Generators are fascinating in how they work, but there are so many different variations and ways of doing things it's hard to do a comprehensive overview in a single video. They will certainly keep you on your toes! I hope you guys enjoy the video, and have an absolutely excellent weekend folks!!
Weren't those short white wires actually fusible links? I believe that wire could be directly on the stator winding and has the full current of the generator available. I have seen the fireworks when that wire gets it's insulation eaten. Big bright plasma flash!
If you want your head to explode add a tertiary winding. That makes an amplidyne (sp). That makes crazy power and when I learned how they work I was told PFM.
Thanks Jim! That's great to hear from somebody who really knows what they are talking about when it comes to generators. I feel like I know just enough to be dangerous! ;-)
@@FarmCraft101 As a fan of James' channel, I was hoping you had run into it. I really appreciated your diagrams of the brushed and brushless generators! I've watched James test those windings a million times and said to myself "One of these days, I need to understand that better". Your walk-through helped a lot! Glad the repair was fairly inexpensive for a nice beefy generator for your buddy!
Career mechanic, you gave the best explanation, schematic, and diagrams I’ve ever seen. You should have called this episode “ come learn ac systems, dc systems, engine diagnosis, and plumbing in under an hour” . Big fan!
bob jones I couldn’t agree more. After seeing so many RUclips videos of people thinking they know more about whatever their subject is, than they really do. It nice to see one where the person has actual useful working knowledge of the subject. I’ll be exploring this man’s RUclips content. I hope he has more.
I'm right their with you. Mechanic and going to school for engineering, he explained ac/DC power plants and controls better than any book Ive read has. I've paid a lot of teachers to learn what he just gave for free in 10 minutes.
I'm an electrical engineer covering generator controls along with other stuff for an offshore drilling company. Your explanation and troubleshooting for that stand-by gen were spot-on; same approach our guys use troubleshooting the big diesels offshore. =) The cool thing was seeing all the same principles duplicated in miniature. The 15kW stand-by wasn't that much different from one of our 7,000kW gens, except we pull exciter power from a PMG.
Totally agree. Worked on some old EMD stationary power (4000 kW). Basically railroad engines with the generator swapped out for AC power. Things were kept pre-lubed and went from standby to nearly full load in 10 seconds.
Nuke plant I worked at had 2 trans America Deleval/Cooper/Enterprise that were V24 4 stroke to memory. Had full temperature control if oil and coolant to have diesel and generator ready to go from full emergency start to full load about 10,000Kw in 10 seconds to memory. They were massive and had all sorts of pneumatic sensors for protection along with a pneumatic computer. The V12 tandem GM EMD 2 stroke was much simpler and louder but purred like a kitten. It had about 6,800kw to 7,200kw to memory. Been 20 plus years since I worked in either of them. The DELEVAL STARTED AS HUGE CARGO SHIP ENGINES that were built and certified for nuclear power emergency back up power. Both were air start with the Deleval injecting air into the cylinders and the EMD’s each having two robust air start motors driving their flywheels. You could tell which of the three diesels fire up by their sound. The EMD started really loud then quite down. The Deleval had two massive turbo chargers per engine while the EMD ALSO HAD TWO TURBO CHARGER PER V12 engine. All had oil sump, coolant heaters and circulating pumps with the turbos having a soak back or drip feed to their bearing for hot starts before the main engine driven oil pumps kicked in. The coolant electric circulating coolant pumps would also turn off when the engine drive coolant pumps came to speed and system pressure. Much of the test run protection in the Deleval would be bypassed by the pneumatic computer during an emergency run. It either ran or failed. I think the only protection that remained in the Deleval were the main crank and connecting rod temp sensors were lad melt type which would vent the air pressure holding the pneumatic computer in energency run when I tgat mode and perhaps the turbo vibration sensors and turbo oil/bearing temps but it’s just been too long and I worked more on the nuclear instrumentation snd reactor controls than the other equipment.
Everybody needs a friend like you John. That’s the reason I like your channel so much. I really enjoy the logic in your work. You might not exactly know how something works, but with persistence you’ll work it out. I wish you were my neighbour!
I´m a german mechatronic technician and know I´m studying mechanical engineering. And then there is a crazy farmer, who teaches me new things every week....I love it. Thank you John
I’ll never have to do the things you are doing on your farm, but every video you make is so fascinating to watch because of your editing and voice overs. Thanks for all the effort you put into these!
I learned more today than in the previous hours of watching others work on their generators. Great explanation. The drawings were immensely helpful. I worked machine repair for the first 10 years of my employment. After that I was supervising others doing it. For the last 10 years I have been retired and doing contract work writing work instructions for several companies. Electronic cameras are a wonderful tool. They let you watch the operation from all sides. Part of the work instruction is providing pictures and drawings of the various processes. I set up 2 or 3 hi rez movie cameras and record the process. Then I clip stills from the video and embed them in the work instruction. If I had the cameras available in the shops I was repairing or training others in how to repair equipment I would have had a much better chance of success. Seeing the MOSFET overload and smoke the fuse is invaluable. Great job and thanks for the explanation. 😁😎
When I log into youtube and have notifications from both Jon (FarmCraft101) and James (James Condon), it's not an easy choice of which one to watch first. You're both excellent youtubers and I always learn something new from each of you.
I agree! James Condon is THE small machine guy and his videos are refreshingly free of fuzz, product placements and time consuming chit-chat. He was of great help when i set out to fix my dad´s snow blower.
Greetings from England. I failed physics miserably at school 50 years ago. I just about understood the basic DC current circuit, but nothing more. Your video, and in particular the drawn diagrams, has taught me more about electricity generation than I have ever known before. Thank you.....
