Hi James. You are a genius. Your videos have been helping me learn the electrical repair part of salvaging generators. I wished I had a garage area. Regards, Rico
I just love these channels where the quality of the content does all the talking and you dont even have to ask me to like or subscribe, I just do. Great work. Great content. You have helped me and so many others. Thank you.
I am a tinkerer and like to repair rather than discard and I learn something on each clip. But your hidden talent is your demeanor that rains down calm on your viewers. Thank you for that
You cut your saved rotor bolt for another project. Reminds me of something similar that happened. We went to buy a goat from a farmer for a big BBQ we were having. The farmer picked out one and did the slaughter. Then well into the skinning he stopped and looked puzzled for a minute. Then dropped his head, cussed, and said he'd accidentally picked out his stud. We invited him to come along to the BBQ and enjoy the stud and beer with all of us. He did. He joined us when we all raised our glasses and toasted the stud.
I'm glad you were able to repair the rectifier that was missing the diode. I remember the video where you discovered it missing on that generator. You are amazing!
U.K. I spent over 40 years as an engineer (old school) and I would say you are the best on TH-cam at this type of work. Very few people in the UK have a generator, our mains is very reliable, a lot of it underground helps except when 'Paddy' gets carried away with his excavator. A lot of them only do it once of course. My problem will be spares, they are like hens teeth. The German gen. I have uses 15/40w oil and even that isn't easy to find. Can you believe they destroyed the coal fired power stations before replacing them with windmills or some other rubbish. We built the first nuclear commercial power plant and now we can't even make our own. As we get some of our power from France and the frogs are hopping mad I thought I would get a backup. They wee wee in the street you know. Stay safe James - good luck.
That is the issue here. Anything built in the last 30 years is underground, but 90% is still above. The power is very reliable, but we get hurricanes and tornadoes. When they hit power can be out for weeks or months (for some after Hurricane Sandy). So most own a generator, but they sit around most of the time.
James. One more generator ready for good use. Out standing job. If I ever have any trouble with my equipment, Generator or Lawn tractor I know where to go for help. Very much enjoy you video's.
I don't have a gas generator and I don't need a gas generator, but I love watching your videos. Thank you for sharing all of your experiences. I've watched everything and look forward to every new video you post.
That's another thing I love to do. Being a hoarder pays off, lol. I was going through my parts stash about a year ago and realized I had enough parts in my stash to build a Troy Bilt Pony riding mower out of them so I did. I built it completely from the ground up, and only had to buy belts for it. I had everything else, and all of the parts are the correct parts for the model that I built. It was a fun way to learn, since I had never worked on some of those parts and systems before, and it was very satisfying, since it cost me virtually nothing to build.
James: Thank you for your efforts in filming, editing, and uploading the videos. I enjoy them a lot and have learned a lot, in how to repair and maintain generators. From Miami, Ramon V Jimenez
Your really good at making them look good for resale I touch up rusty stuff a little but it didn’t seem to matter to folks in a bind and big Texas storm
Thank you very much, you combine precision and experience, really very interesting videos. I learned a lot and it is an honor to learn from a Professional like you. 😊
Great videos! Made me subscribe. One thing to remember...adding an extension to the torque wrench multiplies the torque. Easy to over-torque bolts by adding an extension.
Brilliant job as usual, lots of things to take into consideration doing this kind of work. I would suggest using a stepped drill for drilling mounting holes, they usually drill a lot cleaner than a standard drill bit.
I enjoy your videos they enabled me to be brave enough to swap the blown 11hp Tecumseh with a new old stock engine on my coleman generator that has a /tri fuel conversion i mainly run it on propane. Thanks for the time you put into your videos!
Nice, surprised you didnt first wipe down that frame and crossmembers with some Wd-40 before assembly.. more weather protection, and cleaner looking. thanks
I remember all of those other generators. It made me chuckle when you did your outro line. Yes there's a ton of good information all the way through, but I was just thinking about "If you have five generators worth of parts, I hope this helps you."
