I need some generator help

[Keith]

We have a Westerbeke 12.6 BTD generator. I think I may have screwed something up! I was working on the AC selector switch - that switch that allows you to switch from shore power to AC input from shore or generator. My screw driver dropped and shorted between two of the generator leads to the switch. I checked everything out and could find no immediate damage except to the screw driver and my nerves! I ran the generator for over an hour, it ran perfectly. Then, it stopped producing AC voltage and we automatically switched over to inverter power. I've checked the AC switch, the double breaker on the Westerbeke and took the side panels off to check for visual damage to the wiring on the generator itself. Could I have blown a diode? Or the bridge rectifier? Or? I've gone through the trouble shooting guide and it is a clear as mud to me. I now read on my digital multimeter 18.5 volts coming from the generator. Anyone have any ideas?

Keith
Lady J

 

[wmfels]

i remember my father saying something one time about that. they lived in the keys and power outages were common so they hooked a generator up and the power came back on but they didnt have the main shut off or something and fryed the genny. he figured it was junk but another guy did something to "shock" it with power and sure enough it brought it back to life...but hes dead now so i cant ask him exactly what it was, but i want to say it was something about polarizing...

 

[wmfels]

i meant the power came back on and back fed the genny..

 

[wmfels]

its called"flashing" the generator, google it. worth looking into

 

[Canuck Dennis]

It's called "exciting" the generator,I doubt that is the problem, seek professional help before trying anything else, phone calls usually can bring lots of good info to start with.

 

[Andy B]

Might be a diode I have had an overload blow those before in the westerbeke service manual there is a test that can de done with a high beam head light and some test leads but replacing them is a job best left to the profesionals.