That’s an awesome generator! That engine is an amazing motor . They don’t make them anymore. That is seriously a 20,000 hour engine all day long. I have the same engine in my Ventrac. It was the longest lasting engine they put in them. They are anvil tough. The oil stays clean on them, and you lose more by wiping the dipstick to check it than they burn. They do not burn oil at all. You can neglect them and they keep on going. Those engines are getting very difficult to find the only way to kill them is to run them out of oil intentionally and let them go all day long with no oil or to overheat them until the cylinder, head, warped like a banana ,they will still keep going. Your friend is lucky to have you ,nice work.
I have to give you props for mentioning other youtubers that are more specialized in certain areas. I have watched James Condon mentioned here and I also watch Jesse Muller mentioned in the telescoping lift video. Nothing wrong with giving someone credit for learning something from them. Thanks for all your videos they are appreciated.
Mr. Condon is my go to guy for Small Engines, very meticulous (almost surgical) in explanation. I really enjoy both of your Channels alot. Learning something always makes my day! :) Granted I am old and forget it the next day. I am sorry to say that I just don't want the "LawnMower" aerobics anymore for my Pressure Washer/Lawnmower/Weed Eater/Roto-tiller/Snowblower and then spend hours cleaning carbs for hours for two to three hours of seasonal work. While I do tolerate wrenching...I am at the age when I just don't wish to anymore :) Thank You for your Trials and Tribulations with each project you encounter and the solutions you come up with. Peace!
That explanation was spot on, just like my teacher explained it back when I trained to be a TV repair engineer, we touched into a lot of different aspects of power generating and usage. We even did a full montage of a fusebox in a house, with all connections and a shitload of wires to connect. The teacher would come up with different malfunction that we was supposed to find and rectify, and at the end we could almost find any problem with any TV or radio set they dumped on us. This was back when TV's was huge and bulky and the flatscreen had not been introduced yet. Nowadays nobody repairs anything anymore, and just pay to get a new item. Thousands of perfectly good electronic devices gets just dumped each year. Like a modern flatscreen tv has to be OLED or it is not good enough, and of course curved screen is a must. It's just so silly.
This in-depth explanation of generator design and function was a nice throwback to a series of elective classes I took in 9th and 10th grade called "Energy, Power And Transportation I/II/III"... some of my favorite classes in high school. And the teacher was just really good at explaining seemingly complex processes with clear examples of simple principles. Much the way you do, John. For folks who learn the way I do, you make a very good teacher/instructor.
Love watching your channel. Jumping right into things you have not done before. That is how my Dad taught me. The only reason a person does not know how to do something is because they never tried! And James Condon is a very knowledgeable guy. I watch him alot too. Keep on keeping on!
I think it is a good sign that you keep recommending channels that I am already subscribed. I agree James is wizard with those small engines and generators. I like how he will stay after something until he feels it is the best it can be!
Very well done, and a fitting addition to James Condon’s remarkable videos each week. Your diagrams and explanations helped me better understand things I thought I already knew. Your video editing and voiceovers are second to none, and the pace of your work keeps me very interested in every video you post. Great job!
Nice plug for James Condon, I watch him regularly and like you said he definitely knows his stuff. Another well put together video that puts another tool in us Jack of all trades tool boxes.
If you had been my high school electronics instructor, I may had stayed in that class, but now at 66 years of age, you are still a genius at how to go from one thing to another, to find what the problem is. Seems people around here just want to scrap something and get a new one, of whatever it may be. I miss fabrication and building things. Maybe again if I can learn how to walk again with a prosthetic leg. I enjoyed watching. Thank you !
i SAW A DIRT DOBBER NEST IN THE GENERATOR, NEEDS ELIMINATING..... A good generator video. And, James Condon is very good at diagnosing and repairing generators!!
We have used the ruclips.net/user/postUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!
I watch James Condon's channel all the time. Small engine generator repair extraordinaire... I heard at least one Eric O. reference here! Love this channel
Hi John, propane engines usually require liquid take off from the tank, whereas your BBQ uses vapour take off. That unit between the tank and the engine is a vaporizer. Liquid propane is fed into that unit and converted into vapour. Those units usually have coolant hoses connected (on cars) to prevent the vaporizer from freezing.
No, The unit is not a vaporizer. They are generally only used on larger engines, and require hose connections to the engine coolant to keep them from freezing up. This unit is definitely set up for vapor input, the unit mentioned is simply a pre regulator to reduce vapor pressure. This small 3 cyl engine can be run directly on vapor no problem. If it was a V8, it would definitely use a vaporizer tied to engine coolant. Tank pressure is 100-200 PSI depending on ambient temperature, it needs to be reduced to a few inches water column for the carburetor. Hence the two stage regulators, one on the outside plumbing, and if you noticed, there is another regulator inside the housing for the final low pressure to feed the carb.
I have been watching Gordon for a long time ,my son turned me to you ,your theory and explanation of generator beats any any Electrical Engineering Class.He does not do theory and explanation he is good and does not give up on the repair.
Thanks John, I've really never fully understood this topic before and now I feel like I have a much more firm grasp on it. Thanks for such a great video and all your other videos too!
I have a generator size just like that one. Am told it is a shorted stator. After watching this I want a second opinion. You are one smart gentleman. Wish you lived around here.
James is my go to generator guru. Watch his hands he is like a doctor. Very smooth movements excellent explaining of what he is doing. Awesome teacher and person. Jon your great too. Love your machinery videos. Keep up the great work. Oh and Thanks again. Gotta go got a Ditchwitch to go and reassemble the fuel system on. Just a small self driven trencher.
