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PowerTech Generator Issue – Vantare
The generator on our XL is a 17.5 PowerTech. Engine and generator are in the first bay driver side. Radiator is horizonal on the floor of the 2nd driver bay. A squirrel cage fan blows air downward through the radiator and out of vent in the floor of the 2nd bay.
Problem: The fan stopped blowing, generator engine overheats and shuts down (glad it has a high temp shutdown function).
Can anyone help me troubleshoot why the fan stopped blowing? No fuse I can find in the topside panels and nothing label in the driver compartment wiring. I hope it is as simlar as a fuse/relay but don’t know where to look.
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20 Replies
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Typically, the circuit breaker for the fan is next to the supply breaker on the generator itself.
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Roy do not know if your fan is belt driven or electric motor maybe belt broke or the electric motor on fan is bad I put new one in my royale I have new one at home if you need one and they turn out to be the same fan motor.
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It could be the start capacitor for the fan motor. I had the exact same issue, generator over heating due to fan not working. Replaced the start capacitor and all is well.
Not sure where yours would be but it shoud be near the electric motor for the fan.
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Roy I also have new start capacitor if you need it
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Make sure you did not accidentally turn off the fan breaker on the generator. It is right next to the main load breaker. The two breakers are easy to mix up.
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The fan will not work if the Generator is not producing AC power. The fan feeds directly off the main breaker inside the control box.
I had the same problem. My voltage regulator quit, which caused no AC power produced, which caused the fan to stop, then overheat, and shutdown.
Start it cool, and check voltage, if no voltatge, that’s your problem.
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thanks for the answers.
Fan is direct drive electric. Breakers have been cycled. I will check for a output.
Capacitor should not cost too much and would be a good spare to have. Part #?
Regulator will bechecked tomorrow if no ac output. Is it a standard item? Grainger/NAPA?
Will let all know the final answer
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If your generator is not producing AC then it will not stay running. I had your problem and it was the Fan motor. It would start working but would quit. turned out the electric fan motor would over heat and quit, then the generator would overheat and quit. replaced the motor on the fan and all good to go.
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Roy,
If it turns out to be the regulator, it is not a Generic item you can get at NAPA. It is specific to Powertech. Call Jeff Jones at Powertech, and he can help you through any problem you may have. His direct number is 352-435-4416
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Called Jeff, Customer Service at PowerTech – GREAT guys, thanks for the info.
Working with him, we verified I had no AC output from the generator. The fan is driven from the generator output and should be turning anytime the generator is on. .
Jeff had me start the generator and measure voltage on the main output circuit breaker at the conection inside the wiring box attached to the unit. According to Jeff, I needed to see a minium of 4 volts AC at that point. I measured 2.8 volts.
“that’s bad” said Jeff – NOT what I wanted to hear. Jeff gave me numbers for the two closest PowerTech repair shops. I went to Noahs Ark in Cocoa FL. They took a look and voltages/continuity and believe I have a bad stator or a break in the windings. Big deal. Good news is that parts are readily available. My unit has just over 2,000 hours over its 15 year life. Repair shop says they have the PowerTech units running fine with way more hours. Apparently just one of those things. No indication of problems before it broke. Was running fine, then stopped due to engine overheat when the fans stopped running. .
Unit has to come out of the bus for access (disconnect the exhaust, wiring, radiator hoses, etc.) Repair on the bench, then reinstall – GULP! Gonna be a big one. Got to have a generator.
One more installment after it’s all done to give the final details.
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Roy,
I had my complete Generator “End” replaced on mine WITHOUT taking the Generator out, or unhooking any of the items you mentioned. The Generator End includes all the parts including the Stator. It was done by Van-Mor in Ocala, FL. They are also one of Powertech’s service centers. It was an all day job, but they did it by taking it apart piece by piece, until they got it out. Very nice people there, with a very clean shop. Plus, their shop is only 30 minutes away, in case you need other parts from Powertech.
www.van–mor.com
(352) 732-8524.
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Roy I would call Ben cumminings at Parliment coach and talk to him first before you make a move
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I don’t understand the 4V AC that you were looking for. What is that supposed to be? Self excitation voltage, some regulator voltage? Can’t be the main AC voltage for a working generator.
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Jeff at PowerTech is great (thanks for the # Jerry).
Closest repair shop is in Cocoa – Noah’s Ark – but backed up and would only promise 10 day turnaround.
Jerry suggested Advanced Generator (386-304-1999) in Daytona Beach – owner Tim P and his wife. Owner is a motorhome owner and has 4 good techs. In Tuesday morning, out Friday morning. Pulled the generator out (NOT on a sliding tray). Problem: Bearing was toast, parts began rubbing on each other, stator tested good but was beat up. They installed a new generator end and new regulator. PowerTech helped to hustle the parts to them. Total $5,100 (ouch!) I got the same estimate from Noah’s Ark in Cocoa.
Jerry – what did the guys in Ocala charge on your repair (a little late in asking the question) , maybe I should have driven the extra miles. Leaving town Monday/Tuesday and NEEDED to make sure it was ready on time.
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They installed a new Generator end, and did not take the Gen out! $800 labor plus the parts.
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