Generator fix?

[randyt]

I have a kubota generator thats about 20 years old. The field keeps losing its charge.
I can exite the field with a AC/DC drill motor by plugging it into it while the generator is running and giving the chuck a spin. Have to hold the trigger in for this to work.

I have put in a couple generic automatic voltage regulators and that worked for awhile but didnt last. A OEM avr is about 500 dollars, not real sure if its worth putting that money into a.20 year old genny.

Any thoughts on what Im missing?

 

[kd4ulw]

Sounds like you are ‘flashing’ the coil correctly. Never had to do this (yet), this page gives some advice to keep from draining the field. Hope it helps.

https://www.auroragenerators.com/post/fixing-portable-generators-no-power

 

[Cascadian]

Good info. I have an old Honda 2k that works intermittently. I just assumed it was a loose connection but hadn't looked into it.

 

[Biggkidd]

Sounds like your capacitor has lost it's ability to hold a charge. They are cheap and easy to replace.