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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Seangie on June 29, 2013, 06:34:27 AM

Title: Need Generator Guru
Post by: Seangie on June 29, 2013, 06:34:27 AM
So sorry -  I promise I am not trying to take over the board,  just seem to be having a bunch of problems all at the same time!

I need a generator repair person either in the Orlando area that can service a Martin Generator with a Kubota engine.  I've been calling and doing my foot work to no avail.  I've called Martin and the company they reccomended told me they won't service martin generators.  I've got an email out to Martin to try to find a service manual but still waiting to hear back from them.

I'd be willing to drive to get this done.  We are planning on going to Chicago after the 4th and if we don't have it fixed by then we would be willing to stop on our way.

Any leads would be great.  Thanks all for your help.  This board has been amazing and helpful.

-Sean
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.tapatalk.com%2Fd%2F13%2F06%2F29%2Fu9yhutym.jpg&hash=e87ed7ccbc4d7c5801840e33e3e13052b1d2b43a)

(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.tapatalk.com%2Fd%2F13%2F06%2F29%2Faneruja8.jpg&hash=472e8cddc7d8ccf9f261eac25fefcc68f5ae7c12)

www.herdofturtles.org  (http://www.herdofturtles.org)
1984 Eagle Model 10S
Title: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: wg4t50 on June 29, 2013, 07:42:47 AM
Could you give a clue as to the issue your having, such as engine or generator, then the issue might have a chance to offer ideas. ?
A bunch of problems is not too descriptive.
Dave M
Title: Re: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: Seangie on June 29, 2013, 08:02:06 AM
Dave -

Sorry - Issues are

1. When it stops - It rattles to a stop and shakes the whole unit.  
2. One in a while on start up it seems like the starter is "slipping" and the unit whines but no start. If I stop turning and try it again it starts right up.  I believe this is the starter that needs to be replaced.
3. Currently as of yesterday it will not generate any power.  Motor runs fine but no power from the head unit. 

I have no clue about generators and am just looking for references for a person willing to do the work (I will gladly pay)  as I am limited with time and we need to get on the road. 

Thanks.

-Sean

www.herdofturtles.org  (http://www.herdofturtles.org)
1984 Eagle Model 10S
Title: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: Dave5Cs on June 29, 2013, 08:08:39 AM
Here's a bunch of repair places in the area.

Dave5Cs

http://www.yellowpages.com/orlando-fl/generator-repair (http://www.yellowpages.com/orlando-fl/generator-repair)
Title: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: Dave5Cs on June 29, 2013, 08:14:05 AM
check the ground on the starter it might be loose. Could also just be the solenoid not the starter. Its good to put a good load on a generator at least every month for an hour or so to keep it healthy. If you have brushes it could be that they are worn and need replacing. Some are brush-less though.  Just some ideas, sorry can't give you more.

Dave5Cs
Title: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: wg4t50 on June 29, 2013, 08:36:38 AM
1-Bad mounts
2-Bad Bendix on starter.
3-Volt regulayor, quick check use a 9 volt battery, + to F1.  - to F2 should get more than 50 volts, if not, problem is much deeper.
Good luck
Dave M
Title: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: robertglines1 on June 29, 2013, 11:20:29 AM
Earlier post on no ac   Gen running no power out put
Title: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: wg4t50 on June 29, 2013, 11:42:11 AM
#3. No generator output,     As I understand that is not AC as in air conditioning, but ac as in electrical alternating current.  Where did I go wrong ?
DaveM
Title: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: robertglines1 on June 29, 2013, 01:12:43 PM
Sorry Dave: I was runnin out door for short response.  Earlier he was looking for roof top Air-conditioner on road.  Found out His gen motor was running but not producing power. When he is plugged into shore power his air conditioner was fine. I should not have got involved when I was in a hurry. Basic what I have gotten from this combo of post is gen set does run but does not produce any power.  He has to travel and  has no bus air. You are the Generator Guy !  Happy Bussin.  Bob
Title: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: wg4t50 on June 29, 2013, 01:28:37 PM
One possibility could be if your using an auto transfer switch that is not working, so be sure to check for voltage where the switch is, manual or auto.  Also what is the voltage when not connected to any load ?
Dave M
Title: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: niles500 on June 29, 2013, 01:55:09 PM
Call Buck at Southeast Power Systems 407-293-7971 - He might know who can help you - HTH
Title: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: Ace on June 29, 2013, 07:22:39 PM
Central Fl Bus repair
In Lakeland, fl

Ask for John
(863) 559-8862

Tell him I sent you
And you can call him on Sunday


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: rv_safetyman on June 29, 2013, 07:36:40 PM
I looked up John Palmer: http://www.palmerenergysystems.com/ (http://www.palmerenergysystems.com/).

Folks think he is pretty good with RV and off-grid energy systems.  His site does not mention generators, but I would guess he is pretty knowledgeable.   

He used to have a very unique truck/van he drove to the trade shows.  Sounds like he now sticks pretty close to the home base.

Just a thought.

