Just picked up two MEP 002a's with trailer

[acesneights1]

Nice score from the auctions. They both look pretty clean. Where should I start ?
They both need batteries. Can I get some pointers on the initial "try to fire them up" ?
Aside from the obvious(fuel,oil)What do I need to know ?
I did read the wiki posted above.

 

[acesneights1]

My score. Brought it home with the 5 ton. thought it might be a bit heavy for the M1008

 

[jamawieb]

First thing, is to drain the fuel tank and see how much rust/sludge is at the bottom. The fuel is the worst enemy of these units. After you clean the tank, go to the fuel pumps and check the filters inside, then change the fuel filters and finally check to see if the throttle lever moves up and down on the injector pump. If the throttle lever moves freely, I would say, try to start it. If the throttle lever does not move freely, I've had really good luck with taking the fuel line off the injector pump and funneling lacquer thinner into the pump while moving the throttle lever up and down. This will break down any diesel residue, causing the pump to stick.
Of course check the oil and change if need be.

 

[steelandcanvas]

You might want to download the MEP-003 TM's, it will answer a lot of questions.

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?77624-TM-s-for-Generators

 

[acesneights1]

First thing, is to drain the fuel tank and see how much rust/sludge is at the bottom. The fuel is the worst enemy of these units. After you clean the tank, go to the fuel pumps and check the filters inside, then change the fuel filters and finally check to see if the throttle lever moves up and down on the injector pump. If the throttle lever moves freely, I would say, try to start it. If the throttle lever does not move freely, I've had really good luck with taking the fuel line off the injector pump and funneling lacquer thinner into the pump while moving the throttle lever up and down. This will break down any diesel residue, causing the pump to stick.
Of course check the oil and change if need be.

Both tanks are just about empty. Rear Gen looks spotless inside. front gen may need a little cleaning

 

[acesneights1]

Do I need to have a load on it when i start it ? Also I was told I can burn out the VR if I let it idle. Do I need to start it with half throttle ?
Tractor Suppl seems to be cheapest with 51R batteries. 85$ each. Napa second at 96$.
Also do I need to ground the unit while testing it ?
I'm in the second chapter right now on the operation TM.

 

[FloridaAKM]

Run the units @ full speed only, do not idle them, you will burn out the VR @ an idle. Let them warm up with no load, then apply the load to suit your needs. Keep reading your TM & other threads here to get you up to speed! A few more pictures would be nice, too!

 

[DieselAddict]

Grounding an unknown piece of generation equipment is a must in my book.

Edit: +1 on the no idle. Never let them idle. Like never. Its full speed or bust.

 

[FloridaAKM]

Grounding it would be on the safe side & I left that out while typing in a hurry!

 

[jamawieb]

Start the generator and get it up to 60 hertz immediately. Also, one thing to remember when starting these, you need to hold the start switch in the start position for approximately 10 seconds after the generator starts. Just let it run for a few minutes and look for leaks or other problems, finally apply a good load to it/

 

[Chrispyny]

Start the generator and get it up to 60 hertz immediately. Also, one thing to remember when starting these, you need to hold the start switch in the start position for approximately 10 seconds after the generator starts. Just let it run for a few minutes and look for leaks or other problems, finally apply a good load to it/

I bet you got these in NH. I was watching that double unit and forgot about it. Went back a day later and it was gone.
I saw what you paid. You STOLE them. Congrats. Keep us posted as to how it goes.

 

[Trailboss]

You won't get much of a load from the convenience outlets, you'll have to use the main lugs and try to balance both legs if using 120v. Some have made load banks using water heater elements in a steel drum full of water. I wired up a 4-gang outlet (that I can use for tools) with one leg each feeding 2 outlets, then plug in 4 portable electric heaters that my wife had laying around giving me at least 4000w.

 

[acesneights1]

Rear gen only has 50 hrs on it. It looks like brand new. I went to prime it and it had a broken fuel line right before the inj pump. I love Pushlok hose. Had a new one made in minutes. it started right up perfect like it was running yesterday. I plugged in a heat gun and two 500 watt lights into the convenience outlets for a quick test. Puts out power .
One thing I'm confused about...you guys say run it full throttle ?? Or dial the RPMs till I have 60 hz ? Full throttle will put it over 60hz.
The forward generator is another days work. The tank needs cleaning on that one . The rear gen must have been replaced or reconditioned. The front one has 1450 hrs on it. As soon as I get it going it will be sold and I will re mount the rear one further towards the middle. It even came with some of the tarp, it came with all adapters ground rods, gerry can cap and fuel hoses.
Yes it was the one in NH. I drove the 5 ton up there to get it. It was a major score. At this point even if the front gen is junk I came out way ahead for what I paid. Best time to by stuff is now till Christmas. No one has any money...lol
It was a nice Christmas present to myself and with all the crap going on in the world...a wise addition to my stuff.
I calculate it can run nearly 25 days of a 330 gal tank of diesel and that is 24/7 which is unnecessary in a SHTF.
I have something else to be thankful for today..

 

[acesneights1]

I bet you got these in NH. I was watching that double unit and forgot about it. Went back a day later and it was gone.
I saw what you paid. You STOLE them. Congrats. Keep us posted as to how it goes.

Guilty as charged. Any excuse to go up to New Hampshire is a good one. I love it there.

 

[DieselAddict]

In this reference full throttle does mean 60hz.

Glad to see you got one running easily.

 

[acesneights1]

back shot of it.

 

[FloridaAKM]

I have the exact same trailer, but the generators are not mounted like yours are. Thanks for the better picture. Oh, you want to run the generator speed @ 60 Hz loaded or 61 Hz unloaded, not FULL throttle, but governed by frequency!

 

[ZackMan]

Congratulations on the two MEPs and much success in diagnosing/starting the second one.

 

[CT-Mike]

Where in NH did you pick these up? I looked through the recent auctions on GL and didn't see these come up. Congrats on the score.