Powertech blues

[Mike in GA]

Finally getting around to replacing my fan/alternator belt in my 10 kW Powertech genny. It is seven - eight years old, and in a soundproof box. Kubota 4 cyl diesel.
     After removing the top, front and right side panels, draining and removing the radiator, removing the bolts holding on the squirrel cage fan, I come to fimd out that the only way to get to the fan belt is to remove an interior wall and shroud between the engine and radiator that encloses the fan. This wall is bolted to the floor and rear wall of the box, and the box itself sits flush on the floor of my baggage bay.
     In effect the only way to r & r the belt is to practically disassemble the whole sound proof box. I talked to Jeff at Powertech's customer support line in Leesburg, FL, and he confirmed my worst fears. Seems it was engineered more for soundproofness than ease of service. (And the manual says replace the belt every 500 hours!).
   He did put me in touch with a service technician here in the ATL area, and he pretty much confirmed he'd have to disconnect almost everything and put a forklift under the box to raise it enough to get at the bottom bolts.
    If anyone has a better idea, please let me know. This is absolutely ridiculous.
    At least I had seven or so years of service before the belt showed serious signs of wear and cracking.
    If anyone out there is considering a Powertech, look carefully to see that they have overcome this serious maintenence obstacle.
Mike in GA

[eddiepotts]

A picture would help.

[dougyes]

The Powertwist v-belt that is made of linked up sections that can be adjusted for length and assembled and disassembled. Here is one on Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/80-Adjustable-3L-Powertwist-Generator/dp/B001UXK1YG

[TomC]

I have a Powertech 10kw generator also.  The big difference is my radiator is remote mounted using a single inlet squirrel cage blower and 1/2hp 2 spd motor (high during the day, low for silent night running).  Consequently, my V-belt is right there with nothing to take apart, except to loosen the alternator bolts.  The bottom line is who installed it, and if that person gave any thought to servicing.  This is why my bus took 6 years to build-everything on it was installed with the idea that it would have to be serviced one day.  It's easy just to install something anyway you can-it's another thing to engineer servicing needs into it.  But then-you found that out the hard way.  Good Luck, TomC

[Mike in GA]

Dougyes- Thanks for the tip about the twistlink belts. I have seen them used on tablesaw motors, and touted as less vibration and longer duty.
   I wonder how one would do in a 185-195 degree generator box?
   At the very least I might get one for a spare after the "major surgery" set for the Powertech soundproof box Monday.
   Thanks again.
Mike in GA

[Busted Knuckle]

Maybe a hole saw in the bay floor under each bolt then use the rubber body plugs to fill the hole when done?
Just trying to think out of the box! (thought about suggesting a smoke wrench, but then decided not too!)
  BK 

[belfert]

I'm not happy to hear about this as I have a Powertech in the quiet box.  I had assumed that Powertech was smart enough that all routine service could be done from the side with the service door on it.  I had never noticed before that on my model the belts are supposed to be replaced every two years.  I'm at 5 years and about 500 hours without replacing the belts.

[Mike in GA]

Belfert-  Jeff at Powertech said that some of the quietbox/Kubota models had a removable squirrel cage fan, allowing access through the shroud to the belt. Mine does not.  Maybe you are in luck.
   Also he said he's known of some of these fan belts to run 20 years before giving out. Said cracking was typical, but you should only worry if chunks start coming out of the belt underside - this in the face of the service manual calling for a 500 hour interval!
   Good luck!
Mike in GA

[belfert]

Maybe I am in luck then.  I have a Cat (Perkins) engine in my 8KW.  Powertech offered both the Kubota and Cat at the same time so I am reasonably sure the enclosure is the same.  I would have choosen Kubota, but they had a Cat available to ship right away.

I don't understand why my manual says 2 years for belts with no hours listed.  I haven't actually inspected the belts and I really should.

[Mike in GA]

Busted Knuckle-  Thanks for the hole-saw idea. I had forgotten that the service rep at Powertech mentioned this approach for those who don't have access to a fork lift. The challenge would be where to drill the four holes accurately? Knowing me, I may end up with a swiss cheese underbelly!
    I'll keep it in mind as a possible Plan B.
Mike in GA

[Mike in GA]

I had an appt early this a.m. to see the regional Powertech service guy, who knows the difficulties with this model.
  Fortunately, he really knew his stuff, and promptly disconnected the exhaust, fuel lines and electric connections, unbolted three bolts connecting the genset to the bay floor (he had to cut off three others that were inaccessible!). Put the fork lift gingerly underneath, and up and out she came  Much easier changing the fan belt out in the open.
   Bottom line - $240. not counting the $20 new belt. Hopefully good for another seven years.
   He said that in his opinion, as much as he likes the Kubotas, the Powertech genny in the soundproof box is impractical for motorhome use because of the way the box is constructed. Open generators, he said, are best, because you can reach in and work on most any part of them.
   As far as Powertech generators in a box - let the buyer beware!
HTH
Mike in GA