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Hello - new MEP-803a owner here

Ray70

Well-known member
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Welcome aboard... let us know when it arrives and how she looks..... anything that at least rolls over should be fairly easy fix.
And luckily you've got a few of us within driving distance with experience and spare parts, if things don't quite go according to plan!
What did you get? Year, hours, reset or original, auction or private seller??
 

Ray70

Well-known member
2,598
5,930
113
Location
West greenwich/RI
Originals are typically green or tri color camo, and engine gages are pretty bland / plain looking with blue rear housings on the gage body with red caps in the bulb socket holes, sometimes don't have the Quad Fuse mod. ( 3A fuse mounted to the left of the voltage regulator )
Tier2 reset are usually tan with a tag on the radiator end, usually Faria Beede gages with white rear housings, twist in bulb sockets installed, usually have the Quad fuse mod.
1300Hr. is no problem at all. I've found that often times machines with some hours tend to run better than those with ultra low hours because they have seen occasional use, not just sat around for 24 years!
I've had 2 hour machines and I've had 4K hour machines. Sometimes you wouldn't know the difference.
If you want to get started ahead of time, download and start reading the TM's ( if you haven't already ) for the 803 located in the TM section at the top of the page. You can also do a little research on fuel pumps and stuck metering pump racks ( AKA governor rack )
That vintage machine's #1 crank-no start issue is the square body Facet Cube fuel pump. If the square pump is still there, ditch it and replace it with an Airtex.
Next common problem is a stuck fuel rack, if the machine has sat for a few years. Plenty of info here on how to remove, clean and reinstall the metering pumps if they are stuck. There is also a Sticky on this subject that you should read, at the top of this Generator page.
All good info to get you prepped in advance!
You can also find the list of filters, etc. if you want to buy ahead. and research the " Ultimate Well nut" incase your tank drain bung is leaking.
 

Ray70

Well-known member
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5,930
113
Location
West greenwich/RI
For an 803 a group 34 battery will fit the tray and hold-downs correctly.
Group 51R will also work, but their size is better suited to the 802 battery trays.
I recently started using NAPA brand batteries because I noticed they were lasting longer than some of the other Auto parts store batteries.
Optima was original equipment, but don't get too hung up on that, they are now made in Mexico and others have posted that they quality and weight ( less lead ) is not what it used to be.
 

Light in the Dark

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
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Location
MA
I've used the Legend line a lot over the years, middle of the road in terms of price and performance (550CCA if memory serves). I've used the Proformers too, but if I know the machine is going to a colder climate (like the one I just sold into timber country Maine) I will specify a higher CCA unit, or let the customer decide what they want on their own.

The same above referenced customer shoehorned these mamajamas into his new 803... must turn over reeeaalll nice. I'd be a little leary of that engine mounting tab over time, but it looks like a sweet setup. He had to fab different hold downs to make it fit. I would just take a cutoff wheel and perform a little nip and tuck on the unused mounting tab to make that fit!

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