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Message |
WILLIAM D. WATKINS (Sivrtnge2)
Registered Member
Username: Sivrtnge2
Post Number: 8
Registered: 11-2006
Posted From: 69.164.197.32
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 06, 2007 - 10:51 am: | |
I decided to take the coach out for dinner and bowling on Thursday night. I ran the genset for approximately 2 hours. As we pulled into the parking lot i could smell anti freeze. I checked and noticed blue color smoke from the genset exhaust. I checked the temp gauge and saw that it was passed the 250 degree mark. I immediately shut the genset down. I checked for leaks...found none. I checked for water in oil...found none. I checked for oil in water...found none. I started the genset yesterday...the exhaust was clear and the temp was around 180. Please give me suggestions as to what it could have been and what damage might have transpired? It as a 20kw powertech. |
Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member
Username: Bob_greenwood
Post Number: 531
Registered: 7-2006
Posted From: 64.136.49.229
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 06, 2007 - 12:44 pm: | |
sounds like head gasket was leaking antifreeze into the combustion chamber.................................
how tall is your windshield? was just haveing a conversation with the guy with the 04 Eagle & he seems to think his windshied is not available
(Message edited by bob greenwood on January 06, 2007)
(Message edited by bob greenwood on January 06, 2007) |
Bobofthenorth (Bobofthenorth)
Registered Member
Username: Bobofthenorth
Post Number: 140
Registered: 10-2004
Posted From: 142.165.179.130
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 06, 2007 - 4:08 pm: | |
Usually if you have a head gasket leak it will blow the water out of the rad. The water doesn't go back into the cylinder while the engine is running because the rad cap relieves the pressure far below the pressure in the combustion chamber. However, they will leak back into the cylinders once you shut down. Since it started up afterward with no smoke I'd say the head gasket is unlikely. More likely simply a plugged rad. Or a non-functioning fan - my Kubota has an electric fan - when it shuts down on a hot day the gennie quickly overheats. |
WILLIAM D. WATKINS (Sivrtnge2)
Registered Member
Username: Sivrtnge2
Post Number: 9
Registered: 11-2006
Posted From: 69.164.197.32
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 06, 2007 - 5:47 pm: | |
Thanks you guys! I looked all around and saw no anti freeze visable anywhere. i looked inside the vault and on the ground. I will check the fan to make sure it is working. I did notice that when we shut the genset down...we had a sweet smelling vapor coming from the genset vault. My genset is in the bay but it is inside a quiet vault. I'm hoping that it was nothing major. I baffled about not seeing fluid and the vapor.
...I don't know how tall the windshield is. Mine are rotten and need to be replaced. I hope they are available. |
Bobofthenorth (Bobofthenorth)
Registered Member
Username: Bobofthenorth
Post Number: 141
Registered: 10-2004
Posted From: 142.165.179.225
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 06, 2007 - 7:10 pm: | |
When you have it open take a hard look at the rad fins - they should be clean. If they are greasy and covered with dirt then get in there with a pressure washer or even just a garden hose & some soap. Air has to be able to flow through those fins freely. |
WILLIAM D. WATKINS (Sivrtnge2)
Registered Member
Username: Sivrtnge2
Post Number: 11
Registered: 11-2006
Posted From: 75.201.209.7
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 06, 2007 - 8:49 pm: | |
Ok. I found my belt was broken, lying in the bottom of the shrowd. I also found that the water travel outside of the genset under the coach and back to a second reservoir between the drive axles. This coach was built by Cauldwell Coach. Is this normal??? |
Bobofthenorth (Bobofthenorth)
Registered Member
Username: Bobofthenorth
Post Number: 142
Registered: 10-2004
Posted From: 142.165.179.222
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 06, 2007 - 11:01 pm: | |
I wonder if you have some kind of a water heating assist off of the generator coolant. You need to figure out whether the separate reservoir is just a reservoir (which seems unlikely) or whether it serves some other purpose.
