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Changing Coolant, Hoses and Belt on Generator
I have a Martin generator with a Yanmar engine. I have been planning to change the coolant, hoses and the belt. We had a cancellation this week due to the flooding in Oklahoma so we are home for a few days. It seemed like a good time to jump in.
The radiator is outside of the generator quiet box but in the same bay. I drained it first. The radiator is small but I was still surprised to only drain between 6-7 quarts of coolant. Once I have the hoses back in place I think I will fill and flush it with water a few times.
The belt and the small hose I ordered from Martin are on the right side of the generator. It was a tight fit for me but they were the easiest items to replace. The little hose was very brittle and probably original.
The other hoses (All 1″ ID) are a bit more complicated even though they are out in the open.
The hose going from the generator to the bottom of the radiator was actually two shaped hoses and a length of 1″ heater hose pieced together in order to make all of the necessary turns.
I took them to some auto parts stores and finally obtained all the hoses I need to replace it. It is a challenge to get some of the parts folks to leave the computer screen and actually go in the back and dig through hoses. “I can not help you without a make and model.” You are exactly right. You probably can not help me.
The upper radiator hose though pretty much straight is more complicated. It is also 1″ but it has a layer of metal wire within the rubber. I assume that is needed to prevent it from collapsing. I have been to three different stores and none of them stock it or can order it. Dayco makes a great flexible hose with metal inside but their smallest size is 1 1/4 ID.
Question 1: Do I need an similar hose or will a heater hose suffice?
Question 2: If I need it, can you suggest a resource?
As always, any help is appreciated. Thank you.
Davy
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3 Replies
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Davy,
Like you I have been frustrated by the parts stores with people who choose to only use their computer. When I have to replace hoses, especially those that have a complex shape or that have to have special material or construction I go to a local O’Reilly warehouse/parts store where the old timers will actually go out into the warehouse and look through the inventory for a match.
I also will go to a local company that can make up any type of hose ranging from hydraulic hose assemblies to coolant hoses to air hoses. They have every kind of hose material so between them and the warehouse store I can usually get hoses that will work.
I like dealing with the old guys because they rely less on the computer, and more on what they see on the shelves in the store room. Sorry BA, but the local NAPA company owned store is the worst, along with Auto Zone and Advanced.
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Davy I get the hose from MPI however you have to buy in bulk. Those are very high quality marine application heavy walled hose….
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Thanks Jeff and Jon,
First a correction. The hose in question is not 1″ ID. I bought 20″ of 1″ heater hose for a temporary stop gap measure until I could find and order the right hose. Turns out that the top radiator hose is 1 1/8″ ID.
Now at least a semi-permanent solution. I went back to the parts store and bought the Dayco 1 1/4″ flexible hose with metal inside that I referenced in the original post. I clamped both ends very good and it sealed fine.
After making sure everything was tight I added coolant, cranked it up and let it run an hour and 40 minutes. The coolant cycled like it was supposed to, the temps stayed good and there were no leaks. I think I will call it good until proven otherwise.
Thanks for your help.
Davy
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