POWERMATE 1500 watt Generator with problem

Anyone have any idea what might be wring with this generator? It runs so nice and quiet, but I can't very well use it like this.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• powermate
• ag-tronic
• coleman
• alternator
• electrical

[carrabec99]

needs a muffler and probably new brushes on the generator

[LynolsOffice]

The muffler is solid, and this is actually a pretty quiet machine. Now, If it were brushes, wouldn't it put out the wrong voltage all the time? I really would like to get this generator running well.

[partyfriek]

is it fixed now???

[LynolsOffice]

Nothings changed. No one had any ideas.

[krawlr]

Get a bigger generator. Specs on generators these days deceptive. I would go at least double the rating of your biggest starting load. No such thing as too big with a gas generator. Use the little one for lighting.

[LynolsOffice]

I think your right. Fortunately I have a larger 5,500 watt generator, it just isn't very portable. But it does handle things like power tools well.

[automan1223]

You also have an extension cord which will drop voltage for every foot you have between load and generator. use at least a 12 gauge or heavier heavy duty cord no more than 25' long to run any demanding loads. Remote work sites that use such a low output generator are good for charging batteries, lighting, small electrical loads like drills or small circular saws. less than 7.5 inches.

[automan1223]

A powermate 1500 is only surge, its more like 1200 continuous. Which means 10 amps output at 120 volts. Volts times amps equals watts. Now here is the rub. There are many factors that influence output. You are not going to have 120 volts at 10 amps. you will be lucky to have 100 volts like you have. Electric motors use twice the rated wattage. Lights, chargers, other such loads can survive on 2 pole cheap gen sets. Fluroescent lights may flicker due to number of poles in generator and harmonics.

[kengine7]

Slow recovery after grinder removed means AVR, capacitor problem or loose/corroded wire from cap or AVR to field.

[uvman707]

@carrabec99 I find there is nothing wrong with the generator or brushes. Use an analog voltmeter, you will find the voltage reading is stable. Some digital multimeters (especially cheap ones) can give erroneous readings caused by harmonics produced by the generator. I have had the same problem with mine, a 4000 watt unit. I found it was the cheap digital meter was the problem. I got a better meter and it checks out good.

[BurtBartlow]

Sounds to me like some sort of carb/voltage regulation issue. Most generators have a linkage to open the throttle when they sense a load on the alternator. Doesn' t sound like yours is kicking in.

[MrMrwilem]

i have one just like it i'll check it and see with similar tools.

[BlanchProductions]

i got one of these, tore it down and it still wont work, its in pieces then i realized the air thingers by the piston were stuck shut

[JHx86]

it might have a loose shaft on the generator or its an inverter generator with a bad board, or it may have a bad capacitor if it has one, or you may just be going over the load limit.

[wheely132]

i have one like yours. it runs geat, first pull every time.

[Tubeglowfun]

Does it only have the voltage drop with inductive loads?