MEP-803A Long time reader first time poster

[MADDOG29]

Good Afternoon everyone,

Thank you for all the good information that all have contributed I just purchased and 803A with 111 original hours on it. It is wet stacked so first thing is getting it cleaned out by running it loaded.
I already ordered the Fuse mod to install on the unit and am working on ordering spare filters and belts.
I am not new to diesel gens but new to these. I could of missed the post if so I apologize but what electrical components should I keep as spares.
Also are there any parts that are hard to find for these that I should keep as backup.

Also has anyone every installed a block heater just a small 120volt bottle style for use when its colder out to help gen start easier.
Once I get it home and setup the way I want I will get some pictures posted. Thanks all

 

[Guyfang]

I can not see you needing a block heater. Maybe in Alaska.

There are several threads about what parts to have on hand. EVERYONE, has his own opinion about that. So spend a little time going through those threads. I am sure someone will jump in here to comment.

Welcome to the Forum!

 

[MADDOG29]

I can not see you needing a block heater. Maybe in Alaska.

There are several threads about what parts to have on hand. EVERYONE, has his own opinion about that. So spend a little time going through those threads. I am sure someone will jump in here to comment.

Welcome to the Forum!

Only reason I was asking about the block heater was all the liquid cooled gens I ever serviced all had block heaters but they also didn't have glow plugs for help starting in the cold. Thank You

 

[Guyfang]

As long as the batteries are charged, and the glow plugs work, this set will start in the Arctic.

 

[peapvp]

As long as the batteries are charged, and the glow plugs work, this set will start in the Arctic.

And you got the correct oil and coolant / antifreeze for the environment your operating in

 

[Guyfang]

Thats what the LO is for!

 

[WWRD99]

Only reason I was asking about the block heater was all the liquid cooled gens I ever serviced all had block heaters but they also didn't have glow plugs for help starting in the cold. Thank You

I am north of you in Pa and haven't had a problem starting mine at all. They have very good glow plugs. Since they sit most of the time and when you do run them you run them hard they start pretty easy. I do have a charger for my batteries that I have plugged in all the time. It's a basic 10 amp dual battery setup. As far as spare parts I don't think you can get enough, but I'm weird. I got tons of fuel that I wash every couple months and use additives. I keep the tanks under cover out of the sun that might help. Humidity is bad! There's threads on adding a dessacant to the air inlets. Probably change the fuel lines and check the fuel outlet/inlet they like to leak too.

 

[Guyfang]

Like I wrote, everyone has his own idea of what is enough. Over the years in the Army, my motto was, "If one is good, three is better." In todays world, I would have at least two back up gen sets.

 

[Light in the Dark]

If you look on the Operating Instructions riveted to the machine's flip up gauge cover, you will see the Normal Start procedure calls out as being for down to -25F. Similar good information about the Service Instructions will be found there too (what oil and coolant to run based on ambient operating temperatures).

 

[Guyfang]

Isn't it late for you?

 

[Light in the Dark]

Ive been up an hour, 624A here

 

[Guyfang]

UGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG. Thats in the middle of the night!

 

[Digger556]

Like I wrote, everyone has his own idea of what is enough. Over the years in the Army, my motto was, "If one is good, three is better." In todays world, I would have at least two back up gen sets.

Agreed. Entire spare generators, fueled up and ready to run, are the way to go.

 

[MADDOG29]

Thanks everyone yeah one day I will get another but for now this one will have to do

I have a smaller gas unit as a backup for now once I get my shop build I will definitely get another complete unit in the mean time will look for a parts unit.

Cheers everyone

 

[Light in the Dark]

UGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG. Thats in the middle of the night!

530a on the coast of Maine may be as nice of a middle of the night shot you may be able to find. Just beyond the salt marshes and line of homes in the distance is the shore.

Taken about a half hour ago

 

[MADDOG29]

Finally got it all setup and two hour house load test done just in time for tropical storm got load up to 75%. Love this generator.

 

[Tinstar]

If it’s wet stacked as you wrote earlier, I would recommend that you run the unit much longer and close to 100%.

Get it cleared out now before you actually need it.

I do not own one of these, but have read in old threads about guys actually needing the generator and it’s so wet stacked that it can’t come close to producing rated power even though the engine runs great.

 

[WWRD99]

That's great you got it going good! Just a thought since I mounted mine on wood too. I cut old tires sidewalls into rectangles to fit under the genset since it vibrated on the wood so much. Could feel it everywhere. That tire stuff stopped the drone vibration that drove me nuts.

Sent from my SM-S906U using Tapatalk

 

[MADDOG29]

If it’s wet stacked as you wrote earlier, I would recommend that you run the unit much longer and close to 100%.

Get it cleared out now before you actually need it.

I do not own one of these, but have read in old threads about guys actually needing the generator and it’s so wet stacked that it can’t come close to producing rated power even though the engine runs great.

Yeah I definitely need to run it longer with load on it time has been the issue. Since I’m stuck home today with the crappy weather I plan on switching house over to gen for good part of the day and in my house the dryer never stops running so that will keep it at almost 100% load.

 

[MADDOG29]

That's great you got it going good! Just a thought since I mounted mine on wood too. I cut old tires sidewalls into rectangles to fit under the genset since it vibrated on the wood so much. Could feel it everywhere. That tire stuff stopped the drone vibration that drove me nuts.

Sent from my SM-S906U using Tapatalk

I had some olde rubber fire hose I put under the skids to combat that issue now only drone is the strap I hung the exhaust with. Might switch to all thread and pipe hangers.