Safety Read This Manual Thoroughly Throughout this publication and on tags and decals This diagnostic manual has been written and published affixed to the generator, DANGER, WARNING, and by Generac to aid dealer technicians and company CAUTION blocks are used to alert personnel to special service personnel when servicing the products described instructions about a particular operation that may be herein.
Brushless Capacitor Excitation Section 1 Introduction NOTE: The voltage of a brushless capacitive discharge generator will start low and increase as load is applied. Figure 1-1. A typical brushless type portable generator needs 4 major components to function: a prime Stator Assembly mover, stator, rotor, and capacitor.
Section 1 Brushless Capacitor Excitation Operation AC Power Winding Output A maintained voltage is induced into the stator AC power Startup windings. When electrical loads are connected across When engine started, residual/permanent the AC power windings to complete the circuit, current magnetism from the rotor induces a voltage into (a) the can flow in the circuit.
Section 1 Brushless Capacitor Excitation Troubleshooting Flowcharts Introduction Use the Flow Charts in conjunction with the . Test numbers used in the flow charts correspond to AC Diagnostic Tests the numbered tests in the AC Diagnostic Tests . The first step in using the flow charts is to identify the correct problem on the following pages.
Page 10
Section 1 Brushless Capacitor Excitation Problem 2 – Voltage & Frequency Are Both High or Low GO TO FREQUENCY GOOD, LOW OR PROBLEM 1 RESIDUAL VOLTAGE TEST 27 – CHECK & ADJUST GO TO NO-LOAD FREQUENCY & VOLTAGE GOOD BUT ENGINE GOVERNOR PROBLEM 3 THEY DROOP TO MUCH WHEN LOAD IS APPLIED...
Direct Excitation (Brush Type) Section 2 Introduction the rotor windings via Wire 4, and the positive (+) brush and slip ring. The excitation current passes through the Figure 2-1. A typical brush type portable generator windings to the negative (-) slip ring and brush on Wire 0. needs 4 major components to function: prime mover, This current flow creates a magnetic field around the rotor rotor, stator, and voltage regulator.
Page 12
Section 2 Direct Excitation (Brush Type) AC Power Winding Output The regulator changes the AC from the excitation winding to DC. In addition, based on the Wire S15 and A regulated voltage is induced into the stator AC power Wire S16 sensing signals, it regulates the flow of direct windings.
Section 2 Direct Excitation (Brush Type) Troubleshooting Flowcharts Introduction Use the Flow Charts in conjunction with the . Test numbers used in the flow charts correspond to AC Diagnostic Tests the numbered tests in the AC Diagnostic Tests . The first step in using the flow charts is to identify the correct problem on the following pages.
Page 14
Section 2 Direct Excitation (Brush Type) Problem 6 – Voltage & Frequency Are Both High or Low FREQUENCY GO TO GOOD, LOW OR PROBLEM 5 RESIDUAL VOLTAGE NO-LOAD FREQUENCY & TEST 27 – CHECK & ADJUST GO TO VOLTAGE GOOD BUT ENGINE GOVERNOR PROBLEM 7 THEY DROOP TOO MUCH...
AC Diagnostic Tests Section 3 Test 2 – Check Main Circuit Breaker Introduction Perform the Diagnostic Tests in this section in Procedure conjunction with Brushless Troubleshooting The generator has circuit breakers located on the control Flowcharts or the Brush Type Troubleshooting panel.
Section 1 AC Diagnostic Tests Results Procedure If any other reading than CONTINUITY was Remove positive and negative wires connected to measured, further troubleshooting needs to be done the brush assembly. to determine if it is the receptacle or the wiring. Connect one jumper wire to where the positive If receptacles test good, refer to flow chart.
Page 17
Section 1 AC Diagnostic Tests While the unit is running connect one jumper wire Record DC amperage measured. Approximately to the negative terminal of the battery and connect 0.22 DC amps should be measured. the other jumper wire to the positive terminal. NOTE: The DC voltage of the battery divided by the Record voltage measured on Wires 2 and 6 on the resistance measured in Step 17 will give a calculated...
Section 1 AC Diagnostic Tests Test 5 – Field Flash Alternator IMPORTANT NOTE: Do NOT energize the capacitor for more than 1 second at a time. (Configuration “A” Only) Momentarily turn on energizing cord (one second). General Theory Disconnect energizing cord from capacitor. The alternator utilizes residual magnetism within the Carefully re-connect the DPE winding leads to the windings to charge the capacitor.
Section 1 AC Diagnostic Tests Test 6 – Check Capacitor IMPORTANT NOTE: A capacitor that has gone bad has a tendency to explode. Use caution when dealing with an General Theory exploded capacitor. The gel from inside a capacitor can cause skin irritation.
Section 1 AC Diagnostic Tests Test 8 – Test Brushless Stator Test 9 – Test Brushed Stator Windings Windings General Theory General Theory The brushless stator has three internal windings, two Most brushed stators have three main windings that are main power windings and a DPE winding.
