Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 24 total)
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    • #2954
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      For the experts:

      Our 17.5 KW PowerTech generator sits on four small air bags, with a single regulator controlling the pressure. It seems to take about 20 lbs to lift the front of the engine off the deck and another 5-10 lbs to lift the rear/generator portion. Is this typical, or could there be an issue with the air bags? The rear bags aren’t visible to me.

      Additionally, I’ve noticed considerable movement lately when the bags are inflated to 30 lbs; the generator seems to be “dancing” a lot. It doesn’t appear to be running rough or missing, just moving around a lot.

      What pressure usually works best, and do you have any thoughts on the “dancing”?

      Thanks in advance!

      #2956
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      While we’re here in Pass Christian, MS, I’ll head outside to see if I can figure it out… after the 6 inches of water recedes, that is. Whew, and there’s more coming today!

      #2957
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Rodger,

      Six inches of rain is just a regular day during hurricane season; if you were a true Cajun like me, you’d be using your webbed feet to swim! Just kidding—last night’s weather was something else, and you’re right, more is on the way!

      #2958
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      For the experts:

      Our 17.5 KW PowerTech generator sits on four small air bags, with a single regulator controlling the pressure. It seems to take about 20 lbs to lift the front of the engine off the deck and another 5-10 lbs to lift the rear/generator portion. Is this typical, or could there be an issue with the air bags? The rear bags aren’t visible to me.

      Additionally, I’ve noticed considerable movement lately when the bags are inflated to 30 lbs; the generator seems to be “dancing” a lot. It doesn’t appear to be running rough or missing, just moving around a lot.

      What pressure usually works best, and do you have any thoughts on the “dancing”?

      Thanks in advance!

      Mike, the label under my gauge for the gen. bags states 14 #, mine is set at 20#. I do not have excessive movement.

      JIM

      #2959
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Mine is a 20k PowerTech and set at 20 lbs as well. I did have a bag go bad on my 17.5 PT on a 2002 Royal Coach. PowerTech has great support—give them a call, and they can tell you the correct PSI. It’s also worth checking if your gauge might be off.

      #2960
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Good thread, Mike. I’m also surprised by Jim’s 14 lb number—he’s usually spot on, being the Tech Guy and all. On my 17.5 PowerTech, I use two different pressures: 45 lbs for the Generator end (which is heavier) and 35 lbs for the other end. Lower pressure seemed to let the unit move around too much while on the road. In fact, at lower pressures, the assembly even hit the inboard side of the cargo bay until I increased the stiffness of the bags. If my approach is off, please let me know!

      #2961
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Last year, my regulator failed and let high pressure pass through to the bags. This reduced the dampening effect, making normal vibrations more noticeable in the coach. I have a 20KW Kohler, and Marathon specifies 25 psi for the bags. After replacing the regulator (I found a nearly identical one at Lowe’s) and adjusting the pressures, 25 psi turned out to be optimal for my setup.

       

      #2962
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Thanks everyone for your responses.

      Doug, when your Royal had a bag fail, what effect did it have on the generator? Did it rock back and forth, or did it drop down and stay down?

      I’m going to try setting it at 30 psi and see how it feels in the bus.

      #2963
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      It rocked around and was very noticeable inside the coach, with much louder noise. I used some plywood with rubber mats in between, drilling holes to accommodate the mounting plug and the air line until the new bag arrived. When the generator is off, you should be able to hear the air escaping from the bag if it’s leaking, or you can spray them with soap to check for bubbles.

      #2964
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      What I have. OH yeah the stainless is purposely dulled so as not to blind the viewer.

      Jim

      #2965
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Good One Jim !

      #2966
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Thanks guys, Its nice and dark in the area where my guage is mounted, so I’ll not bother with a picture…..

      #2967
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      You did a good job of dulling.
      Pres

      #2968
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      My Power Tech 20 KW is set at 30 PSI all four. 30 PSI is the Marathon spec on this coach.

      #2969
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      The rear air bags are set at 29 psi and the fronts at 24 psi. I spent a fair amount of time adjusting the pressures to achieve the quietest operation of the generator. Any deviation from these pressures results in noticeably higher noise levels both inside and outside the coach.

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