Wow... Take a bow... very cool video.... we very rarely comment on videos... but we just had too... 1st off you are one very thuro man...both with the trouble shooting concepts and your fab work and even patients to get the correct slow blow fuses... you caught my attention even more... most just say screw it and use whatever.... we appreciate the professionalism, thumbs up.... 2nd there are so many things identical here it's uncanny..... we too have this 3-cylinder Daihatsu motor on a 10kw gen set... it was made for Dometic for a large RV... ours will run on gasoline or propane, its on gasoline right now... it lived it's 351 hours of life per the functioning hobbs meter, but it lived inside it's compartment on a now scrapped RV... Heavy bugger for sure... we have taken an old junk Pentair Master Temp natural gas pool heater from our local junk scrap metal yard only to stripped everything out of it and now we have a case to install the gen set into that looks 95% the same as yours OEM case... cost zero... Gen Set almost free $300 US.... everything works as new... Here are more similarities... your two meters the Fluke87 III and your Fluke T5-600 we both run the same test equipment...this is too coincidental; we've had these two Fluke Test meters of approx 25-27ish years...amazing you have both these meters or what looks like them.. You fine Sir are a very unique, smart and hugely capable man... I like this... this video was my 1st to see at your channel... not for long... im gonna binge watch over the holiday..... OK sorry for the long back ground story... for MY REAL question.... So we can sort of figure out what this Gen Set was originally used for and how it was hooked up.... Here's my Question you were into the Gen Set Windings to check for stator/rotor damage.... did you happen to notice were the neutral/white and ground/green anywhere in the electrical service breaker box or at the gen's head set... were they every jumper'd together as a main primary electrical source, from a utility typically are... or were the neutral and ground separated...??? Very important to know... in our application will have to keep them separated for its intended use.... im sure you are seeing why we ask and are catch'n my drift... For other readers while off and isolated from any outside electrical connection.... if one checks continuity to neutral/white and ground/green this would be interesting to know....and would answer generally how this unit was installed at in its previous life assuming it was installed correctly there.... Great Channel.... you fine sir would be someone we would break bread with... Have a great 4th holiday... be safe out there.... I will sub and get notices as soon as we hit send on this apologetically long comment.... Keep up the great content....
The bridge rectifier simply keeps the alternating waveform always positive, but it is still alternating from zero to max voltage. The regulator will add a low pass filter to turn it into an actual DC level which can then be adjusted from zero to a max voltage. The low pass filter parameters are adjusted based on the frequency of the ac signal which is set by the speed of the spinning motor.
I feel I’m auditing a masters level course in rotors and stators of which I know almost bupkis (nothing). But, farmer Jon’s voice is what I call ‘easy listening’. Much like my favorite sports announcers. The upshot is when your explaining something, you either have the proper timbre and resonance in your voice,,,, you have those two qualities, or you don’t. I feel I should send you a check as a thank you for your expertise and your God given talents.
Haha! I knew I needed good diagrams for this one, and trying to make a digital version would have taken forever. So...there might have been some tracing paper involved.... ;-)
Again, you are a great teacher and explain segments supported with good drawings. I was glad you saved this engine/generator from the scrap heap. Blessings to you.
The best guy to watch on generator repairs is: "Small Engine Mechanic" on RUclips. He works on all kinds; rebuilds everything; has load banks that make Condon's look Mickey Mouse. That's what he does for a living. Been watching him for years & have learned a lot more that what I get from Condon. Not to be disrespectful, but if I'm going under the surgeon's knife, I want a Doctor, not the local butcher, though both may be the best in their fields. Check him out & you'll see the difference real quick.
EXCELLENT video once again, Jon. I always learn from you. Thanks for taking the time to make the drawings. They helped me a lot. Another great topic in your channel!!
Really good explainer on the gen windings and such. Its so much easier to hear it from a non engineer who doesnt over-explain and complicate things. Even if some details are missing or wrong (im assuming thats possible) this video got me closer to understanding alot of subjects im interested in. Thanks!
What a fantastic educational and instructive video. Really felt compelled to listen to your comments regarding how your views on how a generator works Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Look forward to your next.
Excellent and very detailed explanation. On a side note, I have that exact same analog multimeter purchased from Radio Shack in the 70's! Still working and very useful to see fluctuations that I can't see on my digital meter. Thanks for all the work you put into this video!
Perfect, just Perfect! Thank you from England. I can now go and help a friend look at his Chinese 10kW diesel generator with some optimism which I wouldn't have had before seeing your video. Thanks again, Peter.
Excellent tutelage for the generator, I was excited ( see what I did there). My theory would be on smaller engines the pressure pulses vary more ( instantaneous speed on crank ) producing dirty fluctuating power. On a multi cylinder engine the multiple pressure pulses are smoother so it is cleaner. Cheers Rick
Hey you did great. You managed to fix it. I have been subbed to James channel for years. His vid are great. I live in a city (Adelaide, South Australia). Generators are not allowed within city limits. We are allowed to have solar though. I have a 6.8 kW (pure sine-wave) solar setup. The system has already been put through its paces and worked well. Recent wild thunderstorm knocked out power in my area for over 24 hours.
Good job! Always enjoy your content and watching your logical, methodical approach to troubleshooting (you've done this before numerous times I'd imagine.) Hope you are well.
For reference, the H on a fuse doesn't indicate the fuse speed, that's the breaking capacity, H for high, L for low. The T means slow blow, a fuse marked with an F is fast blow.
BIG Congratulations!!! You deserve it for all the diagnosis and final repair you completed! Your buddy owes you BIG time for the money you saved him on a GREAT generator! You should feel proud, because you really did a nice job!
Summary was generated by Summatim, let us know if there are any inaccuracies! 🤖 0:01: Introduction 0:59: Control Panel 2:15: Checking the Engine 5:17: Investigating the Control Panel 8:48: Hooking Up Propane 10:43: Fixing a Leak 13:28: Testing the Generator 15:05: Investigating Power Output 19:05: Generator Diagnosis 19:15: Stator and Rotor 21:24: Exciter 27:04: Brushed Generator Setup 27:33: Brushless Generator Setup 36:47: Generator power adjustment 43:59: Brushed vs Brushless Generators 44:08: Introduction 44:36: Pilot Exciter 44:48: Fuse Replacement 45:43: AVR Replacement 50:51: Load Testing 54:06: Powering the Shop 57:36: Conclusion
I'm an electrical contractor from the state of Florida for 40 years plus magenerac technician for Verizon T-Mobile sprint, an American tower corporation. I thought you did an outstanding job explaining we use pmg excitation also on that regulator you need to check your water column
I am in Louisiana and I am looking for a standby generator, cheap to free. About 15-20KW Propane is nice BUT natural gas would be amazing! Willing to take a road trip ! Thanks in advance.
