MEP002A No Power To Control Panel

[Projectnut]

Last summer I picked up a MEP 002A generator from an estate sale. It had been stored in a tobacco shed for some time. I'm not sure how long it sat, but a least long enough for the fuel to start to gel in the tank. When I brought it home, I drained and cleaned the fuel tank, changed the oil and filter, and put in a couple new batteries. I just ordered a dozen fuel filters from a local farm store.

When I went to start it up there was no power anywhere. Nothing to the control panel, no lights, no noise from the fuel pumps, no clicking of the preheat or any other relays. I did remove the starter to see if it was seized. All was fine and I was able to jump it to crank the engine when I reinstalled it. I would like to get the machine up and running, but so far, I haven't had much luck. It's now sitting in the corner of the garage waiting for the weather to warm enough to go back to work on it.

I have been able to download several operator and maintenance manuals. However not being familiar with some of the descriptive language is a bit of a hinderance.

I would appreciate any information that might assist me in getting this unit running. Thanks in advance.

Attached are a few pictures of the unit including the ID tag.

 

[Scoobyshep]

Make sure the circuit breaker is pressed in. Are you competent with a multi meter? Test voltage from chassis to both sides of the control breaker, should have 24 vdc both sides.

Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

 

[Projectnut]

I do have a Fluke 795 multimeter and have used it on countless occasions to diagnose electrical problems. I have checked the circuit breaker and there is no power to either side. I'm somewhat afraid there is a broken wire in one of the looms. There is no evidence of physical abuse or obvious animal intrusion

 

[Dog Breath]

I would check that your two batteries are connected properly, then test your leads on the starter. Your should here the fuel pumps for sure

 

[Scoobyshep]

You indicated you had the starter off, I would double check the connections there. That is where the control power comes from. there is a c plug that could be the issue as well.

 

[rickf]

Have you checked all the wiring (and under the top engine shroud) for rodent damage? Stored in a shed for years is just asking for mouse houses and mouse urine is the worst thing known to man on wires and aluminum. Does a pretty good job on steel also.

 

[Projectnut]

The batteries are (were) connected properly using the original cables. There was power at the main lug where the battery cable connects to the solenoid. I could jump the solenoid to get the starter to crank. As for rodent damage I have removed all shrouds and covers to thoroughly inspect every inch of the harnesses. There were no nests or apparent damage.

 

[Chainbreaker]

Just to clarify... you are getting consistent 24VDC across the two batteries? Sometimes the crossover cable between the 2 batteries + to - can be intermittent if not securely fastened or if corroded.

 

[Projectnut]

Yes, I am consistently getting 24 volts to the starter. I have cleaned all the battery posts and the battery cable connections. I have also cleaned the loop ends of the cables where they attach to the starter and ground to the frame.

 

[Ray70]

Locate the wire on the +stud of the starter. there should be multiple wires on this stud, the battery +, another thick wire leading to the slave plug and a thinner wire that feeds 24+ to one of the terminal blocks inside the control panel.
Make sure it is properly connected to the starter+
Also double check that the starter is wired correctly. It's very easy to reverse the + and - wires on the 002 if you aren't careful.
Use the wiring schematic to find what screw on the terminal block the power feed from the starter connects to and look for power there using your meter.
If nothing, remove the connectors from the back of the control panel and clean / inspect the pins.

 

[rickf]

If you have power at that wire you need to check to be sure the control panel is grounded. I am not sure if the panel is grounded to the frame or if it is remote grounded.

 

[Ray70]

If you have power at that wire you need to check to be sure the control panel is grounded. I am not sure if the panel is grounded to the frame or if it is remote grounded.

There is a ground strap connecting the control cube to the frame, mounted near the wiring connectors ( underneath the control cube )
I think there are also multiple grounds within the harness, also connecting to the terminal block.

 

[Projectnut]

Locate the wire on the +stud of the starter. there should be multiple wires on this stud, the battery +, another thick wire leading to the slave plug and a thinner wire that feeds 24+ to one of the terminal blocks inside the control panel.
Make sure it is properly connected to the starter+
Also double check that the starter is wired correctly. It's very easy to reverse the + and - wires on the 002 if you aren't careful.
Use the wiring schematic to find what screw on the terminal block the power feed from the starter connects to and look for power there using your meter.
If nothing, remove the connectors from the back of the control panel and clean / inspect the pins.

Thanks for the tips on the wire locations. When I removed the starter, I marked the wires to return them to their original spots. It didn't dawn on me that they may be on the wrong terminals. I'll consult the wiring diagram and be sure they are connected properly.

Thanks Again. I hope this cures the problem. It may be a few days before I can get back to the project. I'll report back how things work out.