HOW-TO "Flash" A Generator | Make It Produce Power Again | MUST WATCH

[@kugmyster]

I flashed mine in my front yard, however my neighbor called the cops......

[@stevie3275]

well I wonder why!

[@PatrickWagz]

I flashed my neighbor in my front yard, however my generator called the cops.... :-)

[@codytaber6304]

kugmyster A name to go with a flash has been obtained.

[@shawnburke2770]

I did the same thing - got arrested and was sent to small claims court!!

[@pierresgarage2687]

Also di it, all the husbands from the neighborhood are jaleous...!!! And it's seems like it's spreading... Sigh!

[@crosswalkguy435]

Dude! We checked everything. Diodes, windings, capicitors, etc., and it is all fine. My buddy told me about flashing it with a 12 volt car battery. He said he tried it and it didn't work. I had never heard of that, and thought he was crazy. I found your video and talked him into trying it. When it worked, we laughed our asses off. THANK YOU!

[@BenjaminMcNelley]

I DID WHAT HE DEMONSTRATED! IT WORKED!!! HUGE NOTE! I DID NOT NEED THE GENERATOR RUNNING WHEN I RAN THE DRILL BACKWARDS AND IT STILL WORKED. MUCH SAFER. GREAT VIDEO!!!

[@tannerc900]

This video is awesome. I bought a big Kubota generator for $20 because the guy thought it was screwed because it wasn’t producing power and I tried this and works perfectly now!

[@bamideleoseni8702]

My gen has been a big headache lately. I just flashed it by following your steps and it came up. Thanks so much.

[@jimgehringer1560]

Thanks a lot for this method suggestion. Seemed safer than some of the other online ways using car batteries or jump starters. It took me about a half-dozen spins of my 1/2" drill, but suddenly my 20yr old Arctic Cat 4000 came back to life! Great tip.

[@jimmy-j1m3p]

just wanted to thank you for this video! Im a fleet service mechanic and had a Honda EM3500S generator in for service and noticed it was not producing voltage. Im not too familiar with small engines and generators but knew enough to check the brushes and all the connections. my coworkers we suggesting voltage regulator or " its just dead" but boy and i glad i looked up the symptoms and our video was the first to come up. followed your instructions to my amazement it actually worked! saved me a lot of time and throwing parts at it, much appreciated.

[@aleblanc3547]

Well, that's the first time I've seen that done, In fact, I had no idea it COULD be done! Thanks Don!

[@servihomestead4324]

I agree! Never heard of such a thing. Crazy that the small amount of electricity made by spinning the drill can do anything to reset the generator. Nice trick.

[@thomasgibson8025]

I too have to say that is the first time I have ever seen that trick work. I've known about for years and tried it many times with no luck.

[@JohnMustin-l4w]

A friend of mine told me about it a few years ago when mine lost its magnetic field. I tried it and it DOES work!

[@Just_a_Mechanic]

My Co-worker and I were working on a Generac light tower with 0v on L1 and L3. Watched this and thought, There is no way it's that easy. It was that freaking easy.

[@belsayshootingground]

I work on about 4 light towers a day, how can you flash a light tower? They don’t have any plugs? I’d be fascinated to find out what you did

[@Just_a_Mechanic]

@belsayshootingground The ones at my work are the MLT6SMD, G4-ECO, ECO-2, and Hyper cube. All of which have outlets. If yours do not, you need to figure out a way to induce voltage into the capacitor *at your own risk* I wouldn't mess with a 25MF at 480v unless it was easy like the drill trick.

[@belsayshootingground]

@@Just_a_Mechanic so new capacitors are the only way forward really..?

[@Just_a_Mechanic]

@ If the the generator isn't outputting, or outputting super low volts, the capacitor is usually the issue. I've only run into 1 bad pancake generator in my 10 years working at a rental company. Capacitors are fairly cheap and easy to replace, just always make sure to discharge them... safely.

[@belsayshootingground]

@ I’ve only been working on them for 3 months, first one I’ve come across not putting out power. If you turn the lights on the engine stalls. My first thought is capacitors but I wouldn’t be surprised to find out it’s something else

[@walkingweapon]

Thank you! I've had a generator sitting around for a few years. I've replaced the carburetor and the capacitor. This got it to produce voltage again. Very clever.

