Next Project... The 12KW Kubota Generator

Glennman · June 23, 2020, 10:54:46 PM

My next project is to finish installing the 12KW Kubota. I have the 2 coolant hoses ran to the front of the bus where the spare tire used to be, so I need to install the 16" radiator and electric fan.

Anyone know what brand or type of fan would be best for this application? The book really doesn't go into that if I recall correctly. I'm thinking that I don't want the fan to overpower the alternator (?). Or would any automotive style fan work?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Glennman

chessie4905 · June 24, 2020, 03:03:56 AM

Check the fans at Summit racing. Select the one that fits and buy from Amazon or Ebay with free shipping and better price.

luvrbus · June 24, 2020, 07:41:09 AM

The fan needs to cover as much surface as all possible on the radatior,use a high amp fan the chepo low amp fans don't have a enough power to over come the high and low points a bus creates when moving and you need the T-stat on the engine with a relay to operate the fan not the T stat and fan controller Auto Zone sales JMO

chessie4905 · June 24, 2020, 08:23:21 AM

Consider an electric fan off a car of the size you need. They are designed for long term durability. Thermostat plus manual overide is desirable.

Jim Blackwood · June 24, 2020, 09:57:11 AM

Depending on your radiator configuration I can make a few suggestions. For a squarish shape a single fan from either a Volvo (not the latest ones, they use a PWM motor) or a Dodge Caravan are some of the most powerful fans available. For a rectangular radiator a Camaro dual fan works well. The Volvo fan relay is a good choice. The Camaro fan is designed to work in series for low speed and parallel for high.

Jim

TomC · June 24, 2020, 11:06:38 AM

Talk to Dick Wright at Wrico International, he has some high efficiency fans that really blow hard.

luvrbus · June 24, 2020, 11:12:42 AM

Most of us use the AC power squirrel cage fan that only runs when the generator is producing electric power you have options

richard5933 · June 24, 2020, 05:34:35 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on June 24, 2020, 11:12:42 AM
Most of us use the AC power squirrel cage fan that only runs when the generator is producing electric power you have options

Ditto

My Custom Coach install uses a large 120v squirrel cage fan. It draws in air from the side, pulls it though the radiator, across the genset/engine, and then out through the floor under the fan. Runs all the time the generator is running.

DoubleEagle · June 24, 2020, 08:04:44 PM

Some of the squirrel cage fans don't have sealed bearings and require manual lubrication every so many hours. If they are forgotten, they will not last long.

richard5933 · June 25, 2020, 03:25:55 AM

Quote from: DoubleEagle on June 24, 2020, 08:04:44 PM
Some of the squirrel cage fans don't have sealed bearings and require manual lubrication every so many hours. If they are forgotten, they will not last long.

Correct - mine has tubes connected to the Zerk fittings to allow easy lubrication at the edge of the generator bay.

chessie4905 · June 25, 2020, 08:10:51 AM

Simple enough to buy a motor with sealed bearings. Or add a drop or two of oil to the bearings when you water the batteries.

Glennman · June 25, 2020, 06:44:00 PM

The 110 option is interesting, especially since I'll have plenty of power. Dick Wright is the one who advised I install the fan in the spare tire compartment. His fans are pretty expensive, but maybe I'll get what I pay for. I have the radiator already, it is 16" square. According to Dick's suggestions, I'll need to fabricate a funneling effect (adapt the fan to the radiator). That will be a great project.

I installed the generator in the screened bay just behind the drivers front tire. Besides having the original screen door, there are screens on the floor over 2 openings that have fins on the bottom that should create a suction affect while driving. We'll see.

Thanks for all the great suggestions.