Mep-005A Voltage Regulator replacement and single phase conversion

[Benxbec]

Hello, I just purchased a mep-005a with an acoustic suppression kit in fairly good shape. Engine is a 1980 with 1450 hrs and runs fine. The ASK tag says it is from 1991. When would this unit have been put in service?

The generator side of it needs some work. The guy I got it from thought the main load contactor was not closing. How could I check that? As of now it is not showing any volts or hertz on the gauges.

I plugged a drill into the 110 outlet and upon starting the unit and pressing the drill button the drill would turn a little and then stop. Also sounded like I could hear some clicking like something trying to kick in.

Also where is a good source for the filters needed?

Thanks, Ben.

 

[MatthewWBailey]

I'm about to acquire a similar unit with 493 hours on it but doesn't excite. So I'll be tracking this thread.

 

[Scoobyshep]

Hey there, Have you downloaded the TMs yet? Theres a link on the header. Filters I buy firm amazon (any parts store should be able to get them)
Oil i use a wix 51004 First fuel filter i use the wix 33512 and second fuel filter wix 33540.

When you start the set hold the start switch up for a few seconds longer (there is a centrifugal switch that cuts the starter out) this is ment to power the field windings and excite the set for the AVR to take over. take voltage and frequency readings from the line side of the main contactor. (if you dont know how to do this please ask)

 

[Benxbec]

Actually the manual is still with the unit and I was going to start looking through it soon. And thanks for the filter numbers bro!

I will try the starter switch and see if that gets anything happening and if not I'll see if there is any voltage on the line side of the contactor. I'm assuming if not then there is probably an issue with the exciter and or AVR?

Thanks man!

 

[Guyfang]

You wrote:
Hello, I just purchased a mep-005a with an acoustic suppression kit in fairly good shape. Engine is a 1980 with 1450 hrs and runs fine. The ASK tag says it is from 1991. When would this unit have been put in service? The date of manufacture on the data plate is for the ASK. The gen set is SUPPOSED to have the data plate for the original gen set, some place in or on the set also. But often its missing. The gen set could be from the 70's or anytime there after. The ASK kits came out years after the gen sets. Some were installed by the units, the DS units, and TROSCOM teams. No gen set ever received an ASK kit "at the factory".

The generator side of it needs some work. The guy I got it from thought the main load contactor was not closing. How could I check that? What TM is in the unit? Do, down load every TM and document from the TM forum and at least look at them a bit before trying to repair the set. The -34 has the troubleshooting steps for the CB. As of now it is not showing any volts or hertz on the gauges. Do hold the start switch in the up/start position 5-10 seconds longer that you think is normal. The starter should NOT grind. If it does, you need to check test the MPU.

I plugged a drill into the 110 outlet and upon starting the unit and pressing the drill button the drill would turn a little and then stop. Also sounded like I could hear some clicking like something trying to kick in.

 

[Scoobyshep]

Actually the manual is still with the unit and I was going to start looking through it soon. And thanks for the filter numbers bro!

I will try the starter switch and see if that gets anything happening and if not I'll see if there is any voltage on the line side of the contactor. I'm assuming if not then there is probably an issue with the exciter and or AVR?

Thanks man!

Theres a few things that can be bad in that particular chain. The long hold of the start switch help eliminate some variables

 

[Benxbec]

Thanks Guys! So after it started I let up on the starter switch and then put it back up to the start position and the volts did come up but as soon as I let go of the switch they went down to 0.

 

[Scoobyshep]

Avr is the likely culprit

 

[Benxbec]

Gotcha, is there a replacement available?

 

[Scoobyshep]

There is a test procedure for them, they are repairable with some skill. There are some aftermarket replacements that can be used but they require some rework to function

 

[Benxbec]

Oh boy, this sounds fun! What would be the best option for a farmer, keeping in mind that a farmer is a jack of all trades but master of none.

 

[Scoobyshep]

Personally of it were me. I'd retrofit.

 

[Benxbec]

Ok, what is the best way to do the retrofit? Can you suggest a part and are there any videos on what to do?

 

[Scoobyshep]

The one I've done required 3 aftermarket regulators and some rectifier assembles. I need to find my notes first though. There's another thread here where someone used a single unit, but it isn't within the field windings specs so I can't explain how it's still working.

 

[Benxbec]

Thanks, much appreciated!

 

[Benxbec]

If you could give me the parts I need and some sort of schematic I can probably swing it as I have a friend that is an electrical engineer. At least we could give it a good try!

 

[Guyfang]

The schematics are in the TM's. So download the -12, -24P and -34 manuals from the TM forum here. They are the most up to date TM's for this set. The one from your set may be old or not up to date. There are a number of threads here that deal with your problem. They deal with both methods of repair. Fix the VR, or install an after market VR. Because your set shows exciter voltage is still there, and the main gen will light off, those things can be eliminated. There are only two other things that could cause your problem. The S9 over speed switch or the Static Exciter/Volt regulator box. The repair of the box, is in theory, not hard, and if you have a EE to help you, doable. Getting parts is another thing.

I wish you luck.

 

[Benxbec]

So I have downloaded al the TM's for my unit and did a search for changing out the VR and seems like this thread is what I came up with. https://www.steelsoldiers.com/threa...ld-rebuild-and-update-the-operating-l.216526/
Would this be correct? And if so what else would I need besides the ADVR 054?

Thanks, Ben

 

[peapvp]

So I have downloaded al the TM's for my unit and did a search for changing out the VR and seems like this thread is what I came up with. https://www.steelsoldiers.com/threa...ld-rebuild-and-update-the-operating-l.216526/
Would this be correct? And if so what else would I need besides the ADVR 054?

Thanks, Ben

The parts as indicated in the wiring diagram of this thread

 

[Benxbec]

The parts as indicated in the wiring diagram of this thread

View attachment 924778

Thanks! I plan on doing the single phase conversion after I get it up and running. Will this still work in single phase or will anything need to be changed?