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Generator overheating?
#1

I was running the Genset (Kohler 20KW) yesterday and noticed the dash gauge showed it was about 250 and though this was odd.  We were sitting outside the storage building in the 90 degree heat running both A/Cs on the low setting.  The Genset did not shut down but I turned it off.  I’m suspecting the thermostat may be allowing it to get too hot - I found a thread that showed to check the temps at the thermostat and will do that this afternoon.  
I ordered a new air filter and may change out the oil but not sure what viscosity to use (15W-40 I think is in it now from about a year ago - we don’t use it very much, it has around 2500 hours on it).  We are planning a trip to TX and don’t want to run without a genset. 
I’m also suspect of the airflow from the squirrel cage blower - the blower motor and squirrel cage are working fine but not sure about the air flow - how can I test this (or is ‘hurricane’ strength as Tom put it so eloquently) good enough?  
Are there other things I can check? I was thinking of just changing the T-stat, water pump, hoses, belt, oil, all filters just for maintenance sake and don’t mind spending the $ on it… any idea of part numbers?  I’ve got the filter/belt numbers but not for the T-stat and water pump…

Karen & Adrian Abshire 
1998 2 slide 45' Newell Coach 498 
Prior: 1985 Foretravel ORED 35, 1988 38' Foretravel U280, 2000 Foretravel 42' U320, 1990 Bluebird Wanderlodge WB40
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#2

Since we are on the subject, I need the packing material for the exhaust slide - what do you guys recommend for this? We get some exhaust smells in the cabin when the vent fan is on.

Karen & Adrian Abshire 
1998 2 slide 45' Newell Coach 498 
Prior: 1985 Foretravel ORED 35, 1988 38' Foretravel U280, 2000 Foretravel 42' U320, 1990 Bluebird Wanderlodge WB40
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#3

For the exhaust I used wire reinforced steam resistant packing from McMaster Carr , P/N : 13005K133 . 1/4" X 1/4 " . Worked for me ,  suggested by Richard . Thanks again Richard !
Is your cooling fan direct drive or belt ?
Chris

1986 #89
VIN 007
Detroit 8V92 TA 475 HP
Allison four speed 
Chris and Sharon Hand
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#4

Was the generator extended? The air flow won't adequately cool it if it's in the extend mode outside of it's compartment.
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#5

Thanks for the part number! Cooling fan is belt driven

Karen & Adrian Abshire 
1998 2 slide 45' Newell Coach 498 
Prior: 1985 Foretravel ORED 35, 1988 38' Foretravel U280, 2000 Foretravel 42' U320, 1990 Bluebird Wanderlodge WB40
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#6

The fan/blower seems to be working well with “hurricane” force winds Int eh compartment when open. I will be testing the genset again today after I change the antifreeze and hoses/belts.

Karen & Adrian Abshire 
1998 2 slide 45' Newell Coach 498 
Prior: 1985 Foretravel ORED 35, 1988 38' Foretravel U280, 2000 Foretravel 42' U320, 1990 Bluebird Wanderlodge WB40
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#7

Changed the oil and coolant along belts and hoses - now the genset is running at about 150 with both a/c units on high for about 30 minutes. When I wake up from my nap we will take it for a long cruise or maybe a tour to check it out good.

Karen & Adrian Abshire 
1998 2 slide 45' Newell Coach 498 
Prior: 1985 Foretravel ORED 35, 1988 38' Foretravel U280, 2000 Foretravel 42' U320, 1990 Bluebird Wanderlodge WB40
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#8

We went to the coach ready to take a short trip to test the genset on the road before heading to TX. I turned on ALL the A/Cs on HIGH and it lasted about 30 minutes and overheated (I didn’t time it but should have). I am flummoxed. New coolant, hoses, belts and it rewards me with attitude… I am suspecting the thermostat but need a part number if anyone has it. I may replace the water pump (part number?) while I have it torn apart and the coolant out again…
I’ll call Newell on Monday and ask for parts if no one responds here - would like to get the parts ordered ASAP so I can go next weekend…
Forgot to mention that the temperature on the genset showed 220F at the thermostat after shutdown so it definitely got hot and shut itself down properly.

Karen & Adrian Abshire 
1998 2 slide 45' Newell Coach 498 
Prior: 1985 Foretravel ORED 35, 1988 38' Foretravel U280, 2000 Foretravel 42' U320, 1990 Bluebird Wanderlodge WB40
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#9

a few things about this have me scratching my head.

the genny has an overtemp shutdown. if it is overheating, it will shut off.

did you use a temp gun at the thermostat housing to see if the temps matched your gauge?

i would be suspect that the sensor for the gauge might be not working right or the gauge itself. is it an analog gauge or a digital? the digital uses a lookup table to map the resistance of the sensor to the temp. and we all know that analog gauges are highly un reliable. like not readying right, grounds, etc.

if you wanted to be sure about the thermostat, you could just take it out if you think that is the problem.

just a few thoughts

tom

2002 45'8" Newell Coach 608  Series 60 DDEC4/Allison World 6 Speed HD4000MH

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#10

Thanks Tom, I did check with a digital guage at the T-stat and it was showing 220F. I will pull the T-stat off in the morning and do a boil test to see if it actuates correctly (pops out at about 190 or whatever it is marked at). If I have to replace the T-stat do you have any idea if I need to get the gaskets for it also? Amazon does not have the kit with the gaskets - I tried a couple of auto parts places but they don’t have a cross-reference for the T-stat I found a reference for on this site (hopefully it is correct) Part: Sierra International 23-3608 (or maybe 24993). Amazon has the T-stat but not the gaskets…
Maybe I’ll get lucky and O’Reilly can match the T-stat in the morning.
How can I test the water pump?

Karen & Adrian Abshire 
1998 2 slide 45' Newell Coach 498 
Prior: 1985 Foretravel ORED 35, 1988 38' Foretravel U280, 2000 Foretravel 42' U320, 1990 Bluebird Wanderlodge WB40
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