Been watching too many of your videos. Spotted a good deal on a 9200-watt Champion with Electric start. Had to get some wheels and a new filter for it. I'll have to break into the carb tomorrow. I already have an Ultrasonic, so here's hoping it's just the carb.
Great share James . I see you can get that breaker in 20 Amp or 30 Amp .. I found both types for 55 bucks , But still kinda pricey ! Great use of parts , Looks and runs great , ENJOYED !!
I just wonder what part of the United States you live in that provides you an endless supply of broken generators! Appreciate the content. Wish you were my neighbor!
I'm in Fort Lauderdale and see about one-third of the doa gensets he finds. One problem here is people ask stupid money for engine runs, no power units.
Would it be better to have the rotor end bearing in place in the end housing before tightening the long bolt? At any rate, great save! That complete working generator sure is a lot better than a pile of generator parts scattered about!
5 to 1 😊 I got a way to go, with just 1 motorbike for spares to keep one going. In the Netherlands very few people have generators. Nevertheless, it is such a joy to watch you doing a great job. 👍🤝🇳🇱
Nicely done. You might open up the thermal breaker (fuse) and I suspect you will find significant heat damage on the contacts. Since the breakers are thermally operated, high contact resistance will result in nuisance trips and erratic operation. Every operation degrades the switch operation somewhat. You might be able to source the dual breakers from the actual manufacturer or intermediate vendor like Jameco or Mouser Electronics in Texas. I believe the dual breaker is a standard component (Schurter 3-128-xxx series for example from Mouser).
Very cool and shocking you haven't had occasion, or parts, do one before this one. Gotta admit I was a bit bummed when you started off spray before commiting to the test tank and line. I had faith in ya! Very impressive that you found a breaker donor unit in less than 24 hrs. Your area must be a neverending source for all things genrator. All running or overpriced units down here as of late. Top quality, videography and editing as always. Keep em coming, James!
Thanks Eric. Prices are all over the place here. Recently got an in at a scrapyard. Got some good cheap ones. Unfortunately lots of parts missing and damaged.
Get yourself a set of unibits for drilling that thin steel. Twist drills do a poor job in that application. The next step up on the bit can also provide a chamfer which can be reversed from underneath to clean up the hole. They do not bite in like a twist drill does and leaves a much cleaner hole.
Jim, the nice thing about many generators is that they use commonly available recepticals available from home centers. As for the breakers, that's another story. I once had a lincoln weldanpower, and I couldn't fine breakers for it. I bought it for $35, the engine ran (diesel) but it needed a radiator and fan. I found a Geo tracker fan that bolted on, and it worked fine. I built a trailer for under it, and eventually sold it for $ 600. I think I did good on it.
Awesome job! You might consider the push button breakers down the road. Dirt cheap. I'm sure yourself or somebody could 3D print adapter bezels or something similar.
I am beginning in this hobby. It would be greatly helpful in your videos if after you get through with the repairs you give a general idea of a value to sell these generators. I understand this will vary from section to section throughout the country, however a ballpark guesstimate would be incredibly helpful. Also if you could tell the man hours involved with each project. Thanks so much!! Love your videos, I’m learning so much!
FYI Rather than some bypassing the fuse like this one was it is possible to substitute fuses from your car I have been camping way out when the circuit breaker/ fuse has done the same thing to me So rather than break camp and going home early we mad due I still have the generator and it still has the auto fuses out of my truck in it
Great video James! Would you ever consider doing a video on your toolbox for for generator repair? Like list/show all your essential tools, then show your convenience tools. It would be like your suggested starter kit lol. Thanks for all the content!
Could have been something with the plugs shorting out or something in that box great job got some money in your pocket from parts around the shop good job
One thing I did in the past when straightening metal was to use both a ball peen hammer and a mallet. I would put the ball peen hammer against the spot I was trying to straighten and then use the mallet to strike the hammer. Seemed to work for me.
