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Possible Head Gasket issue
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According to Powertech, the generator will run between 140 and 195 degrees, depending on load. They stated anything between those 2 temps are fine.
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Mikee, the temps I provided are from my Powertech Manual . So I think the temps depend on maybe which motor you have in the genny . On my BB the Powertech had a Kubota , this Prevost has a Isuzu . I guess it is safe to say temps over 200 need to be addressed .
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My generator was running close to 195. I removed radiator and carried to radiator shop. They flushed and soaked radiator in cleaning solution. I then straighten all the fins on radiator. There quite a few that were bent from being brushed against over the years. Took about three hours to straighten the fins and insure the opening was formed as close to original shape.
The running temp is now 165 to 180. You can see the temp go up and then drop back. Assume that is thermostat opening and closing.
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the Picture is the float switch that should shut engine down when water gets low. It has to be oriented properly to close when water drops down
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Sure wish my Genny had a slide out . In your Pic I believe the bolt with the red wire is your low level shut off . On my BB it was mounted 1 inch from the fill . Much to high but it worked. Something on mine went very wrong to say the least . Thank you for the picture .
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God Morning PC , I thinking about why the generator overheated and did not shut down on it’s own .
I remember back in May the little tank at the top broke off . This was the first time she over heated . At the time the thinking was maybe just a bad weld . Well at least i thought that .
I did find it strange she did not shut down prior to that event , however dry camping and needing the genny, I just had it repaired and moved on .
So this week we will have the genny removed determine the issue and get her fixed prior to our west coast run in 2 weeks .
Any ideas on what to change repair ? I’m thinking have the Radiator cleaned and inspected . I still don’t know why she did not shut down . You would think the Genny should have shut down . Any idea on why it did not shut down ? I would hate to replace a head gasket without knowing why she overheated and did not shut down .
Thank you in Advance
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I am not a generator expert, but based on your description of the overheating I would do two things. The first would be to fix the generator. It may be a head gasket replacement or it may be more complex, but obviously it has to be done.
My coach generator has a system in place to protect it that was designed and installed by Liberty so I can’t give you specifics. Your generator protection is either a part of the generator as built by the generator manufacturer or it is something your converter installed. Whatever it was it is up to them to guide you on how to insure you have those protections in place.
At the very least you need to have generator shut down if you have low oil pressure, low coolant level, or high engine temp. I suspect the float if there is one in the tank header was the coolant level sensor. But you also need a high temperature shut down. It sounds as if you either do not have one or both of them functioning so that is the second thing necessary. I would start by dealing with the generator manufacturer or converter to get that resolved.
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Jon, the overheat sensor i thought would shut engine down if it failed . Like lack of air pressure will apply brakes if their is a loss of air ?
I agree that to do the repair and not determine the source of damage would be a waste. I hope we start pairs in the morning where the weather could not be more perfect . 70 here in Clearwater 🙂
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Al, Our converters are all smart and the people that designed the generators are smart. I seriously doubt your coach was built without those protections in place. that suggests maybe they were not working. Unless we have owned our coaches from new or knew the history we do not know if someone modified something, disabled something, or if something never worked when it was supposed to.
But regardless there is no way to evaluate those safety features unless your generator is running as it should.
Keep in mind however, even if those safety shut down features work as intended, we still are obligated to monitor our gauges because typically any gauge readings that vary from normal are usually an indication something has changed, and that change may be a clue something is not working as intended.
Old pilots that live a long time usually get excited about and want to know what is going on even if the change they see is only a needle width of movement from normal.
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Jon, I do agree with you however we must trust the safety systems we have , after all I do not think Erika will stand watch while i sleep 🙂 Thank you and i will update as i know more .
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I would call Jeff at Powertech He actually works on Powertech units. He has extensive time at Powertech just got a 25 year reward for his service
1984 96" with 8V92TA
(remodeled Liberty Coach)
Greenwood, MO -
Al, I am not suggesting watching the gauges is a 24/7 task, which is why we have the safety systems. But rarely do we have a problem sneak up on us without warning. Whether we notice the start of an issue by using pre-trip inspection procedures, or watching gauges, or noticing a sound not previously heard or fluid leakage we did not have, my point is nothing on our coaches usually happens without a clue.
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Jon, I have been a hard head most of my life. I have read many of your post and articles over the years and trust I know their is more to learn about these fine machines . No doubt i missed something, guess I’m just pissed this one got me . No doubt every day is a learning , however I would rather teach than learn the hard way , however another learning awaits 🙂
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The only time we learn from experience is just after we needed it.
Seems unfair.
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So true Jon , looks like today we will remove the genny and have some answers on why she did not shut down prior to overheating and blowing the head gasket and possibly more damage . I started it with Richard and we had to apply pressure to hold the dip stick in . Not good I’m afraid .
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