Methodical, clean, competent work. It's a joy to behold someone who ISN'T stumbling around and has factual knowledge on the machine they work on. Great video.
This is just what is needed for partial rv backup. Operates the ac and stuff perfectly. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y is quieter than my rv generator. Only suggestion is that it needs a fuel shutoff valve. So it is easier to store.
I was actually in the Navy for 9 years as a Nuclear Electronics Technician; I didn't work with generators at all, but did work with military electronics. I think that the military (any branch) provides people with valuable experience, training, and self confidence not offered in most other occupations. Yes, there is likely a good market for a good generator technician. And, serving your country in the armed forces has value beyond a civilian job...
Don’t ask me why because I don’t know the next thing about generators but I found this video very interesting. You’re manner of delivering your message is very, very good. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing your military history. I happened to be familiar with these generator. It was part of the TO&E equipment for our Dental Field Unit at Ft Campbell. I had 4 of the 15KW back in 1993. The 666th Med Det. 86th CSH. Those where the days of glory
Wow! I'm getting flashbacks. I was a power generation mechanic in the Army for fifteen years, ten of which I was a generator repair instructor in an Army schoolhouse. Good Stuff!
Brings back memories. We had these for the Radar System on a Hawk Missile system. We would run two of them 24/7 one up, one down for months. If it's in an active unit these things end up having a lot of hours on them.
I once knew a man who purchased enormous ammounts of government surplus. Being fortunate enough to go to a government sale, I noticed many items which were brand new. Upon asking about this, the answer was that the new stuff was discarded so as to make room for their replacement with identical new items. Not spending enough would lead to getting a budgets cut, so the new was, and probably still is, scrapped to be replaced with a newer same item. Its nice to know how our tax dollars are responsibly disposed of.....
Many years ago a friend of mine brought one form a government auction really cheap with just a few pics of the generator, sight unseen, with the model and needs repairs, think it was 2 or 300 hundred. He drove five states to pick it up. I went over to his place to look at it when he got back and he started pointing out places where they had drilled holes in the housing with a dull drill bit, his words. I laughed and told him those look like mortar fragments to me.
Be careful while trying to flash the field that way...I'm sure you understand, but if the set does begin generating power while you are doing this you'll end up with an exploding battery, melting wires, etc! The most common mistake people make when starting these sets is that they let go of the start switch as soon as the engine starts running. You need to continue to hold it in start after the engine starts for around 10 seconds for the field flash (the starter will automatically disengage)
Great video! We have about 40 of the mep003a at our fire stations in California. Was told the one at my station was no longer serviceable. Fixed it for free with some common sense. Thanks for the video even if it’s 6 years old.
My volunteer station has a military -004 for pulling out to run the command tent for wild land firefighting and search and rescue, and a military issued Lombardini 12.5 Kw that came off Camp Pendleton that we use for auxiliary power at the station. the 003's and -004's are tough units, and i've found a lot of common sense can go a long way. replaced hoses on our generators from the fuel tank, by going down to the auto store (didn't have any special connectors from the fuel tank to the fuel pump).
I've got a modern 20 KW generator here for my home as stand by power, but I still want one of these miltary babies juust for no reason but to own one. Nice machine and thanks for the vgideo. I'm close to Fort Riley, Kansas.
Wish I'd had all those spare parts when I was in the Army. That motor isn't even broken in good. Hard to believe I ran a couple dozen GP Mediums , few shop vans and a bunch of coffee makers off one of those back in the day.
I felt this video was very informative and easy to understand. I would enjoy seeing more video's of this type on this same topic. Keep up the good work!
Excellent video. Learned a lot on the mechanical requirements. I like how you eliminated unnecessary checking, which I would have done first, by short duration operational tests. That main engine belt for instance, was looking suspect and scary; wasn't sure if it would hold up. Great job bro.
I sold a toro grounds mower with a 4500hr kubota diesel. Sat 5 years and before it could make a full turn, it fired up an ran smooth- no smoke or nothing!
Wow. Just Wow. OK, I'll add awesome unit. And great knowledge. Matt! Thank You! Yes, you are awesome too, Matt. Attention to the details.So important. Especially the fluids and fluid delivery. If they are not there, the unit will suffer irreversible damage. Great Video. I Love Generators.
There are quite a few surplus dealers that carry most parts for this set. However, I've found that it is cheaper (and often times easier) to just modify with off the shelf parts; the generators are build using a standardized design and are easy to modify/repair.
