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Topic: Generator service (Read 483 times) previous topic - next topic

Generator service

I'm debating whether to service the generator myself, or bring it to a shop.
It's the 10kw Pro Tech with an Isuzu engine, in our '98 U295 which we've owned for about a year. I have no idea when any previous maintenance was performed. The hour meter on the unit shows 550. What would you all do or have done if this were your new purchase?
1998 U295 36' No slides
Towing 2018 Jeep Wrangler
Previous rigs:
  1995 26' Fleetwood Flair
  1998 34' Fleetwood Bounder
  1997 40' Bluebird BMC
  1999 24' Winnebago Minnie Class C

Re: Generator service

Reply #1 –
Good time to start learning about stuf!

I changed the oil, coolant and belt on our generator.  Fluids are easy, maybe easier than a car.  The belt required crawling into the cavity behind the generator to access a shroud bolt.  Not too bad, but not recommended for claustrophobic.

If you are even a little bit DIY, you will save A LOT by learning coach anatomy.  Just days ago, our fridge quit, and I fixed it for free in ten minutes.
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: Generator service

Reply #2 –
Replace Engine Oil and Filter, Air Filter, Fuel Filter, Clean Spark Arrestor, check all hoses for leaks and chaffing, Belts for cracks and tension, Electrical wiring for chaffing and terminal corrosion and tightness
Future Foretravel Owners
2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Retired USAF, Retired DOD Civ's
FAA A&P, Indust. Eng., Acft Depot Lvl. Maint.
Larry and Becky Rountree

Re: Generator service

Reply #3 –
Quote from: oldmattb –
Good time to start learning about stuf!
I changed the oil, coolant and belt on our generator.  Fluids are easy, maybe easier than a car.  The belt required crawling into the cavity behind the generator to access a shroud bolt.  Not too bad, but not recommended for claustrophobic.
If you are even a little bit DIY, you will save A LOT by learning coach anatomy.  Just days ago, our fridge quit, and I fixed it for free in ten minutes.
I've spent the last year "learning about stuff"! Just getting around to the front of the coach now. How do you get "into the cavity behind the generator"? Pull genny out on the slide, or from underneath? Or both?
1998 U295 36' No slides
Towing 2018 Jeep Wrangler
Previous rigs:
  1995 26' Fleetwood Flair
  1998 34' Fleetwood Bounder
  1997 40' Bluebird BMC
  1999 24' Winnebago Minnie Class C

Re: Generator service

Reply #4 –
For oil and filters pull it out to the stop. For hoses pull the rubber plate off the bottom.
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: Generator service

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Dan & Annie –
I've spent the last year "learning about stuff"! Just getting around to the front of the coach now. How do you get "into the cavity behind the generator"? Pull genny out on the slide, or from underneath? Or both?
Your coach may have a different configuration.  On our 320, the generator is in the nose.  One removes two bolts, and the generator slides out about a foot for maintenance access.  When the generator is slided (slud?  slidden?) out, a person can crawl underneath and sit in the cavity.
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: Generator service

Reply #6 –
Check your rear bearing. That can be done with a stethoscope if you have on
or use a screwdriver to listen to the sound of the bearing. No sound is good.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Generator service

Reply #7 –
Quote from: oldmattb –
When the generator is slided (slud?  slidden?) out, a person can crawl underneath and sit in the cavity.
On our coach there is a heavy rubber floor under the generator.  To be able to crawl underneath and sit in the cavity you must first remove (drop) the rubber floor with it's steel frame.  Again, on our coach it only requires removing three screws to drop this panel. 

As Matt indicated, you do not have to get up behind the generator to change oil and all the filters. 

Richard
Jan & Richard Witt
1999 U-320  36ft WTFE
Build Number: 5478 Motorcade: 16599
2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited w/Air Force One
Jan: NO5U, Richard:KA5RIW
The selected media item is not currently available.

Re: Generator service

Reply #8 –
Quote from: oldmattb –
Your coach may have a different configuration.  On our 320, the generator is in the nose.  One removes two bolts, and the generator slides out about a foot for maintenance access.  When the generator is slided (slud?  slidden?) out, a person can crawl underneath and sit in the cavity.
Slid or extended out
Johnh
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Generator service

Reply #9 –
Need some general info:
What is the function of the squirrel cage?
The radiator is directly behind the squirrel cage, right, and not inside the slide-out generator compartment? But the pressure-cap for the radiator IS inside the slide-out?
1998 U295 36' No slides
Towing 2018 Jeep Wrangler
Previous rigs:
  1995 26' Fleetwood Flair
  1998 34' Fleetwood Bounder
  1997 40' Bluebird BMC
  1999 24' Winnebago Minnie Class C

Re: Generator service

Reply #10 –
You are correct about the locations of the radiator and fill cap. The squirrel cage draws air and blows it through the radiator to cool it just as a fan would mounted on an engine.
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