We have a 15 KW Wrico generator, with a four cylinder Kubota, in our MC8. The generator is mounted lengthwise with the engine toward the rear of the bus. That makes the dipstick unreachable without sliding the generator out. According to the Wrico manual the unit weighs 643 lbs. plus the slide. It is a nuisance to check the oil since the exhaust has to be disconnected and sliding the unit out takes more muscle than I have. I looked at the location of the dipstick and there is a similar spot on the other side of the block as if the dipstick hole could be drilled on either side. So, what are your thoughts about removing the pan and drilling a new dipstick hole so the dipstick is on the same side with the oil filter, fuel filter and fuel priming pump? Then the only time I would have to slide the unit out would be to get to the drain plug of the pan for oil changing.
The manual for this generator calls for SAE 30 oil above 77 degrees F, SAE 20 from 32 to 77 degrees F, and SAE 10 or SAE 10W30 below 32 degrees F. If I follow those guidelines I would have to change oil several times on a winter trip from Minnesota to warmer areas. My Onan 7.5 KW Quiet Diesel with a 3 cylinder Kubota calls for SAE 15W40 from 10 to 100 degrees F. Is there any good reason not to use SAE 15W40 in the four cylinder Kubota? I have asked two local Kubota dealers about both drilling the block and the oil and both thought they would work, but I thought I would seek the collective knowledge of the board before I do either.
Thanks For any feedback, Sam MC8.
I have the same Wrico 15 KW in my MC9. I have always used 15/40 Rotella with no troubles. 800 + hrs
I would think the dip stick change will work. Just a matter of drill chip clean-up.
David Benck
Somerset, WI
Sam,
Sorry not to have the answers to your questions, However my PO had a Wrico genset installed. I have called and spoken to Dick Wright @ Wrico, for information and for parts. He is a great resource and person, I look forward to meet him sometime.
Google for the web site and phone number.
Mind is serviceable all from one side with the generator head on the left side. Not positive if there are accommodations to "reverse"
Good Luck,
Im not familiar with the Kubota oilpan, but if you are going to the trouble to remove the pan to drill and install a new dipstick tube, I think I would install a new drain plug also on the alternate side of the pan.
I don't know why your dealers did not sell you a dip stick and tube on my 4 cyl the dip stick comes over the valve cover about 3 ft long I know Kubota sells it I lost mine several years ago.
I can PM you a photo of the dip stick and the pan drain I don't have to roll mine out
good luck
Here is what you need, but this one is pretty expensive, but with some looking, you may find one more affordable.
Ray D
http://www.fluidalarm.com/liquid-level-sensor-products.asp (http://www.fluidalarm.com/liquid-level-sensor-products.asp)
I also have the same generator I purchased many years ago and am just now wiring it to the drivers area but I cannot fine my printout as what color wires go to what...HELP I am now starting it from the bay with no instruments.....any body help?
Quote from: BJ on March 06, 2010, 09:00:41 PM
I also have the same generator I purchased many years ago and am just now wiring it to the drivers area but I cannot fine my printout as what color wires go to what...HELP I am now starting it from the bay with no instruments.....any body help?
What brand is it? Someone may hay the wiring schematic. Jack
Hi Guys,
Thanks for all the responses.
David Benck, I feel more comfortable now in using SAE 15W40 oil in the generator with your experience to go by. Thanks.
Gary '79 5C, I tried calling Wrico @ 503-689-4245 last Tuesday and got no answer so I left a voice mail. I haven't received a return call. Is that a valid number? I hate calling businesses that won't answer the phone or return calls.
Stormcloud, the drain plug on my engine is on the front end of the pan. I think I can screw a hose into the drain plug hole to route the oil to a convenient location if I can find a hose fitting with the right threads. Your suggestion got me to thinking about that. Thanks.
luvrbus, please send me a picture of your dipstick and pan. That will help me find the parts at the dealer. My email address is charsam@acegroup.cc. Replacing the dipstick and adding an extension tube is a much better idea than drilling the block. Once again you have provided a solution for a fellow busnut. Thanks.
Ray D, that would also be a solution, but at a much greater cost. Thanks.
BJ, I can't help with the remote wiring except to tell you that, on mine, the top 3 wires on the terminal strip are for the Start-Run-Stop switch and the lower four are for the gauges. My bus has oil pressure, water temperature, battery, and hour meter. There is no drawing in the manual for remotes or gauges. Good luck.
