Montgomery Wards PowerLite gas powered portable generator

[Old Joe]

I'm new to this forum. I inherited a Montgomery Ward PowerLite Plant Model 84MX5136B-1 Serial 2237958 Generator No. 330780. I would like to restore this unit. I am looking for a Manual, information regarding a parts source, and possibly a value for such a unit? I took it to a local small engine repair shop and they told me to donate it to a museum because it was junk and no parts were available. I need information! Look forward to your comments and info. Thanks!

[werfymmot]

Hi Joe, first look on the block for a model number (on the head and on the side of the crankcase) as some (all?) MW gensets were made by Onan. I have a W2C Onan alias a MW 64MX 4930 E-1 .
good luck.

also you may have better success posting this request on the Onan BB if you find it really is one.

ps can you add a picture of the unit

[Old Joe]

Werfymmot:

The Model and Serial listed in my first post were found on a plate on the right side of the generator when standing behind the generator. Does anyone know if those are Onan numbers? Also, does Onan have a separate bulletin board? Thanks!

[werfymmot]

Joe, the Onan numbers are CAST into the head and crankcase, on mine the MW id plate is found on the side of the generator, below the control box. If you search for my user name and look at the photos I have posted, the crank number is below the carb and the head number is at the rear f the engine, just in front of the control box. hope this helps.

ej

[werfymmot]

forgot to answer your ONAN question. there is a separate BB on this site fro Onans, just look at the listing at the top of the page you are viewing this note on.....

[Keith Kessler]

Joe,

Does it look like the attached picture?

Keith

[Mark R]

Keith -I just purchased one that physically (not cosmetically) looks identical to your pic-at a "200 lb boat anchor" price.It has compression,and after going over the points and magnets on the flywheel, it has a weak spark, so I've proceeded to the fuel system . The unit hasn't been run in probably 20 years, so it's slow going,and it looks like most if not all of the wiring in the control panel should be replaced.I don't know where the 12 volt batt should wire in, or where I could hook a light bulb if/when I do get it running.
I've been wandering around this site for a month or two, and it's a great place to hang out.After reading all the threads I could find so far- I can't find any numbers cast in to tell whether it's an Onan or not,but the nameplate is legible.
montgomery Ward 64mx4934a-1 ser. #96.312703 100w ac gen #286279 gen data 5017.It has a stud above the gen housingand a hole where there may have been another stud.I'm guessing that this would be the batt hookup,and that the missing stud would be batt ground.The stud that is present is toward the carb side on the back of the control center.
I hate to be just a "hi, I'm new here- what is this?" so i'll just hope that when the time comes you (or anyone) can help me with a pic of the control center.Just sitting here -after guessing that the stud is probably for the batt, then the one whitish and one blackish wires hangin out the other side of the control center may be for output.Maybe there's hope for me yet.
A little about me-I have also an old Kohler I believe is a 5a-21 from what someone scribbled in the back of the manual. 4 cyl waukesha it's all complete and running and putting out power, but it's not here for me to enjoy.A Mcculloch 1500 watt/3hp working fine,and my most recent acquisition, a kohler 7.5kw air cooled twin self contained setup, but it's 3phase ,and I don't think I can use it.I also enjoy Gravely tractors, I have a 1940L and a 1967 commercial12. Thanks to the admins and to everyone of you who make this a very interesting and informative place to hang around.

[K D Redd]

To Mark R: I to am on to old Gravelys. I have a early 70's 812 I repowered with a KT17 Kohler. You can us the 3 phase unit. Use two of the three output wire for single phase. If it is a 208 volt 3phase unit, from any output wire to ground, possible the generator frame you will have a 120 volts . You should check this carfully. It may have a fourth wire that is the neutral.
I also help my borther return a 15KW kohler to service for a local college.

Kent

[Mark R]

Thanks,Kent- the kohler guy said that it could be hooked a few different ways to achieve 120,but at only about 50% of capacity. I'll be the first to admit that I like to just plug in and go,and the nuts and bolts of creative hookups leave me hiding under the porch. I haven't given up on it yet, but it sounds involved.He said that the third leg could be run to my shop for power I guess as part of the balancing act, but that means a hundred foot run to the other side of the house.Maybe the whole operation is easier than I think, unfortunately I don't have any expertise on that end, just a bit of luck making the engines run.There are some true wizards on this site from my readings for whom it's second nature- for anyone who knows their stuff it's a walk in the park.I need to get educated on it. I used the '40 L with the toolholder to drag the Kohler beast across the yard yesterday on rollers, that part was fun.Thanks for the info- hopefully I get all my knowledge before I need the power.Mark