skip to main content

Real Generator problem

12 years ago

At some point in the last few months since Sandy etc came through my generator has developed problems. Its an automatic standby wincogen PSS12H Its at least seven years old and has 700 hours on it.
It wouldn't start.
Plenty of propane.
Checked and replaced Fuse
Battery Flat Replaced Identified that the trickle charger was bad and used the one off my garden tractor to keep things charged.
Oil level is good.
Had my guy in today and discovered no spark. Coils may be good but he's saying he's going to have to pull the engine to replace to some ignition parts plus the compression is 90 on one side and 120 on the other.
He suspects that the a partial failure of the ignition system resulted in one cylinder running full time while the other one ran part time or not at all.
Its all sounding pretty darned expensive.
Thoughts?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

rustyj14
12 years ago
If the machine was exposed to water, snow, rain, or a combination of all, there is a possibility of some damage to the ignition system, or the fuel supply, or anything that could have been affected by wind blown water, especially salt water!
Better to have another person look at it. Usually, one look-see by somebody will result in higher fix costs.
As for one cylinder running and one not--does he think the non-running piston just sets there, not moving? HMMM?? He's sounding expensive!
If the machine was under water for a time, there might be some water in the oil, which can be ascertained easily.
I';d say: "Pull the flywheel cover and check the ignition stuff around it. Clean the rust off the legs of the ignition coil and flywheel magnets. Blow out any dirt that has gotten in around the ignition areas.Blow out the mouse "hotel rooms". Check all safety switches for water penetration.
Clean the battery cable connections. Check cables for rust inside their covers. If you do get it to run a little, then change the oil! If you haven't done that already.
HTH: Rusty Jones, the Mower Man
0
akachrisinmass
Original Author
12 years ago
Sound advice. Time to pull it apart. Its actually very well protected where its located and not subject to water which is good. But I wonder whether mice might be present and done some damage.
Hmm.
0
Related Discussions
powerback generator problems
Q
Comments (5)
Jerry: As I always advise the only way to clear up this problem , add concentrated fuel cleaner directly within a fresh tank of gas. Then start by removing both high and low speed jets and inspecting same . if you have a small gauge wire or torch tip cleaner carefully clean the jet orifice . Then spray some carb cleaner through the jets and replace and adjust as normal . After approx. 30 minute give the float bowl a few taps with the handle of a large screwdriver to assist with freeing up a potential stuck float needle valve. You may have to attempt starting more than once , once started let it fast idle (Choke) until the cleaner get a chance to reduce the gumming or debris within the carb circuit. Once it starts to load up , turn off the choke and let it warm up without load . Once warmed up , trial it further with a valid load test to ensure governor action functions properly also . If this does not resolve your issues you will have to remove the float bowl after draining same and inspect that the needle valve is moving freely and may also have to remove same to inspect and clean-out this orifice as previously instructed . In the future ensure to store your generator with stabil additive and use carb cleaner / conditioner annually during 1st start-up .
...See More
Drivers for Windows 7 64 bit a general problem?
Q
Comments (1)
It appears use of a simple IR Dongle will fix the situation for the Z22 and W7 64 bit. I see: Syba SD-U1IRDA-NM USB Fast Infra-Red Adapter for about $12 on Amazon. Seems to be the answer, even Palm recommends IR or Bluetooth to support 64 bit applications.
...See More
Generac standby generator - clock problem
Q
Comments (5)
As far as my Generac is concerned, the clock only is used for starting the exercise time and logging purposes. It really doesn't have much to do with the generator operation. It's the transfer switch that tells the generator to start and the generator will try for a bit before it gives up (if it doesn't start) but the inaccuracy of 30 minutes in weeks isn't likely to have any practical issue.
...See More
Generator Problem
Q
Comments (5)
65hz is WAY out of spec if you have any electronics on there. my UPSs won't even charge their batteries at 65hz, they run fully on battery thinking there is a problem. the problem is your startup current for the pump motor. start current can be 5-10 times running current, if not more. your genny may not be able to handle this brief spike. also, have you double checked to make sure you get 240 volts to the pump? some gen sets do not provide 240, just 2 outputs of 120, but they are off the same leg of the windings. RV generators are like that. use a voltmeter and measure each leg to the other, if you read zero volts, read them to ground and you should read 120v. this would mean they are the same leg.
...See More
Related Professionals
Manorville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Willowick Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Eustis Landscape Contractors · Fair Oaks Landscape Contractors · Holland Landscape Contractors · Las Vegas Landscape Contractors · McLean Landscape Contractors · Mount Kisco Landscape Contractors · Tewksbury Landscape Contractors · Lauderdale Lakes Landscape Contractors · Fairfax Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Frederick Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · West Bloomfield Township Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Glendale Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Saint Peters Home Builders
exmar zone 7, SE Ohio
12 years ago
Can add nothing to Ruty's comments other than agree.

