Generator Hi Temp Alarm, Coolant Reserve Tank Questions

[Gary '79 5C]

Recently I awoke on a trip, started the genset, clearing the cobwebs with coffee. After 10 minutes, I thought I have a dash GS temp gauge, maybe I should check same as I never have had a problem, but... Craps I look and I am approaching 200*, normal op's is about 180*.  It is steady, but I shut it down and do a visual check. Nothing obvious like puking coolant. Later I did check and found the coolant low, changed same and everything is fine.

My unit is a 4 cyl Kubuto Wrico which has provided excellant service. My concern is that it does not have a coolant reserve tank, similar to cars, and with a small amount of coolant within its system, it leaves little margin for error.
How best to connect the reserve tank?? I understand the radiator is under pressure, and am not sure how to connect ? Should this not be simple duh?

The next thing for me is that I wish not to be content with the GS running, but with undetected high temps. I do not monitor the gauges when not driving. I guess I could find a plugged port on the coolant loop or near the water pump to possibly install a temp sensor connected to a red light. My electrical controls are above the drivers position, within reach, but easily visible to most of the coach.

I have a long list of other things but this some what bothers me. My guess is that the lose of coolant was over along period of time, 4 year or so, which is not bad, but am I over engineering this safety ?  Heck of alot cheaper than a replacement 13 KW unit.

I will be placing a call to Mr Wright today, but would entertain the rich experience of this board.

Have a Great Day.

Gary

[FloridaCliff]

Gary,

When I installed my PowerTech, One of the first things I noticed was the lack of a coolant overflow reservoir.

I just bought one at your local purveyor of auto parts and added it.

On the filler neck should be a hose connection point, just below the cap.

I mounted mine on the generator compartment wall, close to the access door, with a longer hose to allow me to slide the generator out with it still connected.

I have noticed that it pulled in a small amount right after installation, but it gives me a visual check when doing my pretrip inspections.  And aids in my comfort factor. 

Best of luck on yours,

Cliff

[Gary '79 5C]

Cliff,

Good Morning,
I understand and appreciate your comments, But I see how the coolant flows thru the overflow port under the rad. cap to the reservoir, but how does this fluid make it back into the engine/radiator ?? What connection and where does this land ?

Thanks again, Working to replace an ignitor on my home furnace......

Gary

[NewbeeMC9]

The cap is sealed above and below the little tube on the filler neck.  When coolant is hot it expands, cap spring allows it out and goes into overflow.  When the coolant cools and contracts, the cap has a valve that will allow it to go back into radiator from the overflow tank that has the end of th tube/hose below the level of the coolant.      So basically make sure you get an overflow cap with the overflow kit and match the pressure of the old one.

HTH

[rv_safetyman]

Gary, I believe that all Wrico generators have an automatic shut down for oil and temperature issues.

Overflow systems require a special radiator cap (most are made that way today).  Before you call Dick, grab the cap and make sure it is made for an overflow type.  Once you have the correct cap, you can install an aftermarket overflow tank which makes checking water level very easy.

My Wrico radiator is remote and you can't check the water level without taking things out of the bay and taking the screws out of a cover.  I have an overflow and check it quite often.  About a year ago, my generator started shutting down.  I check the water and oil and no problem.  I then decided to check the actual water level in the radiator and it was down quite a bit.  Could not figure why the overflow did not make up the lost water.

Turned out the upper inlet had a small crack in it.  That defeated the overflow operation.  I had a radiator shop repair the radiator.  He commented that the inlet and outlet tubes seemed to be a bit weak.  He showed me and I had to agree.  He built up a small radius of solder between the tube and tank for added support, and I have not had a problem since.

Jim

[TomC]

I bought my Powertech 10kw with Kubota engine in 1994, and it had an overflow tank.  I have my radiator remote mounted under my driver's seat (the gen is mounted next to the driver's seat like a front engine).  My expansion tank and over flow tank are mounted inside right behind the driver's seat, but inside a wood box with drain, so if anything overflowed or blew up, it would be contained and drain down to the street.  Has worked well since the expansion tank is about 3ft higher then the radiator and engine.  Good Luck, TomC

[luvrbus]

The best protection you can have on a generator is use the Murphy shutdown system cost about 400 bucks is widely used in the marine world and other applications and they work


good luck

[junkman42]

Over temp sensors only work while in contact with coolant.  A sudden loss of coolant will result in a ruined engine because by the time the sensor receives enough heat from the surrounding metal the engine is way beyond the actual shutdown temp.  My take and not worth much more than a cup of joe!  John

[niles500]

Do you have a surge tank at the filler?

[Gary '79 5C]

Niles500, negative on the surge tank at the filler. Just a fill, smallish radiator & engine block.

Thanks all for comments, I will have to check as to what type cap I have & what can be fitted for a surge tank accomodation.

I get the idea of the coolant expanding within the rad & over flowing to the ST, and when cool, the reverse takes place. But only if the tube from under the cap extends thru and to the bottom of the ST.  I have been looking at aftermarket's but I think I am missing that there may be a "tube" molded within the interior of the tank to its bottom.

My 1983 MB diesel has the hose from the under the cap to the ST, and a bottom hose from the ST to a fitting to the bottom of the radiator. I will look at the wife's Escape setup. 

I am definitely over thinking this one.

The Wrico inherent safety problably did not reach their threashold on my occurance, But I will check with Mr Wright if they present on my set up. PO installed.

As indicated by many others, my genset is not the easiest to access with the side hinge A/C door with Dzus fasteners. Mine is heavy and a little sprung requiring a little lift to resecure. Locating the ST elsewhere would insure more frequent checks & would increase the fluid volume.

Thanks All,
P.S. Home furnace fixed with replacement hot surface ignitor, $19.40, Very good deal.

[niles500]

Check out a John Deere parts supplier for a surge tank - I know they make them - HTH

[Gary '79 5C]

Thanks Niles,

I need to get over to the bus to visualize what size tank I can accomodate & where. I do not think there is enough space within the A/C comp remaining and the tank would impede air flow.

Many options availble on line as well.

Thanks

Gary