Problems with Generac Impact 36 Genset

[MCrossley]

Well a few years ago I bought a Generac Gasoline version Generac Impact 36 genset that I knew had a couple issues but the price was right so I bought it. I now have some time being unemployed and all and I am trying to figure out its problems. I know that there have been problems with this particular unit in the past but Generac will not admit it. The unit cannot keep its RPM's constant as anyone who has this unit knows it varies it's RPM based on load. So anyone who has this unit who has had this problem please let me know as I want to fix it I am told it is most likely the controll board anyone ever repaired one?



Thanks for the help.

 

[ewcmr2]

The unit cannot keep its RPM's constant as anyone who has this unit knows it varies it's RPM based on load.

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That's actually the beauty of this generator. If it only needs to run at 1000 rpm, it only runs at 1000 rpm. If it needs more, it kicks up. It's supposed to do this.



The thing that would be a problem is if it were varying rpms when the electrical load isn't changing... is that what is happening to you?



Eric

(Have this generator, run it at least two weekends a month year round)

 

[MCrossley]

exactly yes I am aware that rpm's are supposed to vary with load however this is happening both at idle and under constant load the unit cannot make up its mind where to set the RPM and beccause it cannot decide the freq. and voltage go all over the place.

 

[MCrossley]

oh come on guys you mean out of all of these memebrs nobody works for Generac or a servicing dealer???? :{

 

[BPINE]

Hoooooonnnnnnndddddaaaaaa !!!!





Howdy Mike

 

[MCrossley]

PineStein you A$$

 

[tractorface]

The electrical frequency (Hz) which should be 60Hz here in the states is directly tied to the speed (RPM's) of the engine. Generator control systems are designed to maintain a constant RPM (HZ). Depending on the type of equipment connected this could be potentially damaging (RPM's fluctuating). Are you sure the speed is changing? More than likely the RPM's are remaining fairly constant and the "sound" of the motor is changing due to load demand, kinda how your CTD sounds different when running uphill fully loaded at 2200 RPM as opposed to running empty with the wind at your back at 2200RPM. With that said, I have not worked with a Generac that small but if you look at the governer and get the brand name and number from it you can probably get more information from the website. I would be curious to see what type of governer it is using. They are really very simple devices. Not even sure of the type of control that particular genset uses.



I did a little searching and found that somehow these small gensets ARE able to regulate the frequency even while changing speeds. Hope I did not offend anyone. I have called a couple of people I know to find out more. I'll report back later.

 

[MCrossley]

Yes this generator is supposed to change RPM based on load it is the very nature of the genset you can find more info on Generac's site. I understand where youa re coming from on larger gensets ans also most other RV units that are supposed to run at either 1800 or 3600 RPM's and that is it but that is not the case with this unit.

 

[tractorface]

Yes I see that (already went to the website and contacted someone that knows these things, He is stumped too. We don't see this with bigger gensets). It has me curious enough that I am doing more research. It has me thinking "no wonder it is giving him trouble"

Learn something new everyday at TDR.

 

[MCrossley]

I appreciate your efforts in finding out more about it I know they are a strange beast however when they run right then run well It handled my AC and microwave without too much argument (althought the inverter helps it out a bit) but still its not a bad little package... If I can get it running right.

 

[MCrossley]

Anyone have any other thoughts? I e-mailed Dinosor electronics and have never recieved any kind of reply seeing if they had a board for it but no luck so far this one seems to have a lot of people stumped...

 

[ewcmr2]

Sorry, the only problem I've had with mine is the fuel pump... NAPA had a replacement in stock.



Eric

 

[champspa]

these new type of generators have inverters built in. So they have lets say a constant 12 volts and your varying the amp load to the inverter according to the load on the inverter.

 

[MCrossley]

Actually this is not an impat 36 plus the plus has the inverter setup mine does not.

 

[champspa]

well I gave it a shot