Generator shuts down in high heat

[Mhowell]

I have a 2018 Alante 26X. On a trip to Az this week, we needed to run the coach air conditioner while driving. The outside temp was pushing 112. After about 10 minutes the generator overheated and shut down. I am told that this is caused by an engineering design flaw, as the generator compartment is just behind the front axel near the engine, and is subjected to heat from the road, tires, and engine.

Any thoughts on a shield, deflector, or insulation I might add to help. I can’t take that kind of heat.

[JesseS]

I had the same issue, ended up cutting a hole in the genset door directly in front of the air intake and installing a vent. This fixed the issue, seems Jayco installed the generator to close to the door and it restricts the air flow.

[craigav]

I haven't encountered that problem on mine, although I was thinking that if I did have such an issue I would consider something like this, two of them on the generator door with the front one facing forward and the rear one facing rearward (for flow through ventilation). Just my thought, however I would likely look at all the ventilation options I could, white would be good for mine, but I have seen chrome and stainless and other similar options that could be considered. ~CA

https://www.ebay.com/itm/13318574145...0AAOSwXetZUiT0

[Mhowell]

Thanks for the response and thanks for your service!

I’ll take a look a look at the air intake and see what I can do.

Very much appreciate the advice, we are new to all this.

[craigav]

Originally Posted by Mhowell

Thanks for the response and thanks for your service!

I’ll take a look a look at the air intake and see what I can do.

Very much appreciate the advice, we are new to all this.

BTW, welcome to the JaycoOwners forums (JOF). I would take a look at this forum thread where this issue has been discussed recently. Some commenters made a change to the carb linkage and some added vents (post 56 and 77, perhaps others). Certainly good information to consider.

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...ees-67947.html

[mkassab]

Check out my post @ https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...34g-81805.html

It will show how I insulated the gas line (to help prevent vapor lock) and installed 4 vents.

No issues so far.

Mark

[Parrott]

They make a special vent for the Onan 4000. It has a rubber boot between the compartment door and fresh air intake to force cooling air to come in from the side instead of underneath where the engine and exhaust are. Here are pics of my install. The 5500 draws it’s fresh air from underneath.

[tom463219]

Originally Posted by Parrott

They make a special vent for the Onan 4000. It has a rubber boot between the compartment door and fresh air intake to force cooling air to come in from the side instead of underneath where the engine and exhaust are. Here are pics of my install. The 5500 draws it’s fresh air from underneath.

That looks good. Do you have a link to purchase this vent?

[Parrott]

Originally Posted by tom463219

That looks good. Do you have a link to purchase this vent?

I got mine through a Forest River dealer. I believe the FR3 came from the factory with the vent installed in the door.

[tom463219]

Ok, thanks. I sent FR an email asking if I can purchase it.

[Mhowell]

The access door on my 2018 Alante has a screen across the entire door, which is about 3.5 inches wide. I am going to try the recommendation to insulate the fuel line. Also, I may try to add some insulation between the engine and generator compartment. I think the placement of the generator next to the engine and directly behind the front wheel is a design flaw. It seems it would be much better located further away from the engine.

Thanks again to everyone for your comments.

[mkassab]

Be careful how much insulation you add as it could have the opposite effect, i.e., not allowing air flow and retaining the heat??

There are several reasons motorhomes have the generator towards the front....
1. weight distribution
2. generator noise and exhaust away from rear bedroom area
3. room/space

Mark

[Mhowell]

Thank you Mark,

I was thinking about using 1/4 inch foam insulation board with heat reflector foil on one side. I think I will wait until my next trip and check the temp on the cabinet walls first.

I will go back again to your thread. I did not see anything related to insulating the fuel line. I must have missed it. That sounds like something worth trying.

[mkassab]

Originally Posted by Mhowell

Thank you Mark,

I was thinking about using 1/4 inch foam insulation board with heat reflector foil on one side. I think I will wait until my next trip and check the temp on the cabinet walls first.

I will go back again to your thread. I did not see anything related to insulating the fuel line. I must have missed it. That sounds like something worth trying.

Yes, in my "long" post, the fuel line insulation would be on the last page or two.

Mark

[Jagiven]

One thing you could try, is fully removing the outside generator passage door. This will pass a lot of air around the Generator. However if it is the fuel system vapor locking, more air flow may not help.

[mkassab]

Originally Posted by Jagiven

One thing you could try, is fully removing the outside generator passage door. This will pass a lot of air around the Generator. However if it is the fuel system vapor locking, more air flow may not help.

If you have the 5500 generator you should NOT remove the cover, i.e., you'll loose air circulation! The generator is designed to keep the cover on. Owners manual will say the same thing. I have no info for the non-5500 models.

Mark

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by mkassab

If you have the 5500 generator you should NOT remove the cover, i.e., you'll loose air circulation! The generator is designed to keep the cover on. Owners manual will say the same thing. I have no info for the non-5500 models.

Mark

I was taking about the MH passage cover not the green Owen Cover.

[Parrott]

Originally Posted by Mhowell

Thank you Mark,

I was thinking about using 1/4 inch foam insulation board with heat reflector foil on one side. I think I will wait until my next trip and check the temp on the cabinet walls first.

I will go back again to your thread. I did not see anything related to insulating the fuel line. I must have missed it. That sounds like something worth trying.

Do you have the 4000 or 5500?

[Mhowell]

The 4000

[Parrott]

Originally Posted by Mhowell

The 4000

The vent I posted is specifically for the Onan 4000. It works. Easy install. Just need to make sure you line up the rubber boot to the fresh air intake on the generator when the compartment door is closed.