I've always found it very interesting that automatic standby generators don't charge the battery while running. The battery charging is done off AC when present. I recall one of the power outages we had here, my brother has a Generac "whole house" unit that he would shut down once a day to check the oil, etc. About the 5th time he did that it wouldn't start? Checking, he discovered the battery was low, "jumped" it off a garden tractor, and it started right up. He then ran an extension cord and plugged in a battery charger to charge the battery. We both thought it amusing that the generator was running fine, but he had to "back feed" to keep the battery up.

Guess the 120V feed coming in to charge the battery is also used to "sense" loss of power and begin the starting sequence? I know the manufacturers are forced to "cheapen" things to get to particular price points, but does a charging coil on a Kohler engine cost that much more than one without? Rhetorical, seems like all or most do it that way. Perhaps it's also the additonal circuitry and wiring to provide a sensing input and a charging input.

Just an observation,

Good luck,

Ev
0
akachrisinmass
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks Guys. Its coming apart in a slowly but surely. .
0

Related Stories

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Innovative Home Reunites Generations Under One Roof

By Annie Thornton

Parents build a bright and sunny modern house where they can age in place alongside their 3 grown children and significant others

TRADITIONAL HOMES Houzz Tour: Connecticut Farm Restored for Generations to Come

By Mary Jo Bowling

A man renovates his extended family’s stately farmhouse and land. Sustainable practices are used in gardens, wetlands and recreation areas

ARCHITECTURE Meet the Next Generation of Incredibly Adaptable Homes

By Robyn Lawrence

Move a wall or an entire kitchen if you please. These homes scale down and switch it up with ease as needs change

DISASTER PREP & RECOVERY More Power to You: How to Pick the Right Generator

By Marianne Lipanovich

If your home's electricity goes, don't let it take your necessities with it — keep systems running with this guide to backup power

LIVING ROOMS 8 Reasons to Nix Your Fireplace (Yes, for Real)

By Laura Gaskill

Dare you consider trading that 'coveted' design feature for something you'll actually use? This logic can help

LIFE Is Cabin Fever Real? Share Your Story

By Mary Jo Bowling

Are snow piles across the U.S. leading to masses of irritability and boredom? We want to hear your experience

KITCHEN DESIGN Pearls of Wisdom From a Real-Life Kitchen Remodel

By Samantha Schoech

What your best friend would tell you if you were embarking on a renovation and she'd been there, done that

SELLING YOUR HOUSE 15 Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Real Estate Agent

By Laura Gaskill

Here’s what you should find out before selecting an agent to sell your home

DESIGN FOR GOOD At-Risk Teens Get a Well-Designed Home and Real Hope

By Annie Thornton

Designers and other volunteers create an apartment to keep older foster kids off the streets, off drugs and on a path to a better life

MOST POPULAR 9 Real Ways You Can Help After a House Fire

By Alison Hodgson

Suggestions from someone who lost her home to fire — and experienced the staggering generosity of community

Sponsored

More Discussions

Leaf blower extension stuck

4

Exploding Leaf Blowers

1

Storage shed replacing detached garage--help!

4