Generator AVR

[a64pilot]

Let us know what transpires if you will, many of us have Cap regulated generators.

[sailorboy1]

turns out you can't add an AVR to a brushless alternator, so now I'll research the capacitor

[sailorboy1]

So the generator people I’m communicating with say not to change the capacitor value or there will be damage.

For those that have changed the value what/where did you find that this was ok?

[DotDun]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

So the generator people I’m communicating with say not to change the capacitor value or there will be damage.

For those that have changed the value what/where did you find that this was ok?

When my unit was shipped with 31.5mf and the service manual calls for 35mf. Service tech also said to stick with 31.5mf. When I measured 26mf on the original after 2 years, the unit was running low no-load voltage, I figured going over by 10-12% wouldn't hurt, and 35mf raised the no-load voltage from 120VAC (with new 31.5mf) to 126VAC (with 35mf).

It appears your unit calls for 31.5mf, and there is only one capacitor as you have a 2-pole alternator (mine is 4-pole, 2 capacitors, 1800rpm). I would not try more then 35mf. It's best if you can measure it, then you'll know. I've gotten junk from Ebay labeled 35mf and measured 50mf.

There are just run capacitors (not start capacitors). Use at least 400V (or 450V) rated, they will last longer.

Measure the physical size of the one you have and match it.

[sailorboy1]

yes mine does call for the 31.5, I wonder what it really is and if they call for something in the US service manual

BTW - I don't think I've ever seen 120V for my generator even when it was new.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

yes mine does call for the 31.5, I wonder what it really is and if they call for something in the US service manual

BTW - I don't think I've ever seen 120V for my generator even when it was new.

I’m thinking you may need one of these.....measures capacitance.

https://m.grainger.com/mobile/produc...180619223333:s

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

I’m thinking you may need one of these.....measures capacitance.

https://m.grainger.com/mobile/produc...180619223333:s

I think I have one but since never have needed to measure capacitance I doubt I would have taken note. It measures hertz and I hadn't noted that till I want to do it.

What I really need is my generator to make the correct voltage when loaded more than 50% so I can use the full capacity!!!!!

[DotDun]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

I’m thinking you may need one of these.....measures capacitance.

https://m.grainger.com/mobile/produc...180619223333:s

This is what I have and it works as advertised.....a little cheaper....plus infrared temp


http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/ex...iAAEgIAH_D_BwE

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

I think I have one but since never have needed to measure capacitance I doubt I would have taken note. It measures hertz and I hadn't noted that till I want to do it.



What I really need is my generator to make the correct voltage when loaded more than 50% so I can use the full capacity!!!!!

I’d then measure the cap, send a photo of the less than spec value to the distributor.......then replace the cap with a correct value cap.

[sailorboy1]

So, how many people reading this thread have chnged their capacity to one with a higher value, what was the value, how long have you ran your generator with the higher cap.

[Sailmonkey]

I’ve replaced a lot of caps that said they were value X and when measured were value X-Y. Capacitors, especially cheap ones mounted sideways in a hot area, have a finite lifespan. It may be that your cap value is correct, just that the cap has been degraded.

I’ve replaced one cap with a larger value (5uf) to increase voltage by a few volts. That particular generator is 10 years older but lives an easy life of less than 5 hours per year use.

[a64pilot]

Well, you know I have.
Actually I’m at spec now. When I looked it was a low, I assumed during manufacture they would change uf value to meet spec, I guess mine was a little high.
I just looked in spares, what was in there was a 35 uf plus or minus 5% it says on the cap.
What I’m running is a 40 uf, which I think is spec.
I didn’t know a Fluke 115 would measure a capacitor, anyone know how to do it, I’m looking at mine and it’s not apparent.

[a64pilot]

OK I learned something new.
The old cap which says 35 uf on it measured 30.7 uf. Likely why the generator doesn’t work with it, ya think?
The new 40 I have in spares measures 40.3.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

OK I learned something new.
The old cap which says 35 uf on it measured 30.7 uf. Likely why the generator doesn’t work with it, ya think?
The new 40 I have in spares measures 40.3.

Hey, lookee there!

[sailorboy1]

Anyone have a good source for these capacitors? Ordering anything for me is a PITA and I would prefer to order ahead and not need a $20 part than have to sit around waiting on it.