Replacement Generator

[Jeff Miller]

The Perkins/Kohler was a good genset choice a quarter-of-a-century
ago, wasn't much available in a diesel genset for RV use.

The Yanmar engine replaced the Perkins in '86, anyone I've met who
had both has rated the Yanmar above the Perkins, quieter and cleaner
as well as very reliable. In '87 the FC went to a much quieter Onan
genset which has been very reliable except for BB's choice of
radiator mounting.

True, the Perkins/Kohler will do the job for many hours of use if
properly used and maintained, albeit rather inefficiently.
Unfortunately the 25years of getting condensation and in many cases
salt-air in the windings etc. have likely caused it more grief than
has the hours of use. Add old oil and coolant to that, and long
periods of non-use, and you have something that is less than
completely dependable, which is why a used one would be worth
significantly less than the ~$12,000 of a new 12.5kw diesel RV genset.

If you are going to remove it, and rebuild it for re-installation, it
would IMO be prudent to have the generator portion serviced also. Re-
building the brushes and brusholders, new bearings, and a "dip and
bake" on the rotor and stator will likely make it a new-old
generator. Add to that the updated voltage regulator and a re-wiring
of the control box, you should have an electrically perfect
generator. That with the engine service however might cost more than
the genset is worth, and it will still be a stinky, smokey,
inefficient, noisy, heavy genset which is probably nearing the end of
parts availability.

As Gary mentioned, something in the 8kw range will probably serve an
FC pretty well, as BB decided in '87 when they took the 12.5kw genset
and center A/C out of the standard equipment list on the FC35. It
will be quieter, which your neighbors will apreciate, and run closer
to .6gph on fuel also, and you can use the rest of the generator tray
for something more useful.

- Jeff Miller
http://www.wanderlodge.net
http://www.millercoachworks.com


> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jeff August"

> wrote:
> > Today while removing the Perkins motor to replace the seals on it
we
> > got to thinking, does it pay to even do the job on a generator
with
> > more than 5500 hours on it? We wonder if all we will be doing is
> fixing
> > this thing, and would the money be better spent in the purchase
of a
> > new Onan 8000 quiet deisel? Is this a good route to go and is a
8000
> > big enough, its 240 pounds lighter than a 10,000 or a 12,500 watt
> Onan.
> > Will it fit in the tray and can it be wired into the coach as it
> is?
> > Looking for comments & suggestions by those who have made this
move.
> >
> > Jeff & Michelle August
> > 1980 FC35RB
> > Plymouth, WI