Isn't it fun exploring a new bus? We've had ours for 3 years & I am still learning how it is put together. I get less surprises now than I did in the first year but still get a few. |
Mike Eades (Mike4905)
Registered Member
Username: Mike4905
Post Number: 138
Registered: 12-2000
Posted From: 68.207.200.143
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 07, 2007 - 6:50 am: | |
On my coach There is a slobber tube that I had to make longer. The tube would slobber and the fan would pick up the slobber an suck it into the radiator. I would have to pull the radiator I would then over heat under a heavy load. once or twice a yaer I would do this cleaning. I have a wirco 8k with 3 cyclinder kubuta. Mike |
Prather Ellsberry (Prather)
Registered Member
Username: Prather
Post Number: 5
Registered: 10-2006
Posted From: 207.69.137.202
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 07, 2007 - 9:29 am: | |
a funny thing happened to me this summer, the fan blade caught the edge of the engine and the belt burnt and broke. I have a PowerTech 12KW with 2100 hours of running. On inspecting the fan I found some dirt built up on the fan blades, appartently this was enough extra weight to pull the fan blade against the engine, pusher fan. I replaced the fan with a new one. The only thing I wonder about on yours is that you are supposed to have a automatic high temp shut off.
Prather |
john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member
Username: Chessie4905
Post Number: 379
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 71.58.126.56
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 07, 2007 - 9:47 am: | |
One thing to consider would be to add a warning light/ buzzer to your generator which would have a setting about 5 to 10 degrees below emergency shutdown temp to alert you to pontential problems. Cheap insurance compared to rebuilding a generator engine because of a failed emergency shutdown circuit. Also, get that system checked/ diagnosed for proper operation. |
Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member
Username: Jackconrad
Post Number: 522
Registered: 12-2000
Posted From: 207.30.189.65
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 07, 2007 - 4:20 pm: | |
A friend was showing me what he added on his genset. He epoxied an adjustable temp sensor to his engine block using heat sink epoxy. (this sensor is like the ones used of household clothes dryers). The standard hot engine sensor is installed in or near the thermostat housing at the top of the engine. If you have a rapid coolant loss, as soon as the coolant level is below the sensor, it probably will not sense the temperatue (they are designed to work only when immersed in the coolant). The dryer sensor will measure the temperature of the block and, if wired into the shutdown circuit, sill shut down the genset. Just another safety back-up. I have not installed this yet on our genset, but plan to. They are available at Graingers. Jack |
WILLIAM D. WATKINS (Sivrtnge2)
Registered Member
Username: Sivrtnge2
Post Number: 13
Registered: 11-2006
Posted From: 69.164.197.32
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 07, 2007 - 9:14 pm: | |
Once again, thanks for the info and the replies. I am told that the genset is set up to operate and not run hot enough to do any damage. This makes no sense to me. This unit is in a noise vault inside the bay. There is a small reservoir just above the pulleys. There is no fan inside the box. The water is pumped out of the genset under the coach to a second reservoir or radiator that has a fan between the drive axle and tag axle. Then it is cycled back to the genset. There is a low coolant sensor in the reservoir on the genset. I just dont know if it got that low or not without pulling the genset out. I plan to do a great deal of upgrading this spring and summer.
Jack, if you don't mind, please email me or call me when you install the other safety shutdown mechanism.
John, have you installed a buzzer on your genset??? If so, please give great detail as to how!!!
