generator expert?

[Royc]

i have a small petrol generator, 1.3kw continuous, 1.5kw peak.
my vacuum cleaner, (1kw continuous 1.2kw max) has stopped working with it
after using it for 7 years.

it has 2 windings measure about 3.2ohm.

it was sugested i 'excite' the permanent magnets, so i put my car battery
accross the mains output, with motor not turning, this almost fixes it,
through it has trouble starting the cleaner, if the cleaner does not start,
it needs re-exciting again.

there are no brushes in the generator, there is a 40uf capacitor, which only
measures 28uf on my cappy meter.

the generator works ok with 1kw toaster and 1.2kw saw.

could this be the problem?

voltage is a bit low 200v (should be 220/240v)


roy

 

[Royc]

Saying that the voltage is low indicates that the genny might just be
running a bit slow. You would need to check the frequency of the output to
be sure.
Can you try revving it up a bit? Maybe a dirty air filter or just getting
a
bit tired.

Pete.

i tried speeding it up, still the same.
i have a freq. meter, its ok, but a bit erratic.
have cleaned spark plub & air filter.

roy

 

[Martin Riddle]

I would question the cap. 28uf is far fom 40uf. And it would be easy to check your meter with some fresh cheep electrolytics for
Ratshack.

Cheers

 

[Royc]

I would question the cap. 28uf is far fom 40uf. And it would be easy to
check your meter with some fresh cheep electrolytics for
Ratshack.

Cheers

yes I will do that when i get to work tomorrow

roy

 

[Vaughn]

I would question the cap. 28uf is far fom 40uf. And it would be easy to check
your meter with some fresh cheep electrolytics for
Ratshack.

Careful; the cap is probably not an electrolytic, at least not the normal
type. It is probably an AC capacitor.

Vaughn

 

[Martin Riddle]

True, Their may also be voltage breakdown problems with the cap. I have no idea what type it is, I am assuming an oil filled GE cap
the size of your fist, commonly used for motor start. But I could be wrong. In any event, you should be able to measure the
capacitance with todays DVM's.

Cheers

 

[John P@ Bengi]

Careful with some of these older AC capacitors. They may contain PCB oils
for flameproofing. Do not open or make skin contact with any leaking fluids.
Use gloves and dispose of all.

True, Their may also be voltage breakdown problems with the cap. I have no

idea what type it is, I am assuming an oil filled GE cap

the size of your fist, commonly used for motor start. But I could be

wrong. In any event, you should be able to measure the