How Generators Work, And How To Fix Them.
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- Опубліковано 20 кві 2023
- 15kW standby generator stopped making power. Can I figure out why and fix it? I go through how to troubleshoot a generator, and several different types of generators and their differences.
Check out James Condon's channel if you want to learn more about generators. He's very thorough and I have learned a lot watching him. @jcondon1
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Generators are fascinating in how they work, but there are so many different variations and ways of doing things it's hard to do a comprehensive overview in a single video. They will certainly keep you on your toes! I hope you guys enjoy the video, and have an absolutely excellent weekend folks!!
Learned a lot by watching this. Great work.
Should have sent it to james c
Weren't those short white wires actually fusible links? I believe that wire could be directly on the stator winding and has the full current of the generator available. I have seen the fireworks when that wire gets it's insulation eaten. Big bright plasma flash!
If you want your head to explode add a tertiary winding. That makes an amplidyne (sp). That makes crazy power and when I learned how they work I was told PFM.
for more generator videos I recommend @SmallEngineMechanic
Nice save and great video. Fantastic job with the illustrations and explaining how a brushed and brushless generator works.
Thanks Jim! That's great to hear from somebody who really knows what they are talking about when it comes to generators. I feel like I know just enough to be dangerous! ;-)
@@FarmCraft101 As a fan of James' channel, I was hoping you had run into it. I really appreciated your diagrams of the brushed and brushless generators! I've watched James test those windings a million times and said to myself "One of these days, I need to understand that better". Your walk-through helped a lot! Glad the repair was fairly inexpensive for a nice beefy generator for your buddy!
I watch both channels James and Jon - always a learning experience.
@@kd2eat My cat is very old and grumpy and refuses to eat his hair -- he also has loose bowel movements
@@kd2eat James has never explained how well John has explained the working of a generator.
We have used the ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!
Career mechanic, you gave the best explanation, schematic, and diagrams I’ve ever seen. You should have called this episode “ come learn ac systems, dc systems, engine diagnosis, and plumbing in under an hour” . Big fan!
I agree. Hid diagrams spoke volumes
bob jones
I couldn’t agree more. After seeing so many UA-cam videos of people thinking they know more about whatever their subject is, than they really do. It nice to see one where the person has actual useful working knowledge of the subject. I’ll be exploring this man’s UA-cam content. I hope he has more.
Bobjones_xc9fp
I'm right their with you. Mechanic and going to school for engineering, he explained ac/DC power plants and controls better than any book Ive read has. I've paid a lot of teachers to learn what he just gave for free in 10 minutes.
I'm an electrical engineer covering generator controls along with other stuff for an offshore drilling company. Your explanation and troubleshooting for that stand-by gen were spot-on; same approach our guys use troubleshooting the big diesels offshore. =) The cool thing was seeing all the same principles duplicated in miniature. The 15kW stand-by wasn't that much different from one of our 7,000kW gens, except we pull exciter power from a PMG.
Most under 10KW are brushed. The engine will probably wear out before the slip rings or brushes.
Totally agree. Worked on some old EMD stationary power (4000 kW). Basically railroad engines with the generator swapped out for AC power. Things were kept pre-lubed and went from standby to nearly full load in 10 seconds.
Nuke plant I worked at had 2 trans America Deleval/Cooper/Enterprise that were V24 4 stroke to memory. Had full temperature control if oil and coolant to have diesel and generator ready to go from full emergency start to full load about 10,000Kw in 10 seconds to memory. They were massive and had all sorts of pneumatic sensors for protection along with a pneumatic computer. The V12 tandem GM EMD 2 stroke was much simpler and louder but purred like a kitten. It had about 6,800kw to 7,200kw to memory. Been 20 plus years since I worked in either of them. The DELEVAL STARTED AS HUGE CARGO SHIP ENGINES that were built and certified for nuclear power emergency back up power. Both were air start with the Deleval injecting air into the cylinders and the EMD’s each having two robust air start motors driving their flywheels. You could tell which of the three diesels fire up by their sound. The EMD started really loud then quite down. The Deleval had two massive turbo chargers per engine while the EMD ALSO HAD TWO TURBO CHARGER PER V12 engine. All had oil sump, coolant heaters and circulating pumps with the turbos having a soak back or drip feed to their bearing for hot starts before the main engine driven oil pumps kicked in. The coolant electric circulating coolant pumps would also turn off when the engine drive coolant pumps came to speed and system pressure. Much of the test run protection in the Deleval would be bypassed by the pneumatic computer during an emergency run. It either ran or failed. I think the only protection that remained in the Deleval were the main crank and connecting rod temp sensors were lad melt type which would vent the air pressure holding the pneumatic computer in energency run when I tgat mode and perhaps the turbo vibration sensors and turbo oil/bearing temps but it’s just been too long and I worked more on the nuclear instrumentation snd reactor controls than the other equipment.
