A new toy

Mike Fitz · Nov 12, 2016

I have been helping a neighbor clean up some property, and came across this old signal corps generator, and asked if I could have it and he said yes. So now I have a new toy, the motor is not stuck, and the unit appears to be all there, his brother used it for standby power long ago. I plan to try to get it going as time permits, so now I'm doing some due diligence, and trying to find some information on this thing. The unit is a PE-99-F, 7.5 Kw, 3 phase generator, So what do I have? would it be useful in running condition? I only have rudimentary knowledge of three phase wiring, also as it has been setting for 50 years or so,does the motor or generator need special attention? I have read about the oil pumps in Wisconson engines having a valve that sticks. I plan on taking out the plugs and oiling the cylinders and hand cranking to see if everything is loose, and going on from there. Mike

TomA in CA · Nov 12, 2016

I have a couple of V4 Wisconsin engine driven welders I have been fiddling with. I see yours has a battery. Does it have a starter? Mine are crank start only. Mine is still missing on one cylinder, I am suspecting mud dauber nest in the intake manifold.

rustyfarmall · Nov 12, 2016

I know very little about such things, other than the fact that the power generated might not be "clean" enough for computers and other electronics, but if that unit will power up some lights, the furnace, and maybe the refrigerator, it would certainly be worth the effort to make it run.

Jack345 · Nov 12, 2016

Also check for exhaust valve stuck open which is very common to these old V-4's

TomA in CA · Nov 12, 2016

Yeah, I had a lot of problems with stuck valves. I had to belt up a 13 hp Honda to spin it over before I could crank start it. I had a V4 on a baler years ago and I had to feed it CD2 thru the carb to keep valves from sticking. I tried that on this one but no help. When I pull the plug I get good compression now but I also get suction, I guess the manifold will have to come off. I can't get enough power out of it to weld right.

Dave Sherburne, NY · Nov 12, 2016

Those two boxes on the lower right side of the machine look just like the transformers I just took out of my son's 3 phase shop. They were used to drop the 460 voltage down to 230 or 115 volts.

Greg K · Nov 12, 2016

If the 3 pause power is 120/240 volt wye 3 pahse then it is usable as single phase. However it could be 120/208 delta or 277/480 or some other configuration.

: JerryBowers · Nov 12, 2016

Very interesting find!

In addition to the other advice, you need to find out what frequency the power is. Lots of military power was / is 400 cycles.

Doug - Iowa · Nov 12, 2016

http://www.radionerds.com/images/2/26/PE-99-D_Instruction_book.pdf

This might help.

Jack345 · Nov 12, 2016

After removing sparkplug was able to reach exhaust valve with a tool & push it down using lots of Kroil & other stuff was able to get it free but was a real pain.

Mike Fitz · Nov 13, 2016

Thanks everyone! Another picture

BarnyardEngineering · Nov 14, 2016

Remember things like refrigerators and furnaces have computers in them these days too.

LeoinMI · Nov 16, 2016

I have a Wisconsin VE-4 engine on my portable welder. It has an electric starter (12-v Battery). I have a Hobart generator a hooked up to it plus the amp adjuster for welding. Here's a picture.

A new toy

Mike Fitz

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TomA in CA

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rustyfarmall

Well-known Member

Jack345

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TomA in CA

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Dave Sherburne, NY

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Greg K

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: JerryBowers

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Doug - Iowa

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Jack345

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Mike Fitz

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BarnyardEngineering

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LeoinMI

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