Generator Won't Generate

[gypsmjim]

I have a 2-stroke 1000 W Coleman (Chinese) genny that was only used a few times at camp to run a saw. Its about 3 years old. We now have a new trailer and invested in a good (and bigger) Yamaha.

The 2-stroke starts and runs OK but I have no electricity. I only tried to run a small drill that was used with it before. The drill works on the Yami OK.

I was planning on selling it anyway, but if it doesn't work I guess its not worth much. Any quick fixes ? - where to start?

[Ustabslim]

Maybe reset button?

[Dirkdaddy]

I'm not sure....but I do know on older cars, the generators needed the magnetic field set for it to work and there was a process of putting battery current through the thing until it spun or something, but then again that's DC. Those little generators hardly do anything and pollute like crazy, not a huge loss. I have a 4 stroke yamaha for when a hurricane take out the power and its good one.

[gypsmjim]

Originally Posted by Ustabslim

Maybe reset button?

First thing checked. Not it.

[Seann45]

ALL generators need to be run on a regular basis to "exercise" them. This is what happens when you don't run it regularly with a load on it..

[mike837go]

You'll have to re-excite the armature to reestablish a residual magnetic field in it.


My Generac is prone to this if it sits for more than 6 months.


With the engine off, open the back cover and locate the wires going to the brushes. Jump in 2 clip leads noting the polarity (the armature is fed DC).


Connect the negative lead to a DC power source (jumper battery, or even a 6V lantern battery).


Start the engine and let it stabilize.


Momentarily (under 1 second) tap the positive wire to the battery.


If successful, the engine will load up as the stator windings full-field the armature.


Test with a lamp or other 110V device.


Shut down the engine, remove the leads and replace the cover.


Then run it every couple of months until you sell it.

[Ustabslim]

What we used to have to do to generators on cars before alternators replaced them. Bottom line...spend a few $$ more and get a Honda, Suzuki or Yamaha.
If you have the $$ Honda has a new FI model that's really nice.