😳😳💕💕💕💕Loved your detail sharing@@user-gy9qv4ml5y
I pump out septic tanks, and your description of a generator are amazing!
Everybody needs a friend like you John. That’s the reason I like your channel so much. I really enjoy the logic in your work. You might not exactly know how something works, but with persistence you’ll work it out. I wish you were my neighbour!
I've worked on generators for years and your explanations are correct. Your troubleshooting is very good. Farmers fix it all.
Your teaching ability is simply amazing. Videos like this are what truly makes the internet great.
I never get tired of watching Farmcraft101. It doesnt matter how long the videos are. Keep doing the great Job you are doing John. Thank you
I’ll never have to do the things you are doing on your farm, but every video you make is so fascinating to watch because of your editing and voice overs. Thanks for all the effort you put into these!
You've really improved your drawing skills. Maybe the wife will put on refrigerator!
Excellent video, as always.
Haha! I knew I needed good diagrams for this one, and trying to make a digital version would have taken forever. So...there might have been some tracing paper involved.... ;-)
@@FarmCraft101 -The effort put into your videos is pretty apparent. Hence why you’re getting repeat customers 😎
I learned more today than in the previous hours of watching others work on their generators.
Great explanation. The drawings were immensely helpful.
I worked machine repair for the first 10 years of my employment. After that I was supervising others doing it.
For the last 10 years I have been retired and doing contract work writing work instructions for several companies.
Electronic cameras are a wonderful tool. They let you watch the operation from all sides. Part of the work instruction is providing pictures and drawings of the various processes. I set up 2 or 3 hi rez movie cameras and record the process. Then I clip stills from the video and embed them in the work instruction.
If I had the cameras available in the shops I was repairing or training others in how to repair equipment I would have had a much better chance of success.
Seeing the MOSFET overload and smoke the fuse is invaluable.
Great job and thanks for the explanation. 😁😎
I have to give you props for mentioning other youtubers that are more specialized in certain areas. I have watched James Condon mentioned here and I also watch Jesse Muller mentioned in the telescoping lift video. Nothing wrong with giving someone credit for learning something from them. Thanks for all your videos they are appreciated.
That explanation was spot on, just like my teacher explained it back when I trained to be a TV repair engineer, we touched into a lot of different aspects of power generating and usage. We even did a full montage of a fusebox in a house, with all connections and a shitload of wires to connect. The teacher would come up with different malfunction that we was supposed to find and rectify, and at the end we could almost find any problem with any TV or radio set they dumped on us. This was back when TV's was huge and bulky and the flatscreen had not been introduced yet. Nowadays nobody repairs anything anymore, and just pay to get a new item. Thousands of perfectly good electronic devices gets just dumped each year. Like a modern flatscreen tv has to be OLED or it is not good enough, and of course curved screen is a must. It's just so silly.
Very well done, and a fitting addition to James Condon’s remarkable videos each week. Your diagrams and explanations helped me better understand things I thought I already knew. Your video editing and voiceovers are second to none, and the pace of your work keeps me very interested in every video you post. Great job!
Brushed generator uses capacitor for exciter voltage. James Condon’s channel is excellent and honest !
Just an excellent tutorial on how generators work in principle & how you went about troubleshooting & repairing. Great job!
This in-depth explanation of generator design and function was a nice throwback to a series of elective classes I took in 9th and 10th grade called "Energy, Power And Transportation I/II/III"... some of my favorite classes in high school. And the teacher was just really good at explaining seemingly complex processes with clear examples of simple principles. Much the way you do, John. For folks who learn the way I do, you make a very good teacher/instructor.
I´m a german mechatronic technician and know I´m studying mechanical engineering.
And then there is a crazy farmer, who teaches me new things every week....I love it.
Thank you John
Having taught motor/Gen theory for 16 years, you are right on the money. Excellent training!
7:30 in my years of problem solving things I find; "there is nothing more permanent then a temporary solution".
I studied electrical stuff 30 years ago. This was a great refresher course 😊
Greetings from England.
