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Topic: 8 kw Powertech trouble (Read 312 times) previous topic - next topic

8 kw Powertech trouble

I started the generator and after running 2 min with no load a high pitch whine started. The gen wouldn't shut off so I pulled the main fuse on the unit and it died after a minute. I could smell a faint electrical smell. It gave no warning with noise or voltage before this incident. Fan belt is on. I put the fuse back in today and It wont attempt to turn over, I'm not trying to start it but would like to hear it turn over. Seems like 2 problems now. I find no other fuses for the unit and no reset switch. Jeff at Power Tech has offered help once I get it opened up. where to start opening it up is a bit of issue now. I took the cover off where the main fuse is to see if I could see any wire issue and do not. Servicing this unit has been my extent of work on a power tech. Anyone who has been here before, I wish would give a hint or 2 on where to start.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: 8 kw Powertech trouble

Reply #1 –
Just guessing here but maybe the starter bendix failed to retract and locked starter to an accelerating engine.  That would crash your starter.  Good luck figuring it out.

jk
Jack and Cathy
1992 U280 Unihome 36' Build #4034
Cummins 8.3 /  Allison MT647/ PacBrake
Apopka, FL / Barre Center, NY

Re: 8 kw Powertech trouble

Reply #2 –
main power switch is going bad, got it to activate and gen starts and runs with no noise and making power. Going to replace it but I can't get it to make the high pitch or any whine now. Going to have to look farther because to button it up now is asking for a redo. Can't imagine the main on off switch to have any connection to the whine from 2 weeks ago. Time to call Jeff.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: 8 kw Powertech trouble

Reply #3 –
Rubber mounts for the radiator broken and the plastic fan had rubbed the shroud. Think the plastic fan was the noise and smell. Going to check end bearing best we can for play and check temp with ir gun while running.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: 8 kw Powertech trouble

Reply #4 –
Looks like you found the source of the loud sound.

The Powertech 8kw has a fan belt turning a fan next to the engine mounted radiator. Much simpler setup than the larger Powertech with separately mounted radiator in front bay.

Big ongoing problem with engine mounted radiator is all the vibrations the radiator has to endure, and most have failures of radiator mounts, radiator leaks and other similar problems.

Good idea to replace those small round double-bolt rubber isolator that hold things together. Not hard to get access to rear side of generator by removing bottom (4-bolts), slide gen out (2-bolts), crawl in with back on ground and then sit up on ground, facing rear of engine.

Many have improvised modifications to try to separate the radiator from engine while keeping it in about the same position.

Good sound was not caused by end bearing. Plan to preventively replace end bearing, as a bearing failure will destroy generator rotor, causing extremely high costs. No good way to test for bearing play. Some crank generator weekly just to rotate the bearing keeping it from taking a 'set' from being in one position too long. No need to start, just crank it a revolution or two.

Re: 8 kw Powertech trouble

Reply #5 –
bearing never warmed past 77 deg and its cold here today. Going to secure the radiator with new rubber mounts.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: 8 kw Powertech trouble

Reply #6 –
Dub,misplaced your number,email it to me again,I redid mine a while back,changed the bearing and redid the mounts,can talk you thru it.If you still have my number call me we will be up.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: 8 kw Powertech trouble

Reply #7 –
10/4 David, I will call you tomorrow, Thanks
Dub McBride 1996 270