MEP 831 FAQ for owners or potential buyers

[robson1015]

Thanx Dewie38 and DieselAddict....Could not have figured it out without you guys.

 

[Okiefromwatonga]

Has anyone installed a 30a RV receptical in one of these units? I want to purchase one to power my Pop tent trailer as some of the places i take it dobt have electrical service.

 

[Cord]

Yes, I did. The outlet fits to the side of the terminal enclosure. Just be sure to use a smaller box or you'll find the lid won't close.

 

[Okiefromwatonga]

Yes, I did. The outlet fits to the side of the terminal enclosure. Just be sure to use a smaller box or you'll find the lid won't close.

How well did it work for you?

 

[Cord]

The box I used was too big so it had to be moved. I was mounting the unit on a trailer so I ended up mounting to the trailer deck.

 

[OverkillTASF]

What's the best way to make connections to the main electrical outputs? The posts are unlike anything I've seen, but I'm only familiar with some residential electrical.

 

[Cord]

They're called split lugs. If you take the nut all the way off you'll see the groove the wire goes in. The nut should be captured by the wire bail so don't break the bail or you might lose the nut. You can put any under size wire under the nut and then just tighten it down. The connection works for both light and heavy gauge wires. It's a really good method of connecting wires and I think you'll like it.

 

[OverkillTASF]

Awesome. Thanks. I thought that might be the way to go but wasn't sure. I assume in 120v mode, I don't need to worry about balancing anything. I just L1 and N and go?

 

[Cord]

It's been too long since I had mine in 120v mode, so I don't want to answer without first checking the manual.

 

[chsmurphy]

Hey folks, I just wanted to say "Thank You" to all of your posts. I wanted an MEP-831A for emergency backup and light enough to use for small jobs. I had bid on them for months but finally got one this week. I had read your posts for months, I even had all of the filters ordered before I went to pick it up.
I got home, opened the cover and all filters and battery were still in. Figuring "what the ****" I pushed the start button and she fired right up.
The decommissioning order was from 10 December 2015, so I will changed all fuel, fluids and filters anyway but I am glad the battery was there. One less expense. Also glad to know it does work.
I got off track. My main mission was to show my appreciation for all of the knowledge I gained from your experiences.
Thank you all!!!

 

[Cord]

You certainly got lucky with that unit. Even with only 40 hours mine was a disaster for the engine, but the electrics were good. The engine parts are readily available and are surprisingly cheap. If I had a choice for a problem, I'd take a electrically perfect unit with a bad engine because the engine is repairable.

 

[buggsy458]

Thanx guys, I'm waitin on the fuel filter/separator(Racor) to get here in the mail and then I'll give it a go..

Can you post which Racer separator you bought for the 831 and also if it is working out for you? I'm needing two fuel water separator bowls and am having such a hard time finding them I'm thinking of just replacing them with something else. Thanks for any info you can provide.

 

[DieselAddict]

Can you post which Racer separator you bought for the 831 and also if it is working out for you? I'm needing two fuel water separator bowls and am having such a hard time finding them I'm thinking of just replacing them with something else. Thanks for any info you can provide.

This should help.

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showth...ntial-buyers&p=1683852&viewfull=1#post1683852

 

[robson1015]

 

[robson1015]

Found it on one of the large auction sites......

Racor R12T ( No problems with filter/separator )

 

[OverkillTASF]

Edit: The below is wrong... It looks like these are another brand of filter that can be installed in place of the existing filter, and may only provide 30 micron versus 10 micron filtering.

This is a 3-pack of the filter element (and bowl?) on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TPK17E4/ref=s9_simh_gw_g328_i1_r?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-2&pf_rd_r=10JK571PYWQ291WY20FN&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2437869762&pf_rd_i=desktop

 

[DieselAddict]

This is a 3-pack of the filter element (and bowl?) on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2437869762&pf_rd_i=desktop

I don't think so. The listing says there are only 3 items in the package. Its hard to tell. Regardless its a 30 micron filter. The standard is a 10.

 

[OverkillTASF]

I don't think so. The listing says there are only 3 items in the package. Its hard to tell. Regardless its a 30 micron filter. The standard is a 10.

You're right. Perhaps this, for the filter element. Not helpful for the bowl though.
http://www.amazon.com/Racor-Diesel-...1459262696&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=racor+r12t

 

[DieselAddict]

Yep. The R12T is the correct element.

 

[OverkillTASF]

Dang, you replied too fast. I was going to delete the post because I realized the original poster wanted the whole shebang, bowl included. Bah. I'm happy I know so little about this... mine came with everything ready to go.