I failed physics miserably at school 50 years ago. I just about understood the basic DC current circuit, but nothing more. Your video, and in particular the drawn diagrams, has taught me more about electricity generation than I have ever known before. Thank you.....
The best guy to watch on generator repairs is: "Small Engine Mechanic" on UA-cam. He works on all kinds; rebuilds everything; has load banks that make Condon's look Mickey Mouse. That's what he does for a living. Been watching him for years & have learned a lot more that what I get from Condon. Not to be disrespectful, but if I'm going under the surgeon's knife, I want a Doctor, not the local butcher, though both may be the best in their fields. Check him out & you'll see the difference real quick.
But, he quit posting about a year ago. Don't know why.
Always great to see these refurbishment videos!
Mr. Condon is my go to guy for Small Engines, very meticulous (almost surgical) in explanation. I really enjoy both of your Channels alot. Learning something always makes my day! :)
Granted I am old and forget it the next day.
I am sorry to say that I just don't want the "LawnMower" aerobics anymore for my Pressure Washer/Lawnmower/Weed Eater/Roto-tiller/Snowblower and then spend hours cleaning carbs for hours for two to three hours of seasonal work. While I do tolerate wrenching...I am at the age when I just don't wish to anymore :)
Thank You for your Trials and Tribulations with each project you encounter and the solutions you come up with. Peace!
When I log into youtube and have notifications from both Jon (FarmCraft101) and James (James Condon), it's not an easy choice of which one to watch first. You're both excellent youtubers and I always learn something new from each of you.
If you had been my high school electronics instructor, I may had stayed in that class, but now at 66 years of age, you are still a genius at how to go from one thing to another, to find what the problem is. Seems people around here just want to scrap something and get a new one, of whatever it may be. I miss fabrication and building things. Maybe again if I can learn how to walk again with a prosthetic leg. I enjoyed watching. Thank you !
Hi John, propane engines usually require liquid take off from the tank, whereas your BBQ uses vapour take off. That unit between the tank and the engine is a vaporizer. Liquid propane is fed into that unit and converted into vapour. Those units usually have coolant hoses connected (on cars) to prevent the vaporizer from freezing.
His doesn't look like it's got a vape unit. It's probably spec'ed for the general use case where a person is feeding it natural gas.
No, The unit is not a vaporizer. They are generally only used on larger engines, and require hose connections to the engine coolant to keep them from freezing up. This unit is definitely set up for vapor input, the unit mentioned is simply a pre regulator to reduce vapor pressure. This small 3 cyl engine can be run directly on vapor no problem. If it was a V8, it would definitely use a vaporizer tied to engine coolant. Tank pressure is 100-200 PSI depending on ambient temperature, it needs to be reduced to a few inches water column for the carburetor. Hence the two stage regulators, one on the outside plumbing, and if you noticed, there is another regulator inside the housing for the final low pressure to feed the carb.
I appreciated the diagrams and the ten or twelve minutes you spent explaining how generators work. Well done.
Great demonstration and explanation of how generators work, without this basic understanding it is impossible to troubleshoot any generator. Thanks.
I watch almost all of James' videos, (and yours too). You did a great job troubleshooting and explaining. Keep em coming.
Again, you are a great teacher and explain segments supported with good drawings. I was glad you saved this engine/generator from the scrap heap. Blessings to you.
Thanks John, I've really never fully understood this topic before and now I feel like I have a much more firm grasp on it. Thanks for such a great video and all your other videos too!
I am continually amazed at the things you can fix and your understanding of everything where you can teach the concept in a "simple" way. I am convinced there is nothing you cant fix!
The bridge rectifier simply keeps the alternating waveform always positive, but it is still alternating from zero to max voltage. The regulator will add a low pass filter to turn it into an actual DC level which can then be adjusted from zero to a max voltage. The low pass filter parameters are adjusted based on the frequency of the ac signal which is set by the speed of the spinning motor.
I was pretty much coming to say just this.
And in fact, the big ol' "can" capacitor used for this is often a point of failure for brushless generators.
Excellent and very detailed explanation. On a side note, I have that exact same analog multimeter purchased from Radio Shack in the 70's! Still working and very useful to see fluctuations that I can't see on my digital meter. Thanks for all the work you put into this video!
Fantastic description of brushed and brushless generators! This for me was really a true lightbulb moment. Thanks very much indeed for going through it this way!
I seriously love that you explained in detail because I have a simple understanding on generators. The proof your never to old to learn something new
EXCELLENT video once again, Jon. I always learn from you. Thanks for taking the time to make the drawings. They helped me a lot. Another great topic in your channel!!
