Generator - Low Voltage output

[Blizzard95]

Recently got a diesel generator,it has a petter ad1 engine and a markon generator on it, the engine starts and runs fine, and will run an angle grinder or the like,however if i plug a kettle into it,it takes forever to boil and puts a good load on the engine. It wont even power a 500watt halogen floodlight fully,the light output is dim,
It has both 110 and 220 volt sockets. When i measure the voltage at each though im only getting 165volts at the 220 side and around 80volts on the 110volt side.
Would any one know if engine speed could effect this,if it was low,wouldnt the frequency of the current be low.
I dont know an awful pile about electrics,so hoping somebody on here will.
Would this be suitable
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Plug-In-Power-and-Energy-Monitor/dp/B000Q7PJGW
to measure the frequency,or seen as thats for a 13 amp socket,would i get a differant reading by connecting it into a 16 amp socketor does current rating effect the frequency
All advice/coments welcome

 

[the snooper]

either its running to slow or the capacitor is on its way out
it has to run at 3000 rpm to achieve 50 Hz frequency
that tester is fine for frequency voltage and wattage, what is the output of the genny and some kettles can be quite a high wattage

 

[Blizzard95]

either its running to slow or the capacitor is on its way out
it has to run at 3000 rpm to achieve 50 Hz frequency

where would the capacitor be,cant seem to see one on the generator,can take a pic of whats inside the end cover of the generator if you want,cause im not sure what some of the things are or what does what

 

[the snooper]

the capacitors tend to be in the end of the alternator, you be better off to check the frequency before buying a capacitor, if the frequency is low up the speed until you reach 50 Hz and that will be 3000 RPM

 

[Blizzard95]

ya the output is 5kva it says on the generator,then on another plate it says 4.25kva

 

[the snooper]

sounds like a markon i have, its on a petter AC1 and just by coincidence mine runs under voltage but i think from memory has the right frequency i think mine runs at 185 volts, i had forgoten about it as it doesnt get used

 

[Blizzard95]

sounds like a markon i have, its on a petter AC1 and just by coincidence mine runs under voltage but i think from memory has the right frequency i think mine runs at 185 volts, i had forgoten about it as it doesnt get used

Say for example if the frequency was correct at 50Hz or 3000rpm,would there be anything else to cause a drop in voltage?

 

[the snooper]

yeah the capaitor, they are used for voltage regulation on simple generators, the more complex type ( not yours) use an avr, automatic voltage regulator.

you should be able to take the capacitor to a motor rewind specialist and they will be able to test it for you

 

[Blizzard95]

yeah the capaitor, they are used for voltage regulation on simple generators, the more complex type ( not yours) use an avr, automatic voltage regulator.

you should be able to take the capacitor to a motor rewind specialist and they will be able to test it for you

thanks for all the info snooper,got your pm,have one ordered off ebay,should have it in a day or two,will let you know how i get on with it. I cant seem to see a capacitor inside the end cover,are all capacitors similar,as in a plastic cylindrical case with two cables coming out the end,or is there a different type in this, i will get a pic of whats inside the cover an post it here,you mite be fit to talk me through it

 

[the snooper]

just found an old markon with an avr check yours it could have either thought they were to old to have the avr but obviously not, the avr is the circuit board you see

 

[tigler]

Get one those little plug in power meters, they have frequency indication too, if the engine is running slow, then the frequency will be lower than 50hz. If thats the case then the engine governor needs adjustment. If the AVR was faulty it normally causes no output.

 

[the snooper]

Get one those little plug in power meters, they have frequency indication too, if the engine is running slow, then the frequency will be lower than 50hz. If thats the case then the engine governor needs adjustment. If the AVR was faulty it normally causes no output.

your too slow there mr tigler see his link in the first post

 

[tigler]

That'll teach me to read the whole post in future !

 

[Blizzard95]

Sorry for the delay,thought id be back quicker,heres a few pics,

it musnt have an avr,is that the capacitor in the third picture?the item at the bottom

 

[Blizzard95]

Get one those little plug in power meters, they have frequency indication too, if the engine is running slow, then the frequency will be lower than 50hz. If thats the case then the engine governor needs adjustment. If the AVR was faulty it normally causes no output.

Have one on order,be a couple of days now before i know the outcome of that test

 

[the snooper]

yep you have the avr model by the looks of it check the carbon brushes aswell you should have a circuit board or avr module somewhere

 

[Blizzard95]

yep you have the avr model

is that the avr so with the brushes in it,from what tigler said''If the AVR was faulty it normally causes no output''its more than likely an issue of low engine speed.
Id be assuming it must be wear in the governer linkages within in the engine that would cause a drop in speed, id say the cylinder and rings are good enough as there is no blue smoke and the engine is relatively easy to start,Would ye be of the same opinion

 

[Blizzard95]

yep you have the avr model by the looks of it check the carbon brushes aswell you should have a circuit board or avr module somewhere

The brushes ar alrite,plenty left on them

 

[the snooper]

the avr could be elsewhere but i agree with tigler on the avr, make sure you dont overload it it usually blows the avr.

the best thing to do now is wait and test the frequency then you will know one way or another

 

[Blizzard95]

the avr could be elsewhere but i agree with tigler on the avr, make sure you dont overload it it usually blows the avr.

the best thing to do now is wait and test the frequency then you will know one way or another

will do,seen as it is giving a voltage output it musnt be blown yet,will report back when i test the frequency