http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/ Thu, 07 May 2026 07:16:21 +0000 MyBB http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=11451 Fri, 21 Jul 2023 02:59:30 +0000 http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=11451
Previous owner stated the generator would start, run 5 seconds and quit. The usual suspects for this are a bad coolant temperature sensor or a bad oil pressure sensor. They're fine.

At one point I noticed we had the low-fuel warning light on and asked if the genny had quit when the fuel got low, but no dice. The PO had driven it from Virginia to California with no generator (?!?) and kept the tank good & full.

But, the PO recalled, the rig had sat unused for 2-1/2 years prior to the generator malfunction, with an attendant starting the main engine every week or so, but no other systems checks. These generators rely on residual magnetic flux in the exciter stator that can be depleted over long periods of storage. (I like to tell people the stator has the capacity to retain flux, qualifying it as a Flux Capacitor ) If the system detects no-load as a result of a dry exciter stator, it will send a kill signal. It's a simple matter to 'flash' the stator with a 12V battery, so I'm going to try that next.

instructions
https://www.dieselduck.info/machine/03%2...rator.htm#

The PO had supplied some off-brand AVRs, but I think I'll try to track down the correct item. Always good to have one of them handy.

Also, it's been so long now that the start battery for the genny is pooched, so I gotta source one of those.

Anyone know the spec on the start battery? Battey Group (dimensions) would help. I know they need about 675 CCA.

Where can an AVR be got?

I've heard of replacing the Kohler with a 13 KW unit from Central Georgia Generator, but that's a whole new level.

Cheers!]]>
Previous owner stated the generator would start, run 5 seconds and quit. The usual suspects for this are a bad coolant temperature sensor or a bad oil pressure sensor. They're fine.

At one point I noticed we had the low-fuel warning light on and asked if the genny had quit when the fuel got low, but no dice. The PO had driven it from Virginia to California with no generator (?!?) and kept the tank good & full.

But, the PO recalled, the rig had sat unused for 2-1/2 years prior to the generator malfunction, with an attendant starting the main engine every week or so, but no other systems checks. These generators rely on residual magnetic flux in the exciter stator that can be depleted over long periods of storage. (I like to tell people the stator has the capacity to retain flux, qualifying it as a Flux Capacitor ) If the system detects no-load as a result of a dry exciter stator, it will send a kill signal. It's a simple matter to 'flash' the stator with a 12V battery, so I'm going to try that next.

instructions
https://www.dieselduck.info/machine/03%2...rator.htm#

The PO had supplied some off-brand AVRs, but I think I'll try to track down the correct item. Always good to have one of them handy.

Also, it's been so long now that the start battery for the genny is pooched, so I gotta source one of those.

Anyone know the spec on the start battery? Battey Group (dimensions) would help. I know they need about 675 CCA.

Where can an AVR be got?

I've heard of replacing the Kohler with a 13 KW unit from Central Georgia Generator, but that's a whole new level.

Cheers!]]> http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=11441 Tue, 19 Apr 2022 15:51:12 +0000 http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=11441
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  E79E9747-C45A-4355-8C05-BA7F38965812.jpeg (Size: 3.08 MB / Downloads: 777) ]]> http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=11401 Sat, 24 Oct 2020 19:40:42 +0000 http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=11401 http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=11397 Wed, 24 Jun 2020 00:06:56 +0000 http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=11397 I am asking about this because I didn’t touch this area, and their is quite a bit of diesel. I cleaned the area and tried tightening the nuts on the manifold. Nothing was loose. It appears the fuel is Leaking directly from the front right corner nut. Thank you for any feedback.]]> I am asking about this because I didn’t touch this area, and their is quite a bit of diesel. I cleaned the area and tried tightening the nuts on the manifold. Nothing was loose. It appears the fuel is Leaking directly from the front right corner nut. Thank you for any feedback.]]> http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=11358 Tue, 25 Jun 2019 03:54:44 +0000 http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=11358 http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=11351 Tue, 26 Mar 2019 18:46:22 +0000 http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=11351 Any idea where to start looking for a new radiator?]]> Any idea where to start looking for a new radiator?]]> http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=11337 Tue, 08 Jan 2019 23:26:51 +0000 http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=11337 http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=10971 Fri, 18 Aug 2017 00:33:28 +0000 http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=10971 http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=10556 Sun, 13 Sep 2015 00:49:24 +0000 http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=10556

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Need 3 injection pumps for Isuzu motor (Generator) frozen up... We don't know where to begin to look. Took week to figure out what was wrong.

