[AlanJohnson]

My 20kw genset runs VERY hot while driving.  And it never shuts off.  (I chicken out and shut it down manually when temp guage approaches 250 (max)). Here is what I know.

1. I've had the coach a year. It seems well maintained by PO.
2. PO advised me of this condition. He had had it checked out at Newell and they said it was "normal" to run quite hot while driving.
3. Temperature is under 200 when stationary
4. It does not lose coolant
5. Cooling fan seems to work properly (although after reading a prior post, i'll see if squirrel cage blades need cleaning.)

Questions/Concerns:
1. On the front of the engine (where I think the thermostat is located) are 2 things with wires attached to them. I assume they are:
    a) Temp sender for overheat shut-off
    b) Temp sender for dash temp guage.     Am I correct about these two? and which is which?
2. How can I make sure each of these are working correctly? (Especially the auto shut-down one)
3. At what temp should this be shutting itself down?
4. Opposite side of the thermostat housing is a plug.  Is this for a third sensor? (Could it be used to validate reading from dash guage?)
5. Would pointing an IR temperature reader at the housing tell me the temp as well?

Ideas for lowering the operating temp...
1. I will wash out radiator with a hose.  Not sure how dirty it is, but i do see some build up of dirt on inside of it. Is hose cleaning sufficient?
2. See if blades on squirrel cage fan need cleaning
3. I see a smallish (9-12") piece of rubber seal hanging down under front of the generator. I'll put it back in place. Could a small seal leak be letting in enough negative pressure to keep it from cooling?  
4. What else????

Thanks for your help.

Alan Johnson
Dallas Tx
#485 1998 Newell