Generator air cleaner dirty

[MyPrevost]

I ran the generator for about three hours to operate the Cruisairs. After shutting it down for a bit, I tried to restart it but unfortunately, it wouldn’t start.

I checked the start relay and all wiring and connections, and I never suspected a dirty air filter. The generator only had 73 hours of run time since the last change. Eventually, I got it running again, but it was difficult and produced a ton of white smoke, effectively killing every mosquito within a two-mile radius. So, at least there’s that silver lining!

The white smoke made me think it wasn’t an air or head gasket issue. I remember someone else mentioning white smoke in another post, so here’s a tip: check the air filter first before diving into the electrical stuff.

Now, my question is: should an air filter really only last 73 hours? Has anyone else experienced something similar?

[MyPrevost]

Darrell,

That’s really odd that 73 hours would lead to that issue. My manual says to change the air filter at 200 hours, and I’m well over 100 now. Was there something wrong with your filter? I check mine during oil changes, and even blowing it out shows very little dust. Were you parked next to a sheep farm while dry camping?

[MyPrevost]

Yeah, that’s what confuses me too. I changed the filter in April. My soundproofing in the compartment is deteriorating, and chunks are falling off, but all I saw in the filter was black soot. The only air intake for the generator comes through a floor vent in the rear of the compartment. Could the deteriorating soundproofing be turning into a black soot powder?

[MyPrevost]

Have you checked for an exhaust leak in the generator department?
GregM

[MyPrevost]

Greg talked to AAP today, and they said it’s perfectly fine to spray .8 GPH into your Cruisair condenser.

He also mentioned that units made after ’94, or any that had a condensing unit replaced after that year, have the newer, more efficient condensers and larger squirrel cages and housings. Many people used to do this with the pre-’94 units with good results.

[MyPrevost]

Joe
Interesting, I called Jonny about a 2 weeks ago explaining my problem and he didn’t say anything about an upgrade on the fan. I wonder what an newer condenser costs?
GregM

[MyPrevost]

Joe!

They were talking air filters not air conditioning.

[MyPrevost]

Darrell, if you’re looking to replace your soundproofing, here’s a good product to consider:

Use the version with pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). I haven’t used it yet, but I plan to when the time comes. I used a thinner product from the same company on my auxiliary air compressor housing, and it worked well.

They’re easy to deal with; the material arrived in two to three days after ordering, rolled up in a box via UPS. The Quiet Barrier product has a protective outer surface.

Here are some options:

– **Quiet Barrier**: Available in thin (1/8″), medium (1/4″), and heavy (1 3/8″) options.
– [Soundproof Foam](http://www.soundprooffoam.com/soundproofing.html)

– **Ultra Barrier Plus**: Another option to consider.
– [Ultra Barrier Plus](http://www.soundprooffoam.com/ultra-barrier-plus.html)

I used the **Quiet Barrier LD Composite**, which is thinner and has a smooth vinyl outer layer.
– [Value Barrier](http://www.soundprooffoam.com/value-barrier.html)

Hope this helps!
Jim

[MyPrevost]

Thanks, Jim. I found the same site while searching for replacement foam. The more I think about it, it could indeed be the soundproofing. This air filter spins inside the housing, which might grind up anything that gets sucked in there. The residue is like an oily soot (similar to exhaust soot), and I don’t see much foam.

The sound barrier needs to be replaced anyway; I was just holding off until fall. With this Liberty, I have to remove the whole generator to install it properly.

[MyPrevost]

Darrell
Spinning air filter, why? Are you sure? Air filters are to trap air, spinning will only dislodge particiles. Something causing you insulation to deteriorate.
GregM

[MyPrevost]

Spinner air filters… now that’s some old-school tech!

I used to drive an old KW that had one, and it worked really well. A lot of dozers and off-road equipment use them for their superior performance.

Darrell, our generator’s air filter has plastic fins but doesn’t actually spin; it just directs the airflow.

Are you sure it’s a true “spinner”?

There was also an interesting discussion on Prevost-Stuff about generators struggling with the new ultra-low sulfur fuel. It caught my attention because ours has been running poorly until it warms up. A guy mentioned that additives helped his new generator, which was belching white/gray smoke.

[MyPrevost]

Joe, we have the same filter—definitely old school! I’m just assuming it spins because of the suction at the intake, with the open intake just below the fins of the air filter. No way I’m sticking my fingers in there to check!

The generator has the Liberty insignia on the belt cover, but it looks like a Kubota. I haven’t really paid attention to the model.

I’ve been using fuel additives because of the low sulfur content. These old two-strokers need the lubrication that’s lacking in low sulfur fuels, plus the additives include cetane boosters.

[MyPrevost]

Greg, I’m not sure what’s causing the foam to deteriorate. It’s breaking down quite a bit, and I keep finding small chunks on the floor. My coach is 19 years old, so I guess that’s part of it, but I’d expect the foam to last longer. I wonder if others with similar vintage Liberty gensets are experiencing the same issues? I’ve got 1,759 hours on mine.

[MyPrevost]

The foam is definitely deteriorating with age—19 years is a long time! I wasn’t trying to be funny, just noting the reality of it.

You’re right about the ozone and heat around electric generating equipment; that can really shorten the lifespan of the foam. I’ve got some crumbling foam that needs replacing too, and it’s on my list of things to tackle.

I agree, the products from soundprooffoam.com look like a solid choice and should last longer. But who knows if we’ll be around to see how they hold up! And yeah, I doubt converters are using premium foam that will last 20 years—some of it doesn’t even make it that long.

[MyPrevost]

I’ll start looking this weekend and take my time to find the right stuff. Jim, I like the soundproofing you mentioned—did you end up purchasing it? It looks like an easier application. I might even get the kid next door and give him ten bucks to crawl inside the compartment and help me out!

[Author]

Posts