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Generator Coolant

Yahoo Message Number: 104088
My 2002 Intrigue has an Onan 8KW diesel generator ... I believe the model is HDKAK. The manual refers to the coolant simply as "ethylene glycol antifreeze". Is this the same as the generic automotive antifreeze used in car engines or is there a better product recommendation now that 16 years have passed since the manual was published? I use ES Compleat Propylene Glycol in the Cummins ISL370 engine ... could or should this kind of coolant be used in the generator? Thanks, Steve #11382

Re: Generator Coolant

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104090
Steve........Because the Onan diesel does not use a 'wet liner', there is no need to monitor Ph levels and use additives to correct in order to avoid cavitation"‹ issues. Therefore, standard automotive EG antifreeze is OK to use. You could use ES Compleat or any other OAT coolant without harm, but there is no need for it. Just added expense for the more costly OAT coolant.

Dave Trotter

01 Intrigue 11215
8.3L Cummins ISC

Re: Generator Coolant

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104094
I use the Compleat just because I have it. The amount of antifreeze used doesn't make it worthwhile to me to carry another jug of something else.

Don

'02 Intrigue 11427
'02 Intrigue #11427

Re: Generator Coolant

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104098
We changed over the same Onan 8K coolant to Final Charge, when we made the shift in our ISL370(400). Allows me to carry only one product for top off's of both. And I did notice a lower running temp with the ISL, so maybe the generator is running a bit cooler too:)!

One other bit of info sharing. From when we bought our coach used, we had two temp sensors go out on the generator. One time is was with outside temps of about 113 in Bishop, CA. Of course the the generator shuts down, thinking it is overheating, when it really is just a bad sensor.

So the last time we replaced it, I had another sensor C clamped to the mental flange of the coolant return. This is A/B switched alongside of the OEM location sensor.

I did this so that if the OEM location sensor again goes out (This supposed to be a new and improved sensor, but they said that was what I had used when I replaced it the 1st time, and it went out within 2 years.), I have the option to go over to the flanged mounted B Switched temp sensor.

Before I would go to the B sensor, I would check error code that cause the shut down, coolant and oil level, visual inspect of the belt, and look for any obstructions of air flow. Iv this all looks good, I'll feel safe assuming it is a bad OEM temp sensor (Again:)!) - and be able to still run the generator until I get it replaced.

Have never needed to do this, of course, in the last three years. But I do a quarterly test that the B sensor is still working.

Just info sharing on that one:)!

Smitty

04 Allure 31017
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: Generator Coolant

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104101
Smitty, my coach is in the shop now and one of the service items is the 1,000+ hr maintenance on the 10K Onan. I stopped by to check on my coach (it was lunchtime and all the techs were out on lunch break) but the service writer told me my generator was overheating. I asked if they had already done the service which should have included new belt, new coolant hoses, thermostat and temp sensor. He could not tell me what they had done since the techs were not available. I wonder if they had a temp sensor failure.

Plan to check with them again soon.

Gary 07 Allure 470

Re: Generator Coolant

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104106
Thanks folks for the very informative online and off-line replies to my question about coolant in my Onan diesel generator.
What a great group this is!!!
Steve 02 Intrigue 11382