Brushless generator not producing any power

Somewhat tangentially to my other construction videos, I needed to diagnose and repair my brushless generator this week. Here is how that was done.
Find out more on www.homeintheearth.com
Brushless alternators use a capacitor to introduce a charge into the windings. This gets them excited so the alternator will produce electricity. When my engine RPM surged, it surged the alternator and the capacitor blew to protect all the electronics downstream…
If the alternator is working, it produces a ~5 volt difference (plus or minus a volt or 2) across the capacitor. So, I just had to check the AC Voltage with my multimeter. It turned out the voltage was OK.
By process of elimination, I decided to order a new capacitor.
My original was covered with a layer of rust, so I couldn’t read the specifics. I checked the internet to find the right one for my generator, a 40µF, 370VAC generator capacitor. The genuine PorterCable part costs 60$. Now that I knew the specific properties, I was able to search based on that and found a Genteq knockoff that only cost 16$ with delivery. It claimed to be just as long lasting (60,000 hours), and like the much more expensive OEM product, it is also “self-extinguishing” so I won’t die in a terrifying fireball if it fails.
Its physical dimensions are a little different, but it fit. And more importantly, my generator works again.
Now my generator can do its job and give me electricity on my jobsite.

[@lightning9279]

If one is tempted to think a short, to the point, simple vid won't help people. This video proves that wrong. Amazing how many people had the same problem and you helped them solve it. Love this age of information.

[@SimonHomeintheEarth]

When I had this issue, I checked KZbin first for a solution. I was pretty frustrated that no one had made this video yet ;) After I figured it out, I figured I could be the first.

[@jhawksfarm]

Thanks for the video! I have the same generator and it stopped putting out power. I got the capacitor locally for $14.00 and took the new $900.00 generator back to Lowes!

[@SimonHomeintheEarth]

KZbin is a wonderful thing. It has helped me many times, so I am happy to pay it forward.

[@SewEyeSea]

Eureka! Who knew a 9+ year old video on KZbin could be so useful, though it took a couple of searches before I found it. I have a nearly identical Porter Cable 5500 W brushless generator that had the same problem - no power output. And yes, replacing the capacitor fixed it. But I used a Fluke auto-ranging digital multimeter for all measurements and found some readings that were different than your post. I thought it might be helpful to post my findings and other tips here. 1. To say it was producing NO power was not exactly correct. Yes, a go/no go tester shows no power but it was actually producing 3 VAC on the 110 volt outlets. So, ALMOST no power. 2. This capacitor isn't part of any protection circuit. I don't believe over revving or overloading caused the failure. It was simply its time to die. And you made me a little nervous with those uninsulated alligator clips laying so close to the metal body of the cap. Luckily they didn't touch it. 3. The voltage across my capacitor was 9 VAC, not 5 VAC. I'm guessing it's because my generator is a little newer. But neither reading is the correct voltage for a GOOD capacitor. Another commenter asked the same question. So after I installed the new cap I measured the voltage across it. It read between 410 and 415 VAC!!! Definitely not something you want to touch with your bare hands. 4. After Googling I confirmed the same specs: 40 micro Farads at 370 V. The original part number for this cap is: Gs-0748 which made finding a replacement very easy. The original Porter Cable web site no longer sells parts directly. But original replacement capacitors can be found at powertoolreplacementparts(dot)com and they are only $30.00. Of course you can find equivalents on Amazon for less. I found one part # 97F9614-40 and it was under $13.00. 5. The body of the capacitor I found is just a bit smaller than the original so it easily fits in the original opening. While it works, I'm afraid it might not last as long as the original due to excess vibration. I intend to find a backup replacement so I'm ready for the next time this happens. And finally, a big THANK YOU to the original poster for making this video!

