84 PT40 - Genset Problems

[Pete Masterson]

Soot is a sign of incomplete diesel combustion. Check the air cleaner and ensure that the exhaust pipe isn't blocked. I had severe sooting from my Kubota engined PowerTech. I found the crankcase breather terminated about a foot from the air cleaner air intake. While the output from the breather wasn't much, it was "killing" the air filter after only a short time. I replaced the crankcase breather tube with a longer one and found I could route it outside the generator enclosure by slipping it past some foam sound insulation where the door and enclosure box meet, so I didn't have to drill a hole through the enclosure.

Also check the exhaust pipe for blockage/constriction. Once the sooting started, I discovered that the soot built up in the alternate exhaust stack (that goes through the roof in my coach). [I don't know if your unit has this feature.] Once I opened the bottom exhaust opening, a considerable amount of soot was ejected (making a _huge_ mess). 

However, after replacing the air cleaner filter and getting the soot accumulation out of the exhaust pipe, the generator runs much cleaner and with little black smoke once it gets going. 

Your generator engine may need the complete going over you suggest and it sure sounds like you have some cooling problems. (Be sure the cooling fan is operating 100% of the time that engine is running. If it is "cycling" on and off, that's a sign that the motor is wearing out. There is no thermostat (that I know of) in the system that cycles the fan. It should come on shortly after start up (when the generator starts outputting electricity) and run until the system is shut down.

If the engine has enough hours, then the fuel lines, gaskets, injector pump, etc. may be necessary -- that's a judgment you'll have to make.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Feb 2, 2008, at 7:41 AM, jesupbill wrote:

I have several problems with my Kuboto generator and before I start the 

repairs I need some advice. First it does not use oil but smokes badly, 

to the point that it actually leaves some soot inside the coach. It has 

several diesel leaks. On a warm day it will overheat unless I slide it 

out and then it will run cool all day. It is noisy, loud as all get 

out. I covet those who have whisper quite generators. 

I'm thinking about a complete overhaul to replace all gaskets, etc. 

Injector pump rebuild, new injectors, new fuel lines to replace any 

leaking, radiator rod out, new muffler. Also the hydraulic generator 

slide out has quit, but I think repairing that may be over my head.

It has gotten to the point that I dread starting up the ginny and it 

makes travel alot less enjoyable. All thoughts and advice would be 

welcomed before I do anything.

Bill Garlen

84PT40

Jesup, GA