New to me MEP-002a Bath

[BobbyT]

Hey guys, I'm new to military generators, but I'm pretty technical/mechanical minded. I just obtained an 81' model 002a with ASK through GL, no idea of its internal condition. I have the ASK removed, everything looks to be in great shape, nothing obviously broken or missing and wiring looks brand new behind the panels.
When it warms up to above freezing around here, i plan on soaking it with degreaser and pressure washing it. My question is, are there any certain things i should be aware of when cleaning?
I know the obvious, like not going after the gauges and areas like that, but anything with the gen head or motor area to watch out for?

As soon as it's clean I'm going to change all filters, go through the fuel tank and all lines. Tank is actually really clean, hardly any surface rust, just discoloration from years of fuel.

 

[Isaac-1]

If you pressure wash the generator end it is important to get all the moisture out before starting it, this is best done by placing a tarp over it and putting a heater or heat lamp under the tarp for several days preferably when it is low humidity. There are also a few parts I would watch out for, like the centrifugal switch and the governor mechanism (both mounted on /through the fan shroud near the oil filter) and of course the air intake / exhaust.

 

[Crawdaddy]

If you pressure wash the generator end it is important to get all the moisture out before starting it

Why is this the case for pressure washing and not just sitting out in the rain? I don't intend to pressure wash my 003, but it does live outside in the sun and rain as of now.

 

[BobbyT]

Thanks Isaac-1, i will make sure it is all blown dry for sure. It would be a few days before i fire it up, I'm gathering the parts/fluids to replace. I take my time and do things right the first time.

 

[Isaac-1]

The problem is you need heat over time to dry out the windings if water gets on them, starting it up with moisture in the windings is a recipe for making it into a big paperweight, hence the tarp, heat, and low humidity. On the rain question these generator ends are generally designed to be rain proof (this does not count hurricanes), but pressure washers like hurricanes can get water in places where it really should not be..

 

[Another Ahab]

Not a generator owner, but welcome here from Virginia.

 

[BobbyT]

Thanks Ahab! I've learned a lot in a short time from this forum. After seeing Jimc's awesome complete rebuilds, I've got the itch to do the same now.
I've also got my eye on a M936A2 wrecker, but my better half doesn't share my enthusiasm....

 

[Another Ahab]

I've also got my eye on a M936A2 wrecker, but my better half doesn't share my enthusiasm..../QUOTE]