Generator Quit

[Ed-Deb]

This MHing can get frustrating sometimes!

I was out last weekend at a local lake, dry camping. The wife was making breakfast, using the microwave, when the generator shut down. Unfortunately, the unit is in the front within a metal box (8Kw Power Tech diesel, and is not readily accessible. I looked around but couldn't see anything obvious. Started it and it ran for about five minutes and then shut down again. This time there was coolant on the ground and I noticed the resevoir tube had bubbling noises (overheated coolant) coming from it.

It appears that the unit is overheating but since access is limited I can't locate any issues 'cause I can't see inside the metal enclosure.

Any ideas on what causes a generator to over heat?

[Ed-Deb]

This MHing can get frustrating sometimes!

I was out last weekend at a local lake, dry camping. The wife was making breakfast, using the microwave, when the generator shut down. Unfortunately, the unit is in the front within a metal box (8Kw Power Tech diesel, and is not readily accessible. I looked around but couldn't see anything obvious. Started it and it ran for about five minutes and then shut down again. This time there was coolant on the ground and I noticed the resevoir tube had bubbling noises (overheated coolant) coming from it.

It appears that the unit is overheating but since access is limited I can't locate any issues 'cause I can't see inside the metal enclosure.

Any ideas on what causes a generator to over heat?

["007"]

Could be low coolent or low in oil maybe. Mine is easier to check but once a month should be for all Gens.

[Scottsdale]

How much fuel did you have? On my gasser, the generator will not run if there is less than 1/4 of a tank of gas.

[Ed-Deb]

The coolant level was full, oil was full, and the fuel tank was full.

["007"]

Ed-Deb I'am sending this down to RVsys & appliances also for more exposure. Have you checked the Gen and can you slide it out or is it fixed.

[RV Wizard]

You could have a broken belt that drives the water pump. There should also be a blower that will move air across the radiator. Keep us posted as to the issue. Thanks

[Ed-Deb]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by "007":
Ed-Deb I'am sending this down to RVsys & appliances also for more exposure. Have you checked the Gen and can you slide it out or is it fixed. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


I haven't crawled underneath yet but from what I can see it appears that the mounting is fixed.

[Ed-Deb]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RV Wizard:
You could have a broken belt that drives the water pump. There should also be a blower that will move air across the radiator. Keep us posted as to the issue. Thanks </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I don't know if the radiator fan for the generator is electrical or is belt driven. I am thinking (hoping) that it is a simple problem like a fan belt.

I talked to the salesman I bought the coach from and he told me they would take care of it when I brought it in for some other minor issues.

The only problem is my appointment isn't until mid-September.

So much for RVing in September!! The MH will be at the shop....

[rebelsbeach]

I feel your pain....I missed two trips in August as my coach was in Wilmington at the dealer for three weeks...

We have a working fridge now,so I guess that's a good thing!!

Wife told me today to get it in and go....maybe all my whining worked?

["007"]

The ckt board for yor transfer is gone you need a new switch changed mine, lost in electric storm, and wired every thing thru a transfer switch,Gen & power cord, to protect the coach insides.

[Norm4015]

I am not familar with Power Tech generators, but does it post an error code? The Onan generators I have had post a flashing code that can be looked up in the owners manual to see what is failing.

["007"]

Norm thanks for the post, we get off the beaten path sometimes, how would like to be a Newmar forum member and not just a new member and you can post your chassis and coach info in the signature profile block just below where I will post your Newmar membership.

[Ed-Deb]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rebelsbeach:
I feel your pain....I missed two trips in August as my coach was in Wilmington at the dealer for three weeks...

We have a working fridge now,so I guess that's a good thing!!

Wife told me today to get it in and go....maybe all my whining worked? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I am still working so my "trips" were on my days off. It was quite relaxing even though I was only going to a local resevoir.

Now I am hoping that the MH will be back in time for our week long trip in Oct.

After only a few months with a MH vs 5th wheel I am looking forward to retirement so I can be on the road more often.

Glad to hear you got your fridge working!