Thank you for your help. Thanks also for your quick response.
Is it known what production date ended the American Bosch pumps?
There is a company in Decatur, TN that sells MEP-002a units on a trailer for $2300. I’m interested in your thoughts on these.
This unit can be exported. Unknown repairs may be required. Property may be viewed and picked up from 11 am - 5pm. For directions call. GOV SURPLUS OF TENNESSEE.
rover.ebay.com
The one you linked the ad for is a Libby and is a 1991 which was the last year of production with fairly low hours at 1,571. However, that does not mean that the hour meter is "original" as they do get changed out but it "appears" original due to meter model and typical patina on bezel & screws. Everything appears to be complete on the generator unit itself.
However, the wording in the listing is not matching some of the pictures... it says that unit is "mounted on a newer style
Humvee Trailer" which is incorrect. The pictures show it mounted on a
M116a2 trailer which is what they were originally deployed with for that year model generator. The statement in the ad stating: "
Government reports unit was working when last used. All fluids have been removed and we do not test. We are selling for parts only" is a bit concerning. That means the unit could have been sitting for X years (pick a number up to 28 years assuming it was run in ~1992). Although, they do offer that you can bring your own mechanic with batteries, oil and diesel fuel and try to start it. But... I personally would not do that as you run the risk of damaging the injection pump if it has a stuck plunger guide etc. The unit needs to be completely serviced and inspected closely first before attempting an out of mothballs restart. Even if it were to start, you still need to verify that it produces proper AC output and can take a sustained load of 5kW+ for an hour or so. They offer to do that much as to get it running but don't mention load testing & that service does not include any potentially necessary replacement parts that might be required. So adding on the "get it started" fee adds $1,000 bringing it up to $3,300 total price! Otherwise, you must assume
genset will not run or produce AC output without some work/parts and trailer may have issues as well (it is definitely missing the rear swing down stabilization leg).
You should be able to
get a tested and running unit somewhere in the ball park pricing of ~ $2500 +/- $500 depending on geographical location/condition etc. A "Parts only" unit pricing for trailer and generator would be more like in the $1500 range (I purchased a parts only 1991 Libby MEP-002a on trailer for $900 2 yrs ago).
Knowing of members like "Jamawieb", or "Light in the Dark" if he had one in stock, I personally would feel more confident purchasing one that has been serviced and checked out by a SS member as good to go! It can save you time $ and frustration.
However with all that said...If you have the time and are electro/mechanically inclined and can source any required parts that need replacing and could negotiate a better price then you might end up with a good deal. MEP-002/-003's are solid machines when maintained properly but certain parts are becoming a bit scarce!
