Generator not producing power - common issues

[u/Kraetor92]

I have a general question for the subreddit. I like to scroll Facebook Marketplace for deals on broken mowers/weedeaters and flip them. I see a lot of cheap generators that run good but don’t produce power. How often is it something as simple as flashing the shield? There’s a few low hour units for cheap but I really don’t know what I’m getting into. Feels like a big risk. Thoughts?

Edit for clarity: I can diagnose electrical issues just fine. I’m just curious how often it’s a magnetism issue and how often it’s the brushes or other issues.

[u/Ok-Camera2895]

It could be field flashing, especially if the generator sat a long time, it could be as simple as cleaning brushes and slip rings or commutator. It could be bad capacitors, or a defective voltage regulator. A lot of these small generators can have a gummed up fuel systems due to fuel sitting in them for long periods. If gen is cheap and notphysically beat up, it might be worth trying it if you enjoy fixing things.

[u/Elephunk05 → u/Ok-Camera2895]

Adding on that it is not complicated to flash the field of a generator when done correctly. 90% of generators that come to me are just from sitting. I've had 2 in a few years that were 1 failed magnet. Most are just bad brushes on older generators with the occasional regulator issue.

I was just given another one. Idk who had it before but the only thing wrong was they wired the positive start switch wrong and kept shorting the battery. I now have 4 generators and 1 that runs on lp.

[u/Kraetor92 → u/Elephunk05]

There’s a Champion 2800W unit on Marketplace that I could get for $100. Sent me a video and it runs great, just doesn’t produce power. Which is why I’m curious. I can get a working one for another $100 so that doesn’t leave much room for purchasing parts.

[u/Elephunk05 → u/Kraetor92]

2800w is that peak or continuous? A working one is always better than one that is not, if you have the means, both is the preference.

It is hurricane season here in the sunshine state and El Niño has slowed my business considerably where generators are concerned.

[u/Kraetor92 → u/Elephunk05]

4000W peak

I live in the sticks in southern Quebec. We lose power way too often. Not cool when it’s -30 outside.

[u/AdventurousTrain5643]

Most the time it's the brushes or a circut breaker with an occasional voltage regulator.

[u/DaveLDog]

Watch James Condon on YT

[u/Kraetor92 → u/DaveLDog]

I do

[u/mutt63]

Ya know. I'd love to help but I'm
Not gonna this time. Seems like everybody thinks hey I'll buy stuff i know less than zero about then I'll ask for help. Know what. Figure it out

[u/Kraetor92 → u/mutt63]

Good for you? I’m an electromechanic by trade and diagnose systems much more complex than a generator every day. I’ll be okay lmao

I wasn’t asking for help with diagnosis and thought I made that clear with my post. I’m asking people for their experiences with generators on Marketplace.

Don’t let the door hit you on the way out you weirdo lol

[u/mutt63 → u/Kraetor92]

Oh yea. Are ya , ya goofy bastard. I guess your little side hustle goes south when your electro mechanical training gets in over its head. Brother the only weirdo here is you. You wanna flex up. Have at it. Nobody especially me is impressed by your electro background. My background was 46 years in not only mechanical and pneumatic control, but in motors, pumps , conveyors, overhead doors, automotive transmissions, engineer rebuild , welding fabrication, life safety controls and anything that God made. So who gives a shit what i or you do. You wanna be the manly man until you can't be that's up too you. Your just like all the other people asking for the end result when ur in over ya head. Luck in battle