Sam the pm bounces at that email address
good luck
Hi luvrbus,
My wife cleaned off our email, so would you please try sending the pictures again? If it bounces again please let me know so we can contact our service provider.
Thanks, Sam MC8
You might be able to extend the dip stick tube your self and use a dipstick from an old auto transmission. Some of them are pretty long.
i just re-connected some of my remote wires on my kubota, but my genset is powertech, so they might be a different setup. i can tell you the color scheme for the remote start, oil, temp and hour meter. i also have a wiring diagram for the genset with about 3 different remotes. i can scan and email if someone needs them.
I have the same wrico generator installed in my bus and I also have the complete manual for installation, maintenance and wiring it! I can go out to the bus tomorrow (Monday) and get you any info you need!
If you still need it and haven't gotten it from someplace else by then, let me know!
Ace
I have the part you need to extend the dipstick out over the valve cover. I bought it for my own Kubota, but it actually hits the top of my enclosure, so I can't use it. Let me know if you want it and we can agree on a price. I'm in Tucson at the moment, but can ship it. It's unused, but a bit shop worn from rattling around in the bottom of the genny compartment for a few years.
BTW, what I do to check my oil is reach around the right side (fan end) of the engine and pull the little OEM dipstick out. My arm gets a little dirty, and I have to find the hole for it again by feel, but it works fine. Obviously I disable the start system so the engine does not crank while my hand is back there, and the engine can't be super hot.
If you have a Wrico unit with Dick's proprietary wiring harness, I can give you the color code for the starting system. I might be able to dig up the colors for the remote Oil and Temp gauges as well. Let me know.
Lastly, I replaced my drain plug with a "Fumoto" valve. This is a widget that threads into the drain hole (which, BTW, has straight threads, not pipe threads, so you can't just buy plumbing parts), has a little valve handle that is spring-loaded so it can not be accidentally opened (you have to pull up, then turn), and a hose barb on it. I have a permanent tube that runs from this out the bottom of the compartment, and I just put my catch pan under there and open the valve, after first tilting the bus with the air suspension so that the drain end is lower than everything else.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com (http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com)
Sam, it bounced again but sounds like Sean has what you need and Kubota sells the remote oil drain it is a little different from Sean's but same principal
good luck
Hi Sean & luvrbus,
luvrbus, thanks for the second effort to send the pictures. I wonder if the pictures were too large or if we have a problem with email. As you stated, if the dipstick extension that Sean has will work I will buy it, if there is clearance enough above my engine.
Sean, I have 5 1/2" between the valve cover and the top of the compartment. If that is enough room I will buy the dipstick extension from you. Does that part consist of both the extension tube and the longer dipstick? Also, thanks for the information on the oil drain valve. I just looked at the possibility of checking the oil with your method and that would not work for me. The alternator belt pulley is so close the sound deadening material (remote radiator) that there is an aluminum plate riveted to the compartment wall to compress the sound deadening material to keep the pulley bolts from touching it. However there appears to be enough room to reach the drain valve once it is installed. I will look for one tomorrow when I go in search of other parts.
Please email if the part will work so I can arrange payment and shipping
Thank you both for your help, Sam MC8
Sam, I have to go measure it. Will try to get to it tomorrow, and maybe snap a couple of photos as well.
Yes, the item includes both the tube and the longer dipstick. The tube has a gasket on the end that just press-fits into the existing dipstick hole. There is a bracket at the top end that slides under an existing bolt.
If you can't reach your existing dipstick, it will be a challenge to install this.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com (http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com)
Sam, I measured my dip stick it fits 3 inches above the valve cover and the intake manifold has 2 tapped bolt holes for the bracket at the top
good luck
JACK if you re read the questions you will find I said (I have the same generator) the subjest was a 15kw Kubota gen......Again any wiring help would be appreciated (on this same generator) BJ
Quote from: BJ on March 07, 2010, 09:35:13 PM
JACK if you re read the questions you will find I said (I have the same generator) the subjest was a 15kw Kubota gen......Again any wiring help would be appreciated (on this same generator) BJ
BJ,
"Kubota" is not enough information. Kubota made the engine; any number of companies may have made the generator head, and yet a third group of companies may have mated the two and made a finished product, technically a "motor generator set."
