Radiator location for generator

[NMDave MCI 102C3]

I am getting ready to build a quiet box for my 7KW Kohler diesel generator. It will consist of a plywood box with special sound absorbing foam and a 110V fan forcing air over the unit while operating. I am putting it in the front bay drivers side of my MCI 102C3.
When I stopped at Marathon Coach in OR last year (they give a great tour btw) I looked at how they built theirs. All had remote radiators, Very nice $$$
Any input on doing a remote mount of the radiator? It looks like there would be room somewhere behind and between the front tires. Would I also need to install an electric fan for generator operation while parked?

Thanks,
NMDave
4 Corners USA

[Kristinsgrandpa]

My radiator is going in the same area on my coach, so I've done a little research on the subject and decided to buy my hose from McMasters-Carr. They list the heat capabilities for their hose.   The local truck shop was ridiculous on his prices.  Check for yourself.

Also keep the coolant fill cap higher than the rest of the system.

I've got a fan that worked great on a 327 CID Chevy so it ought to be great on a little diesel.

Ed

[Len Silva]

It will be a lot quieter if you use a 110v squirrel cage blower instead of a fan.  I would rig a sail switch alarm in the shut down circuit so you know if the blower quit long before the generator overheats

Len

[Kwajdiver]

Why not just mount it on the front bumper?  Would get lots of fresh air...




Bill

[TomC]

A little different setup on my transit-my gen is next to the drivers seat like a front engine with the remote radiator under the drivers seat.  I have the radiator mounted directly to the intake of a single side intake squirrel cage blower with a 1/2hp belt driven 2 speed motor with it.  High speed during the day and low, that is very quiet in campsite.  Belt drive will always be quieter since the blower will be running at a lower rpm.  I got my setup from Graingers.  The motor is totally enclosed with fan cooling and ball bearings.  I have a bathroom inline ventilator (also from Graingers) for forcing air through the gen compartment.  I had Dick Wright inspect it (even though it is a Powertech-shows what a nice and helpful person Dick is) and he said it was one of the quieter gens he had heard.  Good Luck, TomC

[JackConrad]

    On our MC-8, we installed our 7 KW Powertech in the OEM AC condenser compartment.  We installed our radiator in the rear of the former spare tire compartment. An electric fan was installed on the radiator. Because lower radiator hoses on caqrs have a metal spring wire in them to avoid collapse from the suction, I was concerned about thyis on our generator. It was probably overkill, but I used 1" hydraulic hose for my lower hose to ensure no risk of suction induced collapse.
    As was mentioned, make sure your radiator cap is at the highest point in the cooling system. I did take us a while to get all the air out out of the system.  Jack