Won a MEP-803A on a Trailer

[Gunny65]

As stated, won a generator today. I paid more than I wanted but between the trailer and the genset I am happy. The power went out here twice last month. Once for over a day and the other for about 7 hours so I decided to get a generator. We just moved up here so I imagine this happens several times a year. The trailer the genset is on is a M1102 so is usable as a cargo trailer when/if I decide to make the genset stationary. I was thinking of keeping the genset mobile so I can use it on the property if needed. I will probably get a smaller trailer it can sit on and use the M1102 for camping gear. I have been reading this forum for about a week now getting info on the 803A. I was determined to get the one coming up to auction today since it was so close. After looking the genset over, it shows no visible problems. It has 252 hours on a Tier 2 reset in 2010. GL says it cranks but wouldn't start. I think/hope it is as simple as needing a good cleaning and prime. It was close by which is why I paid extra for it. I can pick it up and tow it home easily. No Shipping! I am downloading the TMs that apply but I am sure I will still have some questions. I have already learned quite a bit just ready this forum, it is invaluable. I plan on putting a socket on the house and using a cord to plug it in as needed. Any suggestions prior to start-up would be appreciated. I imagine I will need to get some filters and so forth. All I have near me is NAPA and Carquest.

Oh, just remembered, what is that control panel used for on the trailer? Hopefully the link works.

Thanks.

http://www.govplanet.com/jsp/s/item/668486?do=1

Gunny

 

[MtnSnow]

That "control panel" that is mounted on the trailer next to the Gen set looks to be what is commonly known as a breakout/spider box there should be like two connections on the backside where other power cables connect that feed breaker panels.

 

[Gunny65]

I was wondering if that was what it was. I will check on the backside to see if there are outlets/connections when I pick it up.

 

[MtnSnow]

Other than that it looks like you actually got it for a decent price all things considered. Usually they aren't to hard to getting running and it looks like a pretty clean unit so I would bet it's going to be something fairly simple to get it running. (could be as simple as needing fuel and being bled.

 

[MtnSnow]

Just went thru the pictures again and actually that control box looks like it could also be a Paralleling unit (allow two or more units to sync up and share a load that is greater than a single gen could service)

The larger units (MEP-804A/B and up) actually have this ability built in and then just use a Paralleling communication cable between units.

 

[Plane Fast]

Just went thru the pictures again and actually that control box looks like it could also be a Paralleling unit (allow two or more units to sync up and share a load that is greater than a single gen could service)

The larger units (MEP-804A/B and up) actually have this ability built in and then just use a Paralleling communication cable between units.

This is what my control box looks like for parallel gens. (But it is two mep802's)

 

[jamawieb]

It looks like you got a great price on it. I would change the oil in it as soon as possible because from the looks of the paint on the oil filter, it still has the original oil filter oil in it. When they remanufacture the motors, they put the oil filter on and then paint the motor. If that's the case, it may still have the original break in oil in it.
I have a feeling that you will just need to add fuel. If the fuel level sensor is reading low, the motor will crank but will not start. From the pics, it looks like the fuel level is low and that may be causing the engine not to start. One of my first 802a's would crank but I could never get it to start (the fuel gauge read full), finally I looked in the tank and noticed it didn't have much fuel. I filled the tank and it started right up. Lesson learned!

 

[Daybreak]

Howdy,

The manuals for the MEP-803A generator can be found at a bunch of locations. But, the problem is the organization for the TM's here are a mess.

MEP-803A Manuals
Lubrication Order LO-9-6115-642-12.pdf
TM-9-2815-253-24.pdf
TM-9-2815-253-24P.pdf
TM-9-6115-642-10.pdf
TM-9-6115-642-24P.pdf
If you look these up and download them, you will have everything you need.
http://www.liberatedmanuals.com/search.mpl?q=MEP-803A+generator&Search=Search

Filters info can be found HERE http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?146139-MEP-8xx-Filters-Information

I see the rebuilt tag on the engine, and see the hour meter, but, it still has the green painted oil filter... Something to think about if it really still is fresh. When you change the oil, maybe use a break-in oil. http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?145271-Break-In-oil-for-the-low-hour-MEPS

The optima redtop batteries are AGM. A AGM type battery charger will make them came back to life. http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?139648-24v-charging-thru-slave-port

If you are going to tow it home, bring a set of magnetic trailer lights with zip ties. Check the tire pressure, watch the axle temps, be ready with some chain extension links. Remember its a pintle tow.

Somebody needed a specialized setup on that. They fabricated a stand in the trailer bed.

Good luck with the tow home, and start up. oh, and be ready to load the unit up. The convenience outlets are rated at 10 amps only.

 

[jimbo913]

Power will never go out again - Trust me! But thats not a bad thing either.

It looks to me like it could be a fresh rebuild with only initial run time. You can't always go by the hour gauges. Should just be something simple and if it is you got it for an excellent price (at least considering Northeast prices).

Good luck

 

[Gunny65]

Thank you MUCH for the TM links Howdy.

I noticed the fresh green paint on the filter as well. That is one of the reasons I decided to bid more than what I first expected to bid. After reading through a bunch of these generator threads and looking at the pictures I figured it was a good one to take a chance with.

I have a pintle hook on a stinger for my 3/4ton and bought a flat blade electrical adapter for the trailer. The trailer is missing the electrical pin adapter, which is good. I will just wire up the electrical to fit the flat blade adapter for my truck. Does anyone see a problem with that? I will take a light setup as backup as suggested by Daybreak. Just in case.

Since this is a surge brake trailer, I would think the electrics only are for the lights?

