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Overheating and Voltage Issues
1) Powertech PTS17.5kw with 2021hrs running @ 190F, has always ran @160F. Coolant level good except when temp rises coolant overflows reservoir. Bled system several times which helped to maintain @160F. Started it today and temp back up to 190F. Replaced radiator cap and bled system which didn`t help this time. Radiator fan running also. No leaks.
2) Noticed output voltages are now @ 162 volts per phase instead of 120v. Coincidence ?
Any troubleshooting tips ?
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22 Replies
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Check belt on front of engine. It spins the water pump unless it’s slipping.
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I agree with what Dan said, my starting running a little hotter this summer and I found the belt was loose. It still showed about 20 degrees hotter than normal on the gauge so I used my inferred temperature gun and shot the temperatures of both hoses and the thermostat housing and they all read 170 degrees, so you might check your gauge and make sure it is reading correctly, I purchased a temp sender from Power Tech, which installs in the top thermostat housing, which I haven’t installed as of yet.
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I’m surprised nobody has commented on the ‘162 volts’. I’m no generator expert, but I wouldn’t even start it for fear of additional damage to the electrical secion of the generator and coach equipment.
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I replaced my voltage regulator on my gen because it had no volts, the new one I had to set voltage on regulator to 120v on both legs, so the voltage regulator regulates voltage. I called Marathon Electric and they were really helpful (715)675-8090 I have a Power tech gen 17.5 KW with a Kabota 4 cylinder turbo engine with a Marathon Pancake generator .
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You`re correct, I want start it unless inverter breakers and any other feeder breakers to coach are off. Was fortunate no damage occurred.
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You could take off cover on gencontrol box turn off both breakers at genread volts before those breakers
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Even better idea. Thanks Art
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When I talked to Marathon they were extremely helpful and they got me on the right track, ask them about the 160v, is the engine running fast?
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Engine speed has not changed. Belt looks new on front with nothing loose. Checked wiring, neutral connections and fuse. Voltage regulator would not adjust from trim pot. Got new one on order. Regulator is Basler AV63-4 @ $84. Also Kubota dealer will check monday for thermostat. Thinking NAPA may have it cheaper. Thankful Gen is on slideout rails. This could be a beast to get out.
When all is installed I`ll update.
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Steve did you get new regulator installed and did it help voltage?
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Regulator on order, due friday delivery. Ordered thermostat monday thru Kumar Bros. on line. $16 vs $50 at kubota dealer. Maybe install & test saturday. Doing routine oil, fuel & air fltr changes now while it`s down. Will give update when tested.
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Steve, I am no generator expert, but a problem with overheating is not a generator specific issue. It is a problem that can apply to any internal combustion engine.
Process of elimination should get you to the overheating problem. Is the radiator fan working? Does it have sufficient coolant without any air bubbles? Is the water pump pumping? Is the thermostat opening?
If the answer to the questions above is yes, then is the radiator plugged or blocked? Not much else can affect heating.
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Steve, are you in Maryville? If so…just go to Jeff. Geo.
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Jeff is good, been their many times. Like to do things myself to a point.Gotta give it some luv !!
Yes radiator is clean, fan working, coolant level good, belt tight, water pump operating. This gen has 2021 hrs on it and I exercise it very frequently with loads. Kubota has good track record from my research.
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So if everything is OK is it still overheating? Is the thermostat opening?
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