MA2-B-24-620-1-A37-B-E is available from Mouser.com for about $39, if you ever need to get one. No double will be available cheaper doing a bit of a hunt. Better than $80 though
Nice video I Have a Clark 2.2 kv can't see how to get rota of engine. There is no centre bolt in the rotor. Will it be threaded to the crankshaft Or some other way of doing this. I like to watch the videos. Hopefully you will get this and explain the difference in ways to release the rotor on mine thanks Charles
14:00, I can't get passed the electrical tape as a shoulder. Seems like a very temporary thing that will not withstand much use. Is this only to center it while it''s being threaded?
Greetings: IMHO: You may be reaching the current rating of the breaker due to excessive output voltage. I am aware that this unit has no Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) that adjusts the current feed to the rotor brushes to control the stator AC output voltage. As the stator output voltage is directly proportional to the rotor current, that current needs only a small reduction to lower the output power (current) to keep the breaker from tripping. In simple terms, a rheostat with the capacity to adjust the current such that the output voltage doesn't go below 110 vac is appropriate. To avoid the need to monitor the output voltage, a fixed power resistor equal the resistance needed to reduce the output voltage could be substituted for the rheostat and mounted within the stator end cover. BTW: the stator winding used to power the rotor is AC and needs to be DC to provide the fixed magnetic field of this generator and accounts for the diode bridge part of the rotor feed circuit. As any self-adjusting modification is essentially just a complete AVR then you might as well add one directly. Hope this helps.
Hi James, I really enjoy your videos. You are so careful and deliberate in your work. I have a Powerland 10k with an engine that would overspeed if I let it. I was hoping that you could focus a video on governors. How they work and how to adjust, how to replace etc. anyway, thanks for all your vids. I’ve learned a lot.
Thanks James for the response. My problem is fixed. Someone had the unit apart and incorrectly replaced the governor control arm and it was not contacting the governor mechanism.
Among the big brand gens we've seen on the channel, do any stand out one way or another? Or are they pretty much comparable quality-wise? Any favorite brands? Seems like low-oil cut outs should be mandatory given the way generators are usually run.
21:00 I didn’t get a good look at the engine isolator mounts but could it be possible that you put them on backwards and thus shifting the engine and power head assembly back that 1/2-1” short if the factory holes?
Mother of God...we were just talking about this. Absolutely amazing and builds like these really show your true skills and knowledge! Was the guy you shocked when you showed up to buy just the frame?
Thanks Jason. The guy just left it by the garage for me. Did not want to do in person due to COVID. Might be getting my first diesel generator soon. Should be a learning experience.
Love your videos! Inspiration since I’ve been doing the same, though not for profit. Just curious, James - what part of the country you’re from. If you’re close enough, I’d likely have some donations for you of some leftover parts... the local scrapyard sells generators stupid cheap and most just need carb work with the occasional project that someone started taking apart and lost interest.
The tape is only to center the bolt. Not necessary, manufactures let it go in off center. If interference then most likely the stator is not seated correctly in the housing.
The problem seems to me to be about torquing the rotor head with the flywheel bolt to be the same torque on both the rotor bolt and the flywheel nut. If you are comfortable setting them to the same torque then go for it.
What amazes me is that you always get the engine and generator end to match up at first try. I bought a "Hondaclone" generator a few years back, but the seller didn't say he (or moreover, his brother) had disassembled the cylinder head, and subsequently lost most of the parts. I bough another Hodaclone engine, because that was a cheaper option than replacing the lost parts. However, the generator end would not snug up to the bell. Either it was too short, or the engine's output shaft was too long. In the end, and it pains me to say it, we ended up robbing the parts from the replacement engine to build up the original. I've always been a bit weary of these machines and their failure to all be born equal - I'm utterly impressed that you've never encountered that same problem. At least we now know why the previous owner of that 'fried 'n' died' generator decided to bypass that circuit breaker! What a pity they didn't consider some alternative fuse arrangement. At least you got a good machine out of a pile of spare parts, but what would you bet that you'll now get three more machines, each needing one of the parts you built into this one? - Murphy's Law!
Another great video James. How big has your collection of parts grown? It seems the majority of generators are all running out of oil. Like my cars, my generator I have hade since '05 does not consume any measurable oil. What do you attribute these blown engines to? That might make a good tip on a future video how to avoid problems in the first place.
