My MEP-803a experience

[Daybreak]

LOTS of discussion here about using Behr latex on MVs, I'm not worried. I shot two coats thinned 25% with windshield washer fluid(methanol). So far, two hours since the last coat, it looks great.

I did hit a snag, trying to start the second generator, the main switch stem broke . Is that something that can be replaced, just the stem, or do I need to get a whole new switch? If the whole switch needs to be replaced, is there a cheaper alternative to the original?

Howdy,
The trailer is looking good.

That was the inherent problem with that generation of switch. The stem is plastic and is prone to break.

MEP-8xx S1 and S6 switch variations

 

[Another Ahab]

Howdy,
The trailer is looking good.

I second that. That's a fine looking paint job.

 

[csheath]

Nice looking paint job!

You guys got me looking to see which S1 switch I have on my 01/07 made MEP-803A. Mine has a metal shaft switch. Unfortunately it doesn't have a visible part number on it.

 

[Guyfang]

I believe you would need to install a pump at the tank and push fuel that far. I'd be surprised if that small internal pump would draw from that far away. Pump control wires would need to be run between the generator and the pump at the tank.

I understand your concern. Around here though. People have 500 gallon tanks beside there house everywhere for home heating oil. Also Code only requires 10 feet between a propane tank and the residence. I like the idea of yours being away from the house. I'm on. Natural gas.

I keep my 803A behind my shed and have an extra fuel tank mounted on the trailer with it. It's only 80 feet from the house, so I ran wire the distance. Can't hear it in the house and it's more quiet for the neihbors. Only downside is rutting up the backyard, if I needed to move it when it's wet.

Then you will be surprised. Those pumps are very good. And as long as you don't have to draw fuel up 3-4 meters in height, its not a problem. The fuel aux hose, when attached to a fuel drum 25 feet away, and about 1 meter lower in height works like a charm.

 

[Guyfang]

Nice looking paint job!

You guys got me looking to see which S1 switch I have on my 01/07 made MEP-803A. Mine has a metal shaft switch. Unfortunately it doesn't have a visible part number on it.

If its a metal shaft. Its the mark 3 type, and super good to go. No problemo. The link in message 201 shows the different switches.

 

[lonesouth]

the fuel tank would be uphill from the generator anyway, so no problems with the aux pump. that's for another day though. The immediate concern is sourcing a new S1 switch. I figure, worst case, I could do a panel and use toggles to control everything the single S1 does.

Also, for the trailer, Need to run back to harbor freight and pick up a set of trailer lights, instead of reusing the mil housings.

 

[Guyfang]

A S1 should not be a problem to find. I believe that I have someplace, in some thread, even listed the producers of the S1. But there are some available. The price, well thats up to you to decide.

 

[lonesouth]

yea, i have a hard time paying $260 for the switch from green mountain. Going to watch ebay for a bit while I get the rest of it cleaned up.

 

[lonesouth]

did some searching and came across a potential replacement. It does not have a pre-heat selector, but I can do without in FL, or add a pushbutton if needed. I figure for $15, I'd give it a shot.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KRAUS-NAIME...492bc3d&pid=100005&rk=1&rkt=4&sd=282524072500

 

[csheath]

did some searching and came across a potential replacement. It does not have a pre-heat selector, but I can do without in FL, or add a pushbutton if needed. I figure for $15, I'd give it a shot.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KRAUS-NAIME...492bc3d&pid=100005&rk=1&rkt=4&sd=282524072500

Nice find!

 

[lonesouth]

Before:


After:

 

[bigbe5678]

Nice

 

[Guyfang]

did some searching and came across a potential replacement. It does not have a pre-heat selector, but I can do without in FL, or add a pushbutton if needed. I figure for $15, I'd give it a shot.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KRAUS-NAIME...492bc3d&pid=100005&rk=1&rkt=4&sd=282524072500

This switch is an authorized replacement for the normal S1, in a emergency situation.

 

[lonesouth]

This switch is an authorized replacement for the normal S1, in a emergency situation.

That should be in a sticky somewhere. Ordered a second to keep on hand.

 

[lonesouth]

Something I noticed last night, the trailer has a deliver date from 1990, but the power plant was delivered in 2000. I was surprised to see them repurpose existing stock like that.

 

[Another Ahab]

Before:
After:

A good coat of paint does wonders. Nice work.

Rattle cans, brush-work, sprayer; how did you lay down the paint?

 

[Guyfang]

That should be in a sticky somewhere. Ordered a second to keep on hand.

As long as you remember that it has no preheat. All other functions are the same.

Has anyone ever called Kraus-Naimer to ask what a new one would cost?

 

[Guyfang]

Something I noticed last night, the trailer has a deliver date from 1990, but the power plant was delivered in 2000. I was surprised to see them repurpose existing stock like that.

One of the few things that ALWAYS gets done right in the military, is reusing equipment. The PATRIOT launcher, (built in the 80's) uses an axle and undercarriage from NIKE-HERC system, (Built in the 50's-60's). That's just one example. There are plenty more. In another thread, I showed a link to youtube, with a D424A Turbine gen set. The oil for it is used in the B52 aircraft, and the M109 SP Gun. It works, so use it. Nowadays, we know that this oil is a carcinogenic substance. Am I glad we used that!

 

[lonesouth]

Rattle cans, brush-work, sprayer; how did you lay down the paint?

Prep was knocking off all the CARC flakes and rust scale with a Harbor Freight needle scaler and then washing down with simple green.

Paint was done with a Harbor Freight HVLP gun run at 60ish PSI, Behr Marquee thinned 25% with winshield washer fluid(methanol). 4 Hours between coats.

 

[lonesouth]

As long as you remember that it has no preheat.

I accidentally started it without pre-heat at 27 degrees F, sputtered a bit, but fired off.