Home generator died? Fix or replace?
 

My MIL has a Generac Guardian 17kw generator (model# 0055040) on her house. It's about 10 years old and has run well during that time. It comes on weekly/[monthly?] for its test run and has powered the house for numerous short (usually a day or less) power outages without issue. I'm not sure what the hour count is, but assume I could find out if that's relevant. She's had it professionally serviced (oil/filter stuff) annually.

During a recent power outage it died. An electrician friend came over and took a look - - apperars the generator fragged. I've not had eyes on it, but there's little curly copper bits all around the inside. Sounds like windings and internet searches seem to suggest that it happens (maybe often?).

Anyone have any experience fixing these things or ideas why it died? It appears a new rotor and stator assembly can be had for $1000-1500. I'm assuming swapping parts isn't too bad and I'd do it for her, but I dont know if there's a bunch of other issues lurking when something like this happens. Should I get it rewound - - would that be cheaper? Sould she scrap it any buy a new one?

Appreciate your thoughts. While I understand the principles, I dont have any generator buying/fixing experience.

Too little info. I would want to know the hours run and get a good look at it. In the absence of this I would probably get two bids on repair vs replace and then decide.

A Brand new one can be purchased for about $3800. Installation is connecting the fuel line, the 4 wire power lead and the control cable. I expect with a little help, you could swap it in an hour or so.

There is a 20kW on Craigslist, locally for $2250

If you got a credit card, I know a guy ;)

:rolleyes:

I yield to James, this is his wheel-house

So?


I do like your Curly Fry description of the wires. thx.



and the engine still runs fine.????????


Just replace the generator alone. bolt on bolt off.


if the motor runs, screw it and just get more brand new Curly Fries someday. 1000 hours from now.

Thanks to all for the replies and special thanks to James for the Craigslist lead.

I called the Craigslist guy -- he buys used generators in bulk from some sort of auction. Says he runs the engine and megs the windings and then resells them at $100/kw. Claims they typically have a "few hundred" hours of run time. If all true, it seems like a decent deal.

Called my MIL and she's going to think on it. Apparently the way hers failed left the engine running while no one was at the house. While hers didn't catch fire, there was a strong burning smell and she's sketched out about the fire risk.

Seems her preference is likely a) do nothing and go without or b) buy a new one. Either way I'm relieved, as I was worried she wanted me to rebuild the generator head (which was the original request), and honestly, that as it seemed like more of a goose chase than I was interested in taking on. While parts are available, I had a difficult time finding s good price on just the generator head.

Will update when I know more.

I'm not a Generac dealer; I sell Briggs-Stratton. I can enquire about the parts, but I expect a new generator head will be more than a good used complete generator. And installation will be MUCH more difficult than swapping generators.

The engine will be salable on ebay. Most of these have engine failures due to lack of maintenance, than generator head failures. And the generator head will be worth about $2-3/lb at a scrapyard.

I think youd be better off with a new one than fussing around trying to fix a 10 year old unit over and over. And you can sell the old engine for a good chunk of change or build something cool with it

Something I've always wondered about was using an engine with a clutch, tied to an air conditioner. It would have to be a non-sealed unit. You would only use the generator when the power fails. But it would be more efficient and no in-rush issue like a genset powering one.

red-beard I sent you a PM .

well your avg car a/c pump/compressor has an 12v clutch built in to the pulley
so no need for a added motor clutch

but I do not know if one can get seals that work with the different gas used
in a home a/c unit 22 or 410 vs the 12 or 134 gas used in cars and oil types to match the gas so the oil flows

I guess one could use several car compressors and a way to add the units once the motor is up to speed to avoid the starting overloads

I am not thinking of a car unit. I am thinking of a regular household Air Conditioner with an engine and the electric motor. You would want a clutch for two reasons:

1) So the engine is not driven by the electric motor
2) So that the engine is at full speed when you engage the air conditioner

Agree and thank you. I'll keep you in mind if she goes the new route. Do the Briggs units have the same/similar footprint as the Generacs? I know some units are more square.

Appears the working 995cc engine could be worth some money. It's spec'd for something like 35hp. They show up on Ebay. Didn't think about scrap copper, but agree, that could be worth some money too.

An engine driven AC could make some sense around here. Might be able to use belts and a spring-loaded idler pulley to "clutch" the power transmission. It wouldn't be ideal for cycling on/off, but should allow for starting and long run times. Seems like you'd still need a small generator head (maybe 3-5kw) in the system for condenser/evaporator fans. 35hp would seemingly allow for a lot of AC BTUs depending on driveline losses. Fun to think about, but not likely a project I'll be chasing soon.

Thanks again!

York Triathlon...
I would be more then interested in one.

The real issue is the transfer switch and controls are different. I would suggest she stick with the same basic model, maybe go up to 20kW. Foot print of the 17 and the 20 is the same.

red-beard or anyone else in the know , is this failure at 10 years old common or a rarity ? Seems to me that generally these don't run for long periods of time . They run once a month ( ? ) on self test and then whenever power goes out . Just seems to me a $4,000.00 - $5,000.00 unit should last longer than that . Or is it because they sit for long periods of time that can cause issues like this ? I have thought about adding a generator to our current home and just trying to get a little smarter on them :D

An engine failure is common. People install and then do not do the maintenance. Generator head failure is rare.

Here you go

https://www.ebay.com/itm/GENERAC-17KW-STANDBY-GENERATOR-NO-SWITCH-0055310-USED/133114246507?hash=item1efe3a356b:g:dxcAAOSwbbtdLoS 0&redirect=mobile