Generator Replacement

[Andy Coleman]

Scott,

Don't the powertech and onan quiet diesel generators both pull fuel?
Did you have to install a second line from your fuel tank to allow the
generator to "pull" fuel, instead of drawing from the existing return
line?

I would (and I'm sure others as well) appreciate to hear more about
the problems and issues you faced when replacing your genset. Might
help us decide if we should replace or modify our existing Perkins.

I can't stand the current noise from the Perkins in my 83 FC-35!

Besides the reasons you stated below, what other reasons do you prefer
the powertech over the onan? Is one quieter or more fuel efficient
than the other? How about price? A new 12.k Quiet Diesel is
retailing for almost 8K! Ouch!

Andy
83 FC-35
Spring Lake Heights, NJ




--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Scott" wrote:
>
> To all that are considering replacing their gensets with quiet
> diesels...
>
> A word of caution when thinking this through. Believe me I have been
> there and done it..
>
> Some considerations to account for.
>
> The genset compartment on our 86FC35 would NOT accomodate the
> enclosure case that the quiet gensets come in.
>
> The generator end of some gensets are a larger diameter than the
> Kohler. The end of the genset fits UNDER the frame rail when the
> genset is slid back under the coach. If the new genset is larger then
> BE SURE it will go under the frame rail. I have a 17kw generator end
> like the new 450's
>
> Fuel delivery, most gensets have a fuel pump on the motor
> driving the generator. Since the Kohler is tied into the RETURN LINE,
> from the CAT then generally the small fuel pump on the genset will
> not "pull enough fuel" to operate more than a short time before
> starving for fuel and shutting down. This situation will/can be
> tricky because the fault codes show low oil shutdown. No fuel, engine
> starves, no oil pressure. We all know it is easier to "push" fuel
> rather than "pull" fuel.
>
> I would be happy to discuss the problems and solutions I came up with
> during the replacement process which by the way took from 7:45am
> Monday till 5:30 Friday. This was at the PowerTech factory, I am
> convinced most others locations would have thrown the towell in long
> before finally getting it to work. I can not say enough good things
> about the folks at PowerTech.
>
> ScottB
> 86FC35
> SC
>