This one depleted the spare parts collection a lot. Most of my spare parts are Briggs due to the oil issue. I think the issue is ultimately the lack of oil sensor. Maybe the wrong oil used and lack of basic checks. Also most of these have a "Whether Shield" that comes pre-installed. It recirculates hot air into the carb for running in cold weather. You need tools and time to remove it. Nobody does. That will cause more engine heat and if using multi-grade mineral oil on a hot day, the oil will disappear fast.
It's actually a very lucky break for you, James, that you needed that circuit breaker. Imagine if you had reused the entire outlet box and sold it on and then it burned out the new generator. You would have had a very irate customer re-visiting you when he found the bypass. Maybe you better look inside the box you ended up using? If people are really stupid enough to bypass a breaker I guess you have to check every machine you get now? Visually inspect wiring AND connect enough heaters to make the breaker trip?
I know this is an old comment on an old video but figured I would reply anyway. If you turn off the breaker and all outlets are dead on the panel and with it turned on and under reasonable load it doesn't pop for 10-15 minutes I would say you know the breaker is wired up correctly without opening it and short of putting a known over-current situation on it to see it trip (could do this without breaking it open as well) not much more to test. Do think that making a SOP for checking out all these auxiliary parts of the generators would allow a guy to feel pretty confident before passing a gen set onto a new owner.
There is always one negative Nancy who dislikes an awesome video. Some people just don't appreciate quality content.
Hi James. You are a genius. Your videos have been helping me learn the electrical repair part of salvaging generators. I wished I had a garage area. Regards, Rico
I just love these channels where the quality of the content does all the talking and you dont even have to ask me to like or subscribe, I just do. Great work. Great content. You have helped me and so many others. Thank you.
I am a tinkerer and like to repair rather than discard and I learn something on each clip. But your hidden talent is your demeanor that rains down calm on your viewers. Thank you for that
Yes!
Meticulous attention to detail and cleanliness. Your trademark. Well done.👍🏻
You cut your saved rotor bolt for another project. Reminds me of something similar that happened. We went to buy a goat from a farmer for a big BBQ we were having. The farmer picked out one and did the slaughter. Then well into the skinning he stopped and looked puzzled for a minute. Then dropped his head, cussed, and said he'd accidentally picked out his stud. We invited him to come along to the BBQ and enjoy the stud and beer with all of us. He did. He joined us when we all raised our glasses and toasted the stud.
I get strong sense satisfaction watching these videos. Thanks.
I'm glad you were able to repair the rectifier that was missing the diode. I remember the video where you discovered it missing on that generator. You are amazing!
He’s very very smart at it
U.K. I spent over 40 years as an engineer (old school) and I would say you are the best on TH-cam at this type of work. Very few people in the UK have a generator, our mains is very reliable, a lot of it underground helps except when 'Paddy' gets carried away with his excavator. A lot of them only do it once of course. My problem will be spares, they are like hens teeth. The German gen. I have uses 15/40w oil and even that isn't easy to find. Can you believe they destroyed the coal fired power stations before replacing them with windmills or some other rubbish. We built the first nuclear commercial power plant and now we can't even make our own. As we get some of our power from France and the frogs are hopping mad I thought I would get a backup. They wee wee in the street you know. Stay safe James - good luck.
That is the issue here. Anything built in the last 30 years is underground, but 90% is still above. The power is very reliable, but we get hurricanes and tornadoes. When they hit power can be out for weeks or months (for some after Hurricane Sandy). So most own a generator, but they sit around most of the time.
I'm glad you're staying productive and selling completed units. A parts hoarde is no good unless it's being utilized to restore machines.
James. One more generator ready for good use. Out standing job. If I ever have any trouble with my equipment, Generator or Lawn tractor I know where to go for help. Very much enjoy you video's.
I don't have a gas generator and I don't need a gas generator, but I love watching your videos. Thank you for sharing all of your experiences. I've watched everything and look forward to every new video you post.