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Need 3 injection pumps for Isuzu motor (Generator) frozen up... We don't know where to begin to look. Took week to figure out what was wrong.

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Genny will start with dash switch .
will run for 3 min or so
battery is showing 5 amps then 3 then ..
battery is 1 year old

Thanks in advance]]>
Genny will start with dash switch .
will run for 3 min or so
battery is showing 5 amps then 3 then ..
battery is 1 year old

Thanks in advance]]> http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=10272 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 00:01:35 +0000 http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=10272


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Meanwhile, I am topping house batteries with the generator. Unlike my 1995, where the AutoGen switch could be turned on and left to work for as long as you wanted, the behavior of the M450 system appears to be a one shot deal requiring resetting every day, After it runs and shuts down, the AutoGen is off. Works great in starting when needed.

Is this the correct behavior for the M450? I would like to set it ON and not worry for a few days.]]>
Meanwhile, I am topping house batteries with the generator. Unlike my 1995, where the AutoGen switch could be turned on and left to work for as long as you wanted, the behavior of the M450 system appears to be a one shot deal requiring resetting every day, After it runs and shuts down, the AutoGen is off. Works great in starting when needed.

Is this the correct behavior for the M450? I would like to set it ON and not worry for a few days.]]> http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=10249 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 11:16:51 +0000 http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=10249
Last week was service time for oil changes, filters, etc on my 'bird and Kubota/Powertech genny.

Found my oil pressure sender was leaking and I had a new one installed. The sender was difficult to remove/replace without first removing the starter.

Starter was pulled and I was shocked to see that the "business end" of the starter was caked with thick, oil-soaked dust. The opening where the starter is connected to the engine block was likewise caked with thick, oil soaked dust. I am amazed this condition had not caused my starter to stall.

Those with Kubota/Powertech gennies might consider removing the starter and checking for a similar condition, if yours is configured like mine.

I was advised the engine in the front - generator in the back configuration "encouraged" dirt, grime, dust and oil to enter the starter assembly. Further told the more recent configuration - generator in the front - engine in the back minimized such a condition.]]>
Last week was service time for oil changes, filters, etc on my 'bird and Kubota/Powertech genny.

Found my oil pressure sender was leaking and I had a new one installed. The sender was difficult to remove/replace without first removing the starter.

Starter was pulled and I was shocked to see that the "business end" of the starter was caked with thick, oil-soaked dust. The opening where the starter is connected to the engine block was likewise caked with thick, oil soaked dust. I am amazed this condition had not caused my starter to stall.

Those with Kubota/Powertech gennies might consider removing the starter and checking for a similar condition, if yours is configured like mine.

I was advised the engine in the front - generator in the back configuration "encouraged" dirt, grime, dust and oil to enter the starter assembly. Further told the more recent configuration - generator in the front - engine in the back minimized such a condition.]]> http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=10244 Tue, 12 Aug 2014 18:10:03 +0000 http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=10244 http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=10210 Sun, 11 May 2014 15:36:50 +0000 http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=10210 http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=10158 Tue, 25 Feb 2014 16:22:58 +0000 http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=10158

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Photo sequence starts with Post #6.

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My Kohler/Yanmar generator shut down due to coolant over-temp. I found the squirrel-cage blower had stopped. The motor would rotate only a partial turn when spun by hand (with the engine off.) Later, after cooling, the motor now spins more freely. After cooling overnight, the fan spins very freely, with no problems with the bearings noted. The generator ran for several hours before the fan stopped again. The motor case was quite warm.

Is this a symptom that this motor should be replaced? Capacitor?

