Posts: 512
Threads: 15
Joined: Nov 2012
Brush was arcing on slip ring. Sad outcome. Examining a work around although options are few!
Kyle is becoming a generator repairman….
Gordon Jones
1989-42~no slide-#188
2000-45'-2slide-#567
1999-45’-no slide Prevost XLV Marathon
Posts: 368
Threads: 28
Joined: Aug 2017
I replaced the commutator/slip rings on my generator . I think I found the parts on Ebay , been a few years .
Kyle's slip rings look much worse .
1986 #89
VIN 007
Detroit 8V92 TA 475 HP
Allison four speed
Chris and Sharon Hand
Posts: 718
Threads: 35
Joined: Jun 2023
Ouch, think it may be time for a new gen head and go brushless. Unfortunately its not usually a simple swap because often the brushless heads are larger and it takes some fabrication work to make the change. Is it a Perkins 4.108 engine? You are getting some of the most solid advice I am sure from Gordon. I can recommend highly Central Georgia Generator if you are anywhere near there. Their gen heads are affordable and the best part is they have great customer support and tech support.
We have a Wanderlodge member that put a 3 phase head on his 4.108 and he uses all three phases to run three different chargers to quickly charge up his battery bank, he has a custom built battery bank made from a chevy volt battery.
Jeff LoGiudice
Temple Terrace, Fl & Loudon & Monterey, TN
1984 Bluebird Wanderlodge PT40
1998 Newell 2000 #490
1986 MCI/TMC 102A3 (sold)
Posts: 1,560
Threads: 77
Joined: Sep 2022
Thats interesting Jeff. What is he powering with the volt battery? I think they are pretty high voltage.
1999 45' #504 "Magnolia"
Gravette, Arkansas
1996 40 XL Prevost Marathon
Posts: 718
Threads: 35
Joined: Jun 2023
(08-09-2025, 04:14 AM)Jack Houpe Wrote: Thats interesting Jeff. What is he powering with the volt battery? I think they are pretty high voltage.
Pretty sure he reconfigured the cells to a lower voltage. Here is a video one of our other members took of him explaining some of what he has done to his bus:
https://youtu.be/q1114KXcHFA?si=PNkfln9FE1FHPdln
Jeff LoGiudice
Temple Terrace, Fl & Loudon & Monterey, TN
1984 Bluebird Wanderlodge PT40
1998 Newell 2000 #490
1986 MCI/TMC 102A3 (sold)
Posts: 9
Threads: 1
Joined: Aug 2025
Got the new generator head installed to the existing engine. Finally had time to relocate the control box, fab some mounts, and rewire. After what seems like a process the engine is running fine and we are making electricity. thanks to everyone that helped with advice, and a huge thanks to Gordon bestgenman. I wouldn't have got it with out his help.
Posts: 718
Threads: 35
Joined: Jun 2023
(08-18-2025, 05:55 PM)Kyle Wrote: Got the new generator head installed to the existing engine. Finally had time to relocate the control box, fab some mounts, and rewire. After what seems like a process the engine is running fine and we are making electricity. thanks to everyone that helped with advice, and a huge thanks to Gordon bestgenman. I wouldn't have got it with out his help.
Excellent, glad you got it going again!
What gen head did you end up fitting to your engine?
Jeff LoGiudice
Temple Terrace, Fl & Loudon & Monterey, TN
1984 Bluebird Wanderlodge PT40
1998 Newell 2000 #490
1986 MCI/TMC 102A3 (sold)
Posts: 9
Threads: 1
Joined: Aug 2025
Gordon was able to track one down through mcc alte
Posts: 718
Threads: 35
Joined: Jun 2023
(08-19-2025, 05:37 AM)Kyle Wrote: Gordon was able to track one down through mcc alte
Excellent, how did it fit compared to the Kohler head, did you have to do much fab work? Would love to see some photos of the install. We have a lot of our WL members with the Kohler brushed heads and they seem to suffer the same fate of failed slip rings.
Jeff LoGiudice
Temple Terrace, Fl & Loudon & Monterey, TN
1984 Bluebird Wanderlodge PT40
1998 Newell 2000 #490
1986 MCI/TMC 102A3 (sold)
Posts: 9
Threads: 1
Joined: Aug 2025
Bolting up was no problem. Everything lined up with the flywheel and bell housing. The only fab work was cutting out some brackets and supports and moving the feet/mounts to fit the new head as well as relocating the control box because it wouldn't fit in the compartment with the larger head. I'll try to figure out how to add photos here and send some.
