Learned one thing Didn't know about the vent on the fuel cap. Also, on the MEP-802A and 803A You need to check to see if the mod has been done on the voltage regulator. I learned the hard way. Put a full load on a MEP-802A and blow the voltage regulator. Thankfully there is an after-market that works well.
You can't use these heaters on an MEP 004A FYI. That is a 3 phase only generator. except for single phase 120v, but that's only because it's no different than 3 phase 120v with the other lugs disconnected. You really need a proper load bank for 3 phase generators.
Copy that. I plan on using it for my single phase 240 5 horsepower well pump and for backup power for my shop as well. I understand that I can modify it for single phase which is what I would need. Perhaps I could load it with my 240 air compressor after that conversion is done
Been running these for awhile and learned something new! Didn’t realize the filler cap had an open and closed. What color and brand paints do you use for these? Hopefully a low cost source..
Excellent video! I like the idea of using the 5 kw heaters as a load. Great information, but I would be careful using two of the 30 amp whips connected directly to the lugs, you could easily overload that 30 amp line with 10 awg wire and cause issues on the 803A, ideally you would want to feed a small breaker box and put a 25 or 30 amp breaker on each. Great for shakedown testing with the heaters, but be careful feeding existing 30 amp L14-30 input connection circuits for generators.
Those leads are only used when I do tests on generators like this. Anything more permanent gets much more attention to detail and quality installation. When I get a true load bank, I will have a much better setup.
@@CallMeColtLLC Colt, I meant this more for the people following this. For temporary load testing it is perfect, but some people might think oh yeah I can do that without knowing the potential hazards. You are doing a great job with your Videos, a lot of great information!
@@CallMeColtLLC This was around 14:06 in the video, but you were using the kill a watt meter as a more accurate reference to adjust the voltmeter to match the plug in kill a watt meter, not to adjust the generator output voltage. Excellent video by the way!
@@dynamicenergysolutions180 ah okay, that's why I didn't recall. I was talking about the gauge adjustment itself, not adjusting the actual voltage output. 👍
What I want to do is one my house off the generator with a 30 amp breaker do you think MEP-802 is better for that? Power assumption would be 8 amp to 29 amp.
If you are looking to run up to 29 amp, and MEP 802A would be best. Just be cautious of your surge loads. I've considered doing a video specifically on wet stacking down the road.
A load bank is just a big heater that can be configured to add wattage. As an electrician, I've been involved in acceptance/commissioning calls. I've used the load bank to heat my lunch.
I don't have a MEP 831A anymore to compare. They're really not comparable. MEP 831A is good for electronics and pure resistive loads with no surge because it's an inverter. MEP 802A is more of a traditional generator.
How much does MEP 803A usually go for on government auction or should I buy it from somewhere else? I am pretty good on small engines, fixing them and maintenance, but don’t have much experience on diesels
You can look up the sales prices right on the GovPlanet site. Everything from there is a gamble. It amazes me that I see units selling for almost as much before fees than what I am selling my fully refurbished ones for. I guess they'd rather give GovPlanet the money & still gamble while still needing to do the regular repairs/upgrades that almost ever single one needs anyways. Working on these is nothing like a small gasoline engine, but if you can follow instructions, the Technical Manuals tell you what to do.
I'm assuming you me reliable? Once they're repaired correctly, they are very reliable. Like any old mechanical machine, it may have a quirk here or there, but doing all the proper repairs, checks, and shake downs up fronts prevents this.
@@lukewinkler3284 they are both essentially the same machine with the same reliability except that the MEP 803A has a larger engine and generator head to produce more power. Just make sure you get an appropriate sized one for your needs.
Don't really have an answer for you. Market is flooded with them. Location matters. Even fully, properly refurbished ones are not selling for much. People are paying more for them on GovPlanet for some reason. 🤷
Learned one thing Didn't know about the vent on the fuel cap. Also, on the MEP-802A and 803A You need to check to see if the mod has been done on the voltage regulator. I learned the hard way. Put a full load on a MEP-802A and blow the voltage regulator. Thankfully there is an after-market that works well.
I have a video talking about the fuse and MOV modifications. Should have mentioned it in this video briefly.
Thank you for this video. I find it very helpful.
Glad you found it helpful
Great info. I'm picking up a MEP 004A generator and will need to service it and then load test to make sure it will be a solid performer. Subscribed!
You can't use these heaters on an MEP 004A FYI. That is a 3 phase only generator. except for single phase 120v, but that's only because it's no different than 3 phase 120v with the other lugs disconnected. You really need a proper load bank for 3 phase generators.
Copy that. I plan on using it for my single phase 240 5 horsepower well pump and for backup power for my shop as well. I understand that I can modify it for single phase which is what I would need. Perhaps I could load it with my 240 air compressor after that conversion is done
@demartinsm8479 you need to get a transformer or rewind/replace the head for anything 240v single phase. Not cost effective.
Been running these for awhile and learned something new! Didn’t realize the filler cap had an open and closed.
