Generator question?????

[5B Steve]

  Question, I have a Honda 3500 for a back up(gas). After setting for several months, October went to start it

   up no problem. However it is not producing any power.  Ran fine when I shut it off the last time I used it.

   Anyone have a clue to what has happened?


   Steve 5B......

[Sean]

Steve, we need a little more information to be helpful, such as the model number.  Also, what you've already checked/tested.

That said, there are a number of possibilities (some of these will not apply, depending on the actual design of the set):

• Loss of residual magnetism (flash the field)
• No power to exciter circuit
• Bad voltage regulator
• Tripped output breaker or blown fuse

If you post the actual model number we could maybe tell you more about what to check and where.

-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com

[5B Steve]

Steve, we need a little more information to be helpful, such as the model number.  Also, what you've already checked/tested.

That said, there are a number of possibilities (some of these will not apply, depending on the actual design of the set):

• Loss of residual magnetism (flash the field)
• No power to exciter circuit
• Bad voltage regulator
• Tripped output breaker or blown fuse

If you post the actual model number we could maybe tell you more about what to check and where.

-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com

Sean, it's a EM3500S If that helps

Steve 5B...

[wg4t50]

How about a new trix for an old dog, If you have a AC-DC motor such as an electric drill, hook up to the generator out put, start generator, have at proper speed and holding the trigger/switch on the motor, rotate the motor sharpely, it will produce enough voltage to excite the generator IF if has just lost residual (magnetic) properties,  Have seen this done, to my amazement after being in the generator business for 40+ years,
Remember, it has to be a AC-DC motor, a AC motor will not work.
Hell give it a try, nothing to loose.
FWIW

[Sean]

... it's a EM3500S If that helps

Steve, I could not find either a wiring diagram or even an operator manual for this model anywhere on line.  One site had an exploded view of the control box (with no fewer than 68 parts) but no schematic.  That makes troubleshooting very difficult.

Have you checked for voltage right at the generator head or only at the receptacles?  I would first rule out any problems with the output breaker(s) before tearing into it any further.

If that's not the problem, I would try to find the field terminals and measure the voltage there.  If you are not getting any reading at the field, you could try flashing -- there should be instructions in either the manual or on the inside of the shroud, or you could try Dave's trick with a universal motor.

If neither of those is the issue I would suspect the voltage regulator.

It would not hurt to open the unit up and just check all the wires -- depending on where this was stored, a critter could have gotten in there and wreaked havoc.

-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com