I will take a tool kit, grease gun and so forth just in case there are any wheel problems. The tires look great and the underside pictures look good as well. I am bringing my electrical tool box for the electrical adapter and lights.

Thanks for the suggestions on initial startup. I am planning on buying some hot water heater elements to use a load bank. I will remember to keep the leads out of the water bucket. Someone noted in one of the threads I read to keep the water flowing with a hose so the elements stay cool/energized. I will make some sort of setup to hold the elements and keep the tops away from the water.

I havent done it yet but does anyone use the dyed diesel (off road) in their trucks? I plan on getting a fuel holding tank for the generator and figure I will keep the diesel fresh by using some of the fuel in my truck. Will it hurt anything to run the off-road diesel in my truck? I was told it wouldnt hurt it but figured it is good to get additional opinions. It a 2013 2500HD. I wont run that fuel all the time but it is a good way to swap out fuel and keep it fresh in the tank. I will also get some additive to help keep it fresh as well.

There are not a lot of genset sales close to where I am at. That was also one of the reasons I jumped on this one. I plan on picking it up Monday. I will come back on here and let you guys know how it goes and if I have any problems getting it started. I wont even try to start it until I change the oil, filters, and clean it up a bit though.

 

[juanprado]

Cool score. I had seen many of those trailers sell on GL in MD but none had the gen sets. Many folks bought them, stripped the aluminum, and got a free trailer.

I think the original trailer is for a radar set or other electronic gizmos that go in those other "holes". The panel is probably for those other gizmos power.

 

[Plane Fast]

Thank you MUCH for the TM links Howdy.


I havent done it yet but does anyone use the dyed diesel (off road) in their trucks? I plan on getting a fuel holding tank for the generator and figure I will keep the diesel fresh by using some of the fuel in my truck. Will it hurt anything to run the off-road diesel in my truck? I was told it wouldnt hurt it but figured it is good to get additional opinions. It a 2013 2500HD. I wont run that fuel all the time but it is a good way to swap out fuel and keep it fresh in the tank. I will also get some additive to help keep it fresh as well.

There are not a lot of genset sales close to where I am at. That was also one of the reasons I jumped on this one. I plan on picking it up Monday. I will come back on here and let you guys know how it goes and if I have any problems getting it started. I wont even try to start it until I change the oil, filters, and clean it up a bit though.

Dont run the off-road in your truck. If Mr. DOT man catches you. Big fines follow!(no tax on the fuel) The dye stays in your tank and truck filters as well.

 

[Guyfang]

Gunny,
There is also a TM for the Trailer, (Power Unit is what its called) to explain how to use the Synconation box on the fender. Both gen sets should be hooked up to it, and you can for instance, swap out one set for the other under load. Nice if you want to perform maint. and do not want to stop producing power. If my old moth eaten brain could remember the Power Unit modal number and TM, I will send it to you.
guyfang

 

[Guyfang]

These trailers are called Power Units. One or more generator set, sometimes with sxncronition box, sometimes with cable reels, storage box, antenna racks and Fuel tank. They were system specific. Meaning for the Fire Finder Radar, the P.U. set was configured different then for Commo rigs.

guyfang

 

[jimbo913]

I see a lot of people buying heating elements, wiring etc. just to load these units for maintenance, and I say save your money and just power your house to bank them on a regular basis. Might as well reduce electric bill if you are burning up fuel in testing.

You might really need another way to load bank if you work on them and have crappy runners or have several backup units that need exercised, but if you only have one for backup power, I would just power the house.

 

[royalflush55]

Do not run offroad diesel in your truck if used on public roads!!!

 

[Gunny65]

It's funny, around here all I get is, "yeah, go ahead that off-road stuff it won't hurt nothin. Been doing it for years!". Mostly from the farm and construction guys. They know it's not legal, and so do I, but it seems common amongst the locals. Thanks for the warnings.

 

[Guyfang]

Jimbo,

That's a fact! If your going to test, then do it right. Just like you would when the lights go out. An you might just find out its a bit more complicated then you thought/planned. Or there might just be an easier way. Practice makes perfect!

 

[Gunny65]

I think the house testing is a good idea but I would need to waste a lot of water to get my well pump to kick in. I have a decent sized water storage tank. And, how would I get the hot water heater to kick-on right when I need it? I guess I could turn the hot water heater off for awhile prior to running the generator then turn it back on. That still leaves the well pump though. I am sure I can get everything else to kick-on when needed. For the load test, how long are we talking about, an hour, two? Time doesn't make a difference to me but I want to make sure I give it a good run without wasting fuel and energy. I have a camper hooked to the house power along with my garage (Lathe, mill, compressor, etc). While I won't need to run the garage stuff when the power goes out, I will need to keep the camper going. I never really thought about the camper until now. My daughter is staying in it for awhile so it needs to be up and running as well. Mostly I am just talking (typing) this out. Good thing I am. I would not have thought about the camper until the last moment. That's why I am here!

 

[Daybreak]

Howdy,
Red Dyed Diesel fuel (off-road diesel)= exact same stuff as any 15PPM ULSD being sold anywhere. It has a special red dye which shows it does not have road TAX paid. This is messing with the tax man. My farm tank is full of red dyed diesel. Used in farm tractors and equipment, and generators.

On the road trucks need to have road tax diesel. The problem is the red dye is so potent, it just does not go away very easily. Any person which gets dipped (long clear straw) and DOT sees any tinge of red, your in trouble.

Load banking using your house= do you have a electric oven and burners? That in itself can put up a pretty good load.

M1102 trailer manual and TM 9-2330-392-14&P http://www.liberatedmanuals.com/TM-9-2330-392-14-and-P.pdf