MEP-803A —— Did I Score? I think so……

[Tinstar]

Do the guys who use these generators for standby power leave them out in the weather 24/7 or build an enclosure for them?

I know their built for staying outside but that definitely takes a toll on them over time.

I was thinking of doing a little Tuff-Shed

 

[Ray70]

They are fine left out in the weather but keeping the rain and snow off it will make it last even longer!

 

[CallMeColt]

I leave all mine outside... some on a trailer, some on the ground. I keep my covers on them. Has never been a problem.

As far as a solar battery tender... make sure it is one without any sort of lights for status on it. They will slowly drain the power down. I had one I setup & it killed my Optima 51R's when I would leave them for extended periods in the winter. Removed the system and the batteries do fine on their own. Hate to admit it but one MEP 802A went almost 8 months without starting or anything. It started no problem with no tender or anything at all..... on 5yr old Optima 51R's. The key is just making sure the batteries are healthy.

The Solargizer or Pulstech seem to be better. They just maintain a charge but shut down once no sun touches the panel so they don't pull the batteries down.

Your unit looks great & your work has paid off. Should have it for a very long time! Just keep clean fluids in it & you'll be happy.

I've found the only enemy to these is moisture wanting to build up in the fuel if they sit for a while & it will plug up the filters quick. Spare set of filters on hand is a quick solver of that if it happens.

 

[Tinstar]

Trying to find a trailer now.
A trailer setup might be a better fit for the ranch.
Will be easier to wire something so I can plug into my panel.
Plan is to get one of your covers so I don't have to worry about spiders and wasps..... and weather.

I only use the Solargizer/PulseTech chargers. The items I have them on have not given me any issues at all.
Their not cheap, but you get what you pay for with them. Excellent products.

Very happy with the generator. I've learned a lot.
Past few days has been fixing the small misc. non-mission critical stuff., like the oil cap chain ring. It was missing so I added it today.
The overflow bottle strangely did not draw any fluid back into the radiator as it cooled after my radiator flush.
Found out the bottom had hard water deposits caked solid and was blocking the tube.
Removed the overflow bottle and cleaned it out, problem solved.

The tank I keep topped off with fresh red diesel with two-cycle oil and a heavy dose of seafoam.
I have several 55 gallon stainless steel drums that I keep diesel in and plan to use one of these for aux fuel when generator is needed.
Trailer will make that easier.
I also cut the zip ties and unrolled the aux fuel hose that has been rolled up since 2006.
Hose was fine and the hot sun took the curves out. I will probably have a shorter one made.

We get really bad ice storms here and will almost certainly have an extended power outage coming up soon.
Tornado and fire season are also a reason to have generators ready.
Since we are in a somewhat remote area, we get power restored usually last.
The MEP-803A will get it's chance to shine. It's almost ready.

I will keep and maintain my MEP-002A for a back up.

 

[Tinstar]

Painted on the beginning Hobbs time when I purchased it
I always do this on equipment so I don’t have to look it up or guess.



The battery covers came in so those were Installed today.
I kept the one big flap cover. Didn’t want to toss it and it’s not in the way of anything.
I washed them twice, but they didn’t clean up very well. Their stained. Guess it’s the type of rubber they use. Still work perfectly.





Coolant bottle is nice and clean. Just a touch low so will fix that tonight.
New cap is a perfect fit!



Made a solid copper Neutral Bar.
Didn't need it but I wanted it, so I made one using my copper stock.
I absolutely butchered the stamping.
5th grade level……….
Kinda embarrassing.
Oh well.
It’s readable.



I removed the rope from the lug wrench.
Left rope attached to machine.
Too close quarters and rope made it interesting trying to use wrench and then put it back into the holder.

Worked on mowers and tractor rest of day.
PM stuff.

Now time for some fried chicken!!