MEP-017A

Howdy folks new to this neck of the woods, just have some questions about the MEP-017A, first is when i got the set it had no battery for starting, what type of battery does it take, and can I use two smaller 12 volts in its place... if it is 24v. im just guessing. Bought it for frances, thought I would be needing it and wouldnt you know, I had power 2 hours after arrival back at my home. there are still others here that are out. secondly what is the best method of hooking this creature up into my panel as a backup power source. it has 640 hours on it and looks to be in good shape. I was told it was running and working when i purchased it. just want to be able to start it with the starter instead of having to pull on a rope to do it. any information that any one might be able to give me would be greatly appreciated. also does anyone have a TM for this that I might be able to get. thanks.

I have been using two 12 V batteries on these for several years (few hours, but many starts). The generator has a 24 V charging circuit, if it works. If it doesn't, charge each battery separately or use two chargers to keep them both up at the same time. There are several recent discussions here on getting the most out of these gens, for which I am extremely grateful; I may keep the pair that I have and convert them to single phase, rather than buy a new residential set. I need tips on getting the magneto back into place.

I have worked on these unit for the local vol. fire dept. If you move the fuel tank mount and relocate the 24 volt insulated battery tie point you can enlarge the battery box to hold two lawn and garden 12 volt batterys. I use AUTO ZONE 425 cranking amp batterys.

Kent

thanx for the responses so far, now what im looking for is the settings and the most economical way to hook this critter up so that I can get the most out of it, and off the cuff does anyone know how much fuel this thing is going to drink? I did get the 2 batts. and wired them they start it quick, and I also built an exhaust to pump all the exhaust gasses out side the house from the garage. I put it in there to keep it in my posession, although if someone could throw this in the back of a truck fast and drive off.. they would deserve it. anyway any wiring input would be greatly appreciated as have all your tips. thanx..

[rexydg]

Hi folks, got a problem here, my MEP-017A decided to die.. I was running it under load and my lights got real dim. then started to fluctuate up and down. finally there was no power reading at any of the gauges on the generator side of the panel. i tore into it, just because I knew there were a few things that needed done, the bearing was screaming and a good cleaning wouldnt hurt it either. Here is my problem. As a mechanic, I am great.. I can have the engine torn down and rebuilt in 3 hrs, I am an aircraft mechanic so im no stranger to that half of a cessna 150 engine on my generator. the problem is that I dont know jack about the generator itself or the electronics contained in the control panel. I am looking for a TM right now, and once I have it im sure i will be able to understand most of it. I was just wondering if anyone out there had any suggestions on what might have caused this failure, is there a common problem that these gensets encounter.. maybe just relays or something, coils?, windings? I am at a loss, and every generator shop around here is afraid to touch it, and tells me that they dont have any idea what these parts do. does anyone have any suggestions? I really dont want to have to scrap this critter it has served me well up until now. any suggestions would be greatly apreciated. thanks.

[mrmechanic1965bc]

try emilitary.com they have a cd you can get for your generator i found it before i found this site...

[Jim McIntyre]

Yep, this forum, is nothing if not prompt. Ask a question and get an answer within 5 years...

[Rick Harvey]

TM5-6115-332-12 is the manual # for it.

[peyton]

I can send you the -14 and -24 manuals for it. PM your email addr to me.

Peyton