm

Which Power Tech outfit did you call about wiring instructions. Jeff? The project you just conquered is amazing. Each of these motor homes is an engineering feat

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Reply #19 – April 04, 2019, 06:33:57 am

John, terrific post! Can you tell a difference in sound with the new insulation?

Re: Ambitious Job

Reply #20 – April 04, 2019, 07:46:13 am

John from pictures of some of your past projects, I knew this one would turn out the way it did. Given your past training it's no wonder that you have a quality work ethic. I wish I had your skills. Great Job.

Re: Ambitious Job

Reply #21 – April 04, 2019, 08:40:15 pm

Quote from: Tom West – April 03, 2019, 09:03:29 pm

Which Power Tech outfit did you call about wiring instructions. Jeff? The project you just conquered is amazing. Each of these motor homes is an engineering feat

Yes, I contacted tech support at Power Tech in Leesburg, Florida. Jeff usually answers but sometimes they have other techs answering the phone. They are very helpful.
John M.

Re: Ambitious Job

Reply #22 – April 04, 2019, 10:09:23 pm

Nice job, looks new...

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