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Topic: Power Tech Radiator brackets Broken .  (Read 496 times) previous topic - next topic

Power Tech Radiator brackets Broken .

Had trouble getting Power Tech to start and stay running.  After several starts it ran but not smooth.  Then I noticed the top 2  Radiator  brackets were broken where it attaches to engine block.  The front bracket looked like a repair from a previous break.  Is there supposed to be a vibration dampener where they attach?
Daniel & Sandy
1999 U320 40'
Build # 5573
WTFS 4010
Piper PA 24-260B

Re: Power Tech Radiator brackets Broken .

Reply #1 –
Suggested reading, found in about 15 seconds by using the excellent Forum "Search" tool (top right corner of every page):

1997 PowerTech Isuzu 8KW Generator Radiator Modification

Another Generator Radiator Separation

Generator Modifications- Radiator and Primary Fuel Filtration

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Power Tech Radiator brackets Broken .

Reply #2 –
I had exactly the same thing happen. My top bracket broke and shook the radiator so much it broke one of the radiator hoses. I had it welded and the hose replaced. Works great now. Make sure you check the hoses before re welding the bracket...
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Power Tech Radiator brackets Broken .

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Ndnflyr –
  The front bracket looked like a repair from a previous break.  Is there supposed to be a vibration dampener where they attach?

Daniel,

On your coach it came from the factory with a remote radiator. What you should have is just a volume tank that is connected to the engine. There never was a vibration dampener where these were mounted as they were basically just metal to metal. If you have that much shaking then you most likely have bad motor mounts that need replacing. If you find these bad don't just order the first one you find here on the forum as there are several different mounts that have been used over the years.

Had trouble getting Power Tech to start and stay running. 
This could be leak in fuel line, fuel filter, failing fuel lift pump.

After several starts it ran but not smooth.
 Not running smooth are you talking about just shaking (bad motor mounts) or are you talking about missing?

Which power unit do you have?  Isuzu or Kubota

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Power Tech Radiator brackets Broken .

Reply #4 –
Daniel,

Very possible/likely that on your year coach, fuel lines need to be replaced.  Look for small cracks in the rubber at the connectors on the end of the lines.  Many threads on the forum.

Rich

PS.  I've been using the Streamlight all day today.
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Power Tech Radiator brackets Broken .

Reply #5 –
Hi Rich
 Thanks for the suggestion.  Glad you are able to use it. It is a handy little light.
Daniel & Sandy
1999 U320 40'
Build # 5573
WTFS 4010
Piper PA 24-260B

Re: Power Tech Radiator brackets Broken .

Reply #6 –
Thanks for all the links and suggestions.  I  did  not have time to investigate how extensive the damage is.  The engine is a four cylinder.  Beyond that I do not know which it is..  It is a 10 Kw.  Have other problems confronting me as well but will start a different thread for those.
Thanks again for all the help.
Daniel & Sandy
1999 U320 40'
Build # 5573
WTFS 4010
Piper PA 24-260B

Re: Power Tech Radiator brackets Broken .

Reply #7 –
Mike
After more  research it must be the Kubota since it is 4 cylinder .  The engine has an occasional miss or an occasional stumble which leads me to believe it is a fuel problem. On the first fuel filter with the clear bottom, I opened the valve with the hose connected to the bottom and noticed several bubbles float through the bowl.  No fuel came out of the hose.  Not sure of the implication of this.    Wednesday is my next opportunity to take a closer look.  Yes my brackets are metal to metal.  The brackets are straps welded to the radiator and secured with bolts to front of engine. 
Daniel & Sandy
1999 U320 40'
Build # 5573
WTFS 4010
Piper PA 24-260B

Re: Power Tech Radiator brackets Broken .

Reply #8 –
I had time to go and assess my Power Tech today.  I was wrong about several things. First of all it is a 3 cylinder Isuzu. 2nd the radiator is not a radiator but a supply tank. The top mounting bracket on the back side was not broken just not connected to anything. The front top mount was from a previous repair made of aluminum angle and screw into shroud below tank.  Fortunately it will be an easy fix.  Make a new bracket and weld to the shroud .  Hoses and fuel lines look to be in great condition.  Thanks for all the suggestions and help.
Daniel & Sandy
1999 U320 40'
Build # 5573
WTFS 4010
Piper PA 24-260B

Re: Power Tech Radiator brackets Broken .

Reply #9 –
Daniel,

It is always a good situation when, upon second inspection, the problem is not nearly as bad as you first thought.  My coach was about 100 coaches earlier than yours on the production line and we have the same generator set-up.  Except for needing new fuel lines, it has been a wonderful and reliable generator.

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: Power Tech Radiator brackets Broken .

Reply #10 –
Danial,

While you have the tank and shroud off change out the water pump belt if you don't know the age.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Power Tech Radiator brackets Broken .

Reply #11 –
Great suggestion Mike. I would have missed that.

Richard I love your paint scheme and colors. Hope my exp with the Power Tech is as good as yours.
Daniel & Sandy
1999 U320 40'
Build # 5573
WTFS 4010
Piper PA 24-260B

Re: Power Tech Radiator brackets Broken .

Reply #12 –
I recommend you get rid of the sound dampening/insulation on the inside of the fan belt shroud that Foretravel put there. The glue on the insulation failed on my '99 with the Isuzu. The insulation fell down and jammed the vibration damper/pulley, shredded the fan belt and destroyed the pulley causing overheating.

Bob