Any ideas why Powertech generator doesn't always produce power?

[belfert]

I ran into a problem with my Powertech generator not always producing power after it starts up.  It only produces 3.5 volts when it doesn't work.  I spent a bunch of time troubleshooting it with the manual and blew some dust out and thought I fixed it, but it started acting up again after a half dozen more starts.  It got so it would only produce power after starting it the third or fourth time.  I did try turning off the breakers at startup and that worked, but I think it was just coincidence.  The transfer switch waits a minute or two before transferring power so it isn't overloaded on startup.  I do have the water heater that takes power as soon as the transfer switch activates.

The LED on the starting switch is supposed to flash a code if the unit doesn't produce AC power, but I get no codes.  The engine sounds just like normal so I think the engine is not the issue.

I talked to Powertech after I got home and they said to remove and re-seat the connectors on the regulator which I have not been able to do yet.

[redbus]

Check the transfer switch.

[luvrbus]

Try flashing sounds like it is losing the magnetism on the exciter

good luck

[thomasinnv]

once in a while this happens to me if I let off the button too soon. I asked the tech about it and he explained to me that while starting the set it also flashes the field with 18v and if you let off the button before the control senses full speed it closes the field circuit and won't produce any power. I tested this theory by letting off the button the split second it fires and it seems to be true. Holding the button a half second longer seems to do the trick.

[belfert]

Check the transfer switch.

How would the transfer switch be an issue since I am only measuring 3.5 volts at the generator?  The transfer switch won't transfer because it isn't seeing any voltage.

[belfert]

once in a while this happens to me if I let off the button too soon. I asked the tech about it and he explained to me that while starting the set it also flashes the field with 18v and if you let off the button before the control senses full speed it closes the field circuit and won't produce any power. I tested this theory by letting off the button the split second it fires and it seems to be true. Holding the button a half second longer seems to do the trick.

Interesting.  On my Powertech, you hold down the switch for about a second, let it go and the LED flashes a number of times and the engine starts about four or five seconds later.  I always assumed it was running the glow plugs or something. 

Should I be holding down the button instead of letting it go?

[redbus]

.

[JackConrad]

Interesting.  On my Powertech, you hold down the switch for about a second, let it go and the LED flashes a number of times and the engine starts about four or five seconds later.  I always assumed it was running the glow plugs or something. 

Should I be holding down the button instead of letting it go?

PowerTech used 2 differnt systems. Our generator is the basic design that uses 3 standard cube relays. You hold the switch in the STOP position for about 15-30 seconds to preheat the glowplugs, then hold in START position until generator starts.
   The other design has a small circuit board that automatically energizes the glowplugs for a preset amount of time, then energizes the starter until the engine starts or for a predetermined amount of time if engine does not start. It will attempt to start a couple times, then shut down. With this system you simply push the switch momentarily to activate the circuit board.  Jack

[JackConrad]

Brian,
   Check all the wiring connections. Over the years, we have, on a few occassions, found loose connections in the box on top of the generator.  Jack