Aux generator low on voltage
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Ohio
Posts: 71
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Aux generator low on voltage
Have a Honda Blackmax 8125 generator which was purchased five years ago. To date it has only been used for a total of 6 hours, prior to Hurricane Ike. Fired it up on Sunday and it ran fine except that all the clocks ran 25% too fast. After about 14 hours the unit suddenly dropped voltage, all the lights dimmed and the pump motor would not run. Tried stopping and restarting, with no luck so I let it run to at least get some light. Generator later stopped on it's own while I was out getting gasoline. Guess it was out for about 1/2 hour. Upon restart it ran fine and I appear to be getting adequate voltage. This is a brushless design so I have no idea what the problem is, nor do I have a voltmeter to check on the output. All the local repair houses are booked solid for the rest of the week so I am trying to be prepared if I lose voltage again. Any ideas of what caused the problem?
Jeff
Jeff
#2
With the clocks running too fast, I'd say the genset was/is putting out too many hertz. 60 hertz is what you want. Lower your engine rpm and run it with an old analog clock plugged in and adjust rpm until the clock runs exactly the same as your wristwatch. You'll be at ~60 hertz then.
#3
a voltmeter can be had for less than ten dollars. something that should be part of your normal maintenance program. never heard of a Honda Blackmax, perhaps it's another mfg using a Honda engine. a Honda generator that size would likely have an AVR (automatic voltage regulator) that could be the problem but i would guess Chesse is correct about the engine speed being out of whack.
#4
Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 3
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Have a Honda Blackmax 8125 generator which was purchased five years ago. To date it has only been used for a total of 6 hours, prior to Hurricane Ike. Fired it up on Sunday and it ran fine except that all the clocks ran 25% too fast. After about 14 hours the unit suddenly dropped voltage, all the lights dimmed and the pump motor would not run. Tried stopping and restarting, with no luck so I let it run to at least get some light. Generator later stopped on it's own while I was out getting gasoline. Guess it was out for about 1/2 hour. Upon restart it ran fine and I appear to be getting adequate voltage. This is a brushless design so I have no idea what the problem is, nor do I have a voltmeter to check on the output. All the local repair houses are booked solid for the rest of the week so I am trying to be prepared if I lose voltage again. Any ideas of what caused the problem?
Jeff
Jeff