winpower pto generator

[nisse]

Hello,
I am trying to get a winpower 25/45KW pto generator to work after sitting for about 10 years. It worked fine when it was parked, the other day when hooked it up I got no readng on the gage so I sprayed electical cleaner on the brushes when it was running and now the gage reads about 110 volts on the gage but there is only about 4 volts at the outlets. The voltage at the leads to hook it up to the power pole is real erractic and the highest it read was about 190 volts. Any ideas what may cause ths? Maybe just needs a better cleanng?
Thanks,
John

 

[TomR Ont]

nisse,
I HAD a Kubota low idle generator, let it sit Two + years would run but no output power, I think I got ripped owner at the elec shop said it was ! ! ? and it would cost $300 to get the part from Kubota. (I had that feeling) he said he would give me $50 cash plus forgive the $65 For the diagnostics (winter project he said). I kept it for a year didn't find anyone that could fix it. Then got a Chinese CHAMPION, (loud junk) so I let him have the Kubota in exchange to fix 2 small fan motors.

Left the Champion sit for one season. started it NO output power. Called for warranty. Only one place in Ontario to get it fixed.
They fixed it and wanted $185. Out of warranty.
Called Champion they said it only takes 10 min to change the part. They would cover the part, but I had to pay the labour.

The part is called a VOLTAGE REGUULATOR and only costs $60, so ripped again.

Of course every one NOW knows what was wrong with the Kubota.

 

[David G]

I have the same generator, but have not had that issue. I do not have a manual, but will look online.

 

[David G]

http://www.winpowerinc.com

They have manuals for the older models with troubleshooting guides.

I need to order a rear gearbox seal for mine.

 

[Bill in IL]

I had a similar problem with a really old windpower generator. I cleaned the slip rings with some 400 grit paper slipped under the brushes while running. Has worked fine since. I would start there seeing as cleaning has helped your situation some. I don't think I have really found anything that a can of contact cleaner has fixed.

 

[nisse]

Thank you for the replies, I am going to try the sandpaper idea today, I will post with the results.
Thanks,
John

 

[timcasbolt]

This has been discussed on here before, and I'm surprised no one brought it up. So I will. A lot of times when a generator sits around a lot it will not produce electricity until you excite it. Or flash it. Or whatever they call it.

I have read and used this procedure with complete satisfaction: Start the generator. Plug in an electric drill or other motor. Squeeze the trigger and rotate the chuck backwards by hand.

Most of the time the generator will start working instantly.

 

[nisse]

The sandpaper worked, everything seems to be working fine, thank you for all the replies.
John

 

[Ron A Anderson]

As someone else advised try exciting it using a drill. I had the same issues many years ago and that was all it took.
It was advised to use the generator once a year to prevent this sort of thing and still is good advice. Before the new cordless drills era I used the gen to help with in-field repairs.