Gennie Problems

[captain tomas]

Hi everyone ,trust you all enjoyed your Easter.

Over the holiday, I was made aware that my Mastervolt 3.5 generator would not give its rated output.
The unit would give around 7amps but any extra load would show a low voltage warning (204v) and would
cause an automatic shut down.

I wonder if anyone could kindly give me a clue as to a possible remedy.
Also the name and number of a good technician would be appreciated, preferably in the middle Thames area.

 

[ARE]

Sounds like a Capacitor issue to me,

I can't recommend a technician in the Thames area, It should be a like for like swop.

Anthony

 

[superheat6k]

I have a Mastervolt Whisper 4000 which is actually a Paguro 4000 by VTE of Italy, in disguise. Also sold as Westerbeke 3.5 bcdt, and indeed the smaller Fischer Panda is virtually identical too.

When I had problems with it Mastervolt wanted silly money for simple parts, however Advance Yacht Systems of Romsey - Mr Rod Boreham was most helpful.

My unit has the Farymann 15W engine and parts for this part are available from commercial Diesel engine suppliers, e.g. Mitcham Diesels.

PM me if you want the various manuals I have for the Mastervolt and other generic variants of the Whisper 4000 and Farymann Engine. If it is the capacitor RS or similar will be able to supply a suitable unit - make sure the Microfarad rating is the same and the working voltage is at least the same or higher.

 

[captain tomas]

Gennie problems

I have a Mastervolt Whisper 4000 which is actually a Paguro 4000 by VTE of Italy, in disguise. Also sold as Westerbeke 3.5 bcdt, and indeed the smaller Fischer Panda is virtually identical too.

When I had problems with it Mastervolt wanted silly money for simple parts, however Advance Yacht Systems of Romsey - Mr Rod Boreham was most helpful.

My unit has the Farymann 15W engine and parts for this part are available from commercial Diesel engine suppliers, e.g. Mitcham Diesels.

PM me if you want the various manuals I have for the Mastervolt and other generic variants of the Whisper 4000 and Farymann Engine. If it is the capacitor RS or similar will be able to supply a suitable unit - make sure the Microfarad rating is the same and the working voltage is at least the same or higher.

Thank you for your replies, I will investigate .

 

[aquapower]

I have a Mastervolt Whisper 4000 which is actually a Paguro 4000 by VTE of Italy, in disguise. Also sold as Westerbeke 3.5 bcdt, and indeed the smaller Fischer Panda is virtually identical too.

When I had problems with it Mastervolt wanted silly money for simple parts, however Advance Yacht Systems of Romsey - Mr Rod Boreham was most helpful.

My unit has the Farymann 15W engine and parts for this part are available from commercial Diesel engine suppliers, e.g. Mitcham Diesels.

PM me if you want the various manuals I have for the Mastervolt and other generic variants of the Whisper 4000 and Farymann Engine. If it is the capacitor RS or similar will be able to supply a suitable unit - make sure the Microfarad rating is the same and the working voltage is at least the same or higher.

I'm sure Rod was ex Fisher Panda

 

[Jegs]

I have an Italian genny with a Farymann 18W engine: the capacitor for that was a 20uf plastic case motor run item - £4.64 plus vat plus delivery from Rapid [Pt. No. 10-2950]

John G

 

[captain tomas]

Thank you John G,

What was the reason that the capacitor needed replacement, anything similar to mine ?

Chris.

 

[superheat6k]

Thank you John G,

What was the reason that the capacitor needed replacement, anything similar to mine ?

Chris.

Motor run capacitors do just pack up for no apparent reason, so replacing is the simplest resolve. If it keeps happening then perhaps another issue, e.g. under rated - capacitors need to cope with the AC peak voltage, including an occasional spike, e.g. when switching a heavy appliance off, especially anything with a motor inside, not just the commonly referred to RMS (average) voltage value - 240v RMS has a peak of around 320volts, and spikes could reach over 500 volts.

 

[Jegs]

Thank you John G,

What was the reason that the capacitor needed replacement, anything similar to mine ?

Chris.

Hi Chris,

The problem was a drop in Voltage to less than 150v: received wisdom seems to be that replacing the capacitor solves many "probs" & it is easy to change!


ATB,

John G

 

[captain tomas]

Hi John.

Thanks for the reply, could you advise me if your Gennie was giving normal voltage when Off Load
Just trying to amass as much information as possible before crawling in the bilges.

Chris

 

[Jegs]

Hi John.

Thanks for the reply, could you advise me if your Gennie was giving normal voltage when Off Load
Just trying to amass as much information as possible before crawling in the bilges.

Chris

Hi Chris,

I believe it was the same with or without load, but that might mean that the load required 230v & didn't take any juice at a low voltage. Obviously, I am not an expert.

John G

 

[captain tomas]

Gennie Problem

Hi Chris,

I believe it was the same with or without load, but that might mean that the load required 230v & didn't take any juice at a low voltage. Obviously, I am not an expert.

John G

Hi John,
Just to say have replaced capacitor and problem corrected.
Now showing 240v off load and 220v at full load
Thank you for your advice.

Chris.