Thanks for the replies and allow me to clarify things. First thing I guess is that I should state I am very well versed in general electrical muckery as far as a layman goes. Never went to school for it but I understand ac power really well for a layman and have done many projects sucessfully like converting a 120v genset to 120/240. or converting a 12v alternator to 36v. There was a time when I even made my own printed circuit boards for diy projects.
With that said I do have a bit of dislexia so If I mix something up I will apologize in advance.
Anyways, So far when I have talked about starting the compressor I should have pointed out that I was trying to start it with zero tank pressure. I figure this gives the generator the best chance of starting the compressor. Also the tank is dry. I am anal about that. One thing i failed to mention in my first post is that when my generator overloads and trips the circuit interrupter it does not light up any warning lights? What is the overload warning light for if it does not light up during an overload? (i did push the test button and the light works). Just using intuition here I would imagine that during an overload situation the overload light should come on to warn the operator. but my overload light never comes on unless I press the test/reset button.
I notice that there are no obvious circuit breakers on the panel like a typical residential generator has, aside from the 10a breaker for the convenience outlet. But as far as the main power lugs go, there is not an obvious circuit breaker. It seems to me that this generator is using the circuit interrupter as a circuit breaker. Is this correct or am I off here? This is my first military generator, although I have sense bought 1 more as well as a 10KW but that's for another thread.
Yesterday I found out the 831A WILL actually start the air compressor (which does have an unloader valve btw) if I hold the circuit interrupter on manually for about 1.5 seconds while the thing is cranking up. After ther compressor starts I can let the circuit interrupter go and the compressor will keep running fine on it's own and it will go great until the next off-on cycle where it trips the circuit interrupter. I am starting to think the circuit interrupter may be a bit too sensitive. Does anyone know if there is a way to adjust the circuit interrupter? Is it even adjustable? Am I barking up the wrong tree? And yes my kill a watt was freaking out and beeping at me during that 25a start!
i am just spitballing in the wind here but I am wondering if maybe this generator unit would benefit from a circuit interrupter bypass and instead it should have a circuit breaker like a conventional residential generator has. A few of you have said the 831a is not good at starting motors. maybe this is why? After all it is rated at 3000 watts at .8 power factor right? In my mind that should just barely be able to start a 2hp motor.