Blue Smoke Power Generation

[Catchthedig]

Fourth snowstorm on its way here (Hudson Valley). For a test I pulled the JD950 outside barn door with trailer attached PTO power generator just behind inside. Ran tractor engine at about 2200 rpm to get 540 rpm PTO speed required. Range selector in neutral, tranny in 2nd (per manual). Turned on every available house and barn electrical load to see if 60-amp circuit breaker would trip. Generator rated 14kW, 120/240V. After awhile noticed thin blue smoke at rear of tractor, near 3-point hitch and PTO connection. Engine ran fine, no unusual visual exhaust, no breaker or fuse trip. No engine overheat lamp. No squeal from an under-lubed powershaft U-joint. (Not sure the powershaft angle was within the 10-degree deflection maximum.) Smoke was thicker near the 3-point hitch rather than the generator.

Out of caution I stopped the test. I need this generator for occasional power outages. Any suggestions on what caused the smoke and how to fix it ?

 

[workinonit]

What was the smell like?

 

[Chilliwack Murray]

The best time to find the cause would’ve been immediately after shutting it down. Infrared temperature guns are very cheap now, like under $20 if you don’t need high accuracy. When it’s running or after it’s stopped scan everything and look for something hot enough to cause smoke.

If you don’t have one, also great for checking tires, wheel bearings, motors, electrical etc.

As already mentioned, what did it smell like? Only 3 possibilities really; oil, grease or electrical.

 

[LouNY]

Ah you missed one possibility.
Was the plastic pto shield spinning or is it chained stationary.
Many of those actually have a plastic bearing that has a plastic grease fitting that needs grease. Or unclip the little chain and let the cover spin with the shaft.

 

[Catchthedig]

The best time to find the cause would’ve been immediately after shutting it down. Infrared temperature guns are very cheap now, like under $20 if you don’t need high accuracy. When it’s running or after it’s stopped scan everything and look for something hot enough to cause smoke.

View attachment 851999

If you don’t have one, also great for checking tires, wheel bearings, motors, electrical etc.

As already mentioned, what did it smell like? Only 3 possibilities really; oil, grease or electrical.

 

[Catchthedig]

Great suggestion ! I've got one of those that I use in the kitchen. As for smell, there's a lot of competition in the barn. Didn't notice anything memorable. Thin smoke that I feared would thicken. Will take another try, better instrumented and prepared for quick response. Noticed that tractor consumed a lot of diesel running stationary under high generator load.