[@craigtimmons3468]

When I was in school in the mid late 70's our teacher showed us how to preform this operation to a generator that is used on old farm tractors and he called it re-polarizing the fields, basically the same thing you do for a positive ground system with the regulator to polarize it. He explained that if it sat for a period of time the magnets could cross their fields and essentially have the same draw causing the generator to not produce any charge.

[@JT-zb2km]

What steps can I take to repolarize my generator? It's a Dunlite.

[@garybroadwater]

Thanks to your video, I did not put my generator out at the end of the driveway for someone to come pick up for scrap! Could not believe it was really this simple to fix, but it was. THANK YOU!!

[@Tommymuns]

Thank you

[@ryanjones9305]

Took three turns of the drill chuck, thanks for the tip. Helped me help a buddy get his hurricane generator up and running for the season.

[@henrysmith8012]

I did mine with a hand grinder. Hold the trigger down and roll the grinding wheel on the floor real fast backwards.

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Don, You may want to check the rotor, that is where you will likely have the problem. Portable generators, brush type or brushless capacitor excited type that does not have a field boost circuit, store the residual magnetism in the rotor, not the stator. Often times there are little permanent magnets glued onto the poles of the rotor ( which is essentially a spinning electromagnet) as a means of re-exciting the residual magnetism. Centrifugal force will dislodge these magnets and if left for a few days will go flat. I would concentrate there. I repair Generac portables and standby's and often encounter this problem.

[@myhdsoftail03]

Donny I agree with Bassguitarist. Brushless generators rely on the exciter magnets in the rotor & capacitor for field excite if left set long enough that the capacitor loses it's charge then the rotor magnets are supposed to excite the field look for lost magnets in the rotor. Basically an alternator. they need power (from field) to make power (output)

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Early Briggs didn’t have magnets in the rotor , later ones do which helps the situation. The early voltage regulators wouldn’t turn on until 7-8vac, but the residual was only 3vac. Updated regulators produced in the past 3-5yrs have the ability to “wake up” at 3vac and don’t have as much of an issue. And run it under load for a few hours a month , it’ll help the rotor build up magnetism

[@joeery5699]

Brushless motor doesn't have magnet on the rotor,it uses capasitor to energizing the stator to activating the magnetic field on the rotor

[@joeery5699]

I always facing this issue on sincro alternator,my quick fix and permanent is i change to higher value 10+ capacitor than the original capacitor

[@matt9c1]

"I repair Generac portables and standby's" Job security right there. Sorry to hear you have to deal with Generac.

[@carlwellman3623]

I did this with my Generac iq2000 that had been sitting empty of fuel for 5 years, ran but no power. Actually twisted the 1/2” drill a few times before starting the generator and plugged in the drill, started the generator and barely twisted the drill counter clockwise with the trigger pulled and immediately the generator started generating power and continues to work fine. Great information!

[@timsagear8918]

Donyboy73... Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I'd just about given up... after doing the battery flash and replacing the AVR on my 6200W Elite Briggs & Stratton brushed generator, neither of which worked... and then I found your video.. It so simple I couldn't believe it would work.. two spins of my dewalt hand drill and the drill started running.. You are the best!! Where the heck is your donation button?? Thanks!

[@donyboy73]

donation button on my home page

[@mikestillwagon5675]

I just did this to mine. It now works like a champ. I’m ecstatic!!

[@hickorystx]

Excellent tip and demonstration Mr. Don!!! Never heard of this until your video. Haven't experienced this issue but will certainly keep this in mind should it occur. I do have a B & S engine on my generator!! Have not had any issues with my Stormchaser series the many years I have had this unit. Love your channel and expert tutorials!!! This tip could be a lifesaver for sure!!! 😊

[@miraclarke1]

Donyboy 73 you're awesome. I replaced the friction ring in my Craftsman snowblower yesterday while your how-to video played on my workbench. I could have figured it out for myself, but having your video helped greatly. I've learned so much from your channel...I've even been doing repairs on some of my co-worker's lawnmowers...they've been giving me pre-loaded coffee cards as a thank you. Cheers Bro!!

[@dmatthews251]

I have read that shutting off the generator while connection still exists to a load will cause this. Try turning the circuit breakers off before shutting the motor off to see if that may be the cause.