Perhaps James Condon can learn something from this video about explaining to his viewers what generator windings do instead of just showing them the testing.
I have had an analog multimeter just like that for 40 years already. Bought it a Radio Shack here in The Netherlands, brings back memories... Still use it for the same purpose as done here!
Thank you, very, very well explained. I have been looking for this explanation on youtube but could not find one. There is a youtuber "James Condon" who makes generator repair videos, even though he has never explained this well how the generetor works, and I can't fix fix something if I don't know how it works.
Fantastic description of brushed and brushless generators! This for me was really a true lightbulb moment. Thanks very much indeed for going through it this way!
Great job! It was very informative and well done. One thing: your ring!!! Bro you gotta take that thing off when working on electricity or with power tools. Don’t lose your finger, or worse: get de-gloved. You may have made it this long, but make it all the way. 😊
30:44 you said it in your explanation: brushed aren't used too often so maintenance of wear pieces isn't a problem and they output a more stable power because the regulation is 1 step vs 2 for heavy duty brushless (needs to be robust and low maintenance to be cost effective, cleaning up the power behind it is only a matter of a little more capital granted you also get a low maintenance system). Your drawings and explanations were super clear, great work.
many years ago I was taught that the best way to prevent gas leaks is to use the yellow teflon tape then use a layer of piper dope on top of the tape, it works like a charm
In my years of experience dealing with electric heavy equipment ac and dc, #1 killer of ac equipment is dirty power they usually don’t output but it started with it, usually those who like to just chop wires you know. You actually know more than I’ve seen most of others on here t/s. 👌
I have the exact same power head/gen head and I had given up. I got the unit for $200, so the engine alone makes it a good buy. Runs great, but I get like 3-5V on both legs. It’s a new voltage regulator, and the rectifier and stator ohm good. I was told it needed a gen rebuild to the tune of $1400. That may actually be the case. After finding and watching your vid, I just might pull the gen head apart hoping for a vermin induced problem with an easier repair. Either way, excellent video!
I've an old Onan 35kw genset from the 50s and it uses a Magneciter (Onan's in house VR). It is about the size of a shoe box and weighs about 10lbs or so. It uses two coils and a reactor to control the voltage to the rotor and was probably an early use for a solid state vr. It is awesome, bullet proof, and I love it. The reason why it isnt used anymore, more than likely because of cost. One of those today would cost upwards of a few hundred dollars, if not, a grand or more. Thanks for the vid.
Thank you for this Have a 20 kw generator as total home backup but never knew how it worked It just does Now I know Love watching your videos for all the information and some of the laughs as well Keep them coming
I enjoyed this episode about small generators and principles. Especially the circuit explanations, repair and adaption then load testing at the end. Reminded me of the days when the electricians had to repair the generators and circuits on large Terex mining trucks. Making Power...
Generators are fascinating in how they work, but there are so many different variations and ways of doing things it's hard to do a comprehensive overview in a single video. They will certainly keep you on your toes! I hope you guys enjoy the video, and have an absolutely excellent weekend folks!!
Learned a lot by watching this. Great work.
Should have sent it to james c
Weren't those short white wires actually fusible links? I believe that wire could be directly on the stator winding and has the full current of the generator available. I have seen the fireworks when that wire gets it's insulation eaten. Big bright plasma flash!
If you want your head to explode add a tertiary winding. That makes an amplidyne (sp). That makes crazy power and when I learned how they work I was told PFM.
for more generator videos I recommend @SmallEngineMechanic
Nice save and great video. Fantastic job with the illustrations and explaining how a brushed and brushless generator works.
Thanks Jim! That's great to hear from somebody who really knows what they are talking about when it comes to generators. I feel like I know just enough to be dangerous! ;-)
@@FarmCraft101 As a fan of James' channel, I was hoping you had run into it. I really appreciated your diagrams of the brushed and brushless generators! I've watched James test those windings a million times and said to myself "One of these days, I need to understand that better". Your walk-through helped a lot! Glad the repair was fairly inexpensive for a nice beefy generator for your buddy!
I watch both channels James and Jon - always a learning experience.
@@kd2eat My cat is very old and grumpy and refuses to eat his hair -- he also has loose bowel movements
@@kd2eat James has never explained how well John has explained the working of a generator.
Career mechanic, you gave the best explanation, schematic, and diagrams I’ve ever seen. You should have called this episode “ come learn ac systems, dc systems, engine diagnosis, and plumbing in under an hour” . Big fan!
I agree. Hid diagrams spoke volumes
bob jones
I couldn’t agree more. After seeing so many RUclips videos of people thinking they know more about whatever their subject is, than they really do. It nice to see one where the person has actual useful working knowledge of the subject. I’ll be exploring this man’s RUclips content. I hope he has more.
Bobjones_xc9fp
I'm right their with you. Mechanic and going to school for engineering, he explained ac/DC power plants and controls better than any book Ive read has. I've paid a lot of teachers to learn what he just gave for free in 10 minutes.
I'm an electrical engineer covering generator controls along with other stuff for an offshore drilling company. Your explanation and troubleshooting for that stand-by gen were spot-on; same approach our guys use troubleshooting the big diesels offshore. =) The cool thing was seeing all the same principles duplicated in miniature. The 15kW stand-by wasn't that much different from one of our 7,000kW gens, except we pull exciter power from a PMG.
