Coleman Powermate Generator (1 Viewer)

[CruisinGA]

I just came into an older (late '80's) Coleman Powermate 2250 watt generator.

The engine runs great.

I cannot get any voltage out of it. (like 2-3 AC volts). It does not respond to a load.

I have checked the circuit breaker for continuity, it is good. I also cleaned the brushes and their contact surface.

Looking through manuals at the coleman website, it looks like the only part that can be replaced easily is the capacitor. Problem is, I have no method of measuring capacitance to check the current one. It does have continuity.

Any tips would be appreciated.

 

[CruisinGA]

Found a procedure for "re-exciting" permanent magnet generators.

Began that procedure which involves having a lightbulb plugged in, started the generator for the 10th or so time, and voila the lightbulb turned on.

It's now putting out a steady 120-125 volts.

Not bad for free.

 

[Trollhole]

how about telling us the procedure. Or is that it?

 

[ff347]

We call it "flashing" the capicator. We get a lot of questions from people who buy generators from us after ice storms never use them and expect them to work months/years later . Capicators like car batteries will loose charge and then you have a problem. Our tech support says to hook them to a car battery, (using jumper cables is easiest) and connect to the cap., does not matter which terminal on the cap. they do not have a +/- and then w/ gen motor running touch the car battery. Sparks can/will occur hold for a few seconds turn off gen. motor and reattach the leads to the cap. Crank it up and hopefully all will be right.

This might not be the smartest way to do it (so do it at your own risk), but I have seen it works and cap. for generators can be very expensive.

Scott