[@jacquescote2585]

Great Donyboy! After checking all connections, brush and AVR on a brand new honda 6500 that has been stored for many years I was starting to become very concerned and fearing the worst, just before hanging myself I thought , let’s check Donyboy Chanel and did this easy procedure , guess what! It worked!!! Thanks Donnyboy!!! .....’’Donyboy for president’’

[@donyboy73]

lol oui

[@marioadiez]

Many thanks I come to learn from other videos this "flashing thing" may occur However english is not my first language, and was difficult for me to understand whats happening Now, with your clear video I do fully understand And this is my first time in life hearing something like "flash a genset" Great! One day, one coin!

[@donyboy73]

por nada Mario

[@mattb4127]

Donny This is very interesting. Can you please post a follow-up video when you discover the problem?

[@lancealexander8071]

Turn her over and run your drill in from that side for several minutes at 120 cycles per minute.

[@uhmgawa6533]

Loss of rotor residual magnetism can be caused by allowing the generator to power down with a load connected. In any event there is safer approach for the drill remedy. Just tie a rope around the chuck for a few turns. Lock the trigger and put the drill on the ground with a foot to keep it in place while giving the rope a tug. Same result while keeping fingers off rotating machinery.

[@rudyardgomeas6042]

Will using a reversible battery powered drill also work?

[@robertkee7534]

Turning the chuck is much safer, as you have complete control to release, but using a rope is extremely dangerous with a good risk of loosing a finger tangled in the rope. It will happen so quickly a a by product your operating hand will not instinctively let go whilst your rope finger even though released is pulled off.

[@robertkee7534]

Also, most DIY and trades personnel are familiar with self tightening keyless chucks and are in tune with operating with power to tighten or releasing.

[@stephenshannon4535]

Interesting, we always applied 12 volts to F1 and F2 to flash a field. I'm retired now, but held certifications in gensets and switchgear with Onan.

[@iwasiamiwill_]

Can you please break this down to me so I can have a well rounded understanding of the process. My understanding at the moment is that the self excitation system was not excited and he had to plug in the drill and give him a lil tickle to get excited lol. I'm joking but I would love to hear your knowledge on this topic with your experience, thanks

[@patrickroehrich2362]

Stephen Shannon I have a wire on a 30 amp plug that burned in half and did not trip breaker, and no power at all

[@darrenr5436]

This worked like crazy. Thank you.

[@paid2close]

This is no joke, I did what he said in the video and it worked. My 7500 watt generator stoped producing power and I flashed it and bam I got power it saved me about 1k

[@justintothetruth]

Your 7500w don’t happen to be a 3phase

[@EDHd58]

I have to admit ... I was told about this from a guy on FB Marketplace .. I have a generator I was selling there .. He told me about this process ... I did it with one variation .. when I flashed mine, the generator was NOT running .. I used a right angle grinder because it was handy ... I flashed mine with the cover of the generator off because i was thinking my breaker was bad .. To make a long story short .. put it all back together .. plugged in the grinder .. hooked up a volt meter to one of the 110 outlets .. started the generator .. and was shocked that it is now working perfectly

[@colvinator1611]

Thanks very much for this video. I've just bought a new generator and I've never heard of this before. Best regards, Colin UK.

[@MegaGeorge1948]

Residual magnetism in the generator exciter field allows the generator to build up voltage during start-up. This magnetism is sometimes lost due to shelf time or improper operation, among other reasons. Restoring this residual magnetism is possible and is sometimes referred to as "flashing the exciter field".

[@jedidiahlawton2149]

what more info plz a video or something I'm genuinely interested as i 60% believe this to be bs its not that i don't want to believe but this seems kinda scooby doo

[@mattbrennan8088]

wow, I have never seen that. And it worked great. I have a custom tool that I made years ago for these, but honestly- your method is easier. Well I guess if you make sure you let go of the drill, its easier

[@jomartin8415]

Thanks bro! I was about to throw a fit before I found this video. Worked like a charm.

[@kingkoala1946]

Thank You, DonyBoy !!!!!!! In the process, I also kept tapping the reset buttons, which were rock-hard and didn"t depress? Your recommendation? Again, THANK YOU!

[@DS-kn4bs]

Wow thats crazy lol Now to look for generatore like this so i can get them dirt cheap 😁

[@plumkey197]

That's a good plan, but apply the "fix" after the purchase and when the generator is safely home. I flashed a generator I found on CL before money exchanged hands (was being sold for $100 because it wasn't making power). When it started making power, the dude refused to sell it to me and said he'd rather keep it now that it worked. He gave me $20 for the "fix", which covered my gas LOL. Words of wisdom!!

