Invaluable! I have a MEP-501a and a MEP-531a that I bought as winter backups to my battery banks. I am starting on getting my MEP-531a going as it has the most versatility, I saw a guy run an air conditioner from one that would have been useful this summer but late is better than never.
These a good little units. Loud, but great on fuel and robust. Weight and loudness are the issues, but it is what it is. I plan to do some more videos on these. I have a series going through a MEP 501A a few years back. Anything that you think would be helpful for people to know that are new to these?
@@CallMeColtLLC Definitely some sound suppression ideas and electrical grounding while on a cart. Part NSN's and substitutions for common maintenance items. Ideas for weather protection while operational. Changing oil. Oil level. Putting two 12v batteries together with a slave cable to start.
Good video. Without some of these tips, it’s almost impossible to start a MEP531. I’ve got one that coughs and pops, it doesn’t clear up and just won’t run right. I haven’t torn into it yet, stuck valve is the best I can figure.
If it always runs rough, first think I would make sure of is that air is not getting sucked in at all via the fuel system. Second would be that it is not wet-stacked. 3rd would be that the valves are adjusted properly. These engines are VERY picky to valve adjustment & they are ANNOYING to adjust, You almost need 3 hands to do them!
@@CallMeColtLLC Thanks for the tip. What was the fuel tank drain mod you mentioned? I’ve got two of these generators and both leak like champs. If there are a few parts I can sub for OEM to make them stop leaking, that’d be great.
@@Colonel_Obvious I actually sell the adapters you can use on my store. Same ones are used on the larger generators. I sell them as a two pack for the bigger ones, so if you have two, just get this kit & you will be all set! ebay.us/E1DysJ
Hello, what does "wet stacked" mean? Thank you for the videos! I was given one of these 5 years ago with 3 hours on it. Put new fuel and fuel lines, wasn't able to get any running even with 24 volts on slave, im thinking i just didn't get proper priming now🤔. Going to pull it from storage and reference this video for priming, i was thinking the fuel pump was bad. Thank you
Wet stacking is something that can happen to diesel generators, or any diesel engine, that isn't run up to it's full temperature. I plan to make a video dedicated to this & military generators down the road, but life has me very busy & it takes time to record & edit a video. :p
Fantastic video! I just purchased an MEP-501a and this is priceless information. What do you typically replace on any generator that you get? Filters and fluids before running it? Also, what are the specs for the electric start cable? I considered putting on a more quiet muffler too…any suggestions? Do you now sell parts for these?
Thanks for your replies, I agree the way to go would be to get a couple 12v batteries and make my own slave cable. I am trying to get a sense as to what a good working order MEP-531A would sell for? Maybe what to ask for it and what is the expectation of actual selling price???
They're worth what anyone is willing to pay. That is how items like this work. A set price isn't really there because one that starts and runs with power isn't the same as a fully refurbished & fully load tested & "burnt out" unit that is known to not be wet stacked.
@@CallMeColtLLC I can agree with what you are saying relative to they are worth what someone is willing to pay. I just thought given your experience with these units you might know what a very good condition MEP 531A with 6 hours on the meter that had been refurbished and load tested might bring on the market.
@@10xitall I am looking at one with 4 hours on it for $650. It has electric start and appears like new condition. I am thinking of hardwiring each 120 volt plug to each side on the bus and hope to run every plug outlet in my workshop. Does that sound like it would work ? The shop never runs over 1500 watts. I just need to have power to both bus sides so all my outlets work. Thank you
Thank you so much for your tips. Mine is new and the video was really helpful. Despite it has only 3 hours, do you recommend having a fresh oil change? If so, what kind of oil? I appreciate it
Yes, change the oil. I have a video showing an oil change on these as well. If you need any parts or filters, reach out via the contact form on my site. www.callmecolt.com
I am looking at one with 4 hours on it for $650. It has electric start and appears like new condition. I am thinking of hardwiring each 120 volt plug to each side on the bus and hope to run every plug outlet in my workshop. Does that sound like it would work ? The shop never runs over 1500 watts. I just need to have power to both bus sides so all my outlets work. Thank you
Can these be converted to 12v by replacing the starter? Is is a 24v or 28v system? What do you recommend I purchase to have the ability to us the electric start? I do not have a slave cable like you do? Can you recommend one I can purchase? Would a 24v jump start box work? I have 2 of these 531A's being delivered to me next week. Sorry for all of the questions! Best, T
24v & 28v is the same pretty much. 28v is usually a fully charging 24v system. I would advise just getting a pair of batteries to make a cheap 24v setup, then make your own short slave cable to use, instead of cutting into the control box of the generator. You can change to 12v starting, but you end up spending more than just making a 24v setup, and mess up the integrity of the control box seal. I have good condition slave ends for sale if interested. info@callmecolt.com
Invaluable! I have a MEP-501a and a MEP-531a that I bought as winter backups to my battery banks. I am starting on getting my MEP-531a going as it has the most versatility, I saw a guy run an air conditioner from one that would have been useful this summer but late is better than never.
These a good little units. Loud, but great on fuel and robust. Weight and loudness are the issues, but it is what it is. I plan to do some more videos on these. I have a series going through a MEP 501A a few years back. Anything that you think would be helpful for people to know that are new to these?
@@CallMeColtLLC Definitely some sound suppression ideas and electrical grounding while on a cart. Part NSN's and substitutions for common maintenance items. Ideas for weather protection while operational. Changing oil. Oil level. Putting two 12v batteries together with a slave cable to start.
Good video. Without some of these tips, it’s almost impossible to start a MEP531. I’ve got one that coughs and pops, it doesn’t clear up and just won’t run right. I haven’t torn into it yet, stuck valve is the best I can figure.