What a fantastic educational and instructive video. Really felt compelled to listen to your comments regarding how your views on how a generator works Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Look forward to your next.
The absolute best and easiest explanation of not only generators but brushless/brushed motors etc. Thank you!
I think it is a good sign that you keep recommending channels that I am already subscribed. I agree James is wizard with those small engines and generators. I like how he will stay after something until he feels it is the best it can be!
Good job! Always enjoy your content and watching your logical, methodical approach to troubleshooting (you've done this before numerous times I'd imagine.) Hope you are well.
This is such a great and clear explanation of how this all works. Very well done.
Excellent discussion on generators in general. You have a gift in the ability to explain things simply using great analogies.
I am a mechanic of small generators and brush cutters etc I like teachings it helps me a lot (South Africa)
Really good explainer on the gen windings and such. Its so much easier to hear it from a non engineer who doesnt over-explain and complicate things. Even if some details are missing or wrong (im assuming thats possible) this video got me closer to understanding alot of subjects im interested in. Thanks!
Agreed..... good communication is a valuable skillset
love that the engine goes "ha ha ha " when it stops kranking.
Very good diagnosis FC. Thanks for the great video and explanation. Look forward to the next one.
Great video. I grew up around electronics with dad being a TV repairman from the 50's. There's always more to learn. Thanks for taking the time for us.
This video was well-explained and easy to follow. I feel confident in fixing my generator now.
BIG Congratulations!!! You deserve it for all the diagnosis and final repair you completed! Your buddy owes you BIG time for the money you saved him on a GREAT generator! You should feel proud cause you really did a nicwe job!
Thanks so much for taking the time to take us along for this ride bud. I learned plenty about actually applying some stuff i had only read about
Your explanations are spot on and As Big Clive Would Say "A Full Bridge Rectifer"
For reference, the H on a fuse doesn't indicate the fuse speed, that's the breaking capacity, H for high, L for low. The T means slow blow, a fuse marked with an F is fast blow.
Summary was generated by Summatim, let us know if there are any inaccuracies! 🤖
0:01: Introduction
0:59: Control Panel
2:15: Checking the Engine
5:17: Investigating the Control Panel
8:48: Hooking Up Propane
10:43: Fixing a Leak
13:28: Testing the Generator
15:05: Investigating Power Output
19:05: Generator Diagnosis
19:15: Stator and Rotor
21:24: Exciter
27:04: Brushed Generator Setup
27:33: Brushless Generator Setup
36:47: Generator power adjustment
43:59: Brushed vs Brushless Generators
44:08: Introduction
44:36: Pilot Exciter
44:48: Fuse Replacement
45:43: AVR Replacement
50:51: Load Testing
54:06: Powering the Shop
57:36: Conclusion
This should be in the description of the video or in a pinned comment/
Jon, years ago I taught electricity and electronics in the navy and you did an excellent job of explaining the principles of motors and generators. You got your friends MG fixed ..why am I no surprised!
Keep up the great videos. My only complaint about them is you need to do more of them!
Fabulous explanation of the key theoretical concepts. Thankyou.
This is the best explanation on UA-cam about this topic. Really appreciate your efforts in bringing your viewers the knowledge of how things work. A request if you can make more videos on this topic about other types of portable generators like the capacitor and inverter type.
One of the best explanations of an a/c generator function I’ve seen. Great for non-electrical and DYIers.
THAT WAS COOL...IVE BEEN STUDYING FOR
50 years. And you made it simple. Thanks
Thank you, very, very well explained. I have been looking for this explanation on youtube but could not find one. There is a youtuber "James Condon" who makes generator repair videos, even though he has never explained this well how the generetor works, and I can't fix fix something if I don't know how it works.
I was going to suggest checking out James Condon's channel, so great to see you mention him at the end!
James is my go to generator guru. Watch his hands he is like a doctor. Very smooth movements excellent explaining of what he is doing. Awesome teacher and person. Jon your great too. Love your machinery videos. Keep up the great work. Oh and Thanks again. Gotta go got a Ditchwitch to go and reassemble the fuel system on. Just a small self driven trencher.
Another really good video. The time spent to explain how the generator makes and governs power was fantastic.
Excellent tutorial and explanation. Well done.
I agree! James Condon is THE small machine guy and his videos are refreshingly free of fuzz, product placements and time consuming chit-chat. He was of great help when i set out to fix my dad´s snow blower.