[@midgoog2]

I notice the owners manual says fhe unit must be started and run every 7 days. This could be because of a problem with losing the residual magnetic strength from the exciter coil magnets. The automatic voltage regulator won't "trip " unless it sees around 60V. What you are doing with the drill is supplying the small amount of electrical current to allow these coils to build up sufficient strength to generate enough voltage to trip the AVR . I wonder if glueing some Neodymium magnets near these coils could help ? Just a thought...... Cheers Eric

[@bartholomewchuzzlewit4356]

Yes, loss of residual magnetism is what I would put my money on and I also wondered if putting magnets near exciter coils would work. I have only ever flashed the stator coils quickly with 12 volts DC, once there is a little magnetism there away they go.

[@alexanderraykhert1019]

Honestly I never thought this could happen, and... *I don't even have a generator* Still enjoy watching these anyway, thanks for the great upload!

[@luisarroyave6374]

Truthfully i thought it was not going to work following the steps from the video, but amazingly it worked. Thank you so much, i big thumb UP.

[@timjanssen1671]

Thanks for the great video, i have 2 Briggs generators, dont use them much, never had that problem yet, good t know what to try if it does, thanks !!!

[@tonym6920]

I didn’t know you could do that, thanks Dony!

[@grimlawdmoney5080]

Same thing with my Briggs it’s brushless, was wondering what to do with it but thanks a lot you save more than $200USD

[@Omegadoomship]

After replacing the AVR and going around with an ohm meter, I was out of options. I saw this method and originally thought it was a bunch of nonsense. But then I tried it, and to my astonishment it actually worked. Now the generator makes power. So it goes to show you that sometimes even the most unusual fixes could actually work. Very surprised. It greatly depends on the circumstances with the generator, but it doesn’t hurt to try.

[@ronireland6601]

I was skeptical at 1st and thought what the heck so I tried it and sure enough but I lost one side of my 220 and I don't understand why I tried flashing over that other side and it will not retrieve so I got a little more work to do a little more look in to do but I do appreciate your fact and lesson And I thank you

[@CharredSteak]

Had a similar problem with a small brush less 2 stroke unit. I'll make sure to try this next time!

[@captainover-tighten6729]

Hi Don, long-time viewer, first contact! I have a brushless generator that's only putting out 82volts at approx 3600 rpm (59hz). I obviously have some power to turn a drill, so I might try field flashing the capacitor. I have the original and a replacement capacitor, neither of which I can draw a reading of capacitance off (ergo, maybe they need flashing). Thoughts from all are welcomed. Thank you, one of the best channels on the interweb.

[@rogerherring3470]

does it work on wives? mines never excited

[@woodhonky3890]

depends on where you plug in the drill.

[@charliee7142]

bring her to me, ill excite her for you !!!!

[@charleshendrick7266]

She is when Im around... hah

[@Dj-ve2hx]

I feel your trouble, I would have had better luck getting a Chinese wife threw harbor freight, would have been more reliable than the American made crap I married.

[@JorgeMartinez-1128]

What she needs is a bigger capacitor to excite her 😜😜

[@justintothetruth]

Congratulations! Oh and thank you. Google should award you. Granted it’s not a topic that people are emotionally invested but you know as well as I do that don’t matter on you tube This to my knowledge this is the video with the least amount of negative comments in regards to his video and actions taken, that I’ve ever seen. When I say least I mean not one. Not from what I saw and I read many..

[@jefferyb304]

Just a thought. When I took my dads generator apart, I found at least two capacitors that looked like run caps you see on some motors. Could the generator have at least one bad capacitor?

[@MrFergeson]

I bought a used ETQ 5500 watt generator and it does the same thing. The owners manual says rev it up a little to get the excitation going which does work, but thats dangerous especially for an amateur because the windings could fly apart with tremendous force. What I found was leaky/weak diodes on the rotor windings. I could not figure out the diode type for my generator so I will flash it for the rest of it's days. For some models the diodes (2 of them) can be easily replaced. But they might not be just any regular diodes, they might be zener diodes which regulate the excitation current thus control output voltage. On locomotives a lot of their generators have a large diode ring and same thing they will start putting out when revved up. Be careful the small excitation windings can put out 400 VAC. And if a winding is burned open, the capacitor could still be charged and knock you in the dirt.

