Are all diesel generators as problematic as Powertech generators?

chessie4905 · April 26, 2018, 06:59:12 AM

I would also consider on selling it and moving up to a 10 or 12 kw brushless model. I don't think many of them like working near max capacity in very hot weather unless cooling is optimal. Sorta like the engine.

Mike in GA · April 26, 2018, 08:26:30 AM

My 10kw Powertech generator uses a Kubota. It has been relatively trouble-free. I did have to replace the fan belt and that proved to be quite an ordeal because this generator is in a soundproof box, and the whole unit had to be removed from the bus in order to access the belt. Ouch.
Mike in GA

belfert · April 26, 2018, 03:05:38 PM

I talked to Powertech about replacing the brushed head with brushless. They said it can't be done because I have the sound enclosure and the brushless heads are three inches longer.

I unfortunately don't have the $5,000 to $7,000 to buy a new generator. Also, the new 8KW brushless generators are at least 3" longer and the 10kW are even longer. I only have an inch or two to spare to be able to slide the unit out for service.

buswarrior · April 26, 2018, 05:59:56 PM

I wonder if Wrico could put together a made-up unit that will fit your available space?

Maybe a pleasant surprise at the other end of. A phone call?

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

TomC · April 28, 2018, 08:08:12 AM

Wrico made up a 12kw custom unit for me (not listed on their site). What it is a Kubota 1305 3 cylinder with a 13kw alternator head derated to 12kw. I'm remote mounting the radiator with a really powerful, but low amp draw pusher fan with variable speed that Dick provided. The whole generator is right at 36" long. Good Luck, TomC

richard5933 · April 28, 2018, 08:46:38 AM

If your engine was more reliable, I'd recommend just replacing the generator head with a new one from Wrico. The new ones they have are smaller than many of the older, and it's much less a hit on the budget to do it this way. I did this on our 4106 - we kept the Perkins diesel and replaced the Kohler 12.5kw with a Mecc Alte 13kw. Wrico was able to supply with an adapter ring and flex plate to fit on the old engine as a bolt-on operation. If you are still having reliability problems with the engine in yours though, this may not be a good option.

luvrbus · April 28, 2018, 08:58:36 AM

There is nothing wrong with the reliability of his Cat engine I seen those running strong with 20,000 hours,Powertech recommends the head bearing be checked or replaced at 2000 hours which I think is stupid they could have used a better bearing IMO

belfert · April 28, 2018, 06:31:06 PM

The engine has pretty much been problem free. The issue is all the stuff added by Powertech around the engine.

Jeff at Powertech said not to worry about the generator head bearing until 5,000 hours. I ordered the bearing a few years back when I ordered brushes. I had read some place that 1,000 hours was a good point at which to replace the bearing. I might just replace the bearing when I replace the motor mounts.

richard5933 · April 28, 2018, 06:36:51 PM

In that case, I'd call Wrico on Monday and see what they have that will fit. I spent about $2600 for the 13kw head including shipping to Wisconsin. They did a great job getting the mounting set so it bolted on with no problems. The generator heads they sell produce clean and accurate electrical output. The only thing I had to do after mounting was to create a new set of fail-safe controls. I used a Murphy switch gauge setup to do that.

luvrbus · April 28, 2018, 06:46:17 PM

Powertech had a rash of bearing failures a few years ago lol some didn't make it a 100 hours.You have the 8k now have some one run the numbers for the HP on the little engine most all the time the power head is 8K to 10K and only a HP change is needed to make it a 10kw generator if you need more watts

neoneddy · April 28, 2018, 08:44:13 PM

I know I'm the greenhorn here, but an earlier comment you mentioned the generator someimes dropping voltage while running the three roof airs.

Have you thought about adding a hybrid inverter like a Victron or Magnasine , one of these could help boost your power and lighten the load on the generator.

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belfert · April 29, 2018, 05:03:19 AM

I like the idea of seeing if I could get a brushless head to fit. It looks like Mecc Alte has a head that would fit in the existing space. Even better if I could get 10 KW with the same engine.

I don't have the money or time before I leave on a trip on May 13th, but maybe I could do something before my September trip.

Scott & Heather · April 30, 2018, 12:59:56 AM

Hey Jack, I run twin Honda EU 3000is gennies with the parallel cable kit. They work absolutely flawlessly and have well over 1000 trouble free hours on them. To keep the crud and varnish from setting in, I dump a can of sea foam into their fuel tanks about an hour or so before we are done using the gennies for a while...run them hard with the sea foam and then shut them down. A year later, they will start just fine.

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