If it always runs rough, first think I would make sure of is that air is not getting sucked in at all via the fuel system. Second would be that it is not wet-stacked. 3rd would be that the valves are adjusted properly. These engines are VERY picky to valve adjustment & they are ANNOYING to adjust, You almost need 3 hands to do them!
@@CallMeColtLLC Thanks for the tip. What was the fuel tank drain mod you mentioned? I’ve got two of these generators and both leak like champs. If there are a few parts I can sub for OEM to make them stop leaking, that’d be great.
@@Colonel_Obvious I actually sell the adapters you can use on my store. Same ones are used on the larger generators. I sell them as a two pack for the bigger ones, so if you have two, just get this kit & you will be all set! ebay.us/E1DysJ
Great and helpful video
Glad you think so!
Yes I do want to see more 🥰
I will keep going, slowly
This just solved the 6 hour problem I had today
Sorry you had a 6 hour problem but glad my video helped you solve it!
Hello, what does "wet stacked" mean? Thank you for the videos! I was given one of these 5 years ago with 3 hours on it. Put new fuel and fuel lines, wasn't able to get any running even with 24 volts on slave, im thinking i just didn't get proper priming now🤔. Going to pull it from storage and reference this video for priming, i was thinking the fuel pump was bad. Thank you
Wet stacking is something that can happen to diesel generators, or any diesel engine, that isn't run up to it's full temperature. I plan to make a video dedicated to this & military generators down the road, but life has me very busy & it takes time to record & edit a video. :p
Fantastic video! I just purchased an MEP-501a and this is priceless information. What do you typically replace on any generator that you get? Filters and fluids before running it? Also, what are the specs for the electric start cable? I considered putting on a more quiet muffler too…any suggestions? Do you now sell parts for these?
I have some filter kits as well as the tank well nut. Reach out via the contact form on my site. www.callmecolt.com
Thanks for your replies, I agree the way to go would be to get a couple 12v batteries and make my own slave cable. I am trying to get a sense as to what a good working order MEP-531A would sell for? Maybe what to ask for it and what is the expectation of actual selling price???
They're worth what anyone is willing to pay. That is how items like this work. A set price isn't really there because one that starts and runs with power isn't the same as a fully refurbished & fully load tested & "burnt out" unit that is known to not be wet stacked.
@@CallMeColtLLC I can agree with what you are saying relative to they are worth what someone is willing to pay. I just thought given your experience with these units you might know what a very good condition MEP 531A with 6 hours on the meter that had been refurbished and load tested might bring on the market.
@@10xitall I am looking at one with 4 hours on it for $650. It has electric start and appears like new condition. I am thinking of hardwiring each 120 volt plug to each side on the bus and hope to run every plug outlet in my workshop. Does that sound like it would work ? The shop never runs over 1500 watts. I just need to have power to both bus sides so all my outlets work. Thank you
Thank you so much for your tips. Mine is new and the video was really helpful. Despite it has only 3 hours, do you recommend having a fresh oil change? If so, what kind of oil? I appreciate it
Yes, change the oil. I have a video showing an oil change on these as well. If you need any parts or filters, reach out via the contact form on my site. www.callmecolt.com
I am looking at one with 4 hours on it for $650. It has electric start and appears like new condition. I am thinking of hardwiring each 120 volt plug to each side on the bus and hope to run every plug outlet in my workshop. Does that sound like it would work ? The shop never runs over 1500 watts. I just need to have power to both bus sides so all my outlets work. Thank you
It has lugs on the side for hard wiring. No need to use the plugs. As long as you don't go over what it's rated, you should be fine.
So the dc version is 24volt will it start a Humvee,and can you plug the humvee into the generator and start it ?
Nope, won't even come close. It's rated for 2,000 watts like this one in the video, just 28v. Little over 70 amps.
Can these be converted to 12v by replacing the starter? Is is a 24v or 28v system? What do you recommend I purchase to have the ability to us the electric start? I do not have a slave cable like you do? Can you recommend one I can purchase? Would a 24v jump start box work? I have 2 of these 531A's being delivered to me next week. Sorry for all of the questions! Best, T
24v & 28v is the same pretty much. 28v is usually a fully charging 24v system. I would advise just getting a pair of batteries to make a cheap 24v setup, then make your own short slave cable to use, instead of cutting into the control box of the generator. You can change to 12v starting, but you end up spending more than just making a 24v setup, and mess up the integrity of the control box seal. I have good condition slave ends for sale if interested. info@callmecolt.com
@@CallMeColtLLChow can I make a slave cable? I know how to wire two 12v batteries to make a 24v system just not sure how to make the cable
Very helpful, thx
Glad it helped
I need an auxiliary startup cable to be able to use the electric starter where can I get one
I sell slave cable ends. Reach out via the contact form on my site, www.callmecolt.com and I can get you squared away.
Everyone talks about how loud they are we always dig a big hole and put the generator Down in the Hole this cuts down on the noise
I thought about making a sound suppression kit for it
Good job
Thank you!
Do you know where I can get the "factory" paint colors for the green and desert sand colors?
I do! Please message me at info@callmecolt.com and I can share links.
Also, could you recommend a shipping company for auction items like these?
I'm sorry, I've always picked up auction items myself. I don't want to pay freight costs. Don't have any recommendations for that, I'm sorry.
I saw a 531-A for $850 dollars but don’t know anything about them.
I have quite a few videos on my channel going through them. MEP 531A & MEP 501A have the same engine.
@@CallMeColtLLC it just seems like a lot of money for just 2K.