Overheating Genset

[AndyG]

There have bewen a few threads about overheating generators so I thought that I would let you folks have a crack at mine.  The genset is a Powertech CD7000 made in about 2000.  I have only had trouble with mine while driving down the road.  The exhaust ties into the main engine exhaust so I don't think that is the trouble.  The hot air exits out the bottom.  The air intake is about 10"-12" behind the exit.  I suspect that the generator is sucking its own hot air in causing it to shut down.  I have thought about ducting the exhaust air under the rig.  I have also thought about moving the intake to the front of the bay.  Maybe I sould do both.  I will try to post some pics.  The slot on the left is the exit (toward the front), on the right is the intake.

[AndyG]

More pics

[muldoonman]

Don't have any input on yours, but the folks here will solve it or die trying. Mine is overheating also and I haven't had time to try some of their ideas.
Good luck.


glen

[luvrbus]

AndyG , I believe in you case a simple air dam (flap) will cure your problem make a dead space


good luck

[TomC]

Boy I hope you don't crunch that big ol muffler one day-I'd reposition that somewhere else or use a smaller muffler.  Good Luck, TomC

[robertglines1]

would you put the air dam on a 30 degree angle or straight across? How far down 3-Inches?

[demodriver]

With the exhaust tieing together is it possible that the main engine is creating to much pressure for the genset to be able to push its exhuast out? This will make it hot real fast.

The trucks exhuast is probably to much back pressure with the engine running for the genset.

[gus]

I agree about the exhaust, that is a very strange setup to say the least.

An air dam will create low pressure at its rear, maybe, it is very difficult to predict results on the bottom of a bus with its many strange air currents.

[demodriver]

^^ I believe its in a toter, not a bus, not that it will make much of a difference on air flow.

[gus]

What is a toter? Is this a trailer?

[robertglines1]

It's a freightlinner chassis with living quarters also still having a 5Th wheel to pull his steam engine. Is my son Andy.  referred to as a Totter-home.   Bob

[demodriver]

Ya I just said toter for short instead of toterhome.

[Busted Knuckle]

I'd be tempted to try Clifford's suggestion. (as most of us know Clifford is seldom wrong, but has had many years to learn from also)

But I really think Eric is on the $ I didn't know until today that they are tied together or I'd thought this sooner! If it were me Andy first thing I'd do is rig a temp exhaust stack to run it up near the top rear of the "quarters" and see if it behaves any better. (I'd bet there is to much back pressure from the engine)
It also will get your exhaust fumes & noise up and away from the unit and make it more pleasant to sit around and hang out near the toter while waiting for dark to put on a "spark show"! (yes your dad's been talking and sharing pics & videos! LOL)
  BK 

[AndyG]

Sorry for asking a non-bus question here but this is where the knowledge is.  I can't find any comparable site on toterhomes.  The large muffler seen in the pictures is for the main engine 5" exhaust I think.  The generator has the typical size muffer and ties into the large exhaust after the big muffler.  I had not considered exhaust back pressure as a problem.  I agree that it would be nice to route the generator exhaust through a vertical stack and may at some point.  Installing a stack would be a pretty major modification so I will add it to the list.   I would like to hear more about the airdam idea it sounds fairly simple to try. 

[demodriver]

Andy how is your genset exhaust tied into the trucks exhaust? Is it a Y or is it a T?   If it was a Y (in the correct direction of coarse) the engines exhuast would help pull the exhuast out.  But.. I guess it could actually pull it out to fast and cause a problem aswell.