[@hondahamis9511]

Thanks for the Tip i have two sets of 1.5kva unit the Avr and capacitor my capacitor type been broken for 2 years now i did not mind fixing it because my AVR type working well for 6 years sad to say last week it give up producing flactuating voltage the thing is quarantine lock down no shops is open right now selling AVR so i watch your VIDEO UNDERSTANDING MY CAPACITOR TYPE GENSET UPON CHECKING MY CAP ITS BLOATED BUT AGAIN NO SHOPS IS OPEN. GOOD THING IS MY NEIGHBOR IS AN ELECTRICIAN HE HAD SOME CAPACITORS BUT 10uf only instead of 12uf but right away upon installing it work immaculately. Thanks your a life saver

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

My Generac XP8000E produced low and then no voltage output. I replaced the capacitor and she is powering up all of my selected circuits again. Instead of hauling it to a authorized Generac repair shop and forking out big $$, I spent a little time and few dollars on the capacitor. Thank you for the video!

[@robertmattison1282]

Excellent video, well done and quick and to the point. Thank you for making it and posting to KZbin. Yes, Published on April 26, 2016. I watching it August 17, 2017 @ 6:51 EST

[@SimonHomeintheEarth]

Hope it helped...

[@footonearthchris8028]

Thank you very much for this! I was able to fix my generator thanks to you.

[@ManlyManStuff]

Awesome video! I just bought one of these and it works great but I would rather have the knowledge and parts available instead of cursing at it during a hurricane. Ida sucked.

[@victorrobinette114]

Great video. I'm having the same issue. My capacitor is bad too.

[@ngrader]

For oil caps, the deformed silver buldge on the top of the cap is a good visual fail indicator. That bump is much smaller and uniform when working. I used to replace lots of light ballast caps, and they always deform when they go bad. At one point in time, I knew why. (also, I've never seen a cap that rusted. Life in the desert. LOL)

[@fsrodeo81]

Nice video, short but essential, great!!

[@Mikesorrento3344]

Very good. These electrolytic capacitors will dry out over time, especially due to non-use. Run genset every month or two for 15-20 minutes UNDER LOAD. This will accomplish a few things. First, it will keep the electrolytic capacitor(s) in good shape and charged. Second, moisture in crankcase oil will be burned off and carburetor gumming will be kept to a minimum. Third, your engine seals will be kept lubricated and lastly, you will spot any performance problems and be able to fix them BEFORE you loose power and really need the genset. So many will not take these simple steps and when they go to use genset, it either doesn't start, or produce power......also, use aviation fuel if you can. It has a much longer shelf life and has no ethanol, which can damage some older carbs. If you can't get aviation fuel, use stable and run your carbs dry always....

[@The_Happy_Aviation_Enthusiast]

Don’t forget about generator safety as well kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2LNhWZ3g6qBrKs

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

Great advice, John.

[@austin22re]

I always shut the fuel off, and run it until it stops, then also drain the bowl of the carb too.

[@killer2600]

True, but you have to be realistic, a homeowner with a portable generator for backup (rare use) power isn't going to exercise it "every month or two". Personally, I recommend storing it without fuel with the carb dry and aim at taking it out every 6 months to a year to give it a little exercise with the expectation that most people will put off or forget this chore. Also Aviation fuel is great in that it doesn't have ethanol but it's terrible in that it contains lead. We switched to unleaded gasoline for good reason, so I suggest ethanol AND lead free gasoline for use in outdoor power equipment.

[@thomasschwarting5108]

@@austin22re That's what I do to all my gas engines, is run the gas out of the carburator. If the gas tank is plastic, you won't have much trouble with the gas going bad on you. It will ALWAYS go bad in the carb first. Don't know why, just does. If the gas tank is metal, well it seems like you should drain that gas as well. Luckily most machines (small ones anyway) have plastic tanks.

[@JimFixIt74]

Great video. My generator was doing the same thing. I ran the tests with the same results you’ve shown. I have a new capacitor coming tomorrow. Fingers crossed this was a $15 fix. Thanks!

[@The_Happy_Aviation_Enthusiast]

Don’t forget about generator safety kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2LNhWZ3g6qBrKs hope you stay safe

[@pasioncazaycocina2598]

This video makes may day i had it the same issue and got fixed my self by replacing bad capasitor after seeing this video. Thanks.

