5kw Generator

[Achto 27,502]

45 minutes ago, Racinbob said:

Thanks.I don't want to jump to conclusions because there's more troubleshooting to do but if it is the regulator I did some research and found out a Generac 063180 AVR will replace the obsolete 42541 with a couple of wiring mods.

Gulp! looked up the price on that, will check to see if I can do better than that.

[Racinbob 11,039]

I saw the pricing too.

 

I definitely want to make sure that's the problem first. I'll let you know what I find out tomorrow.

[Achto 27,502]

Just a suggestion. Sounds like you guys are running plenty of engine for your gens. If you wish to put a smaller pulley on the gen so you can run the engine slower you should have no problem. What I would do is add a frequency gauge to the gen, this way you could just run the engine up until you achieve 60Hz frequency on the gauge. No need to bring out extra tools to make sure you are running at the right speed. You would also be able to easily check while you are under load, if your engine is starting to droop you could open it up a little more. Potable generators are commonly set up to run at 61 to 62Hz no load to compensate for droop at full load. You can pick up an analog 110v frequency gauge for around $20.

Edited July 14, 2016 by achto

[Achto 27,502]

For got to ask if this is a brush type gen. If it is I would check the brushes for ware, too much ware will cause skipping and create voltage fluctuations. Same thing happens if the rotor is rough or has burn spots where the brushes ride. 

[Racinbob 11,039]

 

I pulled the cover off to look at the regulator this morning. The connector block wires were pretty loose and cruddy. I cleaned them up and made sure all the connections were good and fired her back up. BINGO!! 122 and 246 volts. I went ahead and connected it to the transfer switch and threw the lever. Everything is running fine now. Now I have it on the cart and the mower deck back on. The next step will be to go over it with a fine tooth comb. The laser tach will be here Tuesday. The engine is at about 3/4 throttle which is about where I want it but it will be cool to verify the exact RPM. The good news kept coming. As I was typing this the doorbell rang. The new grill for my truck was just delivered. A piece of road debris was kicked up into mine about halfway to the big show. Shower time and off to the body shop for paint.

[Achto 27,502]

1 hour ago, Racinbob said:

The connector block wires were pretty loose and cruddy. I cleaned them up and made sure all the connections were good and fired her back up. BINGO!! 122 and 246 volts.

Sounds like a fairly easy fix. Glad it worked out for you!

[WNYPCRepair 1,914]

1 hour ago, Racinbob said:

 

I pulled the cover off to look at the regulator this morning. The connector block wires were pretty loose and cruddy. I cleaned them up and made sure all the connections were good and fired her back up. BINGO!! 122 and 246 volts. I went ahead and connected it to the transfer switch and threw the lever. Everything is running fine now. Now I have it on the cart and the mower deck back on. The next step will be to go over it with a fine tooth comb. The laser tach will be here Tuesday. The engine is at about 3/4 throttle which is about where I want it but it will be cool to verify the exact RPM. The good news kept coming. As I was typing this the doorbell rang. The new grill for my truck was just delivered. A piece of road debris was kicked up into mine about halfway to the big show. Shower time and off to the body shop for paint.

 

 

Road debris sucks. I was driving along in heavy traffic once when the car in front of me swerved into the left lane. I had a car behind and beside me, so I was stuck. When the car swerved, I saw a shopping cart right in front of me. I was driving a GMC Envoy. Drove right over the shopping cart at about 65 mph. The only damage I found was a small dent on top of the hood, which makes no sense, since nothing went over the car that I saw.

[Racinbob 11,039]

6 hours ago, achto said:

Sounds like a fairly easy fix. Glad it worked out for you!

 

Yes, it turned out to be a very easy and no cost fix. I appreciate your contributions to this thread.

 

5 hours ago, WNYPCRepair said:

 

 

Road debris sucks. I was driving along in heavy traffic once when the car in front of me swerved into the left lane. I had a car behind and beside me, so I was stuck. When the car swerved, I saw a shopping cart right in front of me. I was driving a GMC Envoy. Drove right over the shopping cart at about 65 mph. The only damage I found was a small dent on top of the hood, which makes no sense, since nothing went over the car that I saw.

 

You were really lucky Brian. That could have been really bad. Mine was just a chunk of tire kicked up when a pickup merged in front of me. I was lucky that it didn't get to the radiator. Damage like that would have made me late to the big show. Then I would have been really ticked.

 

Well, my elation about the new grill ended quickly. I can't use it. I thought I'd get a black one that was ready for paint but the one I got  was black but not paintable. The paint won't adhere properly. So back it goes and I'm giving up and giving the Ford dealer what they want for a factory grill in the correct color. So.....my attempt to save a few bucks ended up costing me more........again.......... I can't afford me.