mep 003a high DC voltage

[Sundance]

Started my MEP-003a today for its monthly checkup and my DC voltage is all of a sudden high. Typically the meter shows high yellow zone and voltage to the batteries at around 24.5 volts. Today after running a few minutes I noticed the meter reading into the red zone and checked the voltage at the batteries....33.5 volts. Shut her down and will try again tomorrow to see what I get.

In the meantime any thoughts?

 

[Carl_in_NH]

Sounds like your DC regulator is kaput.

 

[Sundance]

Sounds like your DC regulator is kaput.

Yuk... that's what I was afraid of.

 

[Carl_in_NH]

TM5-6115-585-12 has information on testing this module. The -34 TM doesn't have anything more useful. Can't remember if I've seen a detailed schematic of this regulator module before (the AC regulator schematic is in the TMs - but I can't seem to find the DC unit).

I'll take another look and see if there's any more help to be had. Can't remember if this is a sealed / potted unit or not. If not, there's some hope - if sealed, then it's off in search of used parts you go.

 

[Speddmon]

Carl, it's sealed...

Don't loose hope yet...I stumbled across the OEM today for both the starter and DC voltage regulators for the MEP-003/002a's while looking for other things. They are still in business, and I'm going to put in a call tomorrow during business hours to see if it's still available. I'll post back with more information when I have it.

 

[Speddmon]

Well,
I heard back from the OEM for the DC voltage regulators...Southern Automotive Wholesalers, Inc.

Here is the e-mail I recieved from them.

They can be ordered off our eBay store, we also made the stator, and starter for that engine

http://cgi.ebay.com/2920-01-038-5252-SAW-10385252-Regulator-Onan-5KW_W0QQitemZ200164281542QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2e9ab88cc6

I looked at the page, and they want $129 for it...I think it's kind of high, but unless you can find it used somewhere....what choice do you have. For that kind of money I think I would be trying to adapt some other 24 volt regulator to the set.

But this is what I found.

 

[Carl_in_NH]

I'm suspect it's a rectifier for the AC output of the alternator, and a voltage regulator cobbled together into a little package. It's something you can build yourself - but by the time you design it, buy parts, built it, test it, weatherproof it, and mount it on the genset you have to ask if you didn't spend at least $130 worth of your time in doing the task.

If you've got a good junk box of electronic parts in your collection and enjoy doing the work there's no reason not to build one yourself. If you just want it to work, it's probably worthwhile to just buy one from a used or new parts source.

 

[Sundance]

Thanks for the info and research guys. I guess I'll pony up for a new one.

 

[Sundance]

BTW Delk's has used one's for 100.00.

 

[Speddmon]

That's good to know, but for $30 extra bucks, I think I would buy the new one.

If Delks only wanted $50 or $60 maybe a good deal, but it's not much more to buy new.

 

[Sundance]

Update.
Put on the new regulator and everything is good.

 

[Carl_in_NH]

Glad to hear it! Congratulations!

 

[coyote62ny]

where did you get your regulator as im having the same problem i got a used one and still have the same problem thanks

 

[m38inmaine]

Voltage Regulator/Rectifier (Battery Charging) For Onan MEP-002A / MEP-003A 5KW and 10KW Generator Sets, FVR4006