MEP003a Unstable Voltage

[Triple Jim]

The six rotating diodes are all in the same area. Look harder.

 

[Guyfang]

I think they are 180 degrees from each other.

 

[Lukes_deuce]

Hmm I knew I was getting off too easy. I'm guessing since it's a 12 pole generator that there are 12 diodes.

As for the access, I'm thinking you have to remove the grill cover and to do that you need to remove the entire generator head? If so, I'm going to reinstall the 4 I cleaned up and then see if she will power up.

 

[Guyfang]

12 poles, 6 diodes. Don't be lazy.

 

[Triple Jim]

No, once you have the end cover off, you should be able to find all six of the diodes without further disassembly.

 

[Lukes_deuce]

Ok ok, I'll try and get out tomorrow after work.

 

[Lukes_deuce]

Good morning and a happy Easter to all! I had some time yesterday to find the other two diodes. I unbolted the end cover to the generator head. Having the ability to move the end cover was a huge help in removing & installing the diodes. I cleaned up the bases for the diodes and tightened everything back down. For anyone interested, the diodes are in a half moon shape base on left and right sides of the armature, if looking directly at the generator head. The diagrams in the manual only show (1) diode, but but bracket is pretty close to the actual piece. I tested the remaining two with the 12v light method and both checked out. Here is the interesting turn, as I would spin the cover around to access the different diodes, I heard a slight scraping sound, similar to flaking paint rubbing on metal. So I was looking around the inside of the generator body and saw two wires moving as I rotated the cover. I traced them back and they go to plug J12 near the main breakers, underneath the control panel. Both wires were cut clean off at the ring end of the terminal connection. Like they were cut. Physical wires looked to be in good shape. From what I have searched, those two are the exciter wires. So that leaves me puzzled once again.

With that said, here are my questions:
1) Could I have sheared those two connectors when I moved the generator head cover? I had the cover off about an inch from the original position.
2) Is this the same problem or another problem from the original low and then no power situation?
3) How hard is it to reattach those two wires?


If you look to the right of the metal coil, you can see two white wires tucked away, in between the coil and cover. Those are the two wires which are loose.

 

[Guyfang]

I believe you posted before that you saw some sparks from this area when trying to operate the set? If so, now you know where your sparks came from.

The only way to find out the answer to 2 & 3 is to do it. Reattach the wires. No, I don't think its not hard to reattach them. But then I have done it once or twice before.

Yes, to question 1, if you spun the end cover.

 

[Triple Jim]

That's a lot of rust and corrosion in there. I'm not surprised that the diodes may not have been making good contact.