Your last generator Maintenance Run

[Dakota_male]

If you've had a good look at the battery and sensor wiring already (salt-air), then I'd also load test the battery. If the battery is getting a bit tired/off, then it could be hauling enough out of the charging systems (esp. at low temps) to start dropping DC voltages down too low for the controller.

If you're not finding any electrical faults, I'd be inclined to change out the thermostat at this stage.

Nothing weird going on with coolant levels ? Thinking off-chance, air in the coolant system......

Air and fuel filters are current ?

Rgds, D.

You might have a point on the coolant level. The reservoir doesn’t change levels much at all, so it could be low in the engine/rad in extreme cold days. This takes a while as I have to unbolt a cover plate on the casing above the rad to remove the cap to view it. This will be my first step after Monday’s storm passes by. Thanks

 

[3930dave]

You might have a point on the coolant level. The reservoir doesn稚 change levels much at all, so it could be low in the engine/rad in extreme cold days.

On a short run, you may not see much variation in the overflow tank. Once the Tstat opens though, you'd think you'd see some increase in the coolant level, due to expansion. Some tanks can be a PITA to check accurately though..... I went to use a work vehicle that drivers were checking "daily", and found the coolant tank was bone-dry...... it wasn't convenient to check, so many guys didn't bother.

If you are getting some air into the top of that head coolant passage, it may spike the temperature that the sensor is seeing.

Rgds, D.

 

[Dakota_male]

On a short run, you may not see much variation in the overflow tank. Once the Tstat opens though, you'd think you'd see some increase in the coolant level, due to expansion. Some tanks can be a PITA to check accurately though..... I went to use a work vehicle that drivers were checking "daily", and found the coolant tank was bone-dry...... it wasn't convenient to check, so many guys didn't bother.

If you are getting some air into the top of that head coolant passage, it may spike the temperature that the sensor is seeing.

Rgds, D.

The 2 engine temperature sensors are in the lower casing of the thermostat housing on this one.

 

[Chilliwack Murray]

You didn’t mention how old it is but I’d also back flush the rad and block while it’s drained.

Not uncommon for excessive additives to accumulate sediment since everyone has their own theory of what to add these days.

 

[Dakota_male]

You didn’t mention how old it is but I’d also back flush the rad and block while it’s drained.

Not uncommon for excessive additives to accumulate sediment since everyone has their own theory of what to add these days.

It is only 3 yrs old, with 250-300 hrs.

 

[3930dave]

The 2 engine temperature sensors are in the lower casing of the thermostat housing on this one.

I am not familiar with Perkins except as a brand, so i can't picture that engine layout,

Temp sensors could be installed anywhere in the water jacket, but the advantage to having them up high is if you have air in the system (for whatever reason), then you will get an early indication of a problem. If the thermostat is relatively high on the block (likely), then you should get the same early spike in temperature if dealing with air pockets..

Have you been doing the annual service, or a contractor ?

Rgds, D.

 

[Dakota_male]

I am not familiar with Perkins except as a brand, so i can't picture that engine layout,

Temp sensors could be installed anywhere in the water jacket, but the advantage to having them up high is if you have air in the system (for whatever reason), then you will get an early indication of a problem. If the thermostat is relatively high on the block (likely), then you should get the same early spike in temperature if dealing with air pockets..

Have you been doing the annual service, or a contractor ?

Rgds, D.

Good point about the sensor locations, I always done my own mechanical work, my first trade was auto mechanic.

 

[daugen]

2 kW Home Generator | Perkins Diesel

that's a nice rig. A 2.2 liter diesel engine is a lot of motor for 20kw, not like the engine is overloaded...

 

[Dakota_male]

2 kW Home Generator | Perkins Diesel

that's a nice rig. A 2.2 liter diesel engine is a lot of motor for 20kw, not like the engine is overloaded...

Yes, this gen set will handle everything that I can load it up with at my house, garage for worse case easily. The Millbrook full load transfer switch has an exerciser that tests it once a week in the winter and once a month in the summer.

 

[3930dave]

Yes, this gen set will handle everything that I can load it up with at my house, garage for worse case easily. The Millbrook full load transfer switch has an exerciser that tests it once a week in the winter and once a month in the summer.

Is the stock fuel filter a large industrial canister type, or is it more like the small inline ones typically used on SCUTs ?

Rgds, D.