Generac PTO Generator 25kw field flashing

[JeremyNewton]

I have a 25kw continuous/ 50kw surge Generac PTO generator. It has sat in a dry shelter for years, having been used only a few times. The last time I used it, I had to "flash the field" with a 12v battery for it to build voltage. After several hours of use it was shutdown. The following day, I had to "flash" it again for it to build voltage. What's the fix for this problem?

 

[RJKeith]

I have a 25kw continuous/ 50kw surge Generac PTO generator. It has sat in a dry shelter for years, having been used only a few times. The last time I used it, I had to "flash the field" with a 12v battery for it to build voltage. After several hours of use it was shutdown. The following day, I had to "flash" it again for it to build voltage. What's the fix for this problem?

What does the operators manual say? A lot of generators use a permanent magnate for the field, but if they use a wound coil to establish the field you will need a current through the windings. Does the generator have a battery that has died over several years?

 

[Butch(OH)]

One way I have read is to plug a corded drill into it and spin the chuck backwards,, that didn't work for me. What has worked is applying a 12V battery to the 110 outlets with a couple jumper wires. You don't need to do anymore than make contact, don't think that more is better.

 

[Bob Bancroft]

One way I have read is to plug a corded drill into it and spin the chuck backwards,, that didn't work for me. What has worked is applying a 12V battery to the 110 outlets with a couple jumper wires. You don't need to do anymore than make contact, don't think that more is better.

Sounds a lot like polarizing a 12V generator, just takes a flash. Maybe it's exactly the same thing. But this being an alternator, I don't have a clue. As I understand it, my Winpower 25/15 somehow maintains magnetism in a coil? All I know is it works. (So far!)

 

[JMOR]

Just the "facts" mam....no "maybes", no "guesses".

 

[Fritz Maurer]

Maybe Generac would know that answer. There must be a factory rep somewhere…

 

[Russ from MN]

How we miss Billy Shafer! RIP Billy.

 

[wp6529]

It *should* have retained magnetism after the first field flashing. If it is having issues the next day the issue might be with the regulator rather than residual magnetism.

 

[mazemeister]

I have a 25kw continuous/ 50kw surge Generac PTO generator. It has sat in a dry shelter for years, having been used only a few times. The last time I used it, I had to "flash the field" with a 12v battery for it to build voltage. After several hours of use it was shutdown. The following day, I had to "flash" it again for it to build voltage. What's the fix for this problem?

if it is the same as the one I have- you can remove the rear panel and there is an in line buss fuse that might be blown. i believe they call it a DPE winding (displaced phase excitation).