Anyone know how to test a Coleman Powermate 7000 Generator???

[RavensRoost]

...and here is another link that describes the "drill motor" method of flashing it:

My Notebook - Generator Field Flashing

RavensRoost

 

[Highbeam]

"-Plug the electric drill into the generator receptacle. (Cordless drills do not work)"

I love this line in the instructions. I can picture the dufis there trying to plug in his cordless drill. The instructions were perfect, I was surprised that you are supposed to do it with the genny running but that is good since you will know instantly if it worked.

 

[texasjohn]

JimR, extremely interesting thread, glad you started it.

Nobody has mentioned checking the circuit breakers to see if they are popped. I bet you have already done that. Am interested in what solution you find.

 

[JimR]

I emailed Coleman last night and they sent me the service manual on it. You excite the magnets using a 12 volt battery. You connect the positive cable to the right side brush and the negative cable to the left side brush for a max of 2-3 seconds. I will try that later today.

 

[JimR]

The battery trick did nt work. I'll have to dig into the manual and see what else could be wrong. I saw mention of diodes in there somewhere. I hate electronic things.

 

[Phils]

Having lived off-grid for almost 30 years I have lots of experience with a few different generators. The following situation is about too much voltage (200V when it's supposed to be 120) but the actual "repair" might help you.

A Honda that I still have for a backup has a recurring problem after it sits unused. Originally, replacing the voltage regulator fixed the problem. Then, the next time I'd need it, the voltage problem would be back. Changing the voltage regulator would fix the problem.

Actually, just unplugging the voltage regulator and plugging it back in fixed the problem (after $400 on two voltage regulators that weren't actually needed). There are three plugs and now before operation after it's been sitting (usually years, but at least many months) I unplug and reconnect those plugs and it works fine. I can't see any corrosion but there must be some.

Unplugging and reconnecting every connection you see on that generator costs nothing. Probably won't fix the problem either. But what if....?

Phil

 

[JimR]

Having lived off-grid for almost 30 years I have lots of experience with a few different generators. The following situation is about too much voltage (200V when it's supposed to be 120) but the actual "repair" might help you.

A Honda that I still have for a backup has a recurring problem after it sits unused. Originally, replacing the voltage regulator fixed the problem. Then, the next time I'd need it, the voltage problem would be back. Changing the voltage regulator would fix the problem.

Actually, just unplugging the voltage regulator and plugging it back in fixed the problem (after $400 on two voltage regulators that weren't actually needed). There are three plugs and now before operation after it's been sitting (usually years, but at least many months) I unplug and reconnect those plugs and it works fine. I can't see any corrosion but there must be some.

Unplugging and reconnecting every connection you see on that generator costs nothing. Probably won't fix the problem either. But what if....?

Phil

Phil,

I tried that today and it didn't work. As a matter of fact I did about 4 times to make sure they had a good connection. The idle down doesn't work either. I believe that is because there is no juice to energize the solenoid.

 

[BobRip]

The battery trick did nt work. I'll have to dig into the manual and see what else could be wrong. I saw mention of diodes in there somewhere. I hate electronic things.

Jim, hook the battery up with the opposite polarity. There is a diode in the rotor and it will not allow current flow with the battery backwards. If that does not work, talk to Coleman again.

 

[JimR]

Jim, hook the battery up with the opposite polarity. There is a diode in the rotor and it will not allow current flow with the battery backwards. If that does not work, talk to Coleman again.

Hi Bob,

I hooked the battery up the way the manual calls for. I don't know if hooking it up backwards will do anything or harm anything. It did spark when I hooked it up.

 

[BobRip]

The spark indicates current draw and that should magnetize the rotor. TIme to call Coleman. Did you check continuity through out the system. Be sure to zero your ohms meter and look at the numbers very carefully. These are some low resistance and it is easy to overlook a small resistance. Good luck.

I was actually going to suggest yesterday that you connect a battery, but I did not know the voltage or procedure, just a theory on my part. I don't want to steer you wrong.

Just though of something. The diode could be shorted. If you measure across the slip rings with the brushes disconnected (put a piece of paper under one if possible) you should see continuity in one direction and not the other. If it shows continuity in both directions then the diode is shorted. This is a common failure mode in diodes.