Generator Not Energizing

[KevinE]

We are having sporadic problems getting our Norpro genset to energize. I can energize it by unplugging the control module and applying 12v to 2 pins per the SKG documenation. Works for a few time and then stops. Any idea what the problem could be?

[GordMay]

Have you talked to Norpro?
➥ Norpro | A Whole Lot More Than A Diesel Generator Manufacturer

[Ian R]

Does it stop when in use or on startup.This can be caused by overload on some gensets or bad connection in exciter circuit.

[KevinE]

There is no excitation on startup (but only sometimes, not all the time). After I manually energize it, it works fine. There is a capacitor on the voltage regulator - I'm thinking this may be the problem.

[fishpie]

Just had the same problem on a Westerbeke....... rectifier and capacitors were the culprits.

[j24jaded]

My friends NextGen had that problem, a new capacitor fixed it.

[colemj]

The NextGen is a capacitor-regulated head, and a new capacitor will solve this problem (if the old one is bad).

The PO's generator head is an AVR-regulated one. These are potted electronics and will be difficult to replace an individual component. The capacitor in an AVR circuit may or may not be the problem with energizing the excitation field. I suspect it is not, since the AVR controls the generator voltage just fine when the excitation field is externally flashed.

One test is to get another AVR and see if the problem goes away. There should be documentation somewhere on measuring the excitation winding for a leak to ground. I suspect you are loosing the residual magnetism in the winding.

Mark