[@wazza33racer]

always be super careful when handling large,can type capacitors. In this case, the machine was only sending it 5 volts............but in many appliances and devices, hey can enough voltage and current to deliver a nasty or deadly shock.

[@2beddie]

THANK YOU FOR THE HELP I FIX MY GENERATOR IT WAS THE CAP.

[@tomnorton9705]

Thanks for posting this! My generator works again!!!

[@The_Happy_Aviation_Enthusiast]

Please don’t forget about generator safety as well kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2LNhWZ3g6qBrKs keep children safe when using generators

[@irmaulloa9178]

thank you very much, got my generator back on line for my foodtruck.

[@foxwood67]

Can this capacitor hold a charge like a A/C one. I think you are supposed to make sure to discharge it?.. anybody..?

[@hendrix925]

My ac voltage is 2.98 checking from cap terminals while running wot .is this too low ?

[@luisnunes5681]

What is that mean on the voltmeter?? On mine is 1.987 I wonder if that’s mean no good or what can you help me please ?thank you

[@احمدالقيصري-ق9ق]

رحم الله والديك وفق الله في الدنيا والآخرة

[@MrPancho728]

I have a generator a brushless generator that has a capacitor on it as well I got a hold of a tester and I ran it the same exact way you ran yours. After selecting the V~ button it reads 1.020 it will vary running up or down . The generator is a Powerback 5250

[@The_Happy_Aviation_Enthusiast]

Here’s an important video about generator safety kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2LNhWZ3g6qBrKs make sure you use your generator carefully. Thank you

[@shinhostergroup]

Did it matter which lead went where?

[@creeper073]

Same thing happened to me. Accidentally over revved the engine, no power after that. I'll try replacing the capacitor.

[@rodgerjachim460]

I have the exact same generator and on my trailer rental it stopped producing power. I tried you're fix and voila, it's producing power, just not sending power. Do you happen to have the part number off Amazon?

[@ademolasola8298]

Excellent 👍👍👍

[@الحوتالأزرق-ف5د]

I have a small generator with a capacitor. When I don't run anything on it, the volt is 340, and when I run on it a half-horsepower water motor, the volt becomes 220. Is this normal?

[@gordonlockhart6966]

Hi I have similar problems Out of curiosity, does anyone know what voltage would have been across the capacitor with the new one? Would it still be 5 volts? Thanks

[@SewEyeSea]

No. On mine the bad capacitor read 9 VAC. The new one reads between 410 and 415 VAC.

[@thomasschwarting5108]

OK, so I'm watching your video and you're testing the voltage going to the capacitor which is running between 4 & 5 volts. I have an older Honda generator, a pro series 5500 and also has no power output. When I check the voltage going to the capacitor, it's got 9.8 volts. Is there any way to compensate for that high voltage? I'm also assuming that the capacitor is probably no good due to the high voltage going to it. Now if it's got voltage going to the capacitor, does that mean there's a possibility that this generator can still be salvaged?

[@SewEyeSea]

I've got the same Porter-Cable generator as the original video creator, perhaps a little newer but the same wattage. Mine is also reading 9 volts AC at the capacitor. I'm hopeful a new capacitor will fix it regardless. UPDATE: The new capacitor fixed it. Voltage across the new capacitor is now 410 to 415 VAC.

[@robertmattison1282]

Okay, you got the generator working, I like your video, because you added humor into it. You have gift in front the camera. And your voice is excellent. Perhaps a career doing voice over for Anime movies.

[@SimonHomeintheEarth]

What sort of Anime character are you thinking? I'll talk to my boss and see if I can transfer to the Anime division. ;^)

[@electricalTechnician412]

I try this Generator work but when I turn it off . And start again same problem

[@camtheelectrician]

So if I don't have the 5v , I likely need to re excite the field?

[@DR-gg2gk]

How did you know where to reconnect the wires on the new capacitor?

