Generator not putting out enough wattage...I think

[NoJive]

Newbie here, but I am posting because I cannot find my exact problem anywhere else. All I am finding is low voltage or no voltage issues.

I have a Harbor Freight 4000 watt (3200 watt running) generator that we use for camping, and power outage purposes. I've had it for around three years, and it has given me no problems except for noise (it is loud!). Anyways, we are camping on our river property this month, and I noticed the generator running faster than it normally does. We use it to run the A/C as needed, and it seems to idle down once the compressor kicks in, and then speeds up once that kicks off. That seems like the opposite of what it used to do. I also found out that it now no longer runs the microwave, which it used to do fine. Now, the generator bogs way down, and the microwave barely runs.

I did call Harbor Freight, and they seemed to think the voltage regulator was going bad, so I bought a new one, but that didn't seem to help any. I'm getting 116v on the outlets, so it doesn't seem to be a voltage issue.

Is there anything else I can check?

[NoJive]

Ok, update time!

I finally got back home, and had time to put a meter on the generator. I am getting around 117 volts on the outlets, BUT, I am getting around 161hz in frequency! To verify that my meter was not on the fritz, I checked an outlet in my home, and was showing right at 59.9hz.

Also, I did adjust the idle speed, as like I said, it was running very fast, but slowing it down did not lower the frequency.

I'm still researching this, but that is way off.

****edit****

Just found some info that my meter may be in fact reading it wrong as it may not be reading the RMS freq value. Having said that, another oddity I have found is that when I plug a standard electric fan into the generator, the fan runs much slower than it should, even though my voltage is reading around 117 volts. Odd.

[wa8yxm]

There is always a sound difference between loaded and not loaded no matter the generator type.. LOUD means contractor type.

My guess is you need a D&C of the carb.

Air and Fuel filters (if you have a fuel filter) are also suspects.

And the plug of course.

[2oldman]

Maybe it's time to throw in the towel. Seeing that it's HF, I'm sure you got a good price, but now the problems. Consider a Champion. Very popular and reliable.

[lc0338]

NoJive wrote:
Well, the generator has always been loud, but it no longer throttles up in response to loads, hence it now can no longer run my microwave, which it used to run fine.

Sounds like your generator needs some adjustment. Some microwaves are very picky about the power (60hz). Your type generator normally runs at 3600 rpm to generate the proper power. I have read that some service locations put about a 15 - 25 amp load on generator and adjust to 3650 rpm. Best would be to take it to a service location and maybe have the oil changed as well. You could damage some electronic equipment with under/over voltage.

[NoJive]

Well, the generator has always been loud, but it no longer throttles up in response to loads, hence it now can no longer run my microwave, which it used to run fine.

[lc0338]

There is a noise difference between "load" and "no load". Maybe your setting on the river where it is more quiet makes you "aware" more than previously. You didn't mention any problem other than different noise so if it has plenty of oil maybe not worry too much

[Sam_Spade]

NoJive wrote:
I'm getting 116v on the outlets, so it doesn't seem to be a voltage issue.

Is that with the troublesome load connected.....or not ??

P.S. In the 3 years of ownership, was there any extended periods of non-use ? If so, did you put stabilizer in the gas ??

And it is a good idea to give it a healthy dose of a good carb cleaner every 6 months or so. Berrymans B12 Chemtool is probably the best product on the market; Gumout is a close second. SeaFoam is a distant last.

[NoJive]

The governor....I did some Googling just now, and that may in fact be the issue. I will look into that, and report back!

[DrewE]

It sounds to me like the governor for the engine isn't working properly or smoothly. It might be something as simple as the mechanism binding or being dirty. It could very well also be the carburetor needing to be cleaned or some other general small engine repair/adjustment.

Pretty much any small engine repair place should understand the engine (if you don't feel up to checking it yourself); they're pretty much bog standard small engines, such as would be used on lawn mowers or whatever. Parts availability may be a bit limited for the Harbor Freight units, though they at least tend to have some support available.