[@dannycasto4009]

I had one that had the same problem tore the whole thing apart found a capacitor Failed replaced it all is well

[@michaelchilders6056]

Wow, thank you Don!! I own a generator and this could happen to mine one day, and you sir probably saved me from a future stress headache!!

[@alanalilley3037]

Yes great idea

[@DJleaD1981]

Ca E

[@samuelbangura1]

Thank you for sharing

[@flatrockwest]

this was an awesome fix! so easy to do and it worked for me! THANK YOU!!

[@johnmoss8015]

Real good video, real good information. How many times have I heard of generators being junked where the engine was fine but nothing out of the electric side.

[@ncrdisabled]

Can you believe I learned that trick back in the NAVY in 1986

[@IronMan-ml5yi]

Great demonstration! Definitely worth watching!

[@denislajoie6455]

Thank you for the tip Don. So educational, as usual!

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Have them run it under a decent load for a few hours a month. It should help it hold residual magnetism better. Lack of operation is the main problem when you need to flash these Briggs models. At least it’s easy to do.

[@tad5920]

Wow! I had no idea that could work. Thanks for the video!

[@Quadflash]

Thanks, Donny! I had no idea that a genset could lose generating capability or how to fix the problem T thanks!

[@alexclarke7908]

26 dislikes ??????? they didn't understand what you did. Great information thanks.

[@dalebourgeois9851]

Thank you the video, my generator works withI first start it, but then after two or three minutes, it with stop charging, engine runs great. What do you think it is?

[@marcoalvarez5682]

Wow there is always something new to learn thanks Mr don

[@sammunyagwa2721]

Good idea man..... Am going to try mine too

[@davidharris6581]

That is one of the smartest tricks I ever saw!

[@dondicey6528]

Do you ever use a Kill A Watt tester to verify volts\hertz?

[@ronrodgers6531]

I wonder if this will work with a variable speed or reversible drill. With the solid state electronics between the drill motor and generator, will there be isolation preventing backflow of electrons?

[@ivokraaier9740]

i wouldn't wonder, i'd keep a non regulated angle grinder handy for the occasion.

[@palamidi13]

you are a very good technician.... keep posting videos!!My wishes from Greece...

[@raymagness8130]

Thanks, a ton I’ve had huge trouble with my Briggs & Stratton generator/welder and I’m hoping to get it fixed while I haven’t disassembled. OK now I’m gonna say that like sending a text I got a

[@stefantrethan]

Nice, I had no idea you could generate enough voltage with the remament magnetism in a drill. The way I heard it was that you connect a battery or charged capacitor momentarily. Using gloves on a drill chuck is unsafe, they get caught all the time and peope end up in the ER.

[@blakepowerlift7004]

Wow! Worked! Thanks

[@russelldodd93]

It worked for me. Thank you.

[@marknye51.thefixitguy]

Dony..I'm working on a Blackmax 6560 and one side of rhe 110v works but the other side doesnt. Would that be the GFCI defenctive

[@43mackmobile]

Fix, do not shut down with load on the rotor or disconnect breakers. Not a permanent fix, just good practice to keep from bleeding off the magnetic field.

[@andrewwoodward6560]

Really cool tip,Don and so easy to do ! Tight fitting leather gloves might be better for that task . I have found with those rubber palmed gloves that the drill can grab on to the rubber (especially when they are new) and possibly twist the hand. Just wanted to pass on my experience. Thanks, man.

[@donyboy73]

thanks Andrew

[@Tbizzh]

I've seen it done running the drill with a wire wheel along a bench . Looked much safer.

[@stanshelton923]

What is the Briggs and Stratton part number for that wattage percent gauge? I would like to put one of those on my generator.

