14
OPM-138/B
TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem
Possible Causes
Won’t start
Low oil level
Fouled spark plug
Out of fuel
Start switch in OFF position
Fuel Valve turned off
Plugged fuel filter
Blown fuse in key switch
Voltage too low
Engine speed is too low
Generator overloaded
Defective stator
Defective rotor (field)
Defective capacitor
Circuit breaker trips
Defective load
Defective receptacle
Excessive load
Voltage too high
Engine speed is too high
Generator overheating
Overloaded
Insufficient ventilation
No output voltage
Short in load (disconnect)
Tripped or defective circuit breaker
Broken or loose wire
Defective receptacle
No residual magnetism (in
generator)
Defective stator
Defective rotor (field)
Shorted capacitor
Shorted diodes on rotor
GFCI receptacle tripped
GENERATOR CARE
Proper care and maintenance of the generator is necessary
to ensure a long trouble free life.
EXERCISING THE GENERATOR
The generator should be operated every three to four
weeks. It should be operated for a period of time sufficient
to warm the unit up and to dry out any moisture that has
accumulated in the windings. If left, this moisture can cause
corrosion in the winding. Frequent operation of the engine-
generator set will also ensure that the set is operating
properly should it be needed in an emergency.
GENERATOR MAINTENANCE
Any major generator service, including the installation
or replacement of parts, should be performed only by a
qualified electrical service technician. USE ONLY FACTORY
APPROVED REPAIR PARTS.
A. Bearing - The bearing used in these generators is a
heavy duty, double sealed ball bearing. They require
no maintenance or lubrication.
B. Receptacles - Quality receptacles have been utilized. If a
receptacle should become cracked or otherwise
damaged, replace it. Using damaged or cracked
receptacles can be both dangerous to the operator
and destructive to the equipment.
CLEANING
Remove dirt and debris with a cloth or brush. DO NOT
use high pressure spray to clean either the engine or the
generator. The high pressure spray could contaminate the
fuel system and the generator components.
1. Keep the air inlet screen on both the engine and
generator free of any dirt or debris to ensure proper
cooling. At least yearly, remove the blower housing on
the engine and clean the chaff and dirt out of the engine
cooling fins and fly wheel. Clean more often if necessary.
Failure to keep these areas clean may cause overheating
and permanent damage to the unit.
2. Periodically clean muffler area to remove all grass, dirt,
and combustible debris to prevent a fire.
3. On engine mufflers equipped with spark arresters, the
spark arrester must be removed every 50 hours for
cleaning and inspection. Replace if damaged.
