Generator not putting out enough wattage...I think
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Jun-28-2017 06:03 AM
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?
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Jul-27-2017 09:33 AM
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Jul-17-2017 06:16 PM
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Jul-17-2017 06:11 PM
NoJive wrote:
Ok, finally got to do some testing. With no load, I get around 117 volts, with a hair dryer running on max, I show 122 volts. Here is a video I took:
https://youtu.be/283RcOO75mo
After hearing the audio the generator's governor is not controlling the engine speed properly. It should stay at 3600 with increased load. The voltage increasing with the rpm decrease is the regulator over compensating for the speed drop off.
I believe the problem is with the engines governor.
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Jul-17-2017 05:10 PM
MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Root
Mean
Square
Deals with AC voltage -under curve- and has got nothing to do with Hz.
One step at a time
Slip on a set of kitchen gloves
Now take your meter which is set to AC volts...
And verify voltage at the receptacle.
Then from the SHORT receptacle slot to a shiny spot on the generator motor
What do you see?
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Jul-17-2017 05:04 PM
https://youtu.be/283RcOO75mo
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Jul-16-2017 02:05 PM
that is a faulty reading
engine would destruct before getting that fast
it would be screaming
But I Can Not understand it for you !
....
Connected using T-Mobile Home internet and Visible Phone service
1997 F53 Bounder 36s
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Jul-16-2017 01:49 PM
Classic genrators do not, or are not supposed to. however if I were desiging the controls I'd have a system where the throttle is operated in part by the load (Load anticipation) the idea is to reduce the lag time between an increased load and the opening of the throttle to compensate..
Now I don't know of anyone doing that, but I also don't know that they do not.
161 Hz is a bit high.. I'd see if it can be adjusted.
2005 Damon Intruder 377 Alas declared a total loss
after a semi "nicked" it. Still have the radios
Kenwood TS-2000, ICOM ID-5100, ID-51A+2, ID-880 REF030C most times
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Jul-15-2017 04:56 PM
if the freq is correct the speed is correct
it will get louder and use more fuel with a load
but it is still the same speed plus or minus 2hz / 120rpm
if it won't carry the load
A: the load is too big
B: the generator is failing
open the end of the generator head and check the field brushes on the slip rings
But I Can Not understand it for you !
....
Connected using T-Mobile Home internet and Visible Phone service
1997 F53 Bounder 36s
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Jul-15-2017 03:40 PM
This is what I have, non inverter:
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Jul-15-2017 02:52 PM
Fascinating. Therefore an inverter generator. This one?
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Jul-15-2017 01:32 PM
Chum lee
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Jul-15-2017 09:51 AM
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Jul-15-2017 08:42 AM
2005 Born Free 24RB
170ah Renogy LiFePo4 drop-in battery 400 watts solar
Towing 2016 Mini Cooper convertible on tow dolly
Minneapolis, MN
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Jul-15-2017 08:11 AM
Mean
Square
Deals with AC voltage -under curve- and has got nothing to do with Hz.
One step at a time
Slip on a set of kitchen gloves
Now take your meter which is set to AC volts...
And verify voltage at the receptacle.
Then from the SHORT receptacle slot to a shiny spot on the generator motor
What do you see?