[@JunkworksGarage]

i wonder if those gens have a capacitor that might go bad and it discharges just a thought at what could be the problem

[@RussellBooth1977]

I've helped work on a large 415 volt 3 phase generator which could be flashed with a 6 volt torch battery before my apprenticeship During & after my apprenticeship, I repaired a few of the smaller 3.5 or so KVa 240 volt single phase generators, the diodes in the rotor tended to get short circuited therefore required replacing but the generator starts making a "growling" sound if that's the case. Some generators have the provision to be flashed with a 9 volt battery or they have a capacitor which holds charge after the generator is stopped so it can excite the stator next time the generator is used. They have an exciter winding inside the stator (outer part) which induces a magnetic field within the stator, then the rotor (inner part) which then the magnetic field "cascades" or has a flow on effect,they are brushless these days ! There's probably nothing wrong with the generator other than possibly a faulty exciter capacitor

[@justintothetruth]

Hey you still out there?! Have a 56’ F and M 7500w 3 phase generator “power plant” (hooked to a Wisconsin ) So I got same thing going on. So on my 120 volt leg can I do this and it work good or do you think... Thanks sincerely Luke C

[@dwainmeche7849]

I have one of those 2 cycle China generators that runs great but once I flash it with the drill, it quickly loses its power to run the drill. I had the 12 uf capacitor tested and was told it was good. Can a diode bridge rectifier cause this problem?

[@ivokraaier9740]

would that "growling" noise be heard over the racket from the engine?

[@slayreshilkett8173]

I heard if it’ll spin it’ll gen. I never thought about using a drill that way. I have to flash a generator this weekend and needed crash course

[@JOEZEP54]

Hi Don, Its been awhile. Great tip! I learned something new today. Stay well Joe Z

[@donyboy73]

HI JOE, PRIVATE MESAGE ME WHEN YOU GET A CHANCE

[@gregwells2331]

Hi Don, I experienced a similar experience with an alternator not producing any voltage on a Massey Ferguson tractor. It was a new alternator and we upgraded from an alternator that had an external voltage regulator to the new alternator with an internal voltage regulator. This alternator had lost all it "magnetism" due to sitting on the shelf too long. The fix was to splice into the ignition light wire on the dash and run it to the alternator. This allowed for a small charge of voltage that kick starts the alternator. There is a good tuber called alternatorman that I sourced for my fix. I wonder in your case if there is a magnet on the fly wheel that has fallen off? Just a thought.

[@rossbrumby1957]

Car alternators don't have residual magnetism. How you wired that internally regulated alternator is just how they are wired in any car to work. If they kept residual magnetism, they wouldn't have been made with a field wire.

[@philn1601]

The coil lost its contact with the magnet because of dust, rust or moisture. You can spay silicone to lubricate the motor to prevent this from happening.

[@aaronanthonymoat]

Down to the dump I go. Thanks for the video

[@walters5235]

Thanks! I've never heard of this.

[@dragan3290]

Can you please tell me where to buy rotor diodes as my generator puts out 50 hz to 60 hz at 4 volts ? I tried the drill trick? Australia is shit for parts! Any reply appreciated thanks?

[@Gears.and.Gadgets]

Thanks for the tip. I've seen anything from a bad capacitor to the magnetic field being lost.

[@mikeguitar9769]

Here's what I think is happening. If you look at the general working principle of an induction machine (motor or generator), you'll see it isn't constructed with any permanent magnets; it only uses coils of wire to form electromagnets. In the case where an induction machine is setup to be used as a Motor, and you put an electric current through the coil(s) of wire, this energizes the electromagnet and creates a magnetic field to run the motor. However, in the case of the induction machine being setup to run as a Generator, if you simply apply mechanical power to turn the generator, this just causes the coils of wire in the generator to freewheel past each other, with no magnetic force, no magnetic field, no magnetic induction of electrical current, and thus no electrical current is generated. In order for electrical current to be generated by the phenomenon of magnetic induction, some type of magnetic field must be present. One way to fix this problem is probably to have one or more small permanent magnets mounted in the induction machine. But I suppose that induction machines aren't normally made this way, because in most applications, electricity is available to provide that initial current needed to energize the electromagnets. Once the generator is running it can provide its own electrical current (assuming the proper capacitors are wired to do this), but it needs that initial push to get started. Interestingly, the drill that's used to "flash" contains a universal motor and this might not have any permanent magnets either, but maybe it doesn't need as much residual magnetism to get started as a generator, or maybe they put small magnets in them I don't know. If this is a known issue with generators, I guess I'm a bit surprised that they aren't using some of the electrical current from the engine's dynamo to provide the magnetizing current to "flash" it. (By the way the dynamo is a permanent-magnet generator so it doesn't have this issue that the other generators have.) I guess you wouldn't want it hard-wired, but to provide the "flash" capability, perhaps it might work to have a "normally-open momentary push-button switch", perhaps marked "Reset", in order to temporarily connect the electrical output of the dynamo to the generator. You might also want some kind of a fuse or circuit breaker in series with that in case the switch failed.

