I have an old generator project. I have the 35 year old Briggs and Stratton humming along nicely at the correct rpm. I had a low output problem when I got it - 3-4 amps max from a 2000watt generator. I cleaned and checked all of the connections and verified the two diodes and the 100 microfarad cap using a simple DVM. Upon reassembly it did deliver the full 13 amps needed to run my quartz heater. But 30 seconds into the test the amps out dropped back to the 3-4 amp output that I saw earlier. For whatever reason I didn't check the voltage. That will happen tomorrow.
I can put 12v on the cap and two hours later I get a little spark, so that works. Diodes that are screwed into threaded sockets in the chassis don't have vibration issues. Brushes look new, but I didn't clean the contact rings yet. I guess I'll clean the connections again and retry. I sort of expect the output to be acceptable for the first minute or so - don't know if it will hold.
Any thoughts on what might be changing at high load? Whatever it is, it kills the output and even the original 6 amps is gone. I can try to flash the cap via the brushes while it's running . . . It pulls 6 amps with no problem, but 20 seconds of 10+ amps and it drops to very little output.
I'm stumped and going to bed. I'll look for anyone's thoughts tomorrow.
Thanks, Soloboss
I can put 12v on the cap and two hours later I get a little spark, so that works. Diodes that are screwed into threaded sockets in the chassis don't have vibration issues. Brushes look new, but I didn't clean the contact rings yet. I guess I'll clean the connections again and retry. I sort of expect the output to be acceptable for the first minute or so - don't know if it will hold.
Any thoughts on what might be changing at high load? Whatever it is, it kills the output and even the original 6 amps is gone. I can try to flash the cap via the brushes while it's running . . . It pulls 6 amps with no problem, but 20 seconds of 10+ amps and it drops to very little output.
I'm stumped and going to bed. I'll look for anyone's thoughts tomorrow.
Thanks, Soloboss