No; I've never had one not shut off. What I would do depends on the circumstances; if it keeps running at normal RPM, then it isn't an emergency and I would just pull power from the injection pump, or remove the fuel line. If the engine was running away, I would discharge a CO2 extinguisher into the air intake, or cover the air intake with a board (or other handy air-sealing rigid object).
I enjoyed this video,..night Saturday evening's entertainment for me. I used to be a Kohler Gen-set dealer back in the 1970's. The models we had were powered with Lister 3 cylinder air cooled diesels. This one , I notice is a White, am I correct ? This is a lot of fun watching you go through the procedures. Where were you when we needed good service people back then. ( I know, I know,...age difference right. But you folks know what I meant ) You said it has 2060 hours on it, that would equal approximately 61,800 miles, if it were a vehicle. That's an old rough calculation that was used to gauge engine oil change intervals of heavy equipment back in the day. 2060 running time hours X 30 miles per hour = 61,800. There now, some useless information for you . Thanks for the video. I always appreciate the effort required to make this and put it on UA-cam too. Cheers.
hey Reg, ive just been working on an old lister 3 cylinder, (27KVA) its been sitting on standby for years and years, only ran 90hrs in its life time, got it in our workshop for full service, load test, and the customer wants it re-commissioned on auto start in the event of a powercut, by far the oldest set ive worked on, however it runs a dream and is a testiment to old skool engineering. - chris.
Yessir Chris, if these older style Lister's ( of course, this applies to almost all diesel engines ) were given good maintenance and service, they'd run almost forever. Imagine only 90 hours on the clock ! That's just about new ! Well, good luck with this one, you'll be rewarded with a great running gen-set. Cheers.
The most common reason for no output is that people forget to hold the start switch in start for 15-20 seconds after the set has come up to full operating speed (this flashes the field). The second most common reason is that the output transistor on the VR card goes bad.
Actually, one of the best NARRATIONS of such an operation on You Tube. Seeing the complete restoration will be an additional satisfaction. Could you not have "bandaged" the radiator hose suff. for temp. use.....since you indicated that its ilk is problematic to acquire?
The -004a is rated at 41HP@1800 RPM. Its rated fuel consumption is 1.5 GPH under 100% load. My experience suggests they consume a little less than this...
I've found them very easy to work on...but I do have a background in military electronics. I would rather tackle an electrical problem than a mechanical one with these generators any time. If you can follow schematics and troubleshooting guides, then you can work on these generators. If all you can do is basic automotive wiring, then repairing an MEP will be a steep learning curve.
Nice video! Thanks...on these engine that have not run for more then 6 moths I think it is a good idea to run the engine with the starter with the fuel pump shut off for a while...the idea is to get the oil to circulate throughout the engine before firing up...this may prevent damage to the bearings. But you did not leave anything out for pre check!
Yes, Thank you for your response. I appreciate it. I'm not too worried about the Job I get, cause no matter which one I get, I will try my best everyday. Although, considering I get to choose my Job I want to have a better knowledge of what I might be doing. Thank you.
yes, with a little creative wiring. I have set a couple of these up this way, using a custom program in a PLC. I believe it would also be possible with a commercial control panel (such as one of the deep sea controllers) but I haven't tried it yet.
I can't remember exactly how that model is set up, but a lot of the MEP family has the field flash going through the overspeed switch. Should be able to see on the wiring diagram. Used to work on those MEPs and Mil Standard for a long time while I was a 52D in the Army. The overspeed switch is partly reponsible for starter kickout, field flash, and of overspeed protection
The MEP-701A is an MEP-016B with an acoustic suppression kit. They are decent little sets, but they do run at 3600 RPM (instead of 1800 RPM like the MEP-002a and larger). But, to answer your question, yes...it will supply normal household current without a conversion. It should have a switch to go from single phase 120/240 to 3 phase 120/208. On another note, they are not powerful enough to run any large appliances (dryer, oven, range, hot water heater, etc.)
It looks like a Fermont set from the 50's. I've worked on a few of them; gauges and layout are very similar to yours. I'm not familiar with your exact set though; it isn't exactly like anything I've worked on before. Best bet is to post your video in the SmokStak and Steel Soldiers forums...somebody there will know something about it!
yes loose stuff is a hazard 1st rank. excellent info rich video nice job! i always run our gensets with a fan shroud on them, best to have one with no gaps. the air flows from a full speed runner can suck things and hair into the belt and blade areas without much notice. your helpful hints are appreciated. if you know...what is the typical run time on these size units with an average load/ ty!
