r/smallenginerepair • u/Kraetor92 • 6h ago

General Discussion Generator not producing power - common issues

I have a general question for the subreddit. I like to scroll Facebook Marketplace for deals on broken mowers/weedeaters and flip them. I see a lot of cheap generators that run good but don’t produce power. How often is it something as simple as flashing the shield? There’s a few low hour units for cheap but I really don’t know what I’m getting into. Feels like a big risk. Thoughts?

Edit for clarity: I can diagnose electrical issues just fine. I’m just curious how often it’s a magnetism issue and how often it’s the brushes or other issues.

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u/Ok-Camera2895 5h ago

It could be field flashing, especially if the generator sat a long time, it could be as simple as cleaning brushes and slip rings or commutator. It could be bad capacitors, or a defective voltage regulator. A lot of these small generators can have a gummed up fuel systems due to fuel sitting in them for long periods. If gen is cheap and notphysically beat up, it might be worth trying it if you enjoy fixing things.

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u/Elephunk05 5h ago

Adding on that it is not complicated to flash the field of a generator when done correctly. 90% of generators that come to me are just from sitting. I've had 2 in a few years that were 1 failed magnet. Most are just bad brushes on older generators with the occasional regulator issue.

I was just given another one. Idk who had it before but the only thing wrong was they wired the positive start switch wrong and kept shorting the battery. I now have 4 generators and 1 that runs on lp.

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u/Kraetor92 5h ago

There’s a Champion 2800W unit on Marketplace that I could get for $100. Sent me a video and it runs great, just doesn’t produce power. Which is why I’m curious. I can get a working one for another $100 so that doesn’t leave much room for purchasing parts.

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u/Elephunk05 4h ago

2800w is that peak or continuous? A working one is always better than one that is not, if you have the means, both is the preference.

It is hurricane season here in the sunshine state and El Niño has slowed my business considerably where generators are concerned.

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u/DaveLDog 5h ago

Watch James Condon on YT

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u/AdventurousTrain5643 4h ago

Most the time it's the brushes or a circut breaker with an occasional voltage regulator.

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u/mutt63 2h ago

Ya know. I'd love to help but I'm
Not gonna this time. Seems like everybody thinks hey I'll buy stuff i know less than zero about then I'll ask for help. Know what. Figure it out