The motor is marked GE 5KCP39LG, 1075 rpm, 1/3 HP, 230 VAC. Web searching has not located an exact GE replacement, but rather many other 5KCP39xxx versions. I would prefer to have a replacement on hand before starting the swap, if possible. (It appears it will be necessary to drain the coolant to get the fan housing out.)

Any suggestions?


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--M.R.Kane
1987 PT40 'Sleipnir'
currently in Iron River, MI]]>
My Kohler/Yanmar generator shut down due to coolant over-temp. I found the squirrel-cage blower had stopped. The motor would rotate only a partial turn when spun by hand (with the engine off.) Later, after cooling, the motor now spins more freely. After cooling overnight, the fan spins very freely, with no problems with the bearings noted. The generator ran for several hours before the fan stopped again. The motor case was quite warm.

Is this a symptom that this motor should be replaced? Capacitor?

The motor is marked GE 5KCP39LG, 1075 rpm, 1/3 HP, 230 VAC. Web searching has not located an exact GE replacement, but rather many other 5KCP39xxx versions. I would prefer to have a replacement on hand before starting the swap, if possible. (It appears it will be necessary to drain the coolant to get the fan housing out.)

Any suggestions?


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--M.R.Kane
1987 PT40 'Sleipnir'
currently in Iron River, MI]]> http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=9898 Wed, 10 Jul 2013 23:38:48 +0000 http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=9898 I have reset all 3 of the switches on the control box . We are hopping someone could provide some ideas . the battery is new , it was replaced on the last run and worked on the 1000 trip south . the bus has sat for 6 days and the issue has returned . any ideas would be appreciated .]]> I have reset all 3 of the switches on the control box . We are hopping someone could provide some ideas . the battery is new , it was replaced on the last run and worked on the 1000 trip south . the bus has sat for 6 days and the issue has returned . any ideas would be appreciated .]]> http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=9891 Tue, 09 Jul 2013 12:34:16 +0000 http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=9891 Why do I bring this up, well, I remembered what David said a few years ago and had my bus setup so everything was off and protected..... EXCEPT when I pulled the uline and installed a thermoelectric wine chiller in its place. It has no off switch and I used the uline outlet. NOW, I know better and last month when I re-insulated the area, I was going to plug it into the instahot outlet as it is switched but in my haste to reinstall in 110 degree heat I forgot!!!!! Yep yesterday when we came off the grid and I brought up the genny for travel, the surge took out the ac rectifier bridge on the PC board in the wine chiller.. NOW HOT WINE IS A REAL SHOW STOPPER!!!!!! PRIORITIES No big deal, 48 bucks for a new PC board shipped to our next destination and moved the wine to the man cave and refer until I bring the chiller online again! Who needs food anyway, let'em drink wine!!!!!!!!!! FWIW even with the rectifier bridge all burned up the chiller functioned as normal but those of us who never past the smoke test know all too well, that ugly smell of overcooking an electrical component! :-)

So, observations to the membership so you do not make the same mistakes I did when upgrading your equipment!]]> Why do I bring this up, well, I remembered what David said a few years ago and had my bus setup so everything was off and protected..... EXCEPT when I pulled the uline and installed a thermoelectric wine chiller in its place. It has no off switch and I used the uline outlet. NOW, I know better and last month when I re-insulated the area, I was going to plug it into the instahot outlet as it is switched but in my haste to reinstall in 110 degree heat I forgot!!!!! Yep yesterday when we came off the grid and I brought up the genny for travel, the surge took out the ac rectifier bridge on the PC board in the wine chiller.. NOW HOT WINE IS A REAL SHOW STOPPER!!!!!! PRIORITIES No big deal, 48 bucks for a new PC board shipped to our next destination and moved the wine to the man cave and refer until I bring the chiller online again! Who needs food anyway, let'em drink wine!!!!!!!!!! FWIW even with the rectifier bridge all burned up the chiller functioned as normal but those of us who never past the smoke test know all too well, that ugly smell of overcooking an electrical component! :-)

So, observations to the membership so you do not make the same mistakes I did when upgrading your equipment!]]> http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=177 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 19:39:55 +0000 http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com/showthread.php?tid=177