@kmluddy You adjust frequency with the engine throttle. Frequency varies with engine RPM. A few things to know as well; 1. the frequency meter won't move if the generator isn't making power, so make sure the voltmeter is reading voltage first. 2. The MEP-002a is not designed to idle! Idling the set for even just a few seconds can burn out the voltage regulator. So, set the throttle to 60hz and leave it there.
thanks for the input . im looking for one for a travel trailer to use to fire up a infrared heater at night in winter / small ac in summer, tv , laptop etc. I think Im gonna take a shot at this one. let me know if you think this is an appropriate unit for this application
This one had a 4 cylinder White Engines diesel in it. Cost varies based on condition and included accessories...but anywhere from about $2500-$3500. Never have run into any issues with the oiling systems on any of these MEP's...
Nice methodical work through, looks like you worked for the army engineers. As for that faulty oil pressure switch you should have gotten a new micro switch from Radioshack and installed that. Always much better to keep things original and with a new switch it would have been as good as new!!
It is possible for the governor linkage inside of the injection pump to become "sticky." If the actual throttle position is not changing during operation but the engine speed is, then you will most likely need to disassemble/clean the pump. Are you asking about pulling 120/208 off of 2 legs for single phase power? Nothing wrong with doing this, if your loads work with 208 (most are fine with it). You can only get about 10kw out of the generator this way.
I would be cautious with the pressure washer...the components can surely take water on them, but it would be possible to force water into places that it could not normally find its way into. I typically used compressed air with a piece of hard brake line bent into a "u" shape to clean the inside of the gensets.
You can repair th hose with Loctite Black PL Roof and flashing polyurethane. Clean up hose well. smear on the black PL Wrap fiberglass tape around hose and saturate it with the goo. Can use marine grade cloth or even fiberglass drywall tape. Build it up at least 3/16 inch. Let it set for a week. I have repaired hose ends on my marine exhaust where they had worn on the ends doing this type repair.
I just found it strange that i had to unlock the knob for the throttle and re-adjust and back it up, becuase the 60hz was slowly increasing. I have a 3 phase panle that i have my004a hook up too, and i have it set to L1 for now, and it seems to be working, but i was planning in hooking up a 50amp plug to it, it needs two pole wire so i was planning in setting up the gen in L2 mode to activate the second phase. i was reading on another fourm its not good to run it with so little load thanks
When you flip on the primer switch should I hear anything? Cause I don't. Also how do you turn the fuel pumps on like you did in this video and can I do it on a MEP 114A. It seems I am not getting fuel.
I have a MEP-004 AAS unit like yours it runs buth the fault system check dosn`t work fuse is ok along with the frequincy adjust control to adjust the frequiency you have to adjust the throttle pull knob below . I was running a 3 phase motor with no load and the ampers fluctuate with my clamp on meter on the motor line.like to have a insite on what the problem maybe . the voltage adjust functions ok.
Did you check the output with the main breaker closed? And verify that the breaker for the convenience receptacle isn't tripped. You can check for output on the upstream (right side) of the main breaker, too. Also...check for output with your voltmeter while you are flashing the field (with the start button in start with engine running). Let me know what you see on the voltmeter..
great video i was wondering why you used deep cycle batteriws. i think they are designed to drain all the way down then be charged all the waY BACK TO FULL CHARGE. I USED ONE IN AN OLD CAR ONCE DIDNT LAST VERY LONG. BUT MAYBE IM MISSING SOMETHING?
It is interesting to me that my choice of attire is what you took from this video... Insulated flannel because it was cold. Tucked in because I was working with machinery with moving parts. Ever see somebody get his shirt caught in a milling machine or grinder? I have seen both...and it wasn't pretty either time. Dork, well...maybe. You're entitled to your opinion.
Thanks! I typically don't remove comments, as long as they aren't some kind of advertisement or unrelated to the video. I spent 9 years in the military followed by 9 more years in the fire service...it takes more than an off color comment from a nameless person behind the anonymity of his keyboard to irritate me :)
Have you ever gotten ahold of a Military 400KW generator, ours had Allis-Chalmers V12 Engine, 2 on a trailer, used in Nike Hercules Hi-power Radar sets.
