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MEP 803A testing alternator output

chilbun28

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The brand new batteries certainly took a charge. Now running the unit the battery charge needle is basically at zero. So with that and the alternator putting out 28v should I assume everything is good to go?

Also, is this normal operating temp yall see on your units or is it running warm? Down here in Louisiana I'm curious if I should put a 180 degree thermostat in it or leave it alone.
 

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Guyfang

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The meter is not world famous for preciseness. Take it with several grains of salt. I would maybe get a temp gun and measure what the temp actually is, then decide what to do. Maybe drain, flush and refill the system first. LOOK at the thermostat. Get a couple gaskets.
 

Farmitall

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The brand new batteries certainly took a charge. Now running the unit the battery charge needle is basically at zero. So with that and the alternator putting out 28v should I assume everything is good to go?

Also, is this normal operating temp yall see on your units or is it running warm? Down here in Louisiana I'm curious if I should put a 180 degree thermostat in it or leave it alone.
If it's staying at that temp in Louisiana daily temps, I wouldn't worry about it. As Guyfang posted, the meters are not super calibrated and can vary several degrees + or -.
I would make sure that the coolant mixture is 50/50 though to give boil over protection.
 

nextalcupfan

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My temp gauge has always run a little high, I believe once I temp gunned the thermostat housing and it was 10-15F cooler than the gauge reading.
Perhaps the sending unit is in a slight "hot spot"?
 

nextalcupfan

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That's perfect , that's how it should be , maybe a little preheat though and it cold weather.
Totally normal.

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I haven't used preheat since I installed an oil pan heater. Even down to -10F it fires right up. (since its glued to the bottom of the crankcase its also acting as a kind of block heater as well)
 

chilbun28

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Thanks everyone. Last question, I have this generator mounted on a wood decked trailer. What would be my best method for grounding the unit when I have it plugged into my home? Will it be properly grounded through the plug or should I ground it through the grounding terminal that's by the L1,L2,L3 terminals?
 

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Mullaney

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Thanks everyone. Last question, I have this generator mounted on a wood decked trailer. What would be my best method for grounding the unit when I have it plugged into my home? Will it be properly grounded through the plug or should I ground it through the grounding terminal that's by the L1,L2,L3 terminals?
.
Definitely drive a Ground Rod.

Attached is a Power Point Presentation on why.
Also attached is a "Bonding" pamphlet.

1684522555573.png
 

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jcollings

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I've heard different things , if you're grounding to your house your house ground Goes to the ground terminal.
where I'm pointing with my finger
silver bar , you loosen the top nut on that bar and move it away for disconnection.

Additional grounding for the unit chasse to a ground rod would also be proper, I believe I'm sure people will chime in To confirm


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