General List of Components for Generator Cooling System
Coolant System – Each generator application can have a different cooling system configuration. Below is a general list of components:
• Coolant pump – Depending on engine size, belt or gear driven. Circulates coolant throughout cooling system.
• Radiator – Can be single or twin radiator design. Using two radiators to allow for two loop system allows for greater cooling capability.
• Fan – Can be belt or direct drive. Belt driven applications can use a fan clutch to allow for as needed fan engagement.
• Engine Oil Cooler – Coolant supplied to vessel. Vessel has a bundle of tubes that is immersed in coolant. Oil flows through tube bundle and is cooled by surrounding coolant.
• Intercooler – Coolant is supplied to a tube and fin bundle. Tube and fin bundle is located in a vessel. Air flows through vessel and is cooled by tube and fin bundle.
• Louvers – Used in canopy and mobile units to allow air to flow to the radiator from atmosphere. Control systems can allow for full open or full close. Advanced control systems can allow for louver to open as much as required for premium operation.
Cooling System Inspection – General cooling inspections should be completed during generator down time and while generator is in operation. Manufacturer’s recommendations always should be followed. Below are some minimum checks that can be used when recommendations are not available.
During Shutdown:
• Leak at water pump(s) weep hole.
• Damage, leaks and debris in radiator(s) fins.
• Coolant level and oil contamination. Oil in coolant could indicate leaking oil cooler bundle.
• Coolant specific gravity.
• Damage to fan, fan shroud or belts.
• Coolant leaks at hose connections.
• Oil for evidence of coolant contamination. Milky color could indicate leaking cylinder head gasket.
• Louvers should be closed during periods when generator is not in operation.
• Automatic transfer switch in correct position.
During Operation:
• Engine coolant temperature.
• Prior to coolant reaching operating temperature, make sure fan is not spinning on fan clutch applications.
• When coolant reaches operating temperature, make sure fan is spinning on fan clutch applications.
• Coolant leaks at radiator.
• Coolant leaks at hose connections.
• Coolant vapor in engine exhaust. Indicates coolant leaking in combustion chamber.