Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: jor on July 26, 2017, 11:57:53 am

Title: Generator Voltage Adjustment
Post by: jor on July 26, 2017, 11:57:53 am
I have an 8KW Power Tech brushes generator in this 97. Without a load it's putting out 128-130 volts. It hasn't reached the EMS cutout voltage of 132 volts. With a load it drops down to 125-127. Is there an adjustment I can make on the regulator or would it be best to replace the regulator? Thanks.
jor
Title: Re: Generator Voltage Adjustment
Post by: Bill Willett on July 26, 2017, 05:25:36 pm
Replace it.
Title: Re: Generator Voltage Adjustment
Post by: John Duld on July 26, 2017, 05:41:31 pm
Check the voltage regulator connections and any ground connections. High resistance connections can develop of the years and could effect performance.
You may get lucky.
Title: Re: Generator Voltage Adjustment
Post by: jor on July 26, 2017, 09:00:02 pm
Thanks, guys. I'll check those connections and price a new regulator. I forgot to add that the freq is not a constant 60. Sometimes it is 61 and right now, for example, at 37 amps the freq is 59 Hz.
jor
Title: Re: Generator Voltage Adjustment
Post by: Barry & Cindy on July 26, 2017, 09:22:51 pm
John, We have not tweaked the voltage adjustment screw(s) on voltage regulator, but if you note the original position so you can return, probably ok to tweak.
Mechanical governor attempts to keep gen running at a constant RPM, which is mainly to control 60 cycles per second AC frequency, but it could also affect voltage.
Nice to know AC frequency which is displayed on EMS to be sure governor is correct.
And maybe your 128-130 is ok for now.  I would assume a failing voltage regulator would allow much wider swings of voltage, and since under load it corrects, your voltage regulator may be ok.  Is this higher voltage a new finding?
Title: Re: Generator Voltage Adjustment
Post by: Barry & Cindy on July 26, 2017, 09:27:18 pm
59 - 61 cycles per second is probably ok.  Don't think the mechanical governor will keep at exact 60, like an electronic inverter generator can do.
Title: Re: Generator Voltage Adjustment
Post by: Protech Racing on July 26, 2017, 09:40:32 pm
Sounds in range for me.  122 or more, 60hz +-2
Title: Re: Generator Voltage Adjustment
Post by: jor on July 27, 2017, 06:50:27 pm
In light of these comments I think I'll just leave it alone. It starts and runs well. Thanks to all.
jor