What color and brand paints do you use for these? Hopefully a low cost source..
Glad that you picked up something new! I use CARC match paint. It's not cheap. ~$11 a can. But it is perfect.
Excellent video! I like the idea of using the 5 kw heaters as a load. Great information, but I would be careful using two of the 30 amp whips connected directly to the lugs, you could easily overload that 30 amp line with 10 awg wire and cause issues on the 803A, ideally you would want to feed a small breaker box and put a 25 or 30 amp breaker on each. Great for shakedown testing with the heaters, but be careful feeding existing 30 amp L14-30 input connection circuits for generators.
Those leads are only used when I do tests on generators like this. Anything more permanent gets much more attention to detail and quality installation. When I get a true load bank, I will have a much better setup.
@@CallMeColtLLC Colt, I meant this more for the people following this. For temporary load testing it is perfect, but some people might think oh yeah I can do that without knowing the potential hazards. You are doing a great job with your Videos, a lot of great information!
Great video. Did I see some sparks by your left thumb at 14:00?
I don't think so. I watched many times editing and just watched again. Maybe just light on the camera lenses. Very bright day!
Great video!
Thank you. Not the most exciting one but it is information new owners of these generators would be looking for.
In the video you mentioned adjusting the voltage gauge with a screwdriver. Why not just use the voltage adjust knob?
Can you share the timestamp I said that? I don't recall saying that & might have misspoke!
@@CallMeColtLLC This was around 14:06 in the video, but you were using the kill a watt meter as a more accurate reference to adjust the voltmeter to match the plug in kill a watt meter, not to adjust the generator output voltage. Excellent video by the way!
@@dynamicenergysolutions180 ah okay, that's why I didn't recall. I was talking about the gauge adjustment itself, not adjusting the actual voltage output. 👍
Have you made a video on your aux tank and connecting it?
I made a video a long time ago on hooking up auxiliary fuel that's here on the channel but not on the exact setup in this video.
Where did you get those generator covers?
I have them made & sell them on my store. Click the eBay store link on my website, www.callmecolt.com
Any idea on the capacity on the auxiliary fuel tank and who makes it. I would like a auxiliary fuel tank for my 803
It's 50gal. I ordered it years ago, custom sized to fit on the trailer properly.
How many watts do I have to have on MEP-803A To avoid wet stacking.
80% or more load
What I want to do is one my house off the generator with a 30 amp breaker do you think MEP-802 is better for that? Power assumption would be 8 amp to 29 amp.
If you are looking to run up to 29 amp, and MEP 802A would be best. Just be cautious of your surge loads. I've considered doing a video specifically on wet stacking down the road.
OK, thank you
A load bank is just a big heater that can be configured to add wattage. As an electrician, I've been involved in acceptance/commissioning calls. I've used the load bank to heat my lunch.
Can you do a video on MEP-831A vs MEP - 802A? 🤔
I don't have a MEP 831A anymore to compare. They're really not comparable. MEP 831A is good for electronics and pure resistive loads with no surge because it's an inverter. MEP 802A is more of a traditional generator.
OK.thank you for the information😊
How often should I do the six hour load test? 🤔
Just to make sure it is good. Then, I do 2 hours ever month or so, unless I have used it.
@@CallMeColtLLC cool thank you
How much does MEP 803A usually go for on government auction or should I buy it from somewhere else?
I am pretty good on small engines, fixing them and maintenance, but don’t have much experience on diesels
You can look up the sales prices right on the GovPlanet site. Everything from there is a gamble. It amazes me that I see units selling for almost as much before fees than what I am selling my fully refurbished ones for. I guess they'd rather give GovPlanet the money & still gamble while still needing to do the regular repairs/upgrades that almost ever single one needs anyways. Working on these is nothing like a small gasoline engine, but if you can follow instructions, the Technical Manuals tell you what to do.
Ok thanks
Do you think a mep-831a can run a 3 ton AC with a soft start?
Where do you sell yours? Is it on eBay?
Where do you sell yours? Is it on eBay?
How liable are MEP 802A
I'm assuming you me reliable? Once they're repaired correctly, they are very reliable. Like any old mechanical machine, it may have a quirk here or there, but doing all the proper repairs, checks, and shake downs up fronts prevents this.
What’s kind of common problems would it have?
Is MEP 803 more reliable then a MEP 802
@@lukewinkler3284 they are both essentially the same machine with the same reliability except that the MEP 803A has a larger engine and generator head to produce more power. Just make sure you get an appropriate sized one for your needs.
I was not sure if the 2 cylinder was better than four-cylinder diesel for reliable ability. 😊
How much do you think an 802a is worth I got one at an auction for a pretty good deal and really just want to sell it to buy something more portable
Don't really have an answer for you. Market is flooded with them. Location matters. Even fully, properly refurbished ones are not selling for much. People are paying more for them on GovPlanet for some reason. 🤷
What’s a common failure on these generator?
Rubber parts
@@CallMeColtLLC what failed on your six hour test on the video? Just curious.