R & R 4103 genny gas tank and Genny question...

[chargePlus]

Hey Folks,

I finally got some time to take a look at my generator and the gas tank for it. The generator is a loud 3600 RPM Generac 6.5kW and it will likely be replaced since it didn't produce AC when we bought it, and now the fuel pump doesn't seem to work unless the starter button is being held. It also hunts with no load, but I credit that to not having run for quite some time.

But the real question is how difficult is it to remove the original generator gas tank? I can get to all the nuts, bolts, and bars that hold it in place, but it appears to be too tall to just drop down and slide out. Will this be easier if I remove the rear wheels?

Since I'm going to have the gas tank out to clean (it's rusty inside, and the fuel outlet is clogged) and make any needed repairs after cleaning, I could be convinced to go with a diesel generator. Has anyone had any experience with the "Guardian RV Generator — 7500 Watt, Diesel, Quietpact 75D, Model# 4270" that is available at Northern Tool? To be honest, anything more than 7.5kW is way overkill for our needs

Cheers,

- John

[scottwms]

I recently removed and replaced my generator gas tank on my 4103. I used the POR-15 tank treatment. I rotated it as I lowered it bringing the bottom out toward the side of the bus. I did have to remove 6 or 8 of the screws holding the fender so I could hold it out of the way. I replaced the gas line to the gen and plugged the fuel return. I have some concern about creating a vacuum in the tank without any kind of a breather but I'll wait and see before venting the tank. So far it works great but I only have a few hours on the generator.

[TomC]

Do your self a favor and stay away from the Generac products.  Those "quiet" Diesels are not so quiet.  You can get the gen much more quiet by going with an open gen and making your own sound enclosure.  Also using a remote radiator will keep the noise down.  That's what I did and never regretted it. I used a 10kw Powertech with a 1/2hp belt driven squirrel cage blower that sucks the air through the radiator then out the side under the drivers window.  It has a 2 speed motor so to run on high during the day and low for quiet night time use.  I use the 10kw since I have 3 roof airs.  But with 2 roof airs, 7.5-8kw is enough.  Powertech makes a nice all in one compact 7.5 that has the 3 cylinder Kubota layed over to make the unit more compact.  I had a friend with one on his truck that had 23,000hrs on it when it was sold with the original engine.  The gen had to be rebuilt once though.  Dick Wright at Wrico also makes a nice 8kw.  Good Luck, TomC

[chargePlus]

Tom,

Thanks for the input. I suspected as much about the Generac units. I didn't see any sound ratings which is usually not a good sign.

- John

Do your self a favor and stay away from the Generac products.  Those "quiet" Diesels are not so quiet.  You can get the gen much more quiet by going with an open gen and making your own sound enclosure.  Also using a remote radiator will keep the noise down.  That's what I did and never regretted it. I used a 10kw Powertech with a 1/2hp belt driven squirrel cage blower that sucks the air through the radiator then out the side under the drivers window.  It has a 2 speed motor so to run on high during the day and low for quiet night time use.  I use the 10kw since I have 3 roof airs.  But with 2 roof airs, 7.5-8kw is enough.  Powertech makes a nice all in one compact 7.5 that has the 3 cylinder Kubota layed over to make the unit more compact.  I had a friend with one on his truck that had 23,000hrs on it when it was sold with the original engine.  The gen had to be rebuilt once though.  Dick Wright at Wrico also makes a nice 8kw.  Good Luck, TomC

[gus]

I just installed a Honda 6KW water cooled gen in my 4104, same setup as your 4103. This thing is lightweight, half the price of a diesel, quiet and absolutely no vibration.You're already set up with that separate gas tank, couldn't work out better.

Check it out here http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/ModelDetail.asp?ModelName=ev6010

It is a lot of work building the box for it but this think is great.

No, I don't work for Honda or own stock, I just know a good thing when I see it!

[chargePlus]

I just installed a Honda 6KW water cooled gen in my 4104, same setup as your 4103. This thing is lightweight, half the price of a diesel, quiet and absolutely no vibration.You're already set up with that separate gas tank, couldn't work out better.

Check it out here http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/ModelDetail.asp?ModelName=ev6010

It is a lot of work building the box for it but this think is great.

No, I don't work for Honda or own stock, I just know a good thing when I see it!

Hey Gus,

Thanks for the info. I noticed that Honda has added to their line of quiet inverter generators:

http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/ModelDetail.asp?ModelName=eu6500isa

I could be tempted by this one...

- John

[gus]

John,

I find some disadvantages to the EU6500ISA; it costs $1000 more, it is too tall(almost twice as tall as the EV6010, it is air cooled (numerous advangages to water cooling), it is heavier, it has a gas tank you don't need, output isn't any higher than the EV6010.

You would have to remove a bunch of stuff from it and completely remove it from its frame to install it in the 4103.

It, however, has some very nice advantages; # 120/240v Selector Switch Inverter (Computer Friendly), EcoThrottle™(load dependent operation). I don't know what inverter power is but would guess that it means a smoother AC power output?

I have no need for 240v but the throttle would be nice.

The EV6010 is made for RVs, it fits into your AC engine compartment very nicely but even so there isn't a lot of extra space, it takes in all cooling air at the side of the bus and exhausts it all out the bottom. My bay has an open bottom so it is ideal if yours is the same. Water cooled is inherently quieter.

It is flat rated to 6KW and the EU6500ISA is surge rated to 6.5KW so the outputs are the same.

This is a great set so far but I will know for sure after my upcoming 10,000mi trip in two weeks. 

[gus]

Forgot one other thing, the EV6010 has a remote control, almost essential in a bus.