More PowerTech 15kw ??

[schipperkejoe]

I've read lots of old posts about these gensets and their parts. But I don't see the answer to some of my issues. Started with two issues, temp gage doesn't work and the genset stops periodically for no apparent reason. As you're all aware, Kubota says it furnished bare blocks, PowereTech says the gages and senders were furnished by Bluebird. So you're in these circular phone calls no one wants to take credit for what's there.

Tested the temp sending unit and it's bad. In earlier posts, there are part numbers listed that include a sending unit. However, that part number is not correct, at least for my genset. The part listed has 1/8 inch fine thread base, the thermostat housing and the old sender are 1/4 inch pipe thread. I finally talked with a representative from Teleflex (name on my gages) and he gave me a different part number for the sender. This one has a 1/4 inch base like the original and the part number is Teleflex TS26611, Sierra uses the same part number. These gages and senders were/are mostly used on marine gensets, the best sources are boat part shops.

The high temp switch is also mounted on the thermostat housing. PowerTech has part numbers listed on their website, however they are not the same as the original, at least my original. Their part is a single wire switch, with several choices of base depending on the series of Kubota engine. Most of ours is the 1902 series. On my genset, the temp switch is a two wire switch with what looks like a 3/8 or 1/2 inch pipe thread base. Anyone ever replaced a switch similar to mine? If so what part number is it?

In the old posts, I see several mentions of ambient temp switches in the genset housing. I haven't seen anything similar, at least I haven't recognized it as such. Where might these ambient temp switches be, and what would they look like?

As always, thanks for the information-advice-help.
Joe Kennedy

[Don Meyer]

Joe,

When working on my genset, or any engine for that matter, I have always found you simply match the sending units to the gauge. Regardless of what brand engine or gen they are on. They need the correct ohm ratings to read properly. In the past I have tried generic sending units. Sometimes with good success. But I have always tracked down the ohm's required for a particular gauge.

Since I have changed all my gauges to VDO, If I need a new sender, I simply specify which one I need for Vision Series VDO gauges. That way they are matched to the actual gauge and the ohm's required.

One thing I did find though, since my gen has a Yanmar motor, I need to specify either metric threads of use an adapter from metric to SAE threads.

[schipperkejoe]

Ohm match with the gage is the exact problem of finding a sending unit. I couldn't find a ohm rating to match the Teleflex gages until I went around the circular question route a couple times. From them I learned, all Teleflex temp gages were and still are analog. All Teleflex temp gages take the same ohm rated sending unit. The variation in part number is due to the thread they mount in.

Another unknown for me right now is the coolant over temp switch. Mine is two wire but one wire goes to the block. I'm assuming the one wire switches will work the same as long as they are normally open and close at temp. Question now is what temperature rating to use

Still have not found any ambient temp switches. Anyone have suggestions for where and what to look for?

Thank. Joe

[konehd]

Originally Posted by schipperkejoe

I've read lots of old posts about these gensets and their parts. But I don't see the answer to some of my issues. Started with two issues, temp gage doesn't work and the genset stops periodically for no apparent reason. As you're all aware, Kubota says it furnished bare blocks, PowereTech says the gages and senders were furnished by Bluebird. So you're in these circular phone calls no one wants to take credit for what's there.

Joe Kennedy

Hi Joe,

In spite of what PT says I think they furnished the wiring required to run the genset. The control box is from PT and the wiring on the gen is from them (pretty sure about that)...

The gauges in the bus and senders the for them came from BB...

I dont know anything about a over temp sw in the gen compartment, and dont remember seeing one when I had my gen out. The manual does show an "optional" high ambient temp sw though...

The wiring for the shutdown circuits is in the manual, copies here:
http://www.wanderlodgeownersgroup.co...H%20GENERATOR/

The temp sw's are all NO and switch to ground to pick up the run relay which shuts down the gen. The oil pressure sw keeps the fuel pump and run solenoid going.

How long does the gen run? Are you sure its not an overheat problem?


HTH, Joe

[schipperkejoe]

I'll email you pics of the sending unit and only two switches I've found in a PM.
Tried to put them in here but this site wanted to know where in the Ural Mountains the pictures are. I didn't know I have anything in the Urals. At least I think a URL address is somewhere in the Urals.

Anyway---- I have a sending unit on the way, and bought a temp switch that will fit into the thermostat housing. Then I'll fire it up and see what happens. Up until now, I don't know what temperature it is running, because the sending unit doesn't work As far as I can tell by feel etc, it's not excessive.

What I think is the original over temp switch looks very much like the Low Oil Pressure Switch. That makes me wonder. At this age (the bus and me personally), most of the labels on things are missing.

It's variable on how long it runs before shutting down. Sometimes it's 10 to 15 minutes, sometimes it's nearer to an hour. Oil pressure on the gage says there's no problem with oil pressure so I guess that switch may be suspicious too. because the temp gage didn't work, I'm starting with sender and over temp switch.

There is lots of air blowing through the radiator so I don't think that's an issue. I did have to replace the fan motor a few years go though.

Look for the PM. Thanks. Joe

[Mallie Lennon]

You can eliminate the temp sw for testing, just pull the wire off

[chiplamb]

Is this a photo the high temp switch (now in more than one piece)? References to this switch are generally on the back of the engine and not on the thermostat housing, assume this is 05STKUB02 as here: https://www.powertechgenerators.com/products/05stkub02

[bwinter1946]

Somebody with a Kubota ought to know this and chime in soon.

[chiplamb]

I'm that guy, the broken one is the gauge sender (waiting for it). The original type cut off on my Kubota (2 wire) is bad and I will call Jeff tomorrow for the new one and the adapter. Making progress.