
12
OPM-142/D
MAINTENANCE
GENERAL
The main components of the generator are: rotor and stator
assembly, cooling fan, brushes, brush holder assembly,
end brackets. Before performing any maintenance on the
generator, isolate and/or disable the drive system so the
unit can not be accidentally started while being repaired.
The trouble shooting chart lists various symptoms of
poor generator operation with possible causes and the
appropriate corrective action. You will need a volt-ohm
meter or test light to check some of the causes. For some of
the other causes you will need to check generator speed.
To check generator speed, you can use a frequency meter,
a tachometer, or a 120V-60Hz electric clock and a correctly
operating wrist watch (run the electric clock and a correctly
power and compare the clock’s second hand movement
with that of the wrist watch. They should run at the same
speed. If the clock runs faster, generator speed is too high,
and vice versa).
CAUTION: EQUIPMENT DAMAGE
Most electrical equipment in North America operates
satisfactory at frequencies between 58.5 and 62 Hz (cycles
per second). Operating the generator at frequencies
outside that range may cause damage to the generator
and/or to electrical equipment driven by the generator.
PERIODICAL MAINTENANCE
Service/maintenance items include periodic external
physical inspection for missing hardware or damage to
mounting or drive system and checking the oil level in
the gearcase. It is recommended that the generator be
operated at least monthly under normal loads to familiarize
operators with the procedures and controls as well as to dry
out any accumulated condensation or other moisture in the
generator electrical windings. The maintenance and service
attention invested will ensure getting the peak performance
that was designed to the unit.
Routine preventative maintenance minimizes costly repairs
and generator down-time. Before each use, inspect the
generator: gearcase oil level should be correct, cooling
vents and screens should be clear, and generator mounting
hardware should be tight. Clean and inspect the generator
after storing it for long periods, and after using it in
extremely dusty conditions or in severe weather, such as
rain or blowing snow.
LUBRICATION
The generator bearings are factory lubricated and sealed,
and require no further lubrication.
The splined generator input shaft should be cleaned and
lubricated with a thin film of grease before and after each
use of the generator.
The drive shaft (tumbling bar) requires greasing. Keep the
universal joints in the coupling shaft free from grease and
dirt buildup.
NOTE:
Do not over lubricate the universal joints.
See following illustration for recommended lubrication
schedule for the coupling shaft.
Check the generator gear case oil level before each use of
the generator. Maintain the oil level at oil level plug height.
The generator is shipped with lubricant in the gearcase.
Specifications for the gearcase lubricant are:
API Service: GL-5
Grade: SAE 85W-140
Amount: 1 Pint
CAUTION: EQUIPMENT DAMAGE
Do not overfill generator gearcase. Overfilling causes
overheating and oil seal failure.
Change the oil at least once every six months. Change it
more often if you use the generator in bad weather. Use
the following procedure to change the generator gearcase
oil.
1. Remove gearcase breather. Soak breather in cleaning
solvent, then allow to dry.
2. Remove oil level plug. See illustration.
OIL LEVEL PLUG
3. Remove the oil drain plug, drain the oil into a clean
oil resistant container, 1 quart or larger. Check the oil for
metal. Fine metal dust in the oil does not indicate trouble,
but metal chips do. Dismantle the gearcase and look for
damaged gears if you find metal chips in the oil.
4. Replace the oil drain plug. Refill the gearcase through the
breather port with new oil of the recommended type. Fill
the case up to the oil level check plug height. About 1
pint.
5. Replace the oil level check plug.
6. Replace the breather.
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60706-160 REV 3 3117-30
5. Shut off the engine.
4. Disconnect drive shaft (tumbling bar) power take-off end
first, then generator end.
MAINTENANCE
The following chart lists various symptoms of poor generator
operation with possible causes for them and the appropriate
corrective action. You will need a volt-ohm meter or test light to
check some of the causes. For some of the other causes you
will need to check generator speed. To check the generator
speed you can use the frequency meter on the generator
control panel.
CAUTION: Equipment Damage
Most electrical equipment in North America operates satisfac-
torily at frequencies between 59 and 61 Hz (cycles per
second.) Operating the generator at frequencies outside that
range may cause damage to the generator and/or to electrical
equipment driven by the generator.
GENERAL
Routine preventive maintenance minimizes costly repairs and
generator downtime. Before each use, inspect the generator:
gear case oil level should be correct, cooling vents and
screens should be clear, and generator mounting hardware
should be tight. Clean and inspect the generator after storing it
for long periods, and after using it in extremely dusty condi-
tions or in severe weather, such as rain or blowing snow.
LUBRICATION
The generator bearings are factory lubricated and sealed, and
require no further lubrication.
The splined generator input shaft should be cleaned and
lubricated with a thin film of grease before and after each use
of the generator.
The drive shaft (tumbling bar) requires greasing. Keep the
universal joints in the coupling shaft free from grease and dirt
buildup.
NOTE:
Do not over lubricate the universal joints.
See Figure 8 for recommended lubrication schedule for the
coupling shaft.
Check the generator gear case oil level before each use of the
generator. Maintain the oil level at oil level plug height. (Figure
6 illustrates oil level plug location.) The generator is shipped
with lubricant in the gear case. Specifications for gear case
lubricant are:
API Service: GL-5
Grade: SAE 85W-9O-140
Amount: 1 pint
The following kinds of oil are recommended for use in the
generator gear case: Mobil SAE 85W90-140 API Service GL-5,
Sunoco/DX XL80W90-140 Kendal Three Star 85W-140,
Amoco 85W140 or equivalent.
CAUTION: Equipment Damage
Do not overfill generator gear case. Overfilling causes over-
heating and oil seal failure.
Change the oil at least once every six months. Change it more
often if you use the generator in bad weather. Use the follow-
ing procedure to change generator gear case oil (see Figure
6):
1. Remove gear case breather. Soak breather in cleaning
solvent, then allow it to dry.
2. Remove oil level check plug.
3. Remove the oil drain plug, drain the oil into a clean oil
resistant container, 1 quart or larger. Check the oil for metal.
Fine metal dust in the oil does not indicate trouble, but metal
chips do. Dismantle the gear case and look for damaged
gears if you find metal chips in the oil.
4. Replace the oil drain plug. Refill the gear case through the
breather port with new oil of the recommended type. Fill the
case up to oil level check plug height. (It will take about 1 pint.)
Figure 8