Military surplus generator repair, and first start after years of sitting

In this video I go through a typical repair, maintenance, and startup of a MEP-004a 15kW military surplus diesel generator. This is pretty typical of the sets I get; a few parts missing, a few repairs needed. This particular set literally fires up on the first revolution of the engine, despite sitting for years; a testament to how rugged and reliable these things are!
This video was condensed from about 8 hours of work. I will release additional videos as I finish up repairs, maintenance, and load test this generator set.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• diesel
• generator
• MEP
• mep004a
• repair
• surplus
• military
• start
• engine

[kmluddy]

Oh great, so when you say idle that means nothing is running on the generator? I just signed up on steel soldiers as texasdaddyof5 thanks for response

[sewerzuk]

@kmluddy Nope...by idle I mean running the generator at a low RPM. It should ALWAYS stay adjusted for 1800RPM (60hz). Running it at a low RPM will burn up the voltage regulator.

[kmluddy]

How do you increase the hz to 60 on my mep 002? The needle doesn't move? Love your vids

[sewerzuk]

@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.

[midwestsurplus]

Hello,

Thanks for the video. Very insightful. I have a MEP006A and I am trying to get the generator to work. The engine runs great but I don't know what I need to hit as far as switches go. Can you offer any advice as to how I can put a load on this generator? I'm very new to this and don't know how to run it at all.

Thanks so much.

[sewerzuk]

@midwestsurplus Best thing for you to do is to join Steel Soldiers!

Lots of experienced MEP generator owners there...I would read through the auxiliary equipment section, and post any questions you have there!

[kmluddy]

Pretty sure I burned up the reg then

[rbradle4]

no load bank though.....had to make one from water heater elements and a 55 gal drum of water. it *does* have a automatic throttle governor. Reads RPM and regulates the throttle accordingly. Nice unit. Suspiciously low hours on meter. A very small amount of wetness from head-block joint....not seeping as much as just a small stain. Starts well, runs well, makes power.

[rbradle4]

Yes, trailer mounted, rated at 20KW, cable reel mounted on trailer......hauling it behind my truck through MD and SE pa was a trip....no tags, naturally....;/

I was very lucky, after reading the horror stories on Steel Soldiers. Mine wasn't in quite as rough shape...missing filters, had all cans. Put in fluids, bought batteries. flushed fuel through filters to IP. gave it a little shot of ether...it started third time. Pouring oil out of badly fitting filter top. fixed that. all very nice.

[sewerzuk]

@rbradle4 I haven't had the chance to work on one of those yet; nice buy! I think those are trailer mounted, with a load bank and some other built in equipment, right?