What are you running? I'm getting tired of issues with the 40 year old 12.5 Kohler and am thinking of upgrade to a new Onan. One place has a sale on the 7.5kw diesel unit, trying to decide between 7.5kw and 10kw which is about $1k more.
A 7.5 will run everything you would normally run at one time,,, If it is an Onan "quiet diesel",, you will love it.. Mine has 2800 reliable hours on it trouble free..>>>Dan
Yeah, it's the QD, on sale until tomorrow for $9,335.00
What type Ac units here in the AZ heat a 7.5 struggles with 2 roof tops in Aug and 3 is out of the question for a 7.5
I have a 10kw Powertech wired straight 120v. Have about 1,800 hours, no problems.
I would go with a 10kw. You get into a high altitude situation and 7.5 won't cut it. Some margin is beneficial with almost no fuel use penalty.
Quote from: chessie4905 on January 30, 2020, 05:42:05 PM
I would go with a 10kw. You get into a high altitude situation and 7.5 won't cut it. Some margin is beneficial with almost no fuel use penalty.
I was thinking that too - the 10k is only a few dollars more in comparison for the juice you get.
Quote from: Paul S on January 31, 2020, 05:45:10 AM
I was thinking that too - the 10k is only a few dollars more in comparison for the juice you get.
Like was said generators out put drops like a rock with heat and altitude
Even out East, two A/C's doesn't cut it when it is hot and humid. Most people need three to five roof A/C's, or some combination of roof and basement types. If you do not have coach air for going down the road, you are not going to be happy with two. Chances are your coach needed the 12.5 for a good reason.
Back then, that Kohler was about the only one available. Many were installed and pretty reliable. We had 2500 hours on the one in our 4104. It was a little over kill for ours with 2 13,500 ac's, but always handled them.
Quote from: Paul S on January 30, 2020, 01:55:34 PM
What are you running? I'm getting tired of issues with the 40 year old 12.5 Kohler and am thinking of upgrade to a new Onan. One place has a sale on the 7.5kw diesel unit, trying to decide between 7.5kw and 10kw which is about $1k more.
The 12.5 Kohler has a Perkins motor and there are overhaul kits out there that are fairly cheap.
What are your plans for the Kohler/Perkins?
I might be interested.
A better question might be to ask where he is located.
Jim
Quote from: Jim Blackwood on January 31, 2020, 08:14:48 PM
A better question might be to ask where he is located.
Jim
He's just a pallet away...
The generator runs fine, when it runs - I have spare set of brushes for it as well. Keeping it running lately has been a challenge. Pretty sure the voltage regulator is toast as under heavy loads at times the HZ will go off the scale and then it shuts down. It also seems to need some control panel work. I use this bus for animal rescue and just need something reliable all the time. I don't have working OVTR AC at the moment so it may be used for that in the interim.
Not sure what I'll do with the Kohler, might make a good backup generator for the house or otherwise with some TLC, I just need something that will work all the time right now in the bus. To many other bus projects to work on to be screwing around with something as important as the genset.
Find an old generator service location that is familar with that model. They are pretty reliable old tech. No electronic boards, just old fashioned relays. Just have it serviced.
Find an old generator service location that is familar with that model. They are pretty reliable old tech. No electronic boards, just old fashioned relays. Just have it serviced.
I did, actually found an older guy locally that knows them, but sourcing parts is getting harder too. I really need something reliable, and the Onan's seem to have a great reputation.
Parts are certainly getting scarce for these old Kohler generators. I've got two heads (12.5ke & 10kw)and the Continental engines they were mated with, and one controller. They don't work but would be great parts units. I'd like to get a Kohler/Perkins unit to use to build a working backup, using these others for parts.
If you decide to get rid of the Kohler you've got, please let me know.
Or, if there's a stray part you need I may be able to help.
It might be cheaper to simply replace the Alternator Generator Head.
Here's a $1,540.00 option on eBay.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/13-5-kW-Alternator-Generator-Head-GENUINE-PDG-INDUSTRIAL-1-phase-PDG-164C-1/273527176366?hash=item3faf7d7cae:m:mU8UN1X2lkjtwIcvKb2k5cA (https://www.ebay.com/itm/13-5-kW-Alternator-Generator-Head-GENUINE-PDG-INDUSTRIAL-1-phase-PDG-164C-1/273527176366?hash=item3faf7d7cae:m:mU8UN1X2lkjtwIcvKb2k5cA)
I also think a overhaul kit for the Perkin's motor is about $800.00.
You might look into residential backup generators. Last year I picked up an 8kw gas/propane unit for $700 with very low hours so the deals are out there. Slid it right into the front bay.
Jim