Aerogen 4 parts supplier

  • Thread starter Thread starter DogWatch
  • Start date Start date
D

DogWatch

Guest
I want to carry out some maintenance on my aerogen 4.

I need to change the bearings (rumble) and I guess while I am at it I should replace the bushes; and the blades as they are starting to get a little 'chalky'

Does anyone know (preferably used a) a supplier in the uk for aerogen spares.

Also, if you have completed this work, is there anything else I should buy, such as water seals or gaskets? Are there any screws likely to break?

Any likely pitfalls?

Thank you in advance...
 
Last edited:
Aero4gen maintenance

We had fantastic support from LVM when servicing ours, but the LVM brand was sold to ITT Jabsco in the summer of 2006 . LVMshop http://www.lvmshop.co.uk/ is probably the best source of spares, although you could also try http://www.shop.solar-wind.co.uk/acatalog/aerogen_blades_parts_and_accessories.html - they definitely have blades, although they don;t list bearings.

Servicing is relatively easy and all parts are available. Main bearings are cheap (were under £50) and easy to replace. Blades are relatively expensive, about £20 each - 'chalkiness' is not a problem, so it the blades are not broken I would hang on to them.

Any stainless screws into alloy are likely to be hard to get off - especialy those holding the tail boom on.

Hardest part is reconnecting the wire in an awkward place (probably high up) when replacing the unit after servicing. Soldering is to be preferred to crimp connectors, soldered on bullet connectors will make it easier to remove next time.


Be sure your dump resistor is working or you may fry your batteries!


Manual here:

http://www.shop.solar-wind.co.uk/acatalog/Wind_turbine_LVM_AERO4GEN_Marine_Manual.pdf


(This advice may all be useless, but at least it is free!)


- W
 
You're right, at 20 squids they can stay chalky. I was expecting say 3.99 each or so, it is only moulded upvc type.

Bearings are more than I wuz hoping too, ah well, the genny serves us so well it is well worth looking after it.

Did you change the bushes when you did yours, ours was 2nd hand and we have had it coming 5 years and we have it running permanently, I am expecting a slither of carbon on the bushes to be honest... how were yours?

J
 
I had to replace a couple of blades recently and looked at the brushes while the unit was down. They were in still in excellent condition after least 10 years of continuous use.
 
I got my first set of bearings for my Rutland 503 from a motor repairer at a "not too cheap a price"! Last time I go locally!

My second set came from an ebay supplier of SKF/NTN bearings at about £4 each.

You only need the number off the bearing to order. For example, 20022Z can be 2002ZZ or 20022RS, as a bearing with a shield either side.
 
I did mine a couple of years ago. The part numbers are all listed in the manual. Your nearest decent-sized town should have a bearing factor (look in Yellow Pages under 'Bearings') I changed the pivot bearings and they were under a fiver each. I had problems getting stuff apart so, rather than risk damaging castings, I arranged to take it to a local small engineering firm on a Saturday morning and the boss did it all while I watched. It was a treat and worth the money to watch an expert at work. He'd never seen an Aerogen before but he had all sorts of tricks up his sleeve to get reluctant pieces apart.
If you haven't got a parts list let me know and I'll email it to you.
 
Well I finally bought the bearings and have the generator at home, now in bits while the hammeright dries.

I drifted out the two shaft bearings and noted a slither of sealant (or what looked like sealant) on the outer (by the fan) bearing. Does this sound right? EDIT>> it could also be a knackered rubber ring too..

I have no problem adding a slither of sealant to the inner edge of the bearing, but it could be just old heated grease and not required? I can't see any reference to it in the pdf manual. What does the panel think?

Message to webby, most screws came out without incident (hammer and driver on a couple) except one of the allen screws on the tail bar, well, it can bally well stay there then, see if I care!

I now have 8 spare bearings (bought pack of 10). Might put them onto buy and sell in pairs for people who like things that don't include searching for part numbers and seal types..
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top