Wilesco information needed

[laknox]

I recently acquired a Wilesco D32 el stationary engine. So far, I have only run it on air. I guess the fact that it has a 220v European heater in it may have something to to with this. :-) It is working just fine with two exceptions. The minor one is that the pressure gauge does not return competely to zero. It appears that it a standard Wilesco gauge, so it shouldn't be hard to replace. The more serious problem is that the tachometer does not work. As the engine has been discontinued since 1981, Wilesco does not have (or won't admit to having) any parts, plans, schematics or knowledge of how the tach works. I would appreciate any knowledge that any collectors may have on how the tach works before I go taking stuff apart. Also, if there are any people who might have stashed parts away, I'd love to know that, too. Thanks for any and all help.

Lyle

[Patrick McNallen]

Your 220 VAC European Wilesco engine will run OK at reduced power on U.S. 120 VAC. You may need to change the plug on the power cord. I would use a 3-prong, grounding plug and always use a properly grounded outlet.

[laknox]

Originally Posted by Patrick McNallen

Your 220 VAC European Wilesco engine will run OK at reduced power on U.S. 120 VAC. You may need to change the plug on the power cord. I would use a 3-prong, grounding plug and always use a properly grounded outlet.

Thanks for the info, Patrick. I can, however, get a step-up transformer for under $100 so have no plans on altering the cord. This engine is just too collectible to screw around with it like that. Air works well, too. :-) Any hints on how the tach works on this engine?

Lyle

[John Newman, Jr.]

Before spending $100 on a transformer, if you have 220 available in your house (an air conditioner outlet, for example) I would make up an adapter extension cord / jumper cable using an 'American' 220 plug (flat blades) on one end and a 'European' 220 outlet (round holes) on the other. This could be made up for $20 or less and will not require any alterations to the originality of the engine and will operate it at its designed voltage.
The European 220 would probably be 50 hz and ours is 60 hz. While that might make an induction motor run fast, it shouldn't affect a heating element.

[laknox]

Originally Posted by John Newman, Jr.

Before spending $100 on a transformer, if you have 220 available in your house (an air conditioner outlet, for example) I would make up an adapter extension cord / jumper cable using an 'American' 220 plug (flat blades) on one end and a 'European' 220 outlet (round holes) on the other. This could be made up for $20 or less and will not require any alterations to the originality of the engine and will operate it at its designed voltage.
The European 220 would probably be 50 hz and ours is 60 hz. While that might make an induction motor run fast, it shouldn't affect a heating element.

My problem is that I have a rooftop AC and the only other accessible 220 outlet in the house is downstairs in the laundry room. One way would require climbing a ladder and running 20-30 feet of cable and the other one would require 20-30 feet of cable running through the house. Which one would =your= wife let you do? :-) 'Sides, if I want to take it anywhere, I still need 110.

Lyle