Entec EW-4200-D Voltage Adjust?

[Dennis.G]

I have an Entec West EW-4200-D 4.2 kW generator. It starts and runs great, with a pretty steady 60 Hz output under various loads (drops maybe to 59.3 HZ fully loaded). The issue is the voltage. Under no load is at 109.5 volt, and if loaded up to 21 amp (out of 35 amp capacity) voltage drops to 104.3. Specified output is 120 VAC.

This is a huge issue as my battery charger's DC output to the batteries is greatly reduced (like cut in half or worse) with these low voltages. The charger wants to see 115 VAC or better for proper operation.

The manual says nothing about adjustment of voltage of the generator. Getting info from factory is an issue as Entec was sold some time ago to Mastry Engine Center, and no one there seems to know much about the Entec product (or at least no one I have talked to yet).

If anyone should happen to know the procedure for adjusting AC voltage output of the generator on these units, I would most appreciate your help.

Thanks

[glenn.225]

A lot of gensets I have worked on have a voltage adjustment, screw or dial. It may be inside the panel. RPM will adjust hertz. There is a technical help here: Entec West Technical Request Form

[FlyingCloud1937]

Entec used the Mecc Alte Spa generators with an excitation capacitor on the excitation winding.


You should be able to test the winding and capacitor for spec, you might also have a look at the Mecc site for more info.

Also the engine is a Faryman so you can look to their site for governor adjustments.

A good gen mechanic or a marine electrician can most likely sort out what the real issues are.

It sounds as if your gov... setting maybe low, along with excitation issues. Your no load voltage should be at least 120 and hz about 62.

Lloyd

Originally Posted by Dennis.G

I have an Entec West EW-4200-D 4.2 kW generator. It starts and runs great, with a pretty steady 60 Hz output under various loads (drops maybe to 59.3 HZ fully loaded). The issue is the voltage. Under no load is at 109.5 volt, and if loaded up to 21 amp (out of 35 amp capacity) voltage drops to 104.3. Specified output is 120 VAC.

This is a huge issue as my battery charger's DC output to the batteries is greatly reduced (like cut in half or worse) with these low voltages. The charger wants to see 115 VAC or better for proper operation.

The manual says nothing about adjustment of voltage of the generator. Getting info from factory is an issue as Entec was sold some time ago to Mastry Engine Center, and no one there seems to know much about the Entec product (or at least no one I have talked to yet).

If anyone should happen to know the procedure for adjusting AC voltage output of the generator on these units, I would most appreciate your help.

Thanks

[Dennis.G]

Glenn: Thanks for reply. Under cover plate only some wires and a capacitor. No adjustable device seen. Also, the help link to Entec West seems to be broken (only get error on submit).

[FlyingCloud1937]

2 pole MeccAlteSpa capacitor excited, You should have a name plate on the gen match it to the link I posted. It shows all the 2 pole capacitor gens with schematics and parts lists and specs.

Lloyd

Originally Posted by FlyingCloud1937

Entec used the Mecc Alte Spa generators with an excitation capacitor on the excitation winding.


You should be able to test the winding and capacitor for spec, you might also have a look at the Mecc site for more info.

Also the engine is a Faryman so you can look to their site for governor adjustments.

A good gen mechanic or a marine electrician can most likely sort out what the real issues are.

It sounds as if your gov... setting maybe low, along with excitation issues. Your no load voltage should be at least 120 and hz about 62.

Lloyd

[colemj]

I agree with Lloyd that you should bump the rpm's to give 62Hz no load. This may be enough to increase the voltage back into spec.

If not, change the capacitor. It is a common inexpensive motor run capacitor - the only important information is the farad number printed on it. Look on the capacitor and something like 20uF or 40uF, etc should be printed on it. Just replace with same value and a voltage rating 250V or higher. Should cost $10-15 at any HVAC or motor supply place.

Don't touch the capacitor terminals without grounding or shorting them first.

Mark

[svtrio]

Dennis.G

Doug Jensen is Mastry's Entec specialist. His e-mail: djensen@mastry.com and his mobile telephone: Whoops … I might have the area code incorrect … but try it both ways: (386 or 863) 872-1473.

He is in charge of Mastry's Entec product and is based in Florida. He has been helpful to me and others. Be sure to let us know how it goes with you.

Roger

[Dennis.G]

Updating tathis issue:

I removed the capacitor and tested using a small meter with capacitance reading. This was non-conclusive, I think from meter not being designed to test large power type capacitors. I rode my bike all over La Paz, stopping at about a dozen places looking for a 20 MF capacitor with no luck. Finally got a friend to bring one down from Graingers in USA.

I did find a 25 MF capacitor and tried it out. Generator output shot up to 131 VAC. Didn't plug anything into that, but was interesting test.

When I did get the new capacitor (last night) installed, and started up generator, got 118 VAC and 60.0 Hz (no load) and 115 VAC 59.8 Hz when loaded about 60%.

I would like to crank up the Hz to 61 or 62 Hz at no load (to get a few more volts output), and figured out how to do it, but instructions recommend a special tool to avoid bending the adjustment screw, and as that is something I don't have I think I will resist the temptation for now.