NexGen Generator service

[trailertrawlerkismet]

It was time to service my NexGen generator and as most things go there was a learning curve for the first servicing. On the NexGen the manufacturer installs a nice long oil drain hose. So I went to drain the oil but I could not find a way to get the hose in a position for having the oil drain with gravity. I ended up using the pump I use on the main engine. After the oil was drained I went to take the oil filter off for cleaning and found its access fairly tight, but I did get it accomplished. Upon completion I noticed a hole in the lower front side of the Sound Shield pan for running the oil drain hose thru, so the oil would drain with gravity….much easier. The hole also gives direct access for a socket and wrench for taking the oil filter off. I guess this is why they call it a learning a curve. Next time I service the NexGen it will go a lot quicker. I hope this small bit of info will benefit those of you who have a NexGen generator, for when you go to or have your oil changed.

Jim F.

 

[NautiTug]

Jim,

I have the same Gen but on C-28. Any other tips before I do my oil change this weekend? Same with the Gen fuel filters...do you have to bleed the system after wards?

I did my impeller yesterday and went well. It seems the belt is not as tight as it was when I took it off though.

Thanks!

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

The fuel filters were, as I recall, to simply close off the fuel supply, unscrew and replace. I’m not recalling having to bleed anything, which is different then the Volvo Penta main engine.

Jim

 

[NautiTug]

Thanks Jim. That was my thought as well. The owners manual for the Gen really does not talk about bleeding so hopefully wont have to.

 

[megasky28]

Is everyone using same oil for generator as for engine? The nexgen manual doesn't say what oil to use. Just says diesel oil. Probably a stupid question.

 

[CaptT]

If you have the UMC1-3.5 NextGen with the Kubota diesel engine it calls for SAE #30, 20, or 10w30 depending on the temperatures you operate the generator in. Here in Florida I use the straight 30 weight oil as the temp is always above 20 degrees C. For temperatures 5 to 20 degrees C they call for SAE 20 and colder temps,below 5 degrees C, they call for 10W or 10W-30..
If you ever need any questions answered in regards to the NextGen generator try calling or emailing them. I've always had my call and emails answered quickly and, in most cases, received my response directly from the owner of the company. It doesn't get much better than that. The customer service is excellent!
Hope this helps.
Terry

 

[Jfrano]

Yes, I have the same generator on my 29CB
- to drain the oil, warm the generator up, remove the nut off the drain hose, slide the oil extractor tube into the generator black hose and suction out. Easier and cleaner than draining through the black hose.
- the generator oil filter is a mesh cylindrical one that is removed through the hole in the sound shield, cleaned and reused.
- the 2 generator fuel filters are mounted on the starboard side of the engine compartment wall and can be replace, also drain and dump the fuel in the bottom of the fuel filters.

Don’t forget to change the impeller from time to time. My generator had only 50 hours but over 6 years, had a mechanic change and was missing several fins. Was the cause of the common problem of generator overheating on RTs

On the 29CB, the generator has the only exhaust vent in the engine compartment. On the 29CB is pulls fresh air from the louvered vent mounted on the outside starboard side of the hull. It vents the hot air through a similar vent on the port side of the hull. Check to ensure this is working properly. They were dealer installed. In my case the hot air was not being vented properly through the port louver and led to generator shutdowns under load due to heat.