Generac 7500w grinding -voltage issue

[gsf35099]

Hey gang, going to try to explain my issue & maybe someone has seen something like it that will know what it is.

I noticed a while back my gene "Genrac 7500" making a strange grinding sound occasionally. After some troubleshooting, it happens when there is more load (ie. both AC's on or 1 AC & coffee pot). When I hear the noise, the voltage output on the plugs drops as low as 85 volts. I know low voltage can kill AC's, so we've only been running one to keep the grinding to a minimum. Really only happens now when the darn hot plate on coffee pot kicks on. :). As long as I only run the one AC and small things (fans, TV's, phone chargers) the output voltage stays at ~115.5 and no grinding.

The voltage regulator was replaced 2 years ago to address output power turning off & on. I also replaced a broken belt for the water pump last year.

Anyone ever seen this and might know what on the generator would be causing this?

Worst case is I will have someone check into it, but I would like to see if I can fix it myself if possible. 🙂

Thanks for any help.

[gsf35099]

Not 100% sure it's the belt causing the issue, but the tech that helped me last time with the water pump belt told & showed me the belt needed to be changed before to long. That was ~2 years ago. :). I'm hoping it's the belt.

[jerseyjim]

If your Generac has the same warranty as mine,(5500) the belt warranty is "forever". However, Generac knows what they're doing: Either the generator itself has to be removed to get to the belt ($$$$), or you must destroy the screen from underneath to get to it.
But that is really no big deal. I had to do that....clip off the old screen (wire cutters) and it will give you enough room to change the belt from both pulleys. Then go to a hardware store to buy screen material, get some 1/2 inch sheet metal screws and install it!

Are you SURE it's the belt? g'luck!

[gsf35099]

Little update, me & a buddy just listened to the gene as it was grinding and it is more of a squeal. Pretty sure it's the belt on the generating side that is not holding tight enough to keep the voltage up.