Antifreeze -
Yachts - 01-15-2018
I’m a little concerned at what temperature the generator is good down too before it would freeze. I have had to add water and I have added antifreeze over the last fall but not sure how protected I am. It’s suppose to get down to 2 below.. it got down to 4 earlier and had no problems.. I am considering just running the generator through the night to make sure.. opinions..
RE: Antifreeze -
bestgenman - 01-15-2018
Buzz over to NAPA or wherever and buy some litmus strip antifreeze testers. sometime included with Nitrite & molydemium (sp) and pull a sample from the expansion tank.
If the underbay is still under heat, you're likely golden. Otherwise you could put a trouble lamp in the generator compartment and radiator bay.
RE: Antifreeze -
Yachts - 01-15-2018
Thanks Gordon I’ll do that right now!
RE: Antifreeze -
Yachts - 01-15-2018
Good to minus 14.. but I’m gonna top off the coolant tomorrow it’s a little low
RE: Antifreeze -
Richard - 01-16-2018
Do you know why you are losing coolant?
RE: Antifreeze -
folivier - 01-16-2018
A common place for radiator leaks is where the filler cap attaches to the radiator tank. Quick solution is to clean it to bare metal and slap a coat of JB Weld on it. Better more permanent fix is to have a radiator shop braze it.
This:
https://www.amazon.com/Farm-Innovators-TC-3-Thermostatically-Controlled/dp/B0006U2HD2/ref=sr_1_46?ie=UTF8&qid=1516109389&sr=8-46&keywords=heater+thermostat
Along with an incandescent or halogen bulb would work to keep the genny compartment from freezing.
RE: Antifreeze -
Yachts - 01-16-2018
Yes , I had cooling fan on the radiator go bad and it overheated. I added coolant back but at the time I was out and didn’t have anti freeze on me so I added distilled water. I added some antifreeze later. I wasn’t sure what my mix was and forgot to check it.. the side mount generators are very hard to get all the air bubbles out of the system . I’m guessing I had some bubbles left and need to add just a bit more.. I haven’t noticed any leaks anywhere..
O degrees this morning.. bays stayed at 42 through the night..cooold
RE: Antifreeze -
Rongripon - 01-16-2018
Hello Marc,
i experienced the genset antifreeze issue.
1. I found that the recirculation hose from the genset to the radiator had leaks due to age.
2. I had a small leak on the radiator core.
3. I had a small lead on the hose connection on the back side of the radiator.
4. i had a small drip on the thermostat housing.
finding and fixing each leak was a task because each one was small but totaling them up was a lot and it did require close watch on the fluid levels. since them, I add some coolant but nothing serious. 50/50 mix works for me. I don't add straight antifreeze or water, always a mix.
hope you got all your repairs done and are traveling smoothly.