Most under 10KW are brushed. The engine will probably wear out before the slip rings or brushes.
Totally agree. Worked on some old EMD stationary power (4000 kW). Basically railroad engines with the generator swapped out for AC power. Things were kept pre-lubed and went from standby to nearly full load in 10 seconds.
Nuke plant I worked at had 2 trans America Deleval/Cooper/Enterprise that were V24 4 stroke to memory. Had full temperature control if oil and coolant to have diesel and generator ready to go from full emergency start to full load about 10,000Kw in 10 seconds to memory. They were massive and had all sorts of pneumatic sensors for protection along with a pneumatic computer. The V12 tandem GM EMD 2 stroke was much simpler and louder but purred like a kitten. It had about 6,800kw to 7,200kw to memory. Been 20 plus years since I worked in either of them. The DELEVAL STARTED AS HUGE CARGO SHIP ENGINES that were built and certified for nuclear power emergency back up power. Both were air start with the Deleval injecting air into the cylinders and the EMD’s each having two robust air start motors driving their flywheels. You could tell which of the three diesels fire up by their sound. The EMD started really loud then quite down. The Deleval had two massive turbo chargers per engine while the EMD ALSO HAD TWO TURBO CHARGER PER V12 engine. All had oil sump, coolant heaters and circulating pumps with the turbos having a soak back or drip feed to their bearing for hot starts before the main engine driven oil pumps kicked in. The coolant electric circulating coolant pumps would also turn off when the engine drive coolant pumps came to speed and system pressure. Much of the test run protection in the Deleval would be bypassed by the pneumatic computer during an emergency run. It either ran or failed. I think the only protection that remained in the Deleval were the main crank and connecting rod temp sensors were lad melt type which would vent the air pressure holding the pneumatic computer in energency run when I tgat mode and perhaps the turbo vibration sensors and turbo oil/bearing temps but it’s just been too long and I worked more on the nuclear instrumentation snd reactor controls than the other equipment.
😳😳💕💕💕💕Loved your detail sharing@@MitchEllis-e4y
I pump out septic tanks, and your description of a generator are amazing!
Watching and listening to James Condon work on generators is like watching Bob Ross paint a picture. James Ross is a good man and so are you John.
Everybody needs a friend like you John. That’s the reason I like your channel so much. I really enjoy the logic in your work. You might not exactly know how something works, but with persistence you’ll work it out. I wish you were my neighbour!
I've worked on generators for years and your explanations are correct. Your troubleshooting is very good. Farmers fix it all.
Your teaching ability is simply amazing. Videos like this are what truly makes the internet great.
I´m a german mechatronic technician and know I´m studying mechanical engineering.
And then there is a crazy farmer, who teaches me new things every week....I love it.
Thank you John
I’ll never have to do the things you are doing on your farm, but every video you make is so fascinating to watch because of your editing and voice overs. Thanks for all the effort you put into these!
Brushed generator uses capacitor for exciter voltage. James Condon’s channel is excellent and honest !
I learned more today than in the previous hours of watching others work on their generators.
Great explanation. The drawings were immensely helpful.
I worked machine repair for the first 10 years of my employment. After that I was supervising others doing it.
For the last 10 years I have been retired and doing contract work writing work instructions for several companies.
Electronic cameras are a wonderful tool. They let you watch the operation from all sides. Part of the work instruction is providing pictures and drawings of the various processes. I set up 2 or 3 hi rez movie cameras and record the process. Then I clip stills from the video and embed them in the work instruction.
If I had the cameras available in the shops I was repairing or training others in how to repair equipment I would have had a much better chance of success.
Seeing the MOSFET overload and smoke the fuse is invaluable.
Great job and thanks for the explanation. 😁😎
When I log into youtube and have notifications from both Jon (FarmCraft101) and James (James Condon), it's not an easy choice of which one to watch first. You're both excellent youtubers and I always learn something new from each of you.
I agree! James Condon is THE small machine guy and his videos are refreshingly free of fuzz, product placements and time consuming chit-chat. He was of great help when i set out to fix my dad´s snow blower.
By the way, great job on the theory. I’m an old Electronics tech from the 60’s Navy. This really helped refresh my schooling.
Having taught motor/Gen theory for 16 years, you are right on the money. Excellent training!
Greetings from England.
I failed physics miserably at school 50 years ago. I just about understood the basic DC current circuit, but nothing more. Your video, and in particular the drawn diagrams, has taught me more about electricity generation than I have ever known before. Thank you.....
That’s an awesome generator! That engine is an amazing motor . They don’t make them anymore. That is seriously a 20,000 hour engine all day long. I have the same engine in my Ventrac. It was the longest lasting engine they put in them. They are anvil tough. The oil stays clean on them, and you lose more by wiping the dipstick to check it than they burn. They do not burn oil at all. You can neglect them and they keep on going. Those engines are getting very difficult to find the only way to kill them is to run them out of oil intentionally and let them go all day long with no oil or to overheat them until the cylinder, head, warped like a banana ,they will still keep going. Your friend is lucky to have you ,nice work.
I have to give you props for mentioning other youtubers that are more specialized in certain areas. I have watched James Condon mentioned here and I also watch Jesse Muller mentioned in the telescoping lift video. Nothing wrong with giving someone credit for learning something from them. Thanks for all your videos they are appreciated.
I never get tired of watching Farmcraft101. It doesnt matter how long the videos are. Keep doing the great Job you are doing John. Thank you
Mr. Condon is my go to guy for Small Engines, very meticulous (almost surgical) in explanation. I really enjoy both of your Channels alot. Learning something always makes my day! :)
Granted I am old and forget it the next day.
I am sorry to say that I just don't want the "LawnMower" aerobics anymore for my Pressure Washer/Lawnmower/Weed Eater/Roto-tiller/Snowblower and then spend hours cleaning carbs for hours for two to three hours of seasonal work. While I do tolerate wrenching...I am at the age when I just don't wish to anymore :)
Thank You for your Trials and Tribulations with each project you encounter and the solutions you come up with. Peace!
That explanation was spot on, just like my teacher explained it back when I trained to be a TV repair engineer, we touched into a lot of different aspects of power generating and usage. We even did a full montage of a fusebox in a house, with all connections and a shitload of wires to connect. The teacher would come up with different malfunction that we was supposed to find and rectify, and at the end we could almost find any problem with any TV or radio set they dumped on us. This was back when TV's was huge and bulky and the flatscreen had not been introduced yet. Nowadays nobody repairs anything anymore, and just pay to get a new item. Thousands of perfectly good electronic devices gets just dumped each year. Like a modern flatscreen tv has to be OLED or it is not good enough, and of course curved screen is a must. It's just so silly.
This in-depth explanation of generator design and function was a nice throwback to a series of elective classes I took in 9th and 10th grade called "Energy, Power And Transportation I/II/III"... some of my favorite classes in high school. And the teacher was just really good at explaining seemingly complex processes with clear examples of simple principles. Much the way you do, John. For folks who learn the way I do, you make a very good teacher/instructor.
THAT WAS COOL...IVE BEEN STUDYING FOR
50 years. And you made it simple. Thanks
Watching the James Condon videos is relaxing, educational and informative.
This gentlemen is more value than a GM in any manufacture or place for a mile. 💪
Just an excellent tutorial on how generators work in principle & how you went about troubleshooting & repairing. Great job!
Love watching your channel. Jumping right into things you have not done before. That is how my Dad taught me. The only reason a person does not know how to do something is because they never tried! And James Condon is a very knowledgeable guy. I watch him alot too. Keep on keeping on!
I think it is a good sign that you keep recommending channels that I am already subscribed. I agree James is wizard with those small engines and generators. I like how he will stay after something until he feels it is the best it can be!
LOL Half way thru the video I was thinking, "John needs to watch James!" and sure enough, you already did! Thanks for the video!
Very well done, and a fitting addition to James Condon’s remarkable videos each week. Your diagrams and explanations helped me better understand things I thought I already knew. Your video editing and voiceovers are second to none, and the pace of your work keeps me very interested in every video you post. Great job!
Nice plug for James Condon, I watch him regularly and like you said he definitely knows his stuff. Another well put together video that puts another tool in us Jack of all trades tool boxes.
I appreciated the diagrams and the ten or twelve minutes you spent explaining how generators work. Well done.
If you had been my high school electronics instructor, I may had stayed in that class, but now at 66 years of age, you are still a genius at how to go from one thing to another, to find what the problem is. Seems people around here just want to scrap something and get a new one, of whatever it may be. I miss fabrication and building things. Maybe again if I can learn how to walk again with a prosthetic leg. I enjoyed watching. Thank you !
Nice shoutout to James, he's knowledgable indeed on this stuff
i SAW A DIRT DOBBER NEST IN THE GENERATOR, NEEDS ELIMINATING..... A good generator video.
And, James Condon is very good at diagnosing and repairing generators!!
We have used the ruclips.net/user/postUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!
Hi there
You truly are a jack of all trades , well done and I’m guessing your friend is over the moon with this repair
Regards Davy 🏴🇹🇭
I studied electrical stuff 30 years ago. This was a great refresher course 😊
I watch James Condon's channel all the time. Small engine generator repair extraordinaire...
I heard at least one Eric O. reference here!
Love this channel
Hi John, propane engines usually require liquid take off from the tank, whereas your BBQ uses vapour take off. That unit between the tank and the engine is a vaporizer. Liquid propane is fed into that unit and converted into vapour. Those units usually have coolant hoses connected (on cars) to prevent the vaporizer from freezing.
His doesn't look like it's got a vape unit. It's probably spec'ed for the general use case where a person is feeding it natural gas.
No, The unit is not a vaporizer. They are generally only used on larger engines, and require hose connections to the engine coolant to keep them from freezing up. This unit is definitely set up for vapor input, the unit mentioned is simply a pre regulator to reduce vapor pressure. This small 3 cyl engine can be run directly on vapor no problem. If it was a V8, it would definitely use a vaporizer tied to engine coolant. Tank pressure is 100-200 PSI depending on ambient temperature, it needs to be reduced to a few inches water column for the carburetor. Hence the two stage regulators, one on the outside plumbing, and if you noticed, there is another regulator inside the housing for the final low pressure to feed the carb.
I have been watching Gordon for a long time ,my son turned me to you ,your theory and explanation of generator beats any any Electrical Engineering Class.He does not do theory and explanation he is good and does not give up on the repair.
Thanks John, I've really never fully understood this topic before and now I feel like I have a much more firm grasp on it. Thanks for such a great video and all your other videos too!
I have a generator size just like that one. Am told it is a shorted stator. After watching this I want a second opinion. You are one smart gentleman. Wish you lived around here.
James is my go to generator guru. Watch his hands he is like a doctor. Very smooth movements excellent explaining of what he is doing. Awesome teacher and person. Jon your great too. Love your machinery videos. Keep up the great work. Oh and Thanks again. Gotta go got a Ditchwitch to go and reassemble the fuel system on. Just a small self driven trencher.
Wow... Take a bow... very cool video.... we very rarely comment on videos... but we just had too... 1st off you are one very thuro man...both with the trouble shooting concepts and your fab work and even patients to get the correct slow blow fuses... you caught my attention even more... most just say screw it and use whatever.... we appreciate the professionalism, thumbs up.... 2nd there are so many things identical here it's uncanny..... we too have this 3-cylinder Daihatsu motor on a 10kw gen set... it was made for Dometic for a large RV... ours will run on gasoline or propane, its on gasoline right now... it lived it's 351 hours of life per the functioning hobbs meter, but it lived inside it's compartment on a now scrapped RV... Heavy bugger for sure... we have taken an old junk Pentair Master Temp natural gas pool heater from our local junk scrap metal yard only to stripped everything out of it and now we have a case to install the gen set into that looks 95% the same as yours OEM case... cost zero... Gen Set almost free $300 US.... everything works as new... Here are more similarities... your two meters the Fluke87 III and your Fluke T5-600 we both run the same test equipment...this is too coincidental; we've had these two Fluke Test meters of approx 25-27ish years...amazing you have both these meters or what looks like them.. You fine Sir are a very unique, smart and hugely capable man... I like this... this video was my 1st to see at your channel... not for long... im gonna binge watch over the holiday..... OK sorry for the long back ground story... for MY REAL question.... So we can sort of figure out what this Gen Set was originally used for and how it was hooked up.... Here's my Question you were into the Gen Set Windings to check for stator/rotor damage.... did you happen to notice were the neutral/white and ground/green anywhere in the electrical service breaker box or at the gen's head set... were they every jumper'd together as a main primary electrical source, from a utility typically are... or were the neutral and ground separated...???
Very important to know... in our application will have to keep them separated for its intended use.... im sure you are seeing why we ask and are catch'n my drift... For other readers while off and isolated from any outside electrical connection.... if one checks continuity to neutral/white and ground/green this would be interesting to know....and would answer generally how this unit was installed at in its previous life assuming it was installed correctly there.... Great Channel.... you fine sir would be someone we would break bread with...
Have a great 4th holiday... be safe out there.... I will sub and get notices as soon as we hit send on this apologetically long comment.... Keep up the great content....
The bridge rectifier simply keeps the alternating waveform always positive, but it is still alternating from zero to max voltage. The regulator will add a low pass filter to turn it into an actual DC level which can then be adjusted from zero to a max voltage. The low pass filter parameters are adjusted based on the frequency of the ac signal which is set by the speed of the spinning motor.
I was pretty much coming to say just this.
And in fact, the big ol' "can" capacitor used for this is often a point of failure for brushless generators.
Excellent, easy to follow and understand tutorial.
Well done, sir. Well done.👍👍👏
Always great to see these refurbishment videos!
I feel I’m auditing a masters level course in rotors and stators of which I know almost bupkis (nothing). But, farmer Jon’s voice is what I call ‘easy listening’. Much like my favorite sports announcers. The upshot is when your explaining something, you either have the proper timbre and resonance in your voice,,,, you have those two qualities, or you don’t. I feel I should send you a check as a thank you for your expertise and your God given talents.
You've really improved your drawing skills. Maybe the wife will put on refrigerator!
Excellent video, as always.
Haha! I knew I needed good diagrams for this one, and trying to make a digital version would have taken forever. So...there might have been some tracing paper involved.... ;-)
@@FarmCraft101 -The effort put into your videos is pretty apparent. Hence why you’re getting repeat customers 😎
Thanks so much for taking the time to take us along for this ride bud. I learned plenty about actually applying some stuff i had only read about
I watch almost all of James' videos, (and yours too). You did a great job troubleshooting and explaining. Keep em coming.
Excellent vid. I'm an Industrial Electrician from Ford Motor. I also refurbish portable emergency generators so your vid is right up my alley.
Again, you are a great teacher and explain segments supported with good drawings. I was glad you saved this engine/generator from the scrap heap. Blessings to you.
The best guy to watch on generator repairs is: "Small Engine Mechanic" on RUclips. He works on all kinds; rebuilds everything; has load banks that make Condon's look Mickey Mouse. That's what he does for a living. Been watching him for years & have learned a lot more that what I get from Condon. Not to be disrespectful, but if I'm going under the surgeon's knife, I want a Doctor, not the local butcher, though both may be the best in their fields. Check him out & you'll see the difference real quick.
But, he quit posting about a year ago. Don't know why.
EXCELLENT video once again, Jon. I always learn from you. Thanks for taking the time to make the drawings. They helped me a lot. Another great topic in your channel!!
Excellent content and trouble shooting skills. You dont have to be an expert oneverything if you know how to problem solve. Thanks for the show.
Really good explainer on the gen windings and such. Its so much easier to hear it from a non engineer who doesnt over-explain and complicate things. Even if some details are missing or wrong (im assuming thats possible) this video got me closer to understanding alot of subjects im interested in. Thanks!
Agreed..... good communication is a valuable skillset
Great demonstration and explanation of how generators work, without this basic understanding it is impossible to troubleshoot any generator. Thanks.
What a fantastic educational and instructive video. Really felt compelled to listen to your comments regarding how your views on how a generator works Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Look forward to your next.
One of the best explanations of an a/c generator function I’ve seen. Great for non-electrical and DYIers.
Excellent and very detailed explanation. On a side note, I have that exact same analog multimeter purchased from Radio Shack in the 70's! Still working and very useful to see fluctuations that I can't see on my digital meter. Thanks for all the work you put into this video!
Perfect, just Perfect! Thank you from England. I can now go and help a friend look at his Chinese 10kW diesel generator with some optimism which I wouldn't have had before seeing your video. Thanks again, Peter.
This is such a great and clear explanation of how this all works. Very well done.
Excellent tutelage for the generator, I was excited ( see what I did there).
My theory would be on smaller engines the pressure pulses vary more ( instantaneous speed on crank ) producing dirty fluctuating power.
On a multi cylinder engine the multiple pressure pulses are smoother so it is cleaner.
Cheers Rick
7:30 in my years of problem solving things I find; "there is nothing more permanent then a temporary solution".
Hey you did great. You managed to fix it. I have been subbed to James channel for years. His vid are great.
I live in a city (Adelaide, South Australia). Generators are not allowed within city limits. We are allowed to have solar though.