@OhDannyBoy2k how do you know that you don't need a gas generator?
That's another thing I love to do. Being a hoarder pays off, lol. I was going through my parts stash about a year ago and realized I had enough parts in my stash to build a Troy Bilt Pony riding mower out of them so I did. I built it completely from the ground up, and only had to buy belts for it. I had everything else, and all of the parts are the correct parts for the model that I built. It was a fun way to learn, since I had never worked on some of those parts and systems before, and it was very satisfying, since it cost me virtually nothing to build.
Might try a strap wrench to hold the rotors. Love watching and learning.
Thank you for continuing to show the torque settings for the different areas of the rebuild. I thoroughly enjoy you videos. Best regards to you.
James:
Thank you for your efforts in filming, editing, and uploading the videos.
I enjoy them a lot and have learned a lot, in how to repair and maintain generators.
From Miami, Ramon V Jimenez
Your really good at making them look good for resale
I touch up rusty stuff a little but it didn’t seem to matter to folks in a bind and big Texas storm
Man I love the way you explain everything ,and in a real relax way ,thank you
Thank you very much, you combine precision and experience, really very interesting videos. I learned a lot and it is an honor to learn from a Professional like you. 😊
Great videos! Made me subscribe. One thing to remember...adding an extension to the torque wrench multiplies the torque. Easy to over-torque bolts by adding an extension.
Brilliant job as usual, lots of things to take into consideration doing this kind of work. I would suggest using a stepped drill for drilling mounting holes, they usually drill a lot cleaner than a standard drill bit.
And this is why I never can throw away anything, much to the dismay of my wife! 🤪
and when we throw it away, after 3 days we need it
I enjoy your videos they enabled me to be brave enough to swap the blown 11hp Tecumseh with a new old stock engine on my coleman generator that has a /tri fuel conversion i mainly run it on propane. Thanks for the time you put into your videos!
Awesome generator. Glad you found the second parts generator as fast as you did. This one should sell fast. 👍👍
Nice, surprised you didnt first wipe down that frame and crossmembers with some Wd-40 before assembly.. more weather protection, and cleaner looking. thanks
I remember all of those other generators. It made me chuckle when you did your outro line. Yes there's a ton of good information all the way through, but I was just thinking about "If you have five generators worth of parts, I hope this helps you."
Great video James as usual. I didn't realize how expensive those circuit breakers are for generators!👍💰Roger
I always enjoy your content. I have learned so much about engines and generators. Thank you for showing us your talents !
Totally reminded me of a “ikea” build lol A pile o parts, easy, instructionless task no problem! Great job!
Fantastic explanation along with visuals that make this a superb quality training video!
Been watching too many of your videos. Spotted a good deal on a 9200-watt Champion with Electric start. Had to get some wheels and a new filter for it. I'll have to break into the carb tomorrow. I already have an Ultrasonic, so here's hoping it's just the carb.
Great share James . I see you can get that breaker in 20 Amp or 30 Amp .. I found both types for 55 bucks , But still kinda pricey ! Great use of parts , Looks and runs great , ENJOYED !!
Yes, $78 was the first one I found, but there are some in the $45 range. Still way too much!!
@@jcondon1 I agree , Looks like it is a double breaker in one switch , Is that right ??
I just wonder what part of the United States you live in that provides you an endless supply of broken generators! Appreciate the content. Wish you were my neighbor!
I just commented the same thing. James seems to have a bottomless pit of generators where he's at.
Texas will be a good place to sell generators now and in the future.👍
He’s near New York City I believe.
I'm in Fort Lauderdale and see about one-third of the doa gensets he finds. One problem here is people ask stupid money for engine runs, no power units.
I’ve had this exact same generator for probably ten years. Thing always starts on the first pull and runs like a champ.
Would it be better to have the rotor end bearing in place in the end housing before tightening the long bolt? At any rate, great save! That complete working generator sure is a lot better than a pile of generator parts scattered about!
5 to 1 😊
I got a way to go, with just 1 motorbike for spares to keep one going.
In the Netherlands very few people have generators. Nevertheless, it is such a joy to watch you doing a great job.
