Capacitor Testing and Replacement Procedures

4000 Through 7000 Watt Generators

An alternator might not be producing voltage because 2. Remove the six screws that secure the louvered cover 4. Label the location of all wires to be disconnected.
there is not enough residual magnetism or capacitor to the end of alternator (see Figure 2). Retain mount- Disconnect capacitor and remove from alternator (see
charge. Charging the capacitor with a 12-volt battery ing screws and louvered cover for replacement. Figure 4).
might correct this problem. Louvered Alternator Alternator Wires
Note: Many digital test meters have a capacitor test set- Cover Screws (6 Total)
ting. If available, see digital test meter owner’s manual
for correct test procedures. If digital test meter is not
available, follow the steps below to test the capacitor.

IMPORTANT: Follow these steps carefully. Fail-

ure to do so could result in equipment damage.

Note: A 12-Volt battery, 2 short lead wires (if applicable),

and eye protection are needed to perform capacitor test.

1. Remove the four screws that secure the control panel

assembly to the roll cage (see Figure 1). Retain
mounting screws for replacement. DO NOT discon-
nect the wiring harness from the control panel. Capacitor
Louvered Alternator Cover
Position the control panel to one side to allow access Figure 4 - Disconnecting Capacitor From Alternator
to louvered cover on end of alternator. Figure 2 - Louvered Alternator Cover Mounting
Screw Locations
Control Panel Assembly
5. Determine capacitor connection type (see Figure 5).
3. Remove capacitor from alternator. Note: The capaci-
tor is about the size of a soda can (see Figure 3). Type “A” Lead Wires with Type “B” Terminal
Terminal Connections Connections
Capacitor

Control Panel Screws

(2 On Each Side)
Figure 1 - Control Panel Assembly Mounting Screw Figure 5 - Capacitor Connection Types
Locations Figure 3 - Identifying and Removing Capacitor

© 2004 DESA Specialty Products™ Continued

IMPORTANT: Capacitor Type “B” requires lead wires Type “A” Lead Wires with Charge the capacitor before installing in alternator (the
be connected on opposite sides of divider ridge located Terminal Connections test procedure in step 7d discharged the capacitor). Re-
between terminal connection sets (see Figure 6). Dam- peat steps 7a, 7b, and 7c to charge capacitor. Remove
age to capacitor will result if this is not done correctly. lead wires from capacitor (Type “B”). DO NOT let lead
Note: There is no polarity to a capacitor; meaning it does wires touch once they are removed from the battery
not have a positive and negative connection. terminals.
6. Connect lead wires to capacitor type “B”. 8. Reinstall the capacitor. Connect the labeled generator
lead wires to the capacitor and insert the capacitor into
Lead Wires Attached to
Type “B” Capacitor the end of the alternator (see Figures 3 and 4).
9. Attach louvered cover on alternator using the 6 screws
removed in step 2.
10. Attach control panel assembly to roll cage using the
4 screws removed in step 1.
Verify the generator is producing the correct voltage.
Battery Terminals Type “B” Lead Wires with
Terminal Connections
TECHNICAL SERVICE
You may have further questions about assembling, operat-
ing, or maintaining this product. If so, you can visit our
Technical Service web site at www.desatech.com or
contact our Technical Service Department at 1-800-858-
8501 (English Only), 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM CST (M-F).
You may also write to:
Terminal Connections Capacitor Ridge
DESA Specialty Products™
Figure 6 - Capacitor Connection Types P.O. Box 90004
Bowling Green, KY 42102-9004
ATTN: Technical Service Specialty Products
WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric When contacting DESA Specialty Products™, have ready
shock, avoid contact with live lead wires. Hold • Your Name
lead wires by insulated portion only. • Your Address
Battery Terminals • Your Phone Number
7. Test Capacitor. • Model Number of Product
Figure 7 - Charging Capacitors
a. Hold one lead wire to one battery terminal. • Date of Purchase (Include copy of receipt for written
b. Hold the other lead wire to the other battery ter- requests).
minal for 5 seconds only (see Figure 7).
c. Remove both lead wires from battery terminals.
d. With lead wires still connected to the capacitor,
touch the other end of each lead wire together and
watch for a small spark (see Figure 8). P.O. Box 90004
A Spark indicates the capacitor is good. Bowling Green, KY 42102-9004
No Spark indicates the capacitor is bad and will need to www.desatech.com
113034-01
be replaced. Rev. C
Figure 8 - Spark Indicates Capacitor is Good 10/04

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