10 KW genset up and running

[cranetruck]

Tinkered some more with the MEP-18 genset received from Kenny and at about 12:45 today, it fired up and ran beautifully until shut down 1/2 hour later.
Not as noisy as I had thought at least not without loading the generator.
Adjusted the frequency to 60Hz, voltage to 120 and measured the battery charging voltage to be 28.4 VDC.
Now, I don't know if this unit had been tested by Kenny or not, but I did replace the control transistor in the regulator, so it's producing el power with the new transistor.
Old transistor: 2N4347, 120 V / 5 Amp
New transistor: 2N5631, 140 V / 16 Amp

You can replace this transistor yourself without too much effort, remove the regulator to gain access to the transistor which is installed in a socket on the side. Nothing to it.

 

[red devils dude]

cool cant wait to pick up mine

 

[Recovry4x4]

Yes Bjorn I did test that set and it didn't produce voltage. I was quite sure that the problem was in the regulator and you've confirmed my suspicions. Do you tihnk even I can replace that transistor? Are they available and what do you think they would cost? Could I test it with just a VOM or do I need a scope? I think you've got a decent genset there with a little TLC and cleaning up. Makes me want to work on mine!

 

[cranetruck]

Kenny, the replacement transistor is one that I happend to have on my work bench left from another project. There may be one or more laying around, I'll send one to you.
Yes, I'm sure you can replace it easily.

 

[mangus580]

Kenny, I have also located the transistors for about $5-$8. PM me for details.

 

[cranetruck]

The power transistor is located on the outside of the case about where the black smudgy mark is on the image below.
It's in a socket held in place with two small screws. Be careful with the mica insulating washer. There is also some white thermal compound present, don't wipe it off the mica washer.
The pins on the transistor case are offset to one side so it will only fit one way.

See idle warning below.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Gret find on the PS stuff Bjorn. It all adds up to exactly what I've learned about these sets.

 

[Armada]

Help! Where is this VR located? I have an mep-017 5Kw genset, and the manual says it is behind the lower acces panel, under the panel with the gages. Mine looks nothing like that. Do they have different vr's that were used?

 

[mangus580]

Does yours appear to be more 'sealed'? Can you snap a pic of it? From what i have seen, there was 2 different styles used... the one above, and the other one

 

[Hookin1]

I kinda like this one,it's really quite..and if it breaks you just call cat and they come fix it....