👍🤝🇳🇱
i am very impressed, well done. if there is ever a power outage this sweet little set will be worth its weight in gold....
Saved another! I like that. One nice generator built from 5 Others. Frankenrator. Lol. Enjoyed this video a lot.
You are a great Teacher. Thank you. Wishes from Sri lanka
Nicely done. You might open up the thermal breaker (fuse) and I suspect you will find significant heat damage on the contacts. Since the breakers are thermally operated, high contact resistance will result in nuisance trips and erratic operation. Every operation degrades the switch operation somewhat. You might be able to source the dual breakers from the actual manufacturer or intermediate vendor like Jameco or Mouser Electronics in Texas. I believe the dual breaker is a standard component (Schurter 3-128-xxx series for example from Mouser).
One word FANTASTIC
That’s 3 words ;)
It looks like a brand-new generator!
Very cool and shocking you haven't had occasion, or parts, do one before this one. Gotta admit I was a bit bummed when you started off spray before commiting to the test tank and line. I had faith in ya! Very impressive that you found a breaker donor unit in less than 24 hrs. Your area must be a neverending source for all things genrator. All running or overpriced units down here as of late. Top quality, videography and editing as always. Keep em coming, James!
Thanks Eric. Prices are all over the place here. Recently got an in at a scrapyard. Got some good cheap ones. Unfortunately lots of parts missing and damaged.
Get yourself a set of unibits for drilling that thin steel. Twist drills do a poor job in that application. The next step up on the bit can also provide a chamfer which can be reversed from underneath to clean up the hole. They do not bite in like a twist drill does and leaves a much cleaner hole.
Talk about a hinz variety or hot rod Lincoln. That was pretty good James thank you for sharing this video with us. Ed
Jim, the nice thing about many generators is that they use commonly available recepticals available from home centers. As for the breakers, that's another story. I once had a lincoln weldanpower, and I couldn't fine breakers for it. I bought it for $35, the engine ran (diesel) but it needed a radiator and fan. I found a Geo tracker fan that bolted on, and it worked fine. I built a trailer for under it, and eventually sold it for $ 600. I think I did good on it.
I have now watched all your videos and have learned a lot about small engines and generators!
Yes I to can just about assemble and disassemble one of these. "In my dreams"
Awesome job! You might consider the push button breakers down the road. Dirt cheap. I'm sure yourself or somebody could 3D print adapter bezels or something similar.
Great job James, I just put a cam in the same model engine. Thanks for great video's.
I am beginning in this hobby. It would be greatly helpful in your videos if after you get through with the repairs you give a general idea of a value to sell these generators. I understand this will vary from section to section throughout the country, however a ballpark guesstimate would be incredibly helpful. Also if you could tell the man hours involved with each project. Thanks so much!! Love your videos, I’m learning so much!
A good running generator in the 2000-7000 watt range sells for about 0.08 cents a watt. So a 5000 watt generator could sell for up to $400.
Hi James you got the makings of a good gene What I would call a bitza you always made it look easy good video mate
FYI
Rather than some bypassing the fuse like this one was it is possible to substitute fuses from your car
I have been camping way out when the circuit breaker/ fuse has done the same thing to me
So rather than break camp and going home early we mad due I still have the generator and it still has the auto fuses out of my truck in it
You must live in generator alley to find parts so fast. ;) Great video!
I'm really enjoying the content, fixing small engines can be frustrating but also really rewarding.
You need to buy yourself some dies. Cut down one of the longer bolts and thread it. Oddly satisfying to cut threads.
Great video James! Would you ever consider doing a video on your toolbox for for generator repair? Like list/show all your essential tools, then show your convenience tools. It would be like your suggested starter kit lol. Thanks for all the content!
Could have been something with the plugs shorting out or something in that box great job got some money in your pocket from parts around the shop good job
Awesome video @James Condon
You have great ideas and techniques.👍
nice to share your efforts on EARTH DAY. Reuse not throwout. THANKS
Good rebuild and repair
“Intresting” is not a word.
