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Topic: Replace generator mounts or not (Read 1084 times) previous topic - next topic

Replace generator mounts or not

I have an early 1998 8KW Pro Tech generator with 865 hours out for replacement of radiator, radiator separation, and re-insulation of compartment. Should I replace the following items, even though they appear OK:

Four main generator/engine mounts
Two main bottom radiator mounts
Upper and lower radiator hoses
Square exhaust manifold gasket that connects flex pipe to engine

I am replacing the fuel lines on the engine. Does diesel take a specially rated fuel line?

The photos and write ups on the forum were very helpful in deciding to separate the radiator and developing a mounting system. I will detail that in a separate post when finished. Lots of residual adhesive and rust to deal with at the moment.
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: Replace generator mounts or not

Reply #1 –
Realmccoy, if you consider every thing you are dealing with is over 20 years old, personally if I had everything out I would replace all hoses- belts and any other wear part. Easier to do now than on road later
Just my 2c worth
Chris
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR

Re: Replace generator mounts or not

Reply #2 –
I would definitely replace the hoses.  The rest would depend on condition.
2002 36' U270 Foretravel

Re: Replace generator mounts or not

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Realmccoy –
I have an early 1998 8KW Pro Tech generator with 865 hours out for replacement of radiator, radiator separation, and re-insulation of compartment.
I have 1996 40 ft U320 with a 10Kw PT generator, 970 hours, remote radiator.

I am in the middle of "Doing" my generator. Replacing all hoses, thermostat, belt, engine mounts, filters, and sound abatement materials. I removed the generator slide system for sand blasting and painting. The injectors were rebuilt, the spray pattern was screwy (too smoky). The engine work is complete. Cleaning the enclosure, removing the old adhesive, installing the new noise abatement material and reinstalling everything, is what is left.
My expansion tank/belt guard assembly fell off the engine and killed the belt and a hose. I plan to cut the belt guard down and use it to mount the expansion tank to the enclosure.

PowerTech wants $100 per engine mount, Lord Corp, PowerTech's supplier gets $30.
Vibration Isolators | LORD Corp

Tim
Tim Dianics
Pam Sapienza
Vader PupZilla Labrador Canine Beast (AKA Pup)
Columbia, MO
1996 U320 4000
2021 Jeep Gladiator, Diesel

Re: Replace generator mounts or not

Reply #4 –
Tim,

Do you have a PN for the Lord Corp mounts?
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: Replace generator mounts or not

Reply #5 –
 PN: 283P-155

The 155 represents the weight capacity in pounds per unit.
Tim Dianics
Pam Sapienza
Vader PupZilla Labrador Canine Beast (AKA Pup)
Columbia, MO
1996 U320 4000
2021 Jeep Gladiator, Diesel

Re: Replace generator mounts or not

Reply #6 –
When we replaced ours it made a big difference when that 3 cyl. engine starts and stops,much less movement.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Replace generator mounts or not

Reply #7 –
I just replaced mine and it cost me 250.00 for the mounts and 2hrs of labor. Did it myself. The 2 back mounts were shot, the front were hard and not really working to dampen much.

Sagre U 320 1997
Steven Green
1997 U-320

Re: Replace generator mounts or not

Reply #8 –
One item that should be considered while you are doing this is to replace the bell bearing.  Several good discussions and beamalarm has several different approaches to mounts and the problem with radiators for some of these years.
George and Steph
1997 U270 36 Build 5081 "Honu"
1180w Solar 400A lithium all Victron house system
Motorcade 17670, SKP 128300, FMCA F459019
73 VW Camper, 79 VW Camper, 2363 Sunline, and an Arctic Fox 25P

Re: Replace generator mounts or not

Reply #9 –

Have a link where you got them from. I can't find them on the net.
Thanks


Quote from: TGordon –
I have 1996 40 ft U320 with a 10Kw PT generator, 970 hours, remote radiator.

I am in the middle of "Doing" my generator. Replacing all hoses, thermostat, belt, engine mounts, filters, and sound abatement materials. I removed the generator slide system for sand blasting and painting. The injectors were rebuilt, the spray pattern was screwy (too smoky). The engine work is complete. Cleaning the enclosure, removing the old adhesive, installing the new noise abatement material and reinstalling everything, is what is left.
My expansion tank/belt guard assembly fell off the engine and killed the belt and a hose. I plan to cut the belt guard down and use it to mount the expansion tank to the enclosure.
Got a link on where you purchased them? Can't find them by part number....
PowerTech wants $100 per engine mount, Lord Corp, PowerTech's supplier gets $30.
Vibration Isolators | LORD Corp

Tim
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: Replace generator mounts or not

Reply #10 –
I'm replacing all four mounts, radiator lower mounts and splitting off the radiator using Unistruts for lower radiator base and angled braces to stabilize top of radiator. I'm also replacing hoses, belt, and thermostat. I also trimmed 1/4" from fan shroud to compensate for the separation of the radiator from generator.
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: Replace generator mounts or not

Reply #11 –
Fellow generator warrior's. I just watched this video. I recommend a timeout to watch.
Pay attention to.
1. His generator mounts.
2. Comment about Foretravel and sensors!!!!!
3. His personal experience with Foretravel setup.
4. Safety
5. Cost and setup of his current generator.
6. Voltage regulator cost.  I spent $300. Plus for my factory replacement.

Lots of good to great information from a been there done that view. I found the comments about generator dying due to fluid sloshing extremely intresting! In past 2 months some of us have had generator go from running fine to shut down with no real reason. Some have added coolant others oil. Then had generator work. Could it be due to sloshing??

Gather your stones to throw at me! Think this is great info.  Mother Hubbard sends

WATCH
Learn about Generators for Busses and Motor Coaches - Prevost - Eagle and...
1999 U270 40 #5518
USN. USPS.

Re: Replace generator mounts or not

Reply #12 –
Tex while his video is grossly inaccurate on many levels, I did like the mounts and the slide. Other than that... not so much.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: Replace generator mounts or not

Reply #13 –
That's the feedback I need as I learn.
1999 U270 40 #5518
USN. USPS.

Re: Replace generator mounts or not

Reply #14 –
Update on generator: Successfully started and ran today. Installed new fuel filter, Baldwin BF7648; new radiator cap; thermostat and gasket; radiator hoses upper and lower; fuel filter at inlet to Onan fuel pump; replaced rubber 5/16" hoses post supply connection to tank, filter, injectors;  removed and replaced sound insulation in generator box; three new rollers for slide out tray and reversed bolts that hold them in place; split radiator from engine using unistruts and constructed upper radiator braces from strap metal; modified fan shroud by adding brace to radiator shroud; four new generator rubber isolation mounts; re-cored radiator; shaved 1/4 inch from fan shroud to add clearance; removed back fan shroud half permanently; and cleaned and painted tray, supports, shrouds.

Was delighted that generator started with first attempt and generated a solid 120 volts. Runs smoother. Thanks for all the help. Will create a separate post with photos and part numbers.
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: Replace generator mounts or not

Reply #15 –
Quote from: Realmccoy –

Was delighted that generator started with first attempt and generated a solid 120 volts. Runs smoother. Thanks for all the help. Will create a separate post with photos and part numbers.

Very cool and would appreciate a separate post with the part numbers and pictures!  Should be good for another 20 years or so.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: Replace generator mounts or not

Reply #16 –
Quote
split radiator from engine using unistruts and constructed upper radiator braces from strap metal; modified fan shroud by adding brace to radiator shroud;

Would you mind sharing some photos of your setup. Thanks.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Replace generator mounts or not

Reply #17 –
Putting together a post tomorrow.
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.