Companion generator (Sears) no output

[fcaramadre]

I have a companion generator(sears) model # 919-327210 6500 surge 5250 run. It was working ok. I went to start it up one day and had no output. Well not really I have 1.5 vac across the 110 and 3.0 vac across the 220. I took the head apart and everything looked okay. It is a brushless setup. I see only one diode and one cap. I thought the diode was shorted and replaced it. I still have no output. The cap is a 35uf 370 vac and it tested ok with a meter. Any one have any ideas. What is used to excite the field? Is it the cap? How could I excite the field again. How about charging the cap will that work? I dont see any shorts in any of the windings but I am only guessing since I have no service manual. Any help would be great Thanks

[Fred M.]

The field depends on residual magnetism to start generating power. Flashing the field is normally only necessary when a generator has sat unused for a long time, like months or years.

If the diode actually was shorted, it might have managed to kill the residual magnetism. Either way, it wouldn't hurt to try flashing and see if it helps.

One way would be a quick "touch" of a 12 volt battery across one of the windings. That should be sufficient to get it started.

Fred

[K D Redd]

You said you checked the cap with a meter. What type of meter? If a normal VOM you may not have done a GOOD check. The ohm meter voltage may not have been high enough to realy check the cap. A cap like that is cheap enough I would replace for the BEST check.

Kent

[fcaramadre]

Thank for your help but I get it going today. I made a reflasher using three 60 watt light bulbs ( I found the directions on line). It didn't want to work at first, but I reved up the motor and it started working. So far so good. Thanks for your help.