[@MickWootton]

It doesn't matter on ac capacitors

[@tanavasahamed3067]

Please show generter statar Winding and battery charging diagram also

[@GeneticsSAIF]

Not sure of you can help! I'm in CA, due to fire season Edison been shutting down power... Long story short, I got this a nice Costco generator (Firmam H07552 7500 WATT DUAL FUEL ELEC.) It powers the whole house (not the AC unit or washer/dryer) Btw, we got no gas, so all electronic! I have solar installed that is connected to the grid and requires 20A When powering up the generator thinking it will power up the solar system and results in powering the whole house with AC, the solar system gives Abd error that frequency is not steady. My question, how can I assure that the generator output frequency is steady ? I was thinking like an AC unit where it needs a capacitor, what would you recommend? Btw, I have the main grid breaker off in case power comes back and connecting the generator thru a 240V 50A RV outlet I have (back powering the panel) Thanks

[@jcr65566]

The FIRMAN H07552 is a 9400 watt 50A powerhouse. it should run ever thing your whole house Even though it a squire wave generator not inverter generator it will still run things like LCD TVs fridge freezers etc And any electrical device that turns electrical AC current in to DC current can be run on a squire wave generator squire wave generator have been use to power home long before inverter generators ever come a long the only thing that can harm you electrical device with a squire wave generator is if the generator has a power serge So use a power serge protector. I have found that the the solar system inverter knows it not a sin wave You can only get that from an inverter generator the the solar system inverter will give an Abd error Try to reboot the system to see if that clears the error and gets the system back in action again. Just make sure to follow the proper shutdown procedure as follows; Turn off the SOLAR SUPPLY MAIN SWITCH or Inverter AC Isolator (if installed). Turn off the PV Array DC Isolator located at the inverter

[@escorpion6.728]

Mine does produce electricity but if I decelerate the motor the electricity goes down too, does anyone know what it could be?

[@Urugami45]

So, what should the voltage be across a good capacitor?

[@obviouslytwo4u]

You don't test capacitors with voltage. The only voltage is 5 volts coming out of the two wires going into the capacitor. You would need a multimeter that tests capacitors that can give you an indication of microfarads so you can test how far out or in the capacity is from it's designed specification.

[@sterlingsebringbuild]

glad to have found this. I saw the stator had two pink wires to the capacitor. Any reason they have the same wires? Or is that cap not polarized?

[@Sunsetdrivein]

You're dealing with AC here so the capacitor is NOT polarized.

[@xenomorph7299]

I folowed all this and put in a new capacitor. Its still not working im only getting 1.5 volts output.

[@RAYSEEME]

opened up the back like you said, no wires or electronics, is it possible there up between the motor?

[@SimonHomeintheEarth]

Not sure what type of generator you have? Is it a "brushless" one like mine?

[@jasonsparshott4615]

ray conway yes mine has the capacitor(s) located in a box on the side of gen

[@elitebowman5386]

Hi, my mother has this same generator. I checked my mother's capacitor and my rotor and alternator are turning. I am getting around 9volts when I take a reading like you did. How do you know what the capacitor should read on a meter? I changed the capacitor around 3 years ago because it burnt out before.

[@The_Happy_Aviation_Enthusiast]

Don’t forget about generator safety as well kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2LNhWZ3g6qBrKs especially keep your children safe when using generators. Thank you

[@MrEricMcCullough]

How did you get the cover to go back on with the capacitor not fitting in the slot? I have the exact same generator and have been looking all over for a cheaper, shorter capacitor. If you can please advise how you were able to get the cover back on, and post the link for where I can buy the capacitor. Thank you.

[@SimonHomeintheEarth]

In my case, the knock off capacitor I purchased was a different shape, but still fit. I didn't need to do anything special to get the cover back on.

[@MrEricMcCullough]

Got a new knock off capacitor today and installed it. Still same thing. Showing about 9 volts on it while running and immediately after I cut it off zero volts on new capacitor.

