How can I check the output of my generator?

[Grifter]

I have an inverter arc welder I'd like to be able to use with my genny, but the welder doesn't seem to like it. It's a Parweld XTi 160 that says "generator safe" (i.e. 230v +/-15%) but it turned itself off soon after I switched it on, before I could get ready to try and weld anything. I'm guessing some kind of protection circuit.

The generator is a Honda GX140 5hp coupled to a Markon B112F 2.5kW 240V 10.8A generator. I realise I won't get full power from the welder, but I thought I should be able to get something. I've replaced all the governor springs on the motor and serviced the carb because it was hunting a bit, but to no avail. I'd like to be able to check what the generator is giving out. There is no electronic voltage regulation, just a box with a big capacitor and a switch for selecting 110V or 240V, see pic...

What can I do with a multimeter to check the voltage? Is it safe to just put the probes in the plug holes? Anything else I can do? The multimeter can check frequency too, but I'm guessing this is for low voltages?

I also have dwell/tach to check the rpm (and therefore frequency) but either I don't know how to use it, or it's broken. I put the black lead to an engine earth and the red to the spark plug HT lead (with the aid of a pin), which stalled the engine and the needle didn't move. Am I doing that wrong then?

Any ideas appreciated. An aftermarket voltage regulator perhaps?

Cheers,
Joe

 

[jinjahbiscuit]

I'm no expert, but you probably need a bigger generator, around 5KW.

 

[brightspark]

to test the output voltage just run the genny and put your multimeter set on voltage across the output leads , if u have 230 / 240v its ok then plug various loads in and take the voltage readings again. if its 2 heavy a load u will get less voltage and pull the motor speed down and possibly stall. genny is on the light side for power output

 

[zzr1200]

Your generator is definitely underpowered, you risk damaging you welder and generator if you continue:

technical
Specifications
Machine Model
XTI-160 XTI-161 DV
Input voltage 230V +/- 10% 230/110V +/- 10%
Frequency 50/60Hz 50/60Hz
Input current
32A max
16 eff
25/42.5A max
16/27 eff
Fuse rating 16A 16/32A
Output OCV 62 58
Output load
voltage 20.2-26.4 20.2-26.4
Output Current 5-160A DC 5-160A DC

 

[dannyp]

genorator is way to small.

some genorator welder combonations you can get away with a 5kw genney just if needs must but you really need atleast 7kw

 

[Grifter]

I'll have a go at checking the voltage under load next time I'm up there.

I know it's a small genny but it's one that I had anyway. I only want to weld some small stuff wih 2mm rods, and on mains that takes maybe a third of the available current. I was hoping I'd get away with that. The fact that the welder went off before I'd tried to strike an arc made me think it was the quality of the output rather than it's capacity.

 

[fixerupper]

I've got a diesel 4.5 kva genny and it wont run my sealey 140 powerwelder ....jeff....

 

[zzr1200]

I'm looking forward to "Who Repairs Inverter Welders Near Nottingham Thread" ........

 

[madkayaker]

The answer is diywelding chesterfield

 

[zzr1200]

The answer is diywelding chesterfield

HOW MUCH.........cheaper to buy a new welder....

 

[madkayaker]

Last time I had cause to get one looked at he checked it free. Was totally dead tough

 

[dannyp]

i've never had a fixable inverter yet ( well worth fixing ) they seem to be very good a cascade failure

 

[Lawnmowerboy]

You need a voltage regulated genny for an inverter.

 

[the snooper]

You need a voltage regulated genny for an inverter.

they are all regulated you mean a genny with AVR