Your drawings are a great tool to tell workings.A+ A+ A+. You cleared up a lot about generators. Thank you.
Great job explaining generators and troubleshooting. I'm really impressed. Keep it coming.
Very good and easy to follow and understand. The best of all right to the point without gimmicks and mimics ❤
You overall knowledge of just about everything is amazing. You should be a teacher for our young...
Great video. You have absolutely nailed the diagnostic approach to solving problems. But even better is your safety first approach to fuel. Demonstrating best practices for set up and testing of propane vapour is paramount. Thank you
Good recommendation for a JAMES CONDON. He’s excellent on generators very knowledgeable. Thank you, John.
Nice plug for James Condon, I watch him regularly and like you said he definitely knows his stuff. Another well put together video that puts another tool in us Jack of all trades tool boxes.
Thank you for a somewhat detailed explanation of a generation, the best I have seen and explained in a long time. Thank-you again.
That was a brilliant explanation. So good that even someone that had never come across this before could understand. Well done!!
I watch James Condon's channel all the time. Small engine generator repair extraordinaire...
I heard at least one Eric O. reference here!
Love this channel
Fantastic explanation you have a way of making projects look so simple, that's why I love watching you, it builds my own confidence level. Keep up the great work. Cheers from Jacksonville Florida 🌞
LOL Half way thru the video I was thinking, "John needs to watch James!" and sure enough, you already did! Thanks for the video!
Great explanation and diagrams. And I’ve watched James Condon for a couple years now, the knowledge you two have is exceptional!
4/23/23;..friend's 15,000W propane Brigs& Stratton 3cylinder generator...de-mouse-ifed, re-fuse'd, re-volt-regulated, re-plumbered pipe leaks & multi-load tested...wow Jon, great educational video 2day! You can fix soo many problems... issues..humm...ever thought about running for public office?..Governor? Senator? President?...we have lots of 'short-circuits' throwing 'hot sparks' everywhere...I look at your closing video shot 2day...a nice walk in the peaceful pasture on a beautiful day watching 'Ole Betsy chewing a mouthful of nourishment...Much enjoy your channel, your many talents & accomplishments. Give us more! Stay safe & carry on!👏👏👍👍👷😊🔧⚙️🚜
Amazing troubleshooting,Love watching ALL your vids late at night betterthan cable...lastly you are such a good person always helping others
Fascinating. I was cautious and concerned the information was over my head. You went through the troubleshooting so deliberately and explained yourself quite simply. I learned alot. Thanks
Great explanation of everything. I just got a 3 cylinder diesel genset with what I suspect is a dead AVR and watched this as a refresher and was surprised at how good your explanations and drawings were.
Nice work! Thanks for the explanations. I enjoyed the video and sharing.
Thank you for sharing your process and breaking things down to my level.
Awesome, useful info.
When you're all done, not a bad generator, it sounds like it runs smoothly & fairly quiet.
Well done! I always appreciate when someone used logic to reason their way through fixing a complicated piece of equipment.
Thank you for taking the time to produce this video for the rest of us.
Subscribed. Want more! 👍👌
Very easy to understand! Thanks for explaining in such a way that this can be very helpful to anyone troubleshooting. Great work, love watching all your videos!
The explanations of the electrical principles here are so helpful!!
Great video, always a pleasure watching quality and copitent content, good job !!
I have been watching Gordon for a long time ,my son turned me to you ,your theory and explanation of generator beats any any Electrical Engineering Class.He does not do theory and explanation he is good and does not give up on the repair.
What a fabulous teaching tool you have created. This should be in every electrical engineering syllabus in college! It's a nut and bolts critical problem solving class in itself. Congrats on the bottom-line, start to finish, critical-path detective work! Thank you... Spanish has a term...mil-gracias...A thousand thank you's.
I have a generator size just like that one. Am told it is a shorted stator. After watching this I want a second opinion. You are one smart gentleman. Wish you lived around here.
A great walkthrough for diagnosing and fixing a generator.
Very clear explanation of generator working and ac/dc current. Thanks
Fantastic video and excellent explanation and diagrams of how generators work. I am a big fan of James Condon's channel, and between the two of you I have learned a great deal about these machines work, and how they fail. Thanks!
Very good explanation of generator theory and practice. I learned about that in Electrician School.
Been watching James for years very interesting channel, your repair was spot on as well.
Great fix Jon, as usual; brilliant explanations. Loved the "Kill a Watt," very cool.