[@MrEricMcCullough]

This is the link to where I got my capacitor. Don’t you think this one should work? rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F282684413875

[@MrEricMcCullough]

Another question. The little stator that spins around in the center have two diodes. Checking these with my meter is showing continuity both ways.

[@pahu47]

@@MrEricMcCullough Late reply, but all diodes should show continuity in one direction only. Both ways mens its probably bad

[@vinnieromano1336]

Would you happen to have that part number because I have the same generator. Thanks

[@The_Happy_Aviation_Enthusiast]

Don’t forget about generator safety as well kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2LNhWZ3g6qBrKs make sure you use your generator carefully. Thank you

[@TheMartilloroli]

Where I get tha capacitator

[@SimonASNG]

Just google it. I bought mine on Amazon.

[@jcr65566]

I got an 11hp honda welder 7.4 KVA generator Had the same problem Thanks Also can any of you guys found a way to run a flat screen Tv of-of you brushless generator I haven't tried it because I was told the sin wave could blow up the tv but it works well on everything else.

[@SimonHomeintheEarth]

I have seen that many generators advertise if they are stable enough for high-end electronics. The ones that are safe generally charge a lot more.

[@jcr65566]

Simon ;We all ways buy second-hand generators new ones get knock off from up here . I had generators so long we can fix anything on them that goes wrong even damage stators and rotors. Usually, when the storms hit and the power goes we just use one of them for the water heater and the wight goods like fridge freezer and the lights. but one of the guys said he uses a small inverter running off his car battery and when the battery gets low he charges it with the 12 volt off the generator I have three generators one an old 1980 Yamaha camp generator 600 watts the others an old 11 hp 7.4 k watt brush less Honda welder. And a 6.5hp 2.8kw to 3kw Chinese Honda knockoff. And At the moment only the 600 watt going. so when the storms hit we only be able to run lights took the carby off the 11hp and moisture got in and it seizes so could not pull it over So I took hand start off took the plug out sprayed inside the plug with WD40 and got two large screw drives and turn it over in reverse the put a drill on it and turn it over it worked it seems to be OK now just got to finish serving it The old 11 hp 7.4 kw brush less Honda welder. a bit too dangerous to have an where their are kid as there too many exposed parts that they can get in to. So I usually lock it up going in the garage with a pipe outside under the door to take away the exhaust..

[@parrishdgp]

mine has 14.3v-15.02V at the capacitor , what's next to check I have a Master MGH5000DIE Genorator with a 9hp Honda motor only has 77.1 hrs. on it but not producing

[@parrishdgp]

what does to much voltage tell you

[@SimonHomeintheEarth]

Maybe it isn't too much? The point is that your alternator is rotating and producing voltage to the capacitor. That is probably a good thing. If you have already checked the breakers downstream and they are working (zero resistance), then the next cheapest thing between the alternator and the breakers is the capacitor. I think you probably need to swap out the capacitor. You may also have a circuit board in the loop, but replace the capacitor first.

[@jasonsparshott4615]

Simon HomeintheEarth voltage read across capacitor is always higher then “ line “ or input voltage

[@robertmattison1282]

So you use a non- polarized AC Electrolytic replacement capacitor for your fix's. Correct me if I am wrong.

[@SimonHomeintheEarth]

I looked up the proper replacement, and then bought a generic one that had the same specs, but cost a small fraction of the price and it has worked well ever since.

[@metometo7792]

Excellent video, thanks. I only 1.5 volts going into my cap, does that mean that the generator is bad?

[@SimonHomeintheEarth]

Probably... Unless it is a much smaller generator?

[@The_Happy_Aviation_Enthusiast]

Here’s a very important video about generator safety kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2LNhWZ3g6qBrKs just hoping you stay safe

[@heavychevy2289]

Single phase generators that doesn't use brushes use capacitors to deliver reactive power to the stator windings making it able to set up a magnetic field. for the person who was lost you need three things to produce power in a generator a magnetic field..... Relative motion due to the prime mover which is the engine and a conductor....... 3 phase generators use a rotating diode assembly to excite the field Windings.... Lol is that clear enough..

