Recent modification
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07-10-2010, 03:33
Post: #1
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Recent modification
Hello everyone:
Ever have one of those modifications that stays on the list but gets pushed to the bottom each time you look at it? Yep I had one too, until,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Grin Yeppers, with the help of Ernie and Bim, we pulled the gen set out of Ruff Diamond for some much needed rear oil seals and while it was out it is time for a modification to take place. As it turned out, the gen set radiator was in need of a new core and I was not ready for that one, but it is monies well spent. While the radiator was being re cored, I had them remove the fill cap, solder it up and then the cut of filler neck added to an elbow to be placed in a hose that was to become the highest point fill. While that was being worked on, we took the Perkins off of the bottom plate and made it to a car wash for a little, or rather allot of high pressure washing. Then the fun began in earnest. The high motor mount was removed with a grinder blade and cold chisel allowing lay out work to be done to the plate for the modification. After finding a good small independent welder, it was, load the plate up and off to the welding shop it goes. The plate was marked, leaving the angle iron supports in tact under neath the plate. Then holes cut out and a frame work welded in place and a expanded metal covering welded under neath to protect the new radiator. Yes, we are doing the cooling system fan modification, by laying the radiator down and getting rid of the old 1 hp motor and car fan, (loud noise) then adding the same quieter squirrel cage fan that is in the PT's. And with the plate at the welders, the radiator at the shop, it was time to address the rear main oil seal that started leaking like a sieve. So off came the Kohler end bell, (found the rear bearing about to go)(replaced it, it was a good timing find) then the field housing was off and rotor off and set aside. A few more housing pieces and we were there! It was fun (NOT) when 2 of the 4 over bolts snapped off and it was quite an undertaking to get them out so they could be replaced (obsolete of course, so an aircraft all thread was used) As it turns out most of the Kohler and much of the Perkins are cast and heavy industrial grade aluminum. Steel being threaded into that usually seizes up pretty bad. Thankfully another local Birder and friend had a full size mill and lathe in his work shop. By the way, all of this work was going on in Ernie's driveway on pallets. LOL But air tools patience and, allot of "oh hell," went into this project. With the new rear seals in place and engine propped up on blocks on the pallet, and while waiting on the radiator and welding, I insulated the gen set compartment and removed, cleaned and lubed the rollers for the tray. One was frozen on the bolt shaft, no wonder the tray was hard to go in and out. Also did some work on the travel lock after a high pressure wash. Things were now starting come together now as parts were being finished up and returned to the driveway. We furthered the modification by using the original shield for the old fan by cutting it down, bolting it together then bolting that to the original brackets on the radiator and this gave us an air box to mount the new fan base to. So with a little mod here and a little mod there, it was time to re mound the engine/Kohler back on the bottom plate, then re locate the old high fan motor mount for the two fold purpose of holding the control box and the side of the mount became the gen battery mount as well as one complete unit. The side slide plates were re installed, wiring and fuel lines moved out of the way, Ernie picked up the bottom plate with all things loaded on it and still on the pallet, with a borrowed fork lift with Bim and I guiding the unit back into place and bolting it up. Whew, this things starting to look like something! (is it wine time yet?) All wiring back into place, dry in and out runs made and modifications made to help that out, I refashioned the original brackets that once held the radiator up right and held the compartment door to the sliding tray. This puppy is really looking gooooooood now!!!!! Time to fire it up, yep starts and runs the first time (of course, wink!) Fan runs with the modification from 220 vac to 110 vac and the air going through the radiator is deflected back toward the center of the Coach. With the compartment closed we could actually stand by the gen set, with it running, and talk in normal tones, WOW what a difference! I still have some items to finish up with, but that is for another time as the gen set is now ready for service and quieter both inside and out. I will post some photos of the mod in the files section, but first a few kudos to Ernie and Bim Burt for the fantastic help with this modification. Thank you's also go to Randy and John for posting photos of John's gen set mod of which ideas were borrowed but put to use on mine with different twists and a beefed up bottom plate. I am now ready for Blue River this winter for trout season! woo hoo! Safe travels, Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider "84FC35 "Ruff Diamond" Duncan, Oklahoma |
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07-10-2010, 08:11
Post: #2
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Recent modification
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ralph L. Fullenwider"
wrote: > > > Thank you's also go to Randy and John for posting photos of John's gen set > mod of which ideas were borrowed but put to use on mine with different > twists and a beefed up bottom plate. > > > Safe travels, > > Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider > "84FC35 "Ruff Diamond" > Duncan, Oklahoma > ==================================================== Ralph, Nice looking job and with those good additions too, Randy and I are glad we could help. It really does make a difference in the sound level, you will be glad that you got that one off of your BUCKET LIST :o) With a lot of help from my friends we went a step further on my 'Bird earlier this year and removed the Perkins completely after it started to make strange noises in the Marathon Genpack and now I have the 15K Powertech that came out of Randy's burned 'Bird in the generator compartment, there are 23 pictures of the swap in my photo album web site starting at http://www.pbase.com/image/123989474 John Finn 1982 FC35RB BLUEBIRD WANDERLODGE "FINN'S INN EXPRESS" HOPKINS, SOUTH CAROLINA VISIT THE FINN'S INN EXPRESS REMODELING ADVENTURE AND TECH. TIPS http://www.pbase.com/image/24977457 I'M SO SLOW ON THE HILLS,THAT I GET TO SMELL THE FLOWERS AS I GO BY.....AND WATCH THEM GROW TOO!! |
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