We need to know who did the third part -- mated the two and built the starting system. As I wrote earlier, if that was Dick Wright (Wrico), then I can give you the color codes. If it was someone else, we have more work to do.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com (http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com)
Sam, the number for Wrico is 541 744-4333.
Good Luck,
Gary
Since you are getting the dipstick, and something like a http://www.fumotousa.com/ (http://www.fumotousa.com/), would you be able to put a flexible loop on the exhaust since you already have it mounted on slides?
Sam
How's my 8v92 running? Lol
I really didn't like the thought of you drilling into your genset motor I am happy you found an alternative.
All the best to you and char from the barrons
Rick
I assumed we were talking about dick Wright generators since it was mentioned several times in the posts. sorry, I should assume nothing.. Yes it is a Wright, 15kw kubota. Thanks for the help. bj
BJ,
Since the thread title only said Kubota, and you did not specifically mention Wrico, I did not want to assume anything. Better to check first than give you wrong information and have something get broken.
Here you go:
Black: ground
Red: +12v continuous from genny start battery
White: "Start" (momentarily bridge to red to crank engine)
Green: "Glow/Stop" (momentarily bridge to red to heat glow plugs, or stop engine)
Yellow: "Running" (12v will appear here if the genny is running; use for run light, gauge backlights, etc.)
I will need to investigate further to get you the Oil Pressure and Temperature gauge wires. If you already have the gauges, you can just look; it's one wire each.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com (http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com)
Sean, I will be able to install the dipstick tube extension by sliding the generator out with my skid loader so I want to buy the extension. However, I am not able to slide the generator out by hand to check the oil.
luvrbus, thanks for measuring the height that your dipstick tube is above your valve cover. If Sean's is the same it will work for me.
Gary '79 5C, thanks for Wrico's phone number.
NewbeeMC9, If I get the dipstick extension and drain valve I will have no reason to slide my generator out except for tightening the alternator belt or major repair. I am not able to slide the unit out by hand. If I used a longer flex pipe I would need to insulate it to control heat buildup in the compartment. The existing flex pipe and muffler are already insulated.
RickB, I don't know how the 8V92TA DDEC is running since I haven't started it since moving the bus over the pit. Since the weather is warming up, I will warm up the engine to change oil one of these days and see how it starts and runs after that. So much of the time I don't feel good enough to do any work so not much is getting done.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful posts, Sam MC8
Sam,
I'm just looking for an excuse to get in my bus and go somewhere... anywhere. So, here's the deal, I have Firday's off and I can come down on a Friday morning and help until about mid afternoon Saturday. I work Sundays :D ;D
I bet I could roust Gumpy to come and help so make a list and let us come and help you my friend. It would be our pleasure and I take directions on other people's stuff alot better than I do my own!!
Lea says to say hi to Char. We would love to see you guys again and La crescent isn't that far.
six one two 385-7397
Take care my friend and I hopw you get to feeling better,
Rick
What a group! I swear!
OK, now I am thinking the part I have is not the same one that Clifford has. Here's a photo:
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm3.static.flickr.com%2F2783%2F4418688651_7c2b10e801_b.jpg&hash=7cf7aaa93918265471e27b911b8b6bfaab80818b)
When I checked the clearance in my compartment, I see that I have about four and a half inches above the valve cover:
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm3.static.flickr.com%2F2690%2F4418690211_09245bdb09_b.jpg&hash=acdc8e2f6f1299a3a8049177f89852008e11f1b9)
However, I know when I tried to put this puppy in there, I could not get the dipstick into the tube -- not enough clearance at the top. I suspect that if you have only five inches, it won't fit for you either.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com (http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com)
Sam, Paul is going post the photo of my dip stick and oil drain for you not great photos but maybe it will give you an idea
good luck
Here ya go guys! ;D
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi363.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Foo78%2FDreamscape_Eagle%2FRandom%2Fdipstick022.jpg&hash=22d43e60fa06fc5ec746b25345a48c196789f0df)
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi363.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Foo78%2FDreamscape_Eagle%2FRandom%2Fdipstick023.jpg&hash=8bcd0c756b2e632c904875789d810c956c2afa25)
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi363.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Foo78%2FDreamscape_Eagle%2FRandom%2Fdipstick024.jpg&hash=e998ca459ea87b268d2808a00d75fa0bfe04fac7)
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi363.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Foo78%2FDreamscape_Eagle%2FRandom%2Fdipstick025.jpg&hash=44a54339675713147c80316c80474548fbb5e7eb)
Clifford's part is definitely different from what I've got. In fact, that looks like just what I need, too!
