We are thinking about replacing or 1983 12.5k Kohler diesel in our 1984 Newell 40’. We are also upgrading all the HVAC so our plan is to go smaller in the 6-8k range, we figure Based on new loads we only need 5k but want a buffer for whenever we might need. Our biggest complaint about the Kohler is that it is extremely loud, so since it stopped making power rather then repair it is time to upgrade.
What are your thoughts on going smaller or what replacement models fit the space in front and run quietly?
Mark and Melanie
1985 Newell 40’
#75 ? (still not confirmed)
First motor coach
(This post was last modified: 10-20-2019, 05:07 PM by The Bus Crew.)
I’m not up to speed on all the genders but I’m aware they are much more compact and quiet than those made in the 80’s. Fischer Panda made a terrific and completely enclosed unit that you could hardly tell if it was running. Perhaps a call to Newell or he set specialist like FP or Northern Lights would be beneficial
You probably dont need 12.5Kw but I would want a bit of headroom on the genset size. I would look at Kohler or Onan at around 7.5kw. Hopefully bestgenman will chime in.
1993 Newell (316) 45' 8V92,towing an Imperial open trailer or RnR custom built enclosed trailer. FMCA#232958 '67 Airstream Overlander 27' '67GTO,'76TransAm,'52Chevy panel, 2000 Corvette "Lingenfelter"modified, '23 Grand Cherokee.
Mark, I would not derate the size. It’s not likely your AC change is going to reduce your power consumption by any significant value. The size is not based on your running current but rather your locked rotor values. You’ll need size to start the ACs, especially if all try to start at once. Yes, it does happen.
Additionally, you compartment is configured for an open unit with the cooling air coming from the squirrel cage fan. Changing that to accommodate say an Onan quiet diesel will require modification. And then there is the serviceability issue. My suggestion is to call Jim Martin at Martin diesel. He’s been around the block so to speak on motor coach generators. They now sell sets to Newell and have been for a few years, so the quality is there. Jim’s number is 419-782-1198.
Yes , I have dealt with Martin Diesel. Great honest people. I took my 1978 Newell to them early on when I thought it had a Knock in the Perkins generator engine. They tightened one of the fuel injector hold-down bolts and it was fine.
I'm a little fuzzy on our gensets, but isn't a 12.5 KW set that produces 240 volts as ours do, putting out 52 amps? I am sure this was to be sure there was equal power available to the Newell owner, either from shore power or generator power. Since our coaches have a spilt bus incoming power panel, we need 240 volt single phase power . 8000 watts at 240 would produce 33 amps. 2 a/c units would suck up at least 20 amps total, add in an inverter, and a converter to keep those big house and chassis batteries charged up, and you can be at a capacity deficit very quickly.
I apologize for the auto spell corrections my iPad kicked out... I should have proofed before sending. I was thinking of Martin when I suggested calling Newell. Northern Lights is another suggestion
I called Jim Martin today and he was very helpful. What I learned from him is that I can test my bus with all electric at full consumption to see the energy demand. This is great and bad for me. The Mitsubishi ductless units we are upgrading to claim a soft start draw of 5 Amps and 8 Amps peak, which if all three units kick on for max demand I am at about 24 Amps. So I am still unconvinced I need more than an 8k generator. I was convinced I only needed a 6k generator but i recognize I have a lot less knowledge then some of you. All this said I feel a test of the the max energy consumption is great for me to be confident in my purchase. But the bad is Jim said I need to test it off the generator not the shore power and my generator isn’t making power. Now I feel I need to have my generator repaired to test the power consumption but at the point of putting that much money into the one I have I probably will end up keeping it.
Mark and Melanie
1985 Newell 40’
#75 ? (still not confirmed)
First motor coach
My Perkins genny is tired, I am considering replacing it but Martin has not returned any of my 3 emails in 2 months. I may rebuild the Perkins side but have concerns over the generator side having issues after....anyone have a good Perkins shop in the North East? The coach is going to Leid diesel in January for a 6v92 doctor to give her some love so anywhere between Maine and the Carolinas works .
Cheers
Steve
Dont give up on Martin. I took my '78 there years ago because of an engine knock in the Perkins.... They tightened up the fuel injection lines and I was good to go. They could have taken advantage of my ignorance but they treated me right. If your unit can be repaired they would be one of the best. They are "old school" ....Call instead of email. I dont know if Gordon works on Perkins or not. Check with him on this forum. Bestgenman
1993 Newell (316) 45' 8V92,towing an Imperial open trailer or RnR custom built enclosed trailer. FMCA#232958 '67 Airstream Overlander 27' '67GTO,'76TransAm,'52Chevy panel, 2000 Corvette "Lingenfelter"modified, '23 Grand Cherokee.