[@treeroofgrass]

If the capacitor was good, what would the reading be?

[@SimonHomeintheEarth]

+treeroofgrass Sorry I wasn't clear. I was actually testing the wires leading from the alternator to the capacitor, not the capacitor its self. They were showing that the capacitor was getting 5 volts. I only left the capacitor on because it was easier for my alligator clips to hold onto. If those wires had not been feeding the capacitor the 5 volts, I would have needed to check the windings or something else in the generator to find the problem. But because I knew that the fuses were not the problem and the alternator was turning and producing power, by process of elimination, the capacitor was the only thing between them, so I could conclude that it was bad. If the capacitor was good and the alternator was feeding it power and the fuses were not the problem... Then my generator would have been working and I wouldn't need to do anything ;^)

[@treeroofgrass]

oh cool! thanks for the clarification. I have a generator and am trying to learn as much as I can on how to fix it when the time comes.

[@Sunsetdrivein]

The capacitor probably had gone open circuit.

[@anwarmoss8039]

What site you went on to find the capacitor size you needed? I have a 6500watts (H650IS-W) and looking on the net and having no luck at all

[@SimonHomeintheEarth]

Go look at the old capacitor. Find out how many volts and how many micro farads... μF Then type that into Amazon. The capacitor I got was not an exact match for size and shape, but it matched where it counts...

[@pahu47]

@@SimonHomeintheEarth Another website says you HAVE to get a 'generator capacitor" I dont know the difference, but it's important

[@MickWootton]

I'm a sparky, and never heard of a capacitor built for a particular job/equipment. I think it's more of a marketing thing. Saying yhat, there is quality capacitors and cheap ebay ones

[@OliviaObi]

Thanks for this video. . I just fixed my gen too. . Same problem

[@josemonte495]

Great vid. nd information to save $$$ Thanks!!

[@blizznet]

Same generator as pictured, did not work for me.

[@SimonHomeintheEarth]

This was troubleshooting to confirm that the problem was the capacitor. What was different? Did you get the same resistance, etc? If any of the tests yielded different results, then something else was the problem.

[@benshrope5707]

awesome thanks dude!

[@SimonHomeintheEarth]

Glad it helped!

[@thevabhas7225]

If I put 50uf it's can work..

[@itsallfabrication]

good vid. thanks.

[@kennyhonse2017]

You should know that particular capacitor application will shock you worse than about any application for capacitor. They will remain charged for weeks and hold 400+ volts.

[@SimonHomeintheEarth]

This isn't in a big TV or something. This is a 5 volt, 40 μF capacitor. I agree we should always handle capacitors carefully, but I don't think this one can store more than 40μF x 5V = 200 μC without discharging its self. You need something like 48 volts with 1000μF if you want some damage.

[@kennyhonse2017]

Simon HomeintheEarth do what you want but THAT application is unlike other electronics, it will charge up to whatever the rating is and stay there to provide starting magnetism.

[@SimonHomeintheEarth]

Right, it charges up to the rating of 40μF x 5V = 200 μC. It simply can not hold more than that, no where near 400+ volts. I agree to always treat these things carefully, but if you screw up, this one wont kill you. Of course, that is the math. As I said, I always treat these things carefully, so I didn't test the theory.

[@SimonHomeintheEarth]

Oh yea, I guess it can store up to 370VAC, but still, with only 200 μC.

[@gregoryvanek9038]

I wish I’d had watched this 2 days ago so I could have repaired my (extra) generator BEFORE HURRICANE IDA GOT HERE!

[@aureluscarinemarseille5831]

Combien d,argent

[@SimonHomeintheEarth]

It was about 15$. But just look up the one you need on the internet to get your local price.

[@captcurt64]

thank that help me .thanks

[@MrPancho728]

But it’s not making electricity

[@solovino1969]

u forgot to tell people to discharge the capacitor ....