OK; sounds like you've tracked it down. Good news is that the VR/exciter is probably good...it just isn't getting that initial flash during startup. Most of the components are a standard design and readily available ate Digi-Key or other electronics parts store. If you can find somebody comfortable with soldering you can likely fix it yourself.
I have rewired for other voltages. I have a video on my channel that describes the process of re-wiring for split phase 120/240. All of the instrumentation and control systems are based on 120v across individual windings. But...this answer got me thinking...I think I need to take back my initial answer and say that no...480v delta is not possible without a transformer. Because the instrumentation and control relies on 120v per winding, 240/120 delta is possible, but 480/240 is not. Each winding would need to be operating at 240v. I think that, if I needed 480v out of one of these, I would configure it for 417/240v wye (this is a factory configuration) and then get a transformer with a 417v primary and 480v delta secondary. That would be the easiest solution...
For only 15kW that thing is big! It must be built to do 15kW 24/7 for a long time, probably a good home backup generator to have around for storm season. Do you have any idea what the fuel burn rate is for a few kW of load?
Its designed for some men that don't have time to coddle a machine to drop out a plane and work for 4 years straight. Its probably not too efficient but it'll run forever
Pretty neat, my pap is debating on getting on because the power doesnt go out enough here to offset the cost of a 10 grand unit. When it comes to generator wiring how hard is it to trouble shoot if there is there is a problem somewhere. Thats the only part im not comfortable with.
Once you have the set up and running at normal operating speed, try holding the start switch in start for 10 seconds or so...tell me what the voltmeter does during this time (the starter motor will not "grind" assuming the speed switch is working properly).
Good video! I bought a similair unit minuse the sound covers. Its a 15 kw unit which had a new engine installed in 2007 with the original unit only having 2 hours on it. In total the unit has 29 hours on it. The engine starts up great but I am not getting any voltage genertated. I used a 12 volt battery and flashed it manually through the front convience recepticales. Do you know why I cant get any voltage generated ???
I have a MEP-006A (60kw) that I bought from Duluth DRMO 20 years ago to power my off grid tool and die shop. I see that many parts in these various models are common. Do you have a cheap source for the air filter elements? I found them to be very expensive. My old genset still runs great, but very loud.
Hey man I have bought the same generator from a military surplus auction and I’m trying to figure out which way the fuel lines go. Someone disconnected and spray painted over the fuel line diagram
We have a 30 kw unit at my shop. I exercise it monthly. Last month it made power perfectly. When I tried it this month, the engine runs perfect but the unit will not start making power. I tried it several times with no luck. Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated
Methodical, clean, competent work. It's a joy to behold someone who ISN'T stumbling around and has factual knowledge on the machine they work on. Great video.
This is just what is needed for partial rv backup. Operates the ac and stuff perfectly. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y is quieter than my rv generator. Only suggestion is that it needs a fuel shutoff valve. So it is easier to store.
I was actually in the Navy for 9 years as a Nuclear Electronics Technician; I didn't work with generators at all, but did work with military electronics. I think that the military (any branch) provides people with valuable experience, training, and self confidence not offered in most other occupations. Yes, there is likely a good market for a good generator technician. And, serving your country in the armed forces has value beyond a civilian job...
Don’t ask me why because I don’t know the next thing about generators but I found this video very interesting. You’re manner of delivering your message is very, very good. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing your military history. I happened to be familiar with these generator. It was part of the TO&E equipment for our Dental Field Unit at Ft Campbell. I had 4 of the 15KW back in 1993. The 666th Med Det. 86th CSH. Those where the days of glory
so they deploy these in the field, right? who maintians them there?
Wow! I'm getting flashbacks. I was a power generation mechanic in the Army for fifteen years, ten of which I was a generator repair instructor in an Army schoolhouse. Good Stuff!
POWER_FUL:L JOB TRAINING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Boy if I was buying one of these I would like to get it from you a nice, methodical, and through restore before you started it. Great job!
I second that.
@@zephyrold2478 ditto third...................
Brings back memories. We had these for the Radar System on a Hawk Missile system. We would run two of them 24/7 one up, one down for months. If it's in an active unit these things end up having a lot of hours on them.
Level of training sure worked. This is a guy you need in the team
Love seeing the old machinery brought back to life! That's a happy engine.
