6-1
Section 6. Adjustments
Inadvertently starting the engine may
result in damage to the generator set or serious per-
sonal injury. For this reason, disconnect the batter-
ies, negative (-) cable first, before beginning any ad-
justment or maintenance work on the engine, gen-
erator, control panel, automatic transfer switch or
associated wiring.
CENTRIFUGAL SWITCH
The start-disconnect centrifugal switch (Figure 6-1) is lo-
cated on the side of the engine, above the oil filter. The
switch opens when the engine stops, and closes when
engine speed reaches 900 rpm. If necessary, loosen the
stationary contact and adjust the point gap to 0.020 inch
(51 mm). Replace burned or faulty points.
High voltage, which can cause severe
personal injury or death, is present at the breaker
point gap. For this reason, disconnect the battery
cable, negative [-] terminal first, before setting the
breaker point gap.
FIGURE 6-1. CENTRIFUGAL SWITCH ADJUSTMENT
ES1808
CENTRIFUGAL SWITCH
BREAKER POINTS
SET GAP AT 0.020 INCH
(51 mm)
GOVERNOR
The governor controls engine speed. On a 4 pole gen-
erator, engine speed equals frequency multiplied by 30.
Thus 1800 rpm generates 60 hertz. Preferred engine
speed does not vary more than 3 hertz from no-load to
full-load operation. Be sure that the throttle, linkage, and
governor mechanism operate smoothly.
Speed Adjustment
To change the governor speed, change the spring ten-
sion by turning the governor spring nut, Figure 6-1. Turn
the nut clockwise (more spring tension) to increase rpm,
or counterclockwise to reduce governed speed. Use a
stroboscope or a frequency meter to make this adjust-
ment.
Sensitivity Adjustment
To adjust governor sensitivity (no-load to full-load speed
droop), turn the sensitivity adjusting ratchet. On city
water-cooled units, turning the ratchet counterclockwise
provides more sensitivity (less speed drop when full load
is applied), and turning it clockwise provides less sensi-
tivity (more speed drop).
If the governor is too sensitive, a rapid hunting condition
occurs (alternate increasing and decreasing speed). Ad-
just the governor for maximum sensitivity without hunt-
ing. After making the sensitivity adjustment, readjust the
speed.