Gen-set replacement?

[hippieforever3]

I've been having generator problems since I got my bird and am
considering ripping the K-P completely out. Just found out I'm looking
at quite a lot of $$$ for just the starter and radiator.

I'm considering replacing it with one or two smaller modern quiet
generators.

I figure I might even be able to squeeze a few golf cart batteries onto
the tray if I work it right.

Anyone done this type of conversion?
How do you like it?
How much total did it cost you?

Regards,
GPSGary

[mbulriss]

That Perkins - Kohler set-up is pretty good when running properly.
Any starter re-build shop can fix that Perkins starter fairly
inexpensively. I think I paid about $70 or so to get my 83 re-built.
The radiator is not that big and didn't cost much to get rodded out
and repaired (around $100 I think it was?). Those prices were about 4
years ago, but the starter re-builder is still running about the same
today. What are you seeing for prices that make it $$$?

Mike Bulriss
1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan"
San Antonio, TX - but still in FL for 24 more hours

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "hippieforever3"
wrote:
>
> I've been having generator problems since I got my bird and am
> considering ripping the K-P completely out. Just found out I'm looking
> at quite a lot of $$$ for just the starter and radiator.
>
> I'm considering replacing it with one or two smaller modern quiet
> generators.
>
> I figure I might even be able to squeeze a few golf cart batteries onto
> the tray if I work it right.
>
> Anyone done this type of conversion?
> How do you like it?
> How much total did it cost you?
>
> Regards,
> GPSGary
>

[Scott Forman]

I am not sure how what you are talking about would work, but if it
comes down to the decision of rebuilding/repairing or buying a new
generator of similar capacity, you will find rebuilding is quite a
bit cheaper and easier. My K-P was rebuild last year and will be
just as reliable as a new Onan for another couple decades.

Scott Forman
86 PT38
Memphis

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "hippieforever3"
wrote:
>
> I've been having generator problems since I got my bird and am
> considering ripping the K-P completely out. Just found out I'm
looking
> at quite a lot of $$$ for just the starter and radiator.
>
> I'm considering replacing it with one or two smaller modern quiet
> generators.
>
> I figure I might even be able to squeeze a few golf cart batteries
onto
> the tray if I work it right.
>
> Anyone done this type of conversion?
> How do you like it?
> How much total did it cost you?
>
> Regards,
> GPSGary
>

[timvasqz]

I think that is the way to go if you have gas on board or convert
the smaller gen/inverter to lpg. I want to put in a 2k honda lpg to
top off batteries in the bus and use as a portable in my Airstream.
Greg

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "hippieforever3"
wrote:
>
> I've been having generator problems since I got my bird and am
> considering ripping the K-P completely out. Just found out I'm
looking
> at quite a lot of $$$ for just the starter and radiator.
>
> I'm considering replacing it with one or two smaller modern quiet
> generators.
>
> I figure I might even be able to squeeze a few golf cart batteries
onto
> the tray if I work it right.
>
> Anyone done this type of conversion?
> How do you like it?
> How much total did it cost you?
>
> Regards,
> GPSGary
>

[Pete Masterson]

Onan makes a "hybrid-style" generator that uses batteries to boost peak output -- as well as more traditional generators. I believe you have a 12,500 watt model in your coach -- it would probably prove to be inconvenient to cut the generator size significantly below that -- so I doubt you'll save much space with a new one. While pricing was some what hard to come by (most vendors say "contact us for the 'best' price"), based on the prices for some smaller generators (8,500 watts) at $6000 to $7000, it wouldn't be a giant leap to assume that a top brand in 12,500 watts would be well over $10,000 -- plus installation (even if you install it yourself, it would take time -- and time is money).

You could go a long way toward getting the generator you already have back in service for considerably less. Perhaps you should search out a good diesel/generator shop and have the unit you have get a thorough going over. Once it's refurbished, it is likely to provide many more years of good service.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42 (For Sale)

<http://www.aeonix.biz/BBforsale.html>

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Jan 12, 2009, at 7:07 PM, mbulriss wrote:

That Perkins - Kohler set-up is pretty good when running properly. 

Any starter re-build shop can fix that Perkins starter fairly

inexpensively.  I think I paid about $70 or so to get my 83 re-built.

 The radiator is not that big and didn't cost much to get rodded out

and repaired (around $100 I think it was?).  Those prices were about 4

years ago, but the starter re-builder is still running about the same

today.  What are you seeing for prices that make it $$$?

Mike Bulriss

1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan"

San Antonio, TX - but still in FL for 24 more hours

--- In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", "hippieforever3"

wrote:

I've been having generator problems since I got my bird and am 

considering ripping the K-P completely out.  Just found out I'm looking 

at quite a lot of $$$ for just the starter and radiator.

I'm considering replacing it with one or two smaller modern quiet 

generators.

I figure I might even be able to squeeze a few golf cart batteries onto 

the tray if I work it right.

Anyone done this type of conversion?

How do you like it?

How much total did it cost you?

Regards,

GPSGary

[susanmarycamilleri]

I replaced the 12.5kva gas in my FC a couple of years ago. I installed
a generac 7.5 gas quiet pac. After comparing Onan and Generac I went
with Generac. I bought it from http://www.ecgenerators.com. By far the lowest
price, delivered to my house, in Canada from the USA, in 6 days. Great
service. ther sell a 7.5 and an 8.5 diesel.

peter Haggins
78 FC 35'
Prairie Dog