Clifford (or anyone), if you figure out the Kubota part number for that one, let me know, because I can use one myself.
Sam -- I'm sorry to say, this pretty much confirms it: the one I've got will not work for you if you only have 5" above the valve cover. But, clearly, there is one available that will.
As a side note, I had something that looked a lot like what Clifford has on my unit when I got it. But is was a hokey home-made (or modified) affair, and it was poorly secured in the OEM dipstick hole with a big glop of silicone. And it was partly mangled. We tossed it, in favor of the OEM (short) dipstick which made a better seal with the sump, and gave a more accurate reading. I bought the extension I now have in hopes that it would be a better-sealing, more accurate replacement for the hokey one we threw away, not realizing it would hit the top of the compartment.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com (http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com)
I am a little embarrassed about the photos of my generator looks like a good spring cleaning is needed .
I will keep looking till I find the parts number for you guys it wasn't very expensive if I remember right it was around 20 bucks for the tube and stick and 25 bucks for the remote drain with the hose and both were from a dealer in my travels ?.
good luck
If I had the model and serial number of that engine,I could possibly answer some of your question. I am a Kubota dealer. The model and serial numbers are stamped into the engine block at the base of fuel injection pump where it bolts to engine.ex. d722-35607. Newer engine serial numbers have a letter . ex. d722-7w230.
Big John
John, did you get my pm with the serial number don't think it will do you any good as it came with a different dip stick.
good luck
Quote from: luvrbus on March 10, 2010, 08:19:03 AM
John, did you get my pm with the serial number don't think it will do you any good as it came with a different dip stick.
good luck
I have not recieved any messages yet. Waiting
Big John
Hi Big John,
My engine model # V1902-BG1, Serial # V1902-96003. The generator was bought by the previous owner on 8-12-91. I hope you can come up with a part number for an extended dipstick and tube, like Clifford's, from this information. Thanks.
Clifford & Sean, thanks for posting pictures and for the advice you have both given.
RickB, thanks for the offer to come help. (I spoke to Rick this morning and explained why I declined his offer)
JohnEd, you are so right, what a group. I met Rick only once and he stepped up with such a generous offer. I know Gumpy a little better and he has also offered to help several times. It's nice to have such helpful people as them and everyone on this board.
Thanks everyone, Sam MC8
I also have a V1902-BG1, but I could not find the serial number anywhere. I looked all around the injection pump, and everywhere else I could see. It would be about the same vintage, ~1989 or so.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com (http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com)
Mine is a marine engine if I read it right V1502-2307
good luck
I couldn't find the serial number on the engine either. I got the serial number from the letter that Wrico sent to the original owner. That letter is in a binder along with the engine and generator head manuals. I feel fortunate to have as many documents as I have for the bus and conversion components. Unfortunately I don't have the manual for the engine and transmission. When we go to Dickinson, ND this summer I will contact the widow of the PO to see if she can find them.
Good luck, Sam MC8
Clifford,
I am really impressed with your remote drain, that makes changing your oil a snap. I want one hope you come up with the part #,s
Thanks
John
Still looking. Have not gave up. Stay tuned.
Quote from: johns4104s on March 10, 2010, 07:13:26 PM
Clifford,
I am really impressed with your remote drain, that makes changing your oil a snap. I want one hope you come up with the part #,s
Thanks
John
John, We have one on our Onan, only with a 12v solenoid attached to drain. It looks like just a piece of hydraulic hose with a fitting to replace the drain plug. It was set up by a PO, so I cant' take credit for the idea.
Paul
Big John... What are the engine inframes schedules that you suggest on the newer Kubota?? I have 12,000 hours on my engine right now, with little oil consumption.
Zero, If it ain't broke don't fix it. As you have read in other posts, don't idle a diesel engine. A generator very seldom idles. Watch yor "blow-by" tube and when oil consumption goes up, overhaul or replace. I work primarily on tractors, and have many that are 20 years in operation with no problems. As to overhaul, most times it is as cheap to replace with new. A new engine from Kubota engines america(KEA) comes with new injector pump and injectors, and other new accessories. If I can help contact me. I have been a Kubota mechanic 19 years, and am looking for my gold watch.
Big John