powerhouse gen test?

[jacks]

My powerhouse gen. will motor ,fast idle flutters from 18 volt to 4 volt ammeter does not register..Is their trouble shooting steps?

[pgerhardt]

I know "motoring" is a quick way to test them, but what I did to test mine is to cut the head off the right size bolt and (with the pulley off) screw one end into the powerhouse and chuck the other end in my electric drill. When spun up it put out 18 volts, so I guess one is good to go. The other put out less then 1 volt so I'll have to go through it. First checking for shorts in the armature and field coils. then replace the brushes. Unfortunately powerhouse generator parts (other than brushes) are not common. So do everything you can to save the original parts.

[Joe K]

Originally Posted by jacks

My powerhouse gen. will motor ,fast idle flutters from 18 volt to 4 volt ammeter does not register..Is their trouble shooting steps?

This sounding more like an electrical connection issue outside of your generator. Maybe try cleaning up the connections between generator and engine block, generator and battery (all the way through) and battery to frame.

The fact that it motors is a good sign - but not the only sign. While hooked to a battery your voltage should never go above say 8 volts (for a 6v) battery) even showing a full 20 amp charge rate.

Joe K

[Rowdy]

Tom Wesenburg has posted in the past a place on the brush holder that should be soldered. Maybe a search will help you find that thread. Also wondering if one or more of your brush springs may be weak. Rod

[al's28/33]

Yes, search old threads from Tom, he helped my charging issues on 3 separate gennys and also installed his EVR unit, much better reliability!!!

[Tom Wesenberg]

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It's rare, but sometimes the ground brush post to steel frame doesn't make a good connection. Just scrape the junction clean and use a good size soldering gun to solder the joint. Also check the brushes for wear. The brush springs will hit the end of the slot and no longer apply pressure to the brush once the brush wears down enough. A small piece of cardboard can be placed between the spring and brush to get you by until new brushes can be found.

[jacks]

tried the cardboard and sanded the comutators from less than 2volt tested with a drill motor up two about 6 where do you get the brushes 5 brush gen

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by jacks

tried the cardboard and sanded the comutators from less than 2volt tested with a drill motor up two about 6 where do you get the brushes 5 brush gen

I'd call Bert's and see if they have any.
I'm in the process of buying some that are close, so I can file them to fit. I've had them on order from a generator shop, but they aren't in yet.

They do show up on ebay for $25 for the 5 brush.

[jacks]

Thank you, this is my first A and web site great help.