I once knew a man who purchased enormous ammounts of government surplus. Being fortunate enough to go to a government sale, I noticed many items which were brand new. Upon asking about this, the answer was that the new stuff was discarded so as to make room for their replacement with identical new items. Not spending enough would lead to getting a budgets cut, so the new was, and probably still is, scrapped to be replaced with a newer same item. Its nice to know how our tax dollars are responsibly disposed of.....
I admire your skills. These gensets are no match for you, brother.
Many years ago a friend of mine brought one form a government auction really cheap with just a few pics of the generator, sight unseen, with the model and needs repairs, think it was 2 or 300 hundred. He drove five states to pick it up. I went over to his place to look at it when he got back and he started pointing out places where they had drilled holes in the housing with a dull drill bit, his words. I laughed and told him those look like mortar fragments to me.
Be careful while trying to flash the field that way...I'm sure you understand, but if the set does begin generating power while you are doing this you'll end up with an exploding battery, melting wires, etc!
The most common mistake people make when starting these sets is that they let go of the start switch as soon as the engine starts running. You need to continue to hold it in start after the engine starts for around 10 seconds for the field flash (the starter will automatically disengage)
Great video! We have about 40 of the mep003a at our fire stations in California. Was told the one at my station was no longer serviceable. Fixed it for free with some common sense. Thanks for the video even if it’s 6 years old.
My volunteer station has a military -004 for pulling out to run the command tent for wild land firefighting and search and rescue, and a military issued Lombardini 12.5 Kw that came off Camp Pendleton that we use for auxiliary power at the station. the 003's and -004's are tough units, and i've found a lot of common sense can go a long way. replaced hoses on our generators from the fuel tank, by going down to the auto store (didn't have any special connectors from the fuel tank to the fuel pump).
Enjoyed your methodical approach to the restoration. A great watch . Thanks
Those sets will come in handy IF and when the SHTF.
I've got a modern 20 KW generator here for my home as stand by power, but I still want one of these miltary babies juust for no reason but to own one. Nice machine and thanks for the vgideo. I'm close to Fort Riley, Kansas.
all that Military Training sure paid off, keep up the good work!
I need to hang out with more people like Matt!
Wish I'd had all those spare parts when I was in the Army. That motor isn't even broken in good. Hard to believe I ran a couple dozen GP Mediums , few shop vans and a bunch of coffee makers off one of those back in the day.
"I happen to have a spare" That line will plague my dreams, lol.
Man you know your stuff. The engine sounds fantastic, you did a great job, good luck and hope to see more videos.
I felt this video was very informative and easy to understand. I would enjoy seeing more video's of this type on this same topic. Keep up the good work!
Excellent video. Learned a lot on the mechanical requirements. I like how you eliminated unnecessary checking, which I would have done first, by short duration operational tests. That main engine belt for instance, was looking suspect and scary; wasn't sure if it would hold up. Great job bro.
I sold a toro grounds mower with a 4500hr kubota diesel. Sat 5 years and before it could make a full turn, it fired up an ran smooth- no smoke or nothing!
I've worked with these before, they are excellent units.
I can't believe you have all the spare parts for that!
Wow. Just Wow. OK, I'll add awesome unit. And great knowledge. Matt! Thank You! Yes, you are awesome too, Matt. Attention to the details.So important. Especially the fluids and fluid delivery. If they are not there, the unit will suffer irreversible damage. Great Video. I Love Generators.
luv the methodical; start up procedures and logic prob solving .................... and NDT testing ofparts tooo!
There are quite a few surplus dealers that carry most parts for this set. However, I've found that it is cheaper (and often times easier) to just modify with off the shelf parts; the generators are build using a standardized design and are easy to modify/repair.
No; I've never had one not shut off. What I would do depends on the circumstances; if it keeps running at normal RPM, then it isn't an emergency and I would just pull power from the injection pump, or remove the fuel line. If the engine was running away, I would discharge a CO2 extinguisher into the air intake, or cover the air intake with a board (or other handy air-sealing rigid object).
Well done Matt totally enjoyed the vid
I enjoyed this video,..night Saturday evening's entertainment for me. I used to be a Kohler Gen-set dealer back in the 1970's. The models we had were powered with Lister 3 cylinder air cooled diesels. This one , I notice is a White, am I correct ?