--
BILL
(Message edited by sivrtnge2 on January 07, 2007) |
john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member
Username: Chessie4905
Post Number: 381
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 71.58.126.56
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 08, 2007 - 5:16 pm: | |
you can wire an automotive buzzer to a temp sending unit installed in the cyl head. Run a hot wire to one leg or positive side of the buzzer and wire the ground side or other connector on the buzzer to the sending unit in the engine. When the temp sending unit detects over heat, it will provide a ground and turn on the buzzer.You can get a sending unit from any company that sells gages, under their accessory section in the temp you desire, but lower than the generator emergency shutdown temp. The buzzer and temp unit can be purchased from an automotive parts store, Napa, or wherever. Just be sure that the parts guy knows his product and can assist you in what you need. The buzzer, of course should be rated for the voltage that runs the generator engine.The hot wire can be picked up from the voltage that turns on the fuel solenoid at the fuel pump on the generator engine. |
WILLIAM D. WATKINS (Sivrtnge2)
Registered Member
Username: Sivrtnge2
Post Number: 18
Registered: 11-2006
Posted From: 69.164.197.32
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 08, 2007 - 6:23 pm: | |
Thanks John. I will get the parts needed and install them as soon as I get back. probably late Feb. |
Robert Fischer (Rbt137)
Registered Member
Username: Rbt137
Post Number: 8
Registered: 7-2006
Posted From: 71.111.57.227
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 8:56 am: | |
my 7kw powertech lost its coolant pump up in the mountains. coolant all over the place. This unit had a high temp shutdown sensor and it did. and of course that takes out the webasto cause they share coolant. had to replace coolant pump. 2114 hrs of work. I think that bad luck is in play here as 2k hrs seem kinda low. On the other hand, if this is the only problem in 10k hrs I'll be happy. new pump 130 dollars. |
WILLIAM D. WATKINS (Sivrtnge2)
Registered Member
Username: Sivrtnge2
Post Number: 20
Registered: 11-2006
Posted From: 69.164.197.32
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 9:22 am: | |
Thank for the info Robert. I think mine is the belt. I might have to remove the genset from the bay to install it...but I think it will resolve the problem. |
WILLIAM D. WATKINS (Sivrtnge2)
Registered Member
Username: Sivrtnge2
Post Number: 23
Registered: 11-2006
Posted From: 69.164.197.32
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 9:10 pm: | |
I put a new belt on today. I ran the unit for about 20 minutes. It ran hot again...I noticed smoking onthe left side (exhaust side) of the engine. It was definately a steam type smoke. I guess need to start looking for someone locally to check it out and probably rebuild it. I just dont understand...it runs so smooth and quiet. no skip, sputter, or nothing!!! Someone please give me more insight!!! |
Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member
Username: Bob_greenwood
Post Number: 536
Registered: 7-2006
Posted From: 64.136.49.228
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 9:32 pm: | |
cracked block ????? |
WILLIAM D. WATKINS (Sivrtnge2)
Registered Member
Username: Sivrtnge2
Post Number: 24
Registered: 11-2006
Posted From: 69.164.197.32
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 9:39 pm: | |
please....please....please dont say that!!!!
--
BILL |
joe padberg (Joemc7ab)
Registered Member
Username: Joemc7ab
Post Number: 65
Registered: 6-2004
Posted From: 66.38.159.33
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 10:29 pm: | |
William
leaking head gasket or warped/cracked head are more likely to be your problem than a cracked block.
Joe. |
WILLIAM D. WATKINS (Sivrtnge2)
Registered Member
Username: Sivrtnge2
Post Number: 26
Registered: 11-2006
Posted From: 69.164.197.32
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 10:32 pm: | |
Thanks Joe. I'll have it looked at when I get back home.
--
BILL |
john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member
Username: Chessie4905
Post Number: 383
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 71.58.126.56
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 - 5:04 pm: | |
The bubbles in the coolant from a compression leak will interfere with thermostat operation and water circulation causing the overheating.That smoke should have a sorta sweet smelling antifreeze smell. Probably took out the head gasket; possibly cracked the head... remove head, have it checked for cracks, see if it is warped. Might need surfacing if allowed by manufacture. Some diesel heads aren't to be resurfaced. Also check cylinder bores for excess scoring where piston skirts ride. Drain block first before removing head....Look at top of pistons then...are they lightly evenly sooty black? If they are, the rings will probably be ok.Oh, and check smell of removed antifreeze. If it has a really unusual smell to it, it was overheated pretty bad. You might need to have an older experienced mechanic smell it. Don't forget to change the oil after you are done.If you aren't sure what to look for in the cylinder bores, find a guy that regularly rebuilds engines to take a look. |
WILLIAM D. WATKINS (Sivrtnge2)
Registered Member
Username: Sivrtnge2
Post Number: 33
Registered: 11-2006
Posted From: 76.97.120.244
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 18, 2007 - 9:20 pm: | |
THE GENSET IS FIXED. COST ME A FORTUNE (A CHINESE BUFFET DINNER AND 2 GALLONS OF ANTIFREEZE). It was an air bubble in the system. GO-FIGURE!!!
--
BILL |