[@akush55]

capacitor there design hold power kind electric eel had the meter set lower voltage to 2 extra fuse replace

[@Impedancenetwork]

Ok those aren't fuses @0:32. Those are circuit breakers. Circuit breakers don't "blow." Fuses blow (or more precisely they melt). Circuit breaker "trip." You reset a circuit breaker. You do not reset a fuse. You might not give a shit but when you are making a video you should use the proper terms. You think that capacitor is there to "protect all the electronics down stream?" That is never why you put a capacitor in a circuit. You may put an MOV in a circuit to protect is from a voltage spike but that capacitor is probably in there for a completely different purpose. I could probably tell you why it was in there if I could see the schematic. Just because if failed when you "had your accidental power surge" doesn't mean that the capacitor is there just for that reason. That capacitor was probably going to fail anyways. It just so happen to fail right when you did "let the engine race for 1 second." Correlation does not mean causation.

[@SimonHomeintheEarth]

I agree about the fuses... Sloppy terminology on my part. I also agree that the capacitor is not a fuse or a circuit breaker (I didn't meant to suggest that it was), but it is there to regulate the excite circuit on the generator so it stays around the normal voltage as the generator loads vary. In my case, I had messed with the engine RPMs so much that I blew it out... But in its function as a regulator, it protected the windings and downstream circuits...

[@Impedancenetwork]

I did not mean to imply that you thought the capacitor was a fuse. You did not say that in the video. But you did say those white circuit breakers were fuses. So I took issue with that. I am an electrical engineer that specifies and designs power systems for very large plants like Oil & Gas Refineries. I know exactly how generator field excitation works. I know exactly how capacitors work and the differential equations that are used to model them. I have never seen such as large capacitor in a generator field control circuit. Capacitors can act as crude voltage regulators but in general that is not what they are used for. This is probably a Chinese designed generator. The Chinese only care about price so they will produce some pretty crappy designs in order to produce a generator cheaply. If you can afford it get a Honda. Best generators made but damn are they expensive. You get what you pay for. If you had a Honda you'd never have to worry about these kind of problems.

[@SimonHomeintheEarth]

Sure, while doing my research before buying this generator, it was pretty clear that Honda was considered the best and they used that to justify a 3x price. While I would have preferred a Honda if someone else was paying, this generic brand has only needed this one 16$ repair over hundreds of hours of construction site use, so I probably made the right financial decision. Of course, I do give it regular oil changes, etc. but this was the only part I have had to replace. Meanwhile... Your qualifications make me wonder why you even took a look at my amateur video ;^)

[@Impedancenetwork]

People do not always watch your video because they are "searching" for amatuer videos. I have autoplay on so when I went out to check on my sons who were playing outside, many videos played one after the other while I was outside. I don't even know how many played before I walked back in an hour later. Yours was playing when I walked into my study. So I continued to watch it while I took my shoes off. I shook my head when you said, "fuses." An engineer just can't let something like that go. I came across your video on accident. I don't enjoy watching videos like this. Had it not been automatically playing when I came in the room, I would have never seen it and never commented.

[@SimonHomeintheEarth]

That makes more sense ;^) I could have fixed the whole problem if I used a script. Have a good evening.

[@iancleary1872]

DANGER DO NOT TOUCH METAL CAPACITER DISCHARGE FIRST PEOPLE HAVE DIED

[@SimonHomeintheEarth]

Being careful with capacitors is a good general rule of thumb, but this capacitor is only ever charged to 5 volts and with only 40 micro farads, so it couldn't really zap you very hard.

[@ngrader]

@@SimonHomeintheEarth "I checked the internet to find the right one for my generator, a 40µF, 370VAC generator capacitor." I think the point is it could potentially hold a bit of power, it's not a 'small' capacitor. It's potentially above the 40v barrier to jump skin. And most people watching this aren't going to know what it's charged to until they enter teh Danger-Zone. We all gotta look out for Charles: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYjCZ4qhl9ysgaM But, is see now what you mean about being charge to only 5 volts. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6LaZH2HpZhkjNk So unless there is some major malfuntion charging the cap, it is a practical impossibility of achieving problems. Today I learned.