This is a lot of fun watching you go through the procedures. Where were you when we needed good service people back then. ( I know, I know,...age difference right. But you folks know what I meant )
You said it has 2060 hours on it, that would equal approximately 61,800 miles, if it were a vehicle. That's an old rough calculation that was used to gauge engine oil change intervals of heavy equipment back in the day. 2060 running time hours X 30 miles per hour = 61,800. There now, some useless information for you .
Thanks for the video. I always appreciate the effort required to make this and put it on UA-cam too.
Cheers.
hey Reg, ive just been working on an old lister 3 cylinder, (27KVA) its been sitting on standby for years and years, only ran 90hrs in its life time, got it in our workshop for full service, load test, and the customer wants it re-commissioned on auto start in the event of a powercut, by far the oldest set ive worked on, however it runs a dream and is a testiment to old skool engineering. - chris.
Yessir Chris, if these older style Lister's ( of course, this applies to almost all diesel engines ) were given good maintenance and service, they'd run almost forever.
Imagine only 90 hours on the clock ! That's just about new !
Well, good luck with this one, you'll be rewarded with a great running gen-set.
Cheers.
Reg, I am away on my holidays tomorrow for a couple of weeks, when i return I can make a video showing you around it if you'd like? - chris
Sound's like a good idea Chris.
Enjoy your vaation.
The most common reason for no output is that people forget to hold the start switch in start for 15-20 seconds after the set has come up to full operating speed (this flashes the field). The second most common reason is that the output transistor on the VR card goes bad.
A must have for winters when we lose power for days on end!
Good filters, those Wix (Napa). We also import those for industrial and agri here in Denmark.
Really neat video
You're really amazing and really seem to know your stuff since you make it all look easy.
Hi mate.This was an excellent presentation.Marcel.
Actually, one of the best NARRATIONS of such an operation on You Tube. Seeing the complete restoration will be an additional satisfaction.
Could you not have "bandaged" the radiator hose suff. for temp. use.....since you indicated that its ilk is problematic to acquire?
The -004a is rated at 41HP@1800 RPM. Its rated fuel consumption is 1.5 GPH under 100% load. My experience suggests they consume a little less than this...
I've found them very easy to work on...but I do have a background in military electronics. I would rather tackle an electrical problem than a mechanical one with these generators any time. If you can follow schematics and troubleshooting guides, then you can work on these generators. If all you can do is basic automotive wiring, then repairing an MEP will be a steep learning curve.
Nice video! Thanks...on these engine that have not run for more then 6 moths I think it is a good idea to run the engine with the starter with the fuel pump shut off for a while...the idea is to get the oil to circulate throughout the engine before firing up...this may prevent damage to the bearings. But you did not leave anything out for pre check!
Yes, Thank you for your response. I appreciate it. I'm not too worried about the Job I get, cause no matter which one I get, I will try my best everyday. Although, considering I get to choose my Job I want to have a better knowledge of what I might be doing. Thank you.
yes, with a little creative wiring. I have set a couple of these up this way, using a custom program in a PLC. I believe it would also be possible with a commercial control panel (such as one of the deep sea controllers) but I haven't tried it yet.
I can't remember exactly how that model is set up, but a lot of the MEP family has the field flash going through the overspeed switch. Should be able to see on the wiring diagram. Used to work on those MEPs and Mil Standard for a long time while I was a 52D in the Army. The overspeed switch is partly reponsible for starter kickout, field flash, and of overspeed protection
Very well done - I enjoyed watching! Thanks
Not bad at all. I could use a little project like this sometime. Thanks for the information.
The MEP-701A is an MEP-016B with an acoustic suppression kit. They are decent little sets, but they do run at 3600 RPM (instead of 1800 RPM like the MEP-002a and larger). But, to answer your question, yes...it will supply normal household current without a conversion. It should have a switch to go from single phase 120/240 to 3 phase 120/208. On another note, they are not powerful enough to run any large appliances (dryer, oven, range, hot water heater, etc.)
It looks like a Fermont set from the 50's. I've worked on a few of them; gauges and layout are very similar to yours. I'm not familiar with your exact set though; it isn't exactly like anything I've worked on before. Best bet is to post your video in the SmokStak and Steel Soldiers forums...somebody there will know something about it!
Hey man great video. Thanks for posting. Really enjoy watching you work.
yes loose stuff is a hazard 1st rank.
excellent info rich video
nice job!
i always run our gensets with a fan shroud on them, best to have one with no gaps.
the air flows from a full speed runner can suck things and hair into the belt and blade areas without much notice. your helpful hints are appreciated.
if you know...what is the typical run time on these size units with an average load/
ty!