Yes! ✊ Spare parts out the door. Nice work.
Thanks! 👍
next is for James Condon to design and build a really reliable and easily serviceable generator of his own and market it as James Codon Titan.
Nice, probably last a good long time, with regular maintenance of course
One thing I did in the past when straightening metal was to use both a ball peen hammer and a mallet. I would put the ball peen hammer against the spot I was trying to straighten and then use the mallet to strike the hammer. Seemed to work for me.
Outstanding! Great job as usual .....
MA2-B-24-620-1-A37-B-E is available from Mouser.com for about $39, if you ever need to get one. No double will be available cheaper doing a bit of a hunt. Better than $80 though
Nice video I Have a Clark 2.2 kv can't see how to get rota of engine. There is no centre bolt in the rotor. Will it be threaded to the crankshaft
Or some other way of doing this.
I like to watch the videos. Hopefully you will get this and explain the difference in ways to release the rotor on mine thanks Charles
Well done! I always enjoy your content,.this is why I never can throw away anything away ? Great job as usual...Be safe.
14:00, I can't get passed the electrical tape as a shoulder. Seems like a very temporary thing that will not withstand much use. Is this only to center it while it''s being threaded?
Greetings:
IMHO: You may be reaching the current rating of the breaker due to excessive output voltage. I am aware that this unit has no Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) that adjusts the current feed to the rotor brushes to control the stator AC output voltage. As the stator output voltage is directly proportional to the rotor current, that current needs only a small reduction to lower the output power (current) to keep the breaker from tripping. In simple terms, a rheostat with the capacity to adjust the current such that the output voltage doesn't go below 110 vac is appropriate. To avoid the need to monitor the output voltage, a fixed power resistor equal the resistance needed to reduce the output voltage could be substituted for the rheostat and mounted within the stator end cover.
BTW: the stator winding used to power the rotor is AC and needs to be DC to provide the fixed magnetic field of this generator and accounts for the diode bridge part of the rotor feed circuit.
As any self-adjusting modification is essentially just a complete AVR then you might as well add one directly. Hope this helps.
Hi James, I really enjoy your videos. You are so careful and deliberate in your work. I have a Powerland 10k with an engine that would overspeed if I let it. I was hoping that you could focus a video on governors. How they work and how to adjust, how to replace etc. anyway, thanks for all your vids. I’ve learned a lot.
Check out this video starting at around the 14 minute mark. Covered a lot on the governor. th-cam.com/video/xlsTJcJxTqw/w-d-xo.html
Thanks James for the response. My problem is fixed. Someone had the unit apart and incorrectly replaced the governor control arm and it was not contacting the governor mechanism.
I wish I could find one of you guys living around me... Just to hang out drink some cokes and tinker around for an evening would be so much fun...
Among the big brand gens we've seen on the channel, do any stand out one way or another? Or are they pretty much comparable quality-wise? Any favorite brands? Seems like low-oil cut outs should be mandatory given the way generators are usually run.
21:00 I didn’t get a good look at the engine isolator mounts but could it be possible that you put them on backwards and thus shifting the engine and power head assembly back that 1/2-1” short if the factory holes?
The possibilities r endless
This is a pretty Frankenstein generator and it works like a new one
I would've just put 3 ugg a duggah's on the rotor bolt with a impact lol.
14:25 Should the rotor not be aligned with the crankshaft so that maximum phase voltage occurs just after TDC?
Mother of God...we were just talking about this. Absolutely amazing and builds like these really show your true skills and knowledge!
Was the guy you shocked when you showed up to buy just the frame?
Thanks Jason. The guy just left it by the garage for me. Did not want to do in person due to COVID. Might be getting my first diesel generator soon. Should be a learning experience.
@@jcondon1 I keep sending Ken generators for you! Hope you are doing well! Glad you got those 2 Generacs I sent him!
Amazing I do the same thing with riding mowers. What a great vid.
What you kept calling a fuse is a breaker. Big difference.
I know. I caught myself a few times and then went right back to calling it a fuse...
Very nice! Well done and thank-you!
