Generator Repair Trick

[Rick Stafford]

Hi everyone.  I was having trouble with my generator on the old rv I bought. The engine ran fine but no current comming from the generator. After checking wiring, breakes etc.  I almost was going to tear it down to see if  something inside was shot. Something I have not done before and really was putting it off.  Then I was looking at Utube and saw a trick to re energize one.  Start the generator, Get a electric drill (varable speed is best) plug it in and while your holding down the trigger ,turn the drill by hand . If the drill starts to run then you got it!  The video explains that sometimes when generators sit and have not been running they quit. By hooking up the drill and doing this it re vises it. Worked for me and several others.  Worth a try if you have problems.        Rick

[marty kupper]

What is really happening is this case is 'field flashing' the generator winding. The windings lose their magnetism that generates ac power. Instead of using an outside source such as a battery, the drill or whatever else is used is producing enough magnetic current to reflash the windings in the generator. A great idea! Will have to remember this one...

[Tim Dailey]

This sure does work!   I bought a small genset about 4 or 5 years ago just for the engine, as the PO said the generator head was bad.   Sure enough, after bringing it home it ran great, but would not generate.   I use an angle grinder and just kinda dragged it across the driveway.  To my surprise, the grinder started up and the generator head worked great.   So its worth a shot if you have one not generating!  

[Lakota Wolf]

Awesome advice.. Thanks for sharing. Will possibly save from tearing apart the Genset..