@Matt Verley < Awesome and thorough work!
Now to watch part 2 :)
Cheers!
@kmluddy You adjust frequency with the engine throttle. Frequency varies with engine RPM. A few things to know as well; 1. the frequency meter won't move if the generator isn't making power, so make sure the voltmeter is reading voltage first. 2. The MEP-002a is not designed to idle! Idling the set for even just a few seconds can burn out the voltage regulator. So, set the throttle to 60hz and leave it there.
Excellent job !
thanks for the input . im looking for one for a travel trailer to use to fire up a infrared heater at night in winter / small ac in summer, tv , laptop etc. I think Im gonna take a shot at this one. let me know if you think this is an appropriate unit for this application
This one had a 4 cylinder White Engines diesel in it.
Cost varies based on condition and included accessories...but anywhere from about $2500-$3500. Never have run into any issues with the oiling systems on any of these MEP's...
Fantastic. Just found your UA-cam channel. Great job.
Nice methodical work through, looks like you worked for the army engineers. As for that faulty oil pressure switch you should have gotten a new micro switch from Radioshack and installed that. Always much better to keep things original and with a new switch it would have been as good as new!!
It is possible for the governor linkage inside of the injection pump to become "sticky." If the actual throttle position is not changing during operation but the engine speed is, then you will most likely need to disassemble/clean the pump. Are you asking about pulling 120/208 off of 2 legs for single phase power? Nothing wrong with doing this, if your loads work with 208 (most are fine with it). You can only get about 10kw out of the generator this way.
Seems like most of this was done so it could be shipped without fluid.
I would be cautious with the pressure washer...the components can surely take water on them, but it would be possible to force water into places that it could not normally find its way into. I typically used compressed air with a piece of hard brake line bent into a "u" shape to clean the inside of the gensets.
You can repair th hose with Loctite Black PL Roof and flashing polyurethane.
Clean up hose well. smear on the black PL
Wrap fiberglass tape around hose and saturate it with the goo.
Can use marine grade cloth or even fiberglass drywall tape.
Build it up at least 3/16 inch.
Let it set for a week.
I have repaired hose ends on my marine exhaust where they had worn on the ends doing this type repair.
The -004' shown in this video with the ASK will go for around $3k. The prices vary based on hours, condition, and included accessories though...
@3cl1 down to just 2! Hoping to find a few more at Ft. Lewis soon...
I just found it strange that i had to unlock the knob for the throttle and re-adjust and back it up, becuase the 60hz was slowly increasing. I have a 3 phase panle that i have my004a hook up too, and i have it set to L1 for now, and it seems to be working, but i was planning in hooking up a 50amp plug to it, it needs two pole wire so i was planning in setting up the gen in L2 mode to activate the second phase. i was reading on another fourm its not good to run it with so little load
thanks
When you flip on the primer switch should I hear anything? Cause I don't. Also how do you turn the fuel pumps on like you did in this video and can I do it on a MEP 114A. It seems I am not getting fuel.
Nice video... Mite not have learned anything..but it kept my attention..
I have a MEP-004 AAS unit like yours it runs buth the fault system check dosn`t work fuse is ok along with the frequincy adjust control to adjust the frequiency you have to adjust the throttle pull knob below . I was running a 3 phase motor with no load and the ampers fluctuate with my clamp on meter on the motor line.like to have a insite on what the problem maybe . the voltage adjust functions ok.
I subscribed,Liked,Shared,Added to Playlists. All my best.
Did you check the output with the main breaker closed? And verify that the breaker for the convenience receptacle isn't tripped. You can check for output on the upstream (right side) of the main breaker, too. Also...check for output with your voltmeter while you are flashing the field (with the start button in start with engine running). Let me know what you see on the voltmeter..
great video i was wondering why you used deep cycle batteriws. i think they are designed to drain all the way down then be charged all the waY BACK TO FULL CHARGE. I USED ONE IN AN OLD CAR ONCE DIDNT LAST VERY LONG. BUT MAYBE IM MISSING SOMETHING?
You RULE!! keep the video's coming
I live an work in Houston so getting the $$ to you is not an issue, i really do need a gen set if you can help me out.
Nice looking guy. Smart and good looks.