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

Never saw this trick before. I will bookmark it though but hopefully never need to check back to it.

[@hmarillejla7]

Hi My generator uses brushes and used only once before shekving it. Now no power. Can I do this?

[@marknye51.thefixitguy]

Dony. I have a EB5000X XK3 A1 honda generator EBPC 104000 it sat for along time. I now have it running great but it does not put out any electrical power. I have flashed it with a drill and tried another KZbin video of hooking of a car battery to the gfci outlets to see if that would work flashing it. Nothing I've tried gets any power output. Any suggestions from you or your viewers would be greatly appreciated

[@HondaMechanic1]

Honda once said at a service school that this would happen once in a while if you drove past or under a power station or large power lines ..

[@Doniehg]

there maybe something to this. New set of powerlines here I have to cross under. Generator just did this for the 1st time.

[@24acresofparadise]

I have a DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator which produces both 220v and 110v. Recently the 110v stopped putting out and checked all the breakers and even tried to "flash" the generator with a angle grinder in reverse. No luck. It that really possible that the 110V stops delivering power even if the 220v is still delivering?

[@Bob57sky]

Check to see if you have a GFCI receptacle it may be tripped. If it doesn't reset go to the back of the receptacle and check the voltage on the screws with the generator running. Be careful and don't touch anything bare handed.

[@24acresofparadise]

@@Bob57sky thanks the generator overheated and I bought a new one. 110v works again

[@Bob57sky]

Oh one other thing I forgot to mention is check both sides of the circuit breaker to see if you have power on both sides with the generator running. If not it maybe a bad breaker if you only have power on one side.

[@24acresofparadise]

@@Bob57sky breaker was good in RV. Not sure on the generator. Everything looked good.

[@georgem.kokindajr.941]

Good idea, but did you have the switch on the drill in forward or reverse when you spun the chuck?

[@Ian-808]

He said he had it in the foward position b4 spinning it backwards

[@spresc2180]

Can you explain how doing what you did with the drill, caused the genarator to produce power? How does the drill maneuver have that corrective effect on the generator? Hopefully one of your subscribers can explain it clearly.

[@ngnmech]

The drill contains an electric motor. But when turned by another source such as your hand, an electric motor will act like a small generator causing a small amount of power to be produced which is fed into the system and is then used to restore the magnetic field and then is ramped up into the correct voltage and hertz to power the drill. Sometimes just plugging the drill in and pulling the trigger when release enough residual power from the resting drill to start the power output.

[@gene2200]

My 9000watt Honda clone had worn brushes and quit after yr of regular use, put another set in, worked few hrs but then began to flicker. Had a used AVR, worked ok few hours then out again, cap blew way it looked on 2nd one. I'd forgot about this, I'll give it a try on original AVR, new AVR is on the way tho, actually 2, paid for 2day delivery from V-Power then was told be 6 days, assholes! Went to Amazon, get it in 48hrs. Hope all goes well and just have spare AVR and brush set, great video btw!!! Gd electricity does really wierd shit, where's Nicholas Tesla when ya needm!

[@biachpiach]

not sure it fixed it or not, but arc inside gen, especially if brushes rings are worn can make this cascade of failures.

[@gene2200]

@@biachpiach alternator finally failed. Got a Westinghouse 7500 cheaper at Amazon delivered, after few thousand hrs one brush went to due to a pitted slip ring, without brushes I ran engine gradually getting pitted ring polished with proper abrasives. So far so good. Then starter went, used a predator part, same part no, starts up in half a second compared to starter it came with, it took 4 tries or cycles by remote, was very slow. Trying to get bad parts replaced is ridiculous. Bought 5 brushes for cheap just in case.

[@HarmonHeat]

I have a brushless generator, it puts out power but not as much as it used to. Could flashing it help?

[@ciaracziana6783]

I wonder if this would work on an inverter generator?? I have b&g p2200.

[@Volusiaev]

Do you spin the drill in counter clock rotation? Like un-screwing a screw?

[@donyboy73]

yes

[@65csx83]

Another good video of very useful info. You make a point of having the drill set to forward, Would it work having the drill set to reverse and manually twist the chuck forward?

[@tom5256]

That reminds me I need to check my generator. :)

[@arpeggi2999]

I don't have a corded drill. Can I use my circle saw to do that?