MEP-003A voltage problems

[drjconley]

My new to me MEP-003A is putting out 160 volts on the 120 leg and 320 volts on the 240 leg. I try useing the voltage regulator, but I am getting no change in voltage.
Does anyone have any ideas as to what to test or replace to get the voltage to what I need?
It is running fine at 60 Hertz.

Thanks for any and all help.

Jim

 

[coyotegray]

Have you checked the AC reconnect switch..?

 

[drjconley]

yes, the ac reconnect switch is correct.
I am getting no change in voltage when I adjust the voltage adjustment knob.
Any other ideas, I was hopeing to get this generator up and running today.
Thanks again,

Jim

 

[coyotegray]

I know it sucks to have a new toy that doesn't work. I hate it..

Do you have the ammeter/voltmeter transfer switch set like below..?

Andy.

 

[drjconley]

Yes, I have the ammeter/voltmeter transfer switch set to that position.
Any other ideas why the voltage adjust knob wont lower the voltage below 160/320?

Thanks again,
Jim

 

[pctrans]

Check with Jim Henry Trucks in NC. But it sounds like the voltage regulator needs replaced.

 

[drjconley]

How would I contact Jim Henry Trucks?

What causes the voltage regulator to go out?

Thank you again,
Jim

 

[Carl_in_NH]

Check all the wiring around the voltage regulator; it may indeed be bad - but it's also likely there's just a bad connection somewhere. Go through everything in the control cubicle, cleaning and tightning all connections and try again. Double check the ground connections on all bits and pieces. A crappy ground can cause all manner of grief.

If this fails you, then get the TM and start troubleshooting the voltage regulator. Running the genset at idle is one reason for them to fail - many posts on this. Search is your friend.

 

[Speddmon]

It sounds like the voltage regulator to me. If the voltage were floating all over the place, I would suspect a bad voltage rheostat (the adjustment knob on the main panel) or loose/dirty connection, but since it's going high and staying there, that's the classic signs of voltage regulator failure.

There is a great troubleshooting section in the TM that covers this.

 

[drjconley]

I checked the voltage rheostat with a tester and the resistance changes in a pretty linear fashion when it is adjusted. I also when through and tightened all connections. The ground was pretty loose. I started it back up, and the voltage stays high and the rheostat has no effect on voltage. I also checked over the voltage regulator and there is any evidence of damage to the board or components. I am looking into buying a new voltage regulator today.

Thanks for the help,
Jim

 

[Speddmon]

Voltage regulator is going to be kind of pricey, Why not run through the TM and test it, then see if you can repair it, or have it repaired at an electronics shop. The schematics are in the TM as well as a components list, so any decent electronics/TV guy should be able to help you out some.

Just my