Yep. When they look a little nicer, have lower hours, etc then they go for a little more. The one is this video was a little on the rough side.
Great job, very meticulous.
I was stationed at Ft. Lewis for 4 years.
Great video very informative. Semper Fi
Thanks. Great video and answers. Wish you the best.
The set in this video is an -004a; it is rated at 1.5GPH under full rated load.
I've always heard about military surplus things being good bargains, I wish I knew where to find an outlet.
110 0r 220? :))
@@gertraba4484 ,
Rich (-:
i dont have the items yet however I researched some ones I am leaning toward and they are ac at 6 amps and heater at 12 amps
Just out of curiosity what does those sale for in the general public market compared to a 16K standby unit? Thanks for sharing!
It is interesting to me that my choice of attire is what you took from this video...
Insulated flannel because it was cold.
Tucked in because I was working with machinery with moving parts.
Ever see somebody get his shirt caught in a milling machine or grinder? I have seen both...and it wasn't pretty either time.
Dork, well...maybe. You're entitled to your opinion.
Thanks! I typically don't remove comments, as long as they aren't some kind of advertisement or unrelated to the video. I spent 9 years in the military followed by 9 more years in the fire service...it takes more than an off color comment from a nameless person behind the anonymity of his keyboard to irritate me :)
Do know what air filter for this unit?
Thanks
Have you ever gotten ahold of a Military 400KW generator, ours had Allis-Chalmers V12 Engine, 2 on a trailer, used in Nike Hercules Hi-power Radar sets.
OK; sounds like you've tracked it down. Good news is that the VR/exciter is probably good...it just isn't getting that initial flash during startup. Most of the components are a standard design and readily available ate Digi-Key or other electronics parts store. If you can find somebody comfortable with soldering you can likely fix it yourself.
very cool, thank you for sharing
If they are rewired will the generator controls still work? Have you done this and what do you need to change or replace? Thanks for your time
I have rewired for other voltages. I have a video on my channel that describes the process of re-wiring for split phase 120/240. All of the instrumentation and control systems are based on 120v across individual windings. But...this answer got me thinking...I think I need to take back my initial answer and say that no...480v delta is not possible without a transformer. Because the instrumentation and control relies on 120v per winding, 240/120 delta is possible, but 480/240 is not. Each winding would need to be operating at 240v. I think that, if I needed 480v out of one of these, I would configure it for 417/240v wye (this is a factory configuration) and then get a transformer with a 417v primary and 480v delta secondary. That would be the easiest solution...
For only 15kW that thing is big! It must be built to do 15kW 24/7 for a long time, probably a good home backup generator to have around for storm season. Do you have any idea what the fuel burn rate is for a few kW of load?
Its designed for some men that don't have time to coddle a machine to drop out a plane and work for 4 years straight. Its probably not too efficient but it'll run forever
Great video, thanks!
Pretty neat, my pap is debating on getting on because the power doesnt go out enough here to offset the cost of a 10 grand unit. When it comes to generator wiring how hard is it to trouble shoot if there is there is a problem somewhere. Thats the only part im not comfortable with.
Once you have the set up and running at normal operating speed, try holding the start switch in start for 10 seconds or so...tell me what the voltmeter does during this time (the starter motor will not "grind" assuming the speed switch is working properly).
Good video! I bought a similair unit minuse the sound covers. Its a 15 kw unit which had a new engine installed in 2007 with the original unit only having 2 hours on it. In total the unit has 29 hours on it. The engine starts up great but I am not getting any voltage genertated. I used a 12 volt battery and flashed it manually through the front convience recepticales. Do you know why I cant get any voltage generated ???
I have a MEP-006A (60kw) that I bought from Duluth DRMO 20 years ago to power my off grid tool and die shop. I see that many parts in these various models are common. Do you have a cheap source for the air filter elements? I found them to be very expensive. My old genset still runs great, but very loud.
Hey man I have bought the same generator from a military surplus auction and I’m trying to figure out which way the fuel lines go. Someone disconnected and spray painted over the fuel line diagram
New micro switches are like €1, and the form factor is standard. Should give you a new pressure sensor.
We have a 30 kw unit at my shop. I exercise it monthly. Last month it made power perfectly. When I tried it this month, the engine runs perfect but the unit will not start making power. I tried it several times with no luck. Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated
imo give it a brighter outline (keep the military main colors but I feel like everything would work better if it had a outline (beige maybe)