Jim
Title: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: Scott & Heather on June 29, 2013, 07:48:38 PM
Hey guys, those of you who haven't let Sean and his wife Angie and their adorable kids don't know what they are missing! Great family and they are brand new full timers....resourceful too so if he's crying for help here, it's likely cause he really does need it. Hope he gets the genset fixed. It's hot!


Sent from iPhone via Tapatalk
Title: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: John316 on June 29, 2013, 07:52:41 PM
Sean, sent you a PM.
Title: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: luvrbus on June 29, 2013, 08:11:45 PM
I would try Ring Power the Cat dealer in Orlando it doesn't have to be a Cat for them to work on it they worked on my Wrico rental stores like United always have good generator people some will do outside work some won't doesn't cost to ask   
Title: Re: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: Seangie on June 29, 2013, 08:25:02 PM
Hey all -

Just some updates -  1st thanks for all the responses and suggestions.  All have been taken into account.  Gods got us in good hands as we are safely tucked away at a friends house.  We'd be fine at a campground, it just driving with no Air Conditioning that is challenging in this FL humiditiy.

Dave M -  I hope I get some time to dig deeper into the issues.  Thank you for the suggestions.  If I get time,  I will try to play with it some more.  So far I have tested for voltage on the lines right in front of the breaker and I get nothing at all.  I have not had time to dig into it too much.  Possibly tomorrow afternoon I may have a go at it.  Currently we do not have an auto transfer switch.  Electrical was the last on the list of things to get done and hoping to do that soon.

Bob -  you are correct in that the air conditioner works and the genny starts up, we just don't have any voltage from the generator.

Thanks for the numbers and leads.  I am following up with them all.  I didn't think it would be so hard to get someone to do the work.  We called half a dozen places Thursday and Friday and have had no calls back and others that flat out won't service generators that are not brand specific.  I think we need an old timer with experience thats not afraid of doing some work. A new install is not out of the question either.

Scott -  thanks to you and Heather for the prayers.  Gods doing amazing things here. 

John - Got your PM.  Thanks for the information.

Ill keep you all posted as to what we find out.

Thanks again.  Keep the suggestions coming.

-Sean

www.herdofturtles.org  (http://www.herdofturtles.org)
1984 Eagle Model 10S
Title: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: wg4t50 on June 30, 2013, 02:38:51 AM
Just a quick thought, IF you have NO voltage at the switch, maybe you have a trippedbreaker near the generator.  You should have at least a residual voltage of 5-20 Volts AC, IF you do not have that, your into a bigger $$$$ isue, why I would be looking for a breaker tripped and hoping.
Just a thought as in been there & done that
Dave M
Title: Re: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: Seangie on June 30, 2013, 05:39:52 AM
Dave,

The breaker that I tested in front of was the one on the generator. I checked the voltage from each leg that comes from the generator head into the breaker box on the side of the generator.  I checked each leg to neutral and across both legs.  Nothing anywhere.  I'm expecting a worst case scenario of having to rebuild or replace the genny head. 

Thanks again.

-Sean


www.herdofturtles.org  (http://www.herdofturtles.org)
1984 Eagle Model 10S
Title: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: wg4t50 on June 30, 2013, 06:15:52 AM
ZERO voltage is BAD news as in $$$$, if the 5-20 volts, not a big $$$$ thing.
Dave M
Title: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: niles500 on June 30, 2013, 09:58:48 PM
I'm more interested in what Paul at Martin had to say - those Martin's are bulletproof - I'm still sure it's a breaker - or post head electrical problem - FWIW
Title: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: wg4t50 on July 01, 2013, 07:28:12 AM
Along with bullet proof, you get to idiot proof, fool proof.   ;D
Dave M
Title: Re: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: Seangie on July 03, 2013, 09:38:23 AM
Got the generator fixed -

Back Up Power Services, Inc.
1911 N. Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, FL 32804
http://orlandogenerator.com

It was a bad capacitor that needed to be replaced.  Good shop.  They were quick and to the point.

Thanks all for help & Suggestions.

-Sean


www.herdofturtles.org  (http://www.herdofturtles.org)
1984 Eagle Model 10S
Title: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: eagle19952 on July 03, 2013, 10:10:03 AM
Great news....prayers answers once again !!
Title: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: wg4t50 on July 03, 2013, 11:40:59 AM
Hope you bought a spare capacitor and watched how to install, the day will come again.
Dave M
Title: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: OneLapper on July 03, 2013, 11:44:47 AM
Simple and fast!   Fantastic!
Title: Re: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: Oonrahnjay on July 04, 2013, 08:01:09 AM
Quote from: Seangie on July 03, 2013, 09:38:23 AMGot the generator fixed -   It was a bad capacitor that needed to be replaced. 

     Where was the capacitor?  Actually in the generator head or control system, or outside of the generator?   Thanks,  BH    NC    USA
Title: Re: Re: Need Generator Guru
Post by: Seangie on July 05, 2013, 04:23:11 PM
Bruce,

If you look at one of the first pics I posted you can see both caps sitting on the top of the left side of the genny above the electrical box.

-Sean


 www.herdofturtles.org  (http://www.herdofturtles.org)
1984 Eagle Model 10S