MEP 112A genset

[jbr721]

I have a military mep 112a genset, purchased for emergency backup for my house. Unfortunately, it is 400Hz and households are 60 Hz(NOW they tell me). Am I screwed w/ this unit? Is there any way to fix it w/o spending so much money that my wife kills me for being so stupid? I'm getting all kinds of opinions--from "it's no problem" to "plant flowers around it". I'm hoping someone here can shed some light. Thanks.

[Wayne 440]

You are out of luck, I believe. 400hz power is usually only good for resistive heating and incandescent lighting. It beats nothing, but not by much.

[Jim McIntyre]

Originally Posted by jbr721

"plant flowers around it".

Petunias are nice...

Sadly there's not much you can do here. Ideas involving variable speed AC drives are a possibility, but unless you get one for free, they're not very cost-effective.

I saw a pair of 15 kW 400 Hz machines sell at a local auction around here sell for big $$ . I observed them as they changed hands numerous times, each time probably being sold to someone new, who subsequenty learned they weren't really good for much.

[Billy J Shafer]

Unless you have an airplane in your back yard I hope you do real well on picking out those flowers.Do not feel to bad.I had a coustomer one time bought 200 small army gensets got a great deal on them.Then I had to tell him that he had just bought 200 28 volt dc light plants.I think he still has 199 of them.

[IanR]

All may not be lost, you do have the engine and fuel systems. You could track down a 60Hz alternator assy and I think you have to adjust the governor or change some of the control cicuitry.

[jbr721]

Thanks all. Looks like I'm looking for someone w/ a 60Hz rig with a bad motor. If anyone finds one, send him my way. In the meantime, I'll put on 4 tires, a seat and a steering wheel. It'll be my very loud golf cart.

[Walt]

Try either of these links.
http://www.colemans.com/generator.htm
http://www.saturnsurplus.com/
I have a "McGraw Edison Onon (sic) Model 4 OBFA-IR/ 16004C 4.0 RV Gasoline Generator Set 120 V, single phase, 4 KW, 4 KVA, 33.3 A, 60 Hz, 1800 RPM that is excess to my needs. In this case, I got it for free, and will give it to anybody that wants it. It weighs some 400 lbs plus! It may be a complete piece of junk; I have done nothing with it.

Originally Posted by jbr721

Thanks all. Looks like I'm looking for someone w/ a 60Hz rig with a bad motor. If anyone finds one, send him my way. In the meantime, I'll put on 4 tires, a seat and a steering wheel. It'll be my very loud golf cart.

[jbr721]

I just had an electrician that sells and repairs generators look at my genset. He said can change some wires and get 60Hz. Cost me $75.00. He's ex-military and very familiar w/ MEP-112As. Worth a shot. I got nothing to lose.

[Jim McIntyre]

Not gonna happen. I know how generators are designed. It's impossible to changes some wires and go from 400 Hz to 60 Hz. I guarantee it!

[Wayne 440]

The generator end from an MEP-003 might fit.

[jbr721]

Yeah, Wayne, that's probably my best way to go. I understand a lot of the MEP 003's have been donated to local towns and gov. agencies--at least here in NC. There's bound to be one w/ a blown motor. This one is an Onan diesel, 4 cyl. The operator's manual I have includes both the MEP112A and the MEP003 gensets.