Section 1 AC Diagnostic Tests NOTE: All figures are approximate. See data label on appliance for wattage requirements. Results If unit is overloaded, reduce load. If load is within limits but frequency and voltage still drop excessively, refer to flow chart. Overloading a generator in excess of its rated wattage capacity can result in damage to the generator and to connected electrical devices.
Page 22
Section 1 AC Diagnostic Tests This page intentionally left blank. Diagnostic Repair Manual...
Diagnostic Flow Charts There are multiple types of engines on the GP Series generators: 407cc, 389cc, 208cc, 196cc, 163cc, 420cc. Section 3 is divided into difference subsections that provide engine troubleshooting for each type of engine. It is imperative to identify what type of engine is used in order to effectively troubleshoot the problem.
Page 24
Section 4 Engine Diagnostic Tests Problem 11 – Engine Turns Over But Will Not Start CHECK TEST 19 – TEST 26 – REMOVE CHECK FUEL FUEL GOOD CHECK SHUTOFF WIRE 18 / GOOD SUPPLY SPARK VALVE SHUTDOWN LEAD SPARK SPARK REPLENISH TEST 25 –...
Page 25
Section 4 Engine Diagnostic Tests Problem 12 – Engine “Hunts” / Erratic Idle *Acceptable running limits for the engine are between 59-61 Hertz. TEST 19 – TEST 23 – CHECK TEST 22 – STILL CHECK VALVE GOOD CHOKE TEST SURGING IGNTION ADJUSTMENT SPARK...
Page 26
Section 4 Engine Diagnostic Tests Problem 14 – Recoil Cord Will Not Pull (If So Equipped) TEST 31 – TEST TEST 32 – VISUALLY INSPECT FOR OBSTRUCTIONS RECOIL GOOD TEST ENGINE GOOD THAT WOULD CAUSE BINDING OF THE FUNCTION FUNCTION RECOIL ONCE INSTALLED VISUALLY INSPECT EXTERNAL REPLACE...
Page 27
Section 4 Engine Diagnostic Tests Problem 16 – Engine Starts Hard and Runs Rough TEST 20 – TEST 19 – CHECK CHOKE CHECK FUEL CHECK CHECK GOOD POSITION AND GOOD GOOD GOOD SUPPLY SPARK PLUG SPARK OPERATION LOW FUEL ENGINE MISFIRE PUSH IN AFTER IS APPARENT STARTING...
Page 28
Section 4 Engine Diagnostic Tests Problem 17 – Engine Starts Then Shuts Down TEST 29 – TEST 16 – TEST OIL LEVEL CHECK CO CHECK ENGINE TEST OIL START-RUN-STOP GOOD O.K. SENSE LIGHT LIGHT PRESSURE OIL LEVEL SWITCH SWITCH BLINKING OIL LEVEL LOW YELLOW LIGHT...
Page 29
Section 4 Engine Diagnostic Tests Problem 18 – Battery Will Not Charge (410cc Engines) TEST 13 – REPLACE CHECK CONNECTIONS GOOD GOOD CHECK 1.5 BATTERY ON BATTERY CHARGE AMP FUSE CHARGER SOCKET REPLACE REPLACE FUSE Problem 19 – Engine “Hunts” / Erratic Idle (410cc Engines) *Acceptable running limits for the engine are between 59-62 Hertz.
Page 30
Section 4 Engine Diagnostic Tests Problem 20 – Engine Turns Over But Will Not Start (410cc Engines) ENGINE STARTED NO PROBLEM CHECK LP ATTEMPT STARTING TEST 19 – FUEL TANK GENERATOR AS INSTRUCTED GOOD IGNITION GOOD START SUPPLY IN OWNER’S MANUAL SPARK LOW FUEL GOOD...
Section 4 Engine Diagnostic Tests Introduction Procedure A. Inspect Battery Cables, Terminals, and Connections Perform the Diagnostic Tests in this section in Inspect battery cables and battery posts. conjunction with the Charts. Test Diagnostic Flow If cable clamps or terminals are corroded, clean numbers in this chapter correspond to numbered tests in away all corrosion.
Section 4 Engine Diagnostic Tests Connect the test leads to the positive and negative Table 4-1. Maximum Voltage Readings posts of the battery being tested and follow the conductance battery tester manufacturer's DC Volts Connection Test instructions. Test results should not indicate anything lower than 60% of the battery's rated 0.00-0.10 Battery Post to...
Section 4 Engine Diagnostic Tests Procedure STOP START Figure 4-6. Disconnect Point A from switch. GROUND TO STARTER 0 GD TO MAGNETO CONTACTOR 008727 003996 Figure 4-5. START-RUN-STOP Switch Figure 4-6. OFF-ON Switch Test Points Procedure Connect one meter lead to male connector on Set a digital multimeter (DMM) to measure switch and the other meter test lead to a clean resistance.
Section 4 Engine Diagnostic Tests Test 19 – Check Ignition Spark Set a DMM to measure DC voltage (12 VDC). Connect meter positive (+) test lead to starter contactor stud (the Procedure small jumper wire connected to starter). Connect common (-) test lead to starter motor frame. A commercially available spark tester may be used to Set Start-Stop Switch to START and observe meter.