I have a 6.8 kW (pure sine-wave) solar setup. The system has already been put through its paces and worked well. Recent wild thunderstorm knocked out power in my area for over 24 hours.
Good job! Always enjoy your content and watching your logical, methodical approach to troubleshooting (you've done this before numerous times I'd imagine.) Hope you are well.
Paul from Iowa, I am an Electrician by trade, Great Job and Great Video. I enjoy Generators and making things work
For reference, the H on a fuse doesn't indicate the fuse speed, that's the breaking capacity, H for high, L for low. The T means slow blow, a fuse marked with an F is fast blow.
I seriously love that you explained in detail because I have a simple understanding on generators. The proof your never to old to learn something new
BIG Congratulations!!! You deserve it for all the diagnosis and final repair you completed! Your buddy owes you BIG time for the money you saved him on a GREAT generator! You should feel proud, because you really did a nice job!
James Condon is a great guy Been watching him for ages lol I saw this video also tagged on James RUclips
Summary was generated by Summatim, let us know if there are any inaccuracies! 🤖
0:01: Introduction
0:59: Control Panel
2:15: Checking the Engine
5:17: Investigating the Control Panel
8:48: Hooking Up Propane
10:43: Fixing a Leak
13:28: Testing the Generator
15:05: Investigating Power Output
19:05: Generator Diagnosis
19:15: Stator and Rotor
21:24: Exciter
27:04: Brushed Generator Setup
27:33: Brushless Generator Setup
36:47: Generator power adjustment
43:59: Brushed vs Brushless Generators
44:08: Introduction
44:36: Pilot Exciter
44:48: Fuse Replacement
45:43: AVR Replacement
50:51: Load Testing
54:06: Powering the Shop
57:36: Conclusion
This should be in the description of the video or in a pinned comment/
I'm an electrical contractor from the state of Florida for 40 years plus magenerac technician for Verizon T-Mobile sprint, an American tower corporation. I thought you did an outstanding job explaining we use pmg excitation also on that regulator you need to check your water column
love that the engine goes "ha ha ha " when it stops kranking.
I am in Louisiana and I am looking for a standby generator, cheap to free. About 15-20KW
Propane is nice BUT natural gas would be amazing! Willing to take a road trip !
Thanks in advance.
Perhaps James Condon can learn something from this video about explaining to his viewers what generator windings do instead of just showing them the testing.
I have had an analog multimeter just like that for 40 years already. Bought it a Radio Shack here in The Netherlands, brings back memories... Still use it for the same purpose as done here!
Thank you, very, very well explained. I have been looking for this explanation on youtube but could not find one. There is a youtuber "James Condon" who makes generator repair videos, even though he has never explained this well how the generetor works, and I can't fix fix something if I don't know how it works.
Fantastic description of brushed and brushless generators! This for me was really a true lightbulb moment. Thanks very much indeed for going through it this way!
Great job! It was very informative and well done. One thing: your ring!!! Bro you gotta take that thing off when working on electricity or with power tools. Don’t lose your finger, or worse: get de-gloved.
You may have made it this long, but make it all the way. 😊
The absolute best and easiest explanation of not only generators but brushless/brushed motors etc. Thank you!
30:44 you said it in your explanation: brushed aren't used too often so maintenance of wear pieces isn't a problem and they output a more stable power because the regulation is 1 step vs 2 for heavy duty brushless (needs to be robust and low maintenance to be cost effective, cleaning up the power behind it is only a matter of a little more capital granted you also get a low maintenance system).
Your drawings and explanations were super clear, great work.
many years ago I was taught that the best way to prevent gas leaks is to use the yellow teflon tape then use a layer of piper dope on top of the tape, it works like a charm
Been watching James for years very interesting channel, your repair was spot on as well.
Your explanations are spot on and As Big Clive Would Say "A Full Bridge Rectifer"
In my years of experience dealing with electric heavy equipment ac and dc, #1 killer of ac equipment is dirty power they usually don’t output but it started with it, usually those who like to just chop wires you know. You actually know more than I’ve seen most of others on here t/s. 👌
I have the exact same power head/gen head and I had given up. I got the unit for $200, so the engine alone makes it a good buy. Runs great, but I get like 3-5V on both legs. It’s a new voltage regulator, and the rectifier and stator ohm good. I was told it needed a gen rebuild to the tune of $1400. That may actually be the case. After finding and watching your vid, I just might pull the gen head apart hoping for a vermin induced problem with an easier repair. Either way, excellent video!
Simply superb demonstration of the brushed and brushless systems - Even I understood it..
I actually understand the concept quite a bit from your explanation and demonstration… great job!!!thank you👍
I am not Nit picky so I think this was an excellent explanation of Generators. Well Done. I subscribed.
James has a great channel. Very instructional and easy to understand.
I've an old Onan 35kw genset from the 50s and it uses a Magneciter (Onan's in house VR). It is about the size of a shoe box and weighs about 10lbs or so. It uses two coils and a reactor to control the voltage to the rotor and was probably an early use for a solid state vr. It is awesome, bullet proof, and I love it. The reason why it isnt used anymore, more than likely because of cost. One of those today would cost upwards of a few hundred dollars, if not, a grand or more. Thanks for the vid.
Amazing troubleshooting,Love watching ALL your vids late at night betterthan cable...lastly you are such a good person always helping others
awesome vid! no one tells truth for how generator work, but you done it. thank you so much
Thank you for this Have a 20 kw generator as total home backup but never knew how it worked It just does Now I know Love watching your videos for all the information and some of the laughs as well Keep them coming
You overall knowledge of just about everything is amazing. You should be a teacher for our young...
I enjoyed this episode about small generators and principles. Especially the circuit explanations, repair and adaption then load testing at the end. Reminded me of the days when the electricians had to repair the generators and circuits on large Terex mining trucks. Making Power...