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Power Tech Temps
My Power Tech gen has alway worked flawlessly and run consistently in the 165 to 170 range regardless of load. On our current trip, the temp quickly warms to 165, hangs there for a couple of hours, then SLOWLY creeps up to 200-204. I shot IR temps all around the cylinder head, block, and thermostat housing. Everything was about 170 degrees except the thermostat housing which indicated 203, the same as the gauge inside. Makes sense, the sending unit is located there.
Radiator fan blowing strong.
Appropriate oil level.
Appropriate coolant level.
Hoses to radiator not kinked.I figured I had a stuck thermostat.
After 4 calls to Power Tech I finally spoke to Jeff, the service manager. He said 205 was perfectly acceptable, and it was a better temp than 165. He said maybe my thermostat was stuck open for all these years. I don’t know that I buy it. I know of others that run consistently in the 165 range.
What does the brain trust think?
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7 Replies
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John, Like you I have consistently seen generator operating temps in a lower range, 170-180 typically, running hard on hot days.
Anytime something changes is to me an indication I might have a problem. All three of my coaches had almost identical cooling systems for the generator and operating temps have also been almost identical so if it climbed I am inclined to think I have a problem.
Yes, you could have a thermostat that was hung up and wasn’t closing as much or taking longer to open to provide a higher operating temp but I disagree with the Power Tech lack of concern about the change. I cannot quarrel with his observation that running at 205 is more efficient and better than 165, but I cannot get past a suspicion a baffle may be inhibiting flow to or from the radiator, or the radiator may have some blockage, or more than likely the cooling system hoses may be failing and collapsing internally blocking coolant flow.
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Good thoughts, Jon. I think on this Royale Radiator access is only from below. Sounds like a perfect job for Jeff when I get home!
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Mine also runs about 165 John. I think most of the buses I’ve had ran in that range. Like you, I would be concerned if mine got to 200+.
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Check also radiator temp at the bottom and top area of the hose fittings…
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Just my two cents worth.
Does anyone know what temp value thermostat is standard in that engine? I would think that it’s probably 195 or there about. If that’s the case I wouldn’t be overly concerned. Also, there is always a +/- range in the accuracy of the indicating system. Although not as great as we’re talking here, but it could be that the previous readings were not right on. The generator built in protection systems, assuming that they are all working, will not allow the generator to hurt itself. Mine did at one time shut down due to the over temp protection due to a failure of the starting capacitor associated with the cooling air fan and did it several times during the troubleshooting process.
I would just keep an eye on it for the time being.
I would also agree with Jeff. 165 is too cool and the engine would be happier and healthier in the 200 degree range.
JC
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John C, I cannot disagree with your comments regarding running temp, but I know as a pilot if you see a given gauge reading as normal and all of a sudden it shows a sudden unexplained jump (in this case about 40 degrees) you would be all over that and would not let it go unless or until it was checked out as John B apparently will do.
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I also have the 17.5 KW Power Tech Gen and mine goes to 185-190 pretty quick and stays put there all 3 AC’srunning and 100 plus temps.
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