Pulling blower wheel--MEP002A

[Triple Jim]

It's not likely that gunk and rust account for the low output. Look for something else wrong before you put it back together. Could the stator have been rewound and some coils are connected backwards? Are the magnets still strong? Was your AC measurement made with the stator open-circuited, or while connected to the regulator? If the regulator has a shorted diode, it would drag the AC reading down. Is your meter OK? I'm just throwing out ideas, but something is wrong besides dirt and rust.

 

[1800 Diesel]

It's not likely that gunk and rust account for the low output. Look for something else wrong before you put it back together. Could the stator have been rewound and some coils are connected backwards? Are the magnets still strong? Was your AC measurement made with the stator open-circuited, or while connected to the regulator? If the regulator has a shorted diode, it would drag the AC reading down. Is your meter OK? I'm just throwing out ideas, but something is wrong besides dirt and rust.

I believe I made original measurements with the stator lines still connected, but this has been such a long process, I'm not 100% certain. For today's check I'll test 1st time with the leads disconnected & the 2nd time connected to their terminals. WRT meter accuracy, I used my old analog unit as well as a digital one and both read about the same value of 16 VAC. Magnets were strong & part looked fairly new.

So if the value shows good open-circuit that points to something inside the regulator, so that means R & R regulator? Assuming it's not a repairable unit...just an expensive one to replace...

Thanks Triple Jim

 

[Speddmon]

The gunk and rust will affect the voltage generated. Good job getting that wheel off by the way. If I had to guess, I would say that wheel was probably heated a bit before the last person installed it (A BIG no no for a tapered shaft).

 

[1800 Diesel]

The gunk and rust will affect the voltage generated. Good job getting that wheel off by the way. If I had to guess, I would say that wheel was probably heated a bit before the last person installed it (A BIG no no for a tapered shaft).

Thanks Speddmon--Everyone's help on the SS site was invaluable. Next one I have to do will go quicker than this one. I believe the increase in the bolt size to 3/8" made the difference--at least I knew they wouldn't break so I probably pulled harder on the wrench...I'm hopeful I'll get some good numbers this afternoon. Will report back.

 

[Speddmon]

You would be surprised how hard you can pull on fine thread 5/16" bolts. When I had to pull a wheel off of a parts machine I had, I made my puller from 1/2" bar stock. I cranked on it so hard I bent it. That is why they are fine thread bolts Finer threads allow for more torque for the same size of bolt.

 

[1800 Diesel]

You would be surprised how hard you can pull on fine thread 5/16" bolts. When I had to pull a wheel off of a parts machine I had, I made my puller from 1/2" bar stock. I cranked on it so hard I bent it. That is why they are fine thread bolts Finer threads allow for more torque for the same size of bolt.

Understood about the fine thread bolts, but this unit had 5/16" x 18 TPI as found. The TM says these should have been 24 TPI, but someone in the past tapped to the NC thread or maybe this one came from the factory that way?? Who knows. The GR8s I was using originally were bending with each pull attempt but the 3/8" bolts did not bend....thanks..got to sign off now...will provide sitrep later this afternoon..

 

[Grega]

Nice pics. Always nice to look at pitures as they say 1000 words. And thanks for keeping us updated afer you got the wheel off.

 

[1800 Diesel]

Nice pics. Always nice to look at pitures as they say 1000 words. And thanks for keeping us updated afer you got the wheel off.

You're quite welcome...I'm just happy to get the thing removed with no injuries and no damage. Just got back in from the shop after reading the stator AC output at 1800. Reading was 40-45 volts. I know TM says 30-35 VAC, so is too much AC at this point a problem? Could not do a check with stator wires connected to the terminals because now I have a broken wire on the yellow-looking cylindrical thing right below the voltage regulator...and for some reason my soldering iron is MIA, but we're still looking for it. Don't know if that item being removed from the circuit will affect the reading but assume it would. Is this a resistor or what? I've been looking for it in the TM but so far cannot ID it...

 

[Robbied46]

If its what I think you are talking about, it's a capacitor.

 

[Triple Jim]

The schematic does show a resistor, R2, connected to the regulator. I assume since this is a shunt regulator, current not needed for battery charging is sent to this resistor. I'll be interested in hearing what AC volt reading you get once the regulator is back to the way it was.

Edit: I just looked at the parts list, and didn't find a resistor in the assembly. I did find a capacitor as Robbied46 said.

 

[storeman]

Capacitor...and it is necessary and will affect your voltage readings. They come in various shapes and appearances. It will affect your voltage readings. Once re-soldered, I think you will have a good unit. Congrats on a lot of work well done and your perseverance.
Jerry opcorn:

 

[1800 Diesel]

Capacitor...and it is necessary and will affect your voltage readings. They come in various shapes and appearances. It will affect your voltage readings. Once re-soldered, I think you will have a good unit. Congrats on a lot of work well done and your perseverance.
Jerry opcorn:

Thanks Jerry...I just got done soldering the capacitor connection--a hard feat trying to solder to a "nub" of wire but it finally got a good hold..using my neighbor's small 35 watt it took awhile to get enough heat to do anything....anyway, I'm getting 27.1 volts at the batteries...don't have a way to measure amperage though...The stator AC feed at the terminal with everything hooked up was varying between 26 & 28...I didn't want to run it but a minute or so with the cowling removed...

Thanks to all who contributed their ideas & wisdom...now on to unit # 3--another one not charging properly...hopefully this one will be more routine with the knowledge gained from you good people...

 

[edgephoto]

As long as the voltage across the batteries is more than 24 volts with the unit running, you are charging. No need to worry about current output.

 

[1800 Diesel]

As long as the voltage across the batteries is more than 24 volts with the unit running, you are charging. No need to worry about current output.

I say Amen to that! I think I've had about as much "fun" on this one than I deserved! Thanks to all!

 

[storeman]

You are golden! Congrats again.
Jerry