Great build...
A true stable genius will bypass a circuit breaker.
Generator Guru, the best there is!!
Gen sounds great.
Love your videos! Inspiration since I’ve been doing the same, though not for profit. Just curious, James - what part of the country you’re from. If you’re close enough, I’d likely have some donations for you of some leftover parts... the local scrapyard sells generators stupid cheap and most just need carb work with the occasional project that someone started taking apart and lost interest.
That’s crazy I got the same generator a year ago for a free blown motor of course awesome videos
So James. When you show up with these things does your wife state with a snark, "Let me guess...just for parts?"
Thanks for the vid James.
If ya have any experience with mcu like esp32 would be neat to add remote start, output wattage and voltage, maybe fuel level
At 22:00 you do a clearance check on stater. Is that why you put tape on long stater bolt to center it? Also what do you do if there is interference?
The tape is only to center the bolt. Not necessary, manufactures let it go in off center. If interference then most likely the stator is not seated correctly in the housing.
@@jcondon1 thanks bud
The problem seems to me to be about torquing the rotor head with the flywheel bolt to be the same torque on both the rotor bolt and the flywheel nut. If you are comfortable setting them to the same torque then go for it.
The flywheel nut is a much higher torque value than the rotor bolt. Torqueing the rotor bolt this way did not affect the flywheel nut torque.
Great stuff James thanks for sharing 😊👍
What amazes me is that you always get the engine and generator end to match up at first try. I bought a "Hondaclone" generator a few years back, but the seller didn't say he (or moreover, his brother) had disassembled the cylinder head, and subsequently lost most of the parts. I bough another Hodaclone engine, because that was a cheaper option than replacing the lost parts. However, the generator end would not snug up to the bell. Either it was too short, or the engine's output shaft was too long. In the end, and it pains me to say it, we ended up robbing the parts from the replacement engine to build up the original. I've always been a bit weary of these machines and their failure to all be born equal - I'm utterly impressed that you've never encountered that same problem.
At least we now know why the previous owner of that 'fried 'n' died' generator decided to bypass that circuit breaker! What a pity they didn't consider some alternative fuse arrangement. At least you got a good machine out of a pile of spare parts, but what would you bet that you'll now get three more machines, each needing one of the parts you built into this one? - Murphy's Law!
They match up on first try due to editing. You've heard about it. Things aren't always as they appear to be.
Another great video James. How big has your collection of parts grown? It seems the majority of generators are all running out of oil. Like my cars, my generator I have hade since '05 does not consume any measurable oil. What do you attribute these blown engines to? That might make a good tip on a future video how to avoid problems in the first place.
This one depleted the spare parts collection a lot. Most of my spare parts are Briggs due to the oil issue. I think the issue is ultimately the lack of oil sensor. Maybe the wrong oil used and lack of basic checks. Also most of these have a "Whether Shield" that comes pre-installed. It recirculates hot air into the carb for running in cold weather. You need tools and time to remove it. Nobody does. That will cause more engine heat and if using multi-grade mineral oil on a hot day, the oil will disappear fast.
Question: dewalt drill bit? They are horrible for dragging the bit through.
Very nice job.
Jim
Awesome... Very well done.
It's actually a very lucky break for you, James, that you needed that circuit breaker. Imagine if you had reused the entire outlet box and sold it on and then it burned out the new generator. You would have had a very irate customer re-visiting you when he found the bypass.
Maybe you better look inside the box you ended up using?
If people are really stupid enough to bypass a breaker I guess you have to check every machine you get now? Visually inspect wiring AND connect enough heaters to make the breaker trip?
I know this is an old comment on an old video but figured I would reply anyway. If you turn off the breaker and all outlets are dead on the panel and with it turned on and under reasonable load it doesn't pop for 10-15 minutes I would say you know the breaker is wired up correctly without opening it and short of putting a known over-current situation on it to see it trip (could do this without breaking it open as well) not much more to test. Do think that making a SOP for checking out all these auxiliary parts of the generators would allow a guy to feel pretty confident before passing a gen set onto a new owner.