Section 4 Engine Diagnostic Tests Test 20 – Check Spark Plugs • Water in fuel • Intake valve stuck open Procedure • Needle/float stuck open Figure 4-12 Figure 4-13. Remove spark plugs. If spark plug is dry, look for the following: Clean with commercial solvent.
Section 4 Engine Diagnostic Tests Another method is to turn engine over and position intake valve fully open (intake valve spring compressed) and adjust exhaust valve clearance. Turn engine over and position exhaust valve fully open (exhaust valve spring compressed) and adjust intake valve clearance. Figure 4-14.
Section 4 Engine Diagnostic Tests plug hole. Crank engine until there is no further in pressure. The highest reading obtained is engine compression pressure. Minimum Allowable Compression Pressure Cold Engine – 60 psi If compression is poor, look the following causes: •...
Section 4 Engine Diagnostic Tests Results A keyway is provided for alignment only and theoretically carries no load. If spark now occurs, Wire 18 has a short to ground. Trace Wire 18 back to START-RUN-STOP switch NOTE: If flywheel key becomes sheared or even partially and Oil Pressure Module (if equipped).
Section 4 Engine Diagnostic Tests Running Adjustment Set DMM to measure resistance. Connect one meter test lead to disconnected wire After completing initial adjustment, final adjustment is from oil level switch. Connect the other meter test accomplished with engine running under no-load. lead to frame ground.
Section 4 Engine Diagnostic Tests Remove oil pressure gauge and install oil pressure Remove spark plug from unit. switch. Do NOT connect Wire 86 or Wire 0 to Attempt to turn engine over by hand. switch terminals. Results a. Set a DMM to measure resistance. b.
Section 4 Engine Diagnostic Tests Procedure UP position to the DOWN position without binding, the switch is functioning mechanically. NOTE: Do not install CO badging (decal) prior to Proceed to the next step. performing this test Turn ON the utility power supply (if currently off) to NOTE: The generator must run under normal operation the transfer switch, using the means provided with no CO module notifications for a minimum of 65...
Page 42
Section 4 Engine Diagnostic Tests This page intentionally left blank. Diagnostic Repair Manual...
Major Disassembly Section 5 Introduction Each generator model has a unique method of disassembly. Figure 5-1 is a simplified version of disassembly that does not go into step by step instructions. The figure below represents the basic disassembly and sequence of steps needed to remove the fuel tank, stator, rotor, and the engine.
Page 49
Section 5 Major Disassembly ITEM QTY. DESCRIPTION ITEM QTY. DESCRIPTION FRAME PARTS EXHAUST PARTS ASSY CRADLE BASE BRACKET, MUFFLER SHIELD, BOTTOM CRADLE END ASSY MUFFLER, 389cc PANEL RAIL BRACKET, MUFFLER SHIELD TOP BACK RAIL GASKET, EXHUAST. 389cc CURVED HEAD BOLT 5/16-18 x 1.625"...
Page 53
Section 5 Major Disassembly ITEM QTY. DESCRIPTION ITEM QTY. DESCRIPTION FRAME PARTS SCREW HHTT M8-1.25 x 20 ASSY CRADLE BASE EXHAUST PARTS CRADLE END BRACKET, MUFFLER SHIELD, BOTTOM PANEL RAIL ASSY MUFFLER, 389cc BACK RAIL BRACKET, MUFFLER SHIELD TOP CURVED HEAD BOLT 5/16-18 x 1.625"...
Page 55
Section 5 Major Disassembly ITEM QTY. DESCRIPTION ITEM QTY. DESCRIPTION CRADLE END LUG SLDLSS #2-#8 X 17/64 CU BACK RAIL WASHER LOCK SPECIAL 1/4” CURVED HEAD BOLT 5/16-18 x SCREW PPPH #8-16 x 1/2” BZC 1.625" LONG ASSY GND WIRE ALT TO BASE CAP NUT LOCKING 5/16-18 RECEPTACLE PANEL 30A RND W/ THREAD, 5/16”...
Page 57
Section 5 Major Disassembly ITEM QTY. DESCRIPTION ITEM QTY. DESCRIPTION CRADLE END TIRE 9.5" DIA RUN FLAT PLASTIC HUB/RUBBER TREAD BACK RAIL SCREW, HHC 1/2”-13 x 4-1/2” LONG CURVED HEAD BOLT 5/16-18 x 1.625" LONG NUT, HEX LOCK 1-2”-13 NYLON INSERT CAP NUT LOCKING 5/16-18 THREAD) 5/16”...
Electrical Data Section 6 Introduction Go to www.generac.com (http://www.generac.com/service-support/product-support-lookup) for the most current wiring diagrams and electrical schematics. Use model or serial number. Diagnostic Repair Manual...
Electrical Formulas To Find Known Values 1-phase 3-phase E X I E x I x 1.73 x PF Kilowatts (kW) Volts, Current, Power Factor 1000 1000 E x I E x I x 1.73 Volts, Current 1000 1000 kW x 1000 kW x 1000 Amperes kW, Volts, Power Factor...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the GP Series and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers