Help me identify Generator ?

[flynavy80]

I saved this from being scrapped years ago and have only now gotten to looking at it a little more closely. I believe it was my grandfather's, but don't believe it was from his war. (WW2)

The data plate is marked:

CORPS OF EGINEERS, U.S. ARMY

MAKE: Winpower MFG. CO.
MOD: G-0536AS
VOLTS: 120
AMPS: 4.17
K.W.: 0.5

Overhauled at: G.C.A.D Dec. 67



I looked up the model number and didn't find much. A google search came up with a few similar items, but none of the same. Anyone know what exactly it is? ("A Generator!"... yeah, I know ) When they were put into service, TM's, etc.?



(sorry for the poor quality, didn't realize I set my camera to "potato" mode.)

 

[Recovry4x4]

MEP014. Generally a 1960s gas genset powered by the 1A08 Military Standard engine. Had the wonderful wrap and hope starter system. They are loud and thirsty but generally tough. Weak point in the 3-10 KW versions was the voltage regulator. They would cook out if the RPMs dropped and of course, the 1A08 had an idle provision to assist with that. That 1A08 engine shared quite a few components with the 2A016 and 4A032 engines.

 

[flynavy80]

Thank you, sir! I'll take a look and see what info is out there.

 

[pitpawten]

Did I read that right at 500 Watts output? Surely you put the decimal in the wrong spot right?

 

[Triple Jim]

The closeup photo of the data plate shows 0.5 kW. It's a small, cute generator. It's very unusual to see overhead valves in a tiny 1.5 hp engine, too.

 

[Guyfang]

This had to be the most hated generator set in the Army. When it at last went to a solid state ignitinon in the late 70's or early 80's it got marginally better. Do you need the manuals on it?