Winco LP Generator [RE-wrenches]

[Allan Sindelar]

A couple of other things to add to Phil's post:
1. Winco offers a 12V DC electric solenoid for their units. I know nothing
about it; it was listed for about $150 on a card of available accessories
for the unit. I have 800 733-2112 and 612 357-6831 for Winco, but they are
old numbers.
2. My unit lacks the 120/240 VAC switch that allows both legs to combine at
120V AC, so to use it effectively with a SW you will need to add a T240 or
equivalent balancing transformer. Otherwise you'll get 1/2 the output,
overloading one of the gennie's legs and unloading the other. It's kinda
hard on gennies.
3. The SW can start a Honda engine; it's on/off/momentary start like a car.
But Phil is right; without a prime on the LP or nat gas I don't think it can
start remotely or automatically. Years ago Windy taught me to discourage
automatic gennie operation whenever possible. In short: more automation>less
user involvement>more problems not caught while they're small. Still makes
sense to this bozo.
4. I got this gennie because one of the case bolts on the can had broken,
causing the rotor to rub the stator, eventually shorting out a winding. The
bolt screwed into a spot-welded nut on the plate attaching can to engine;
the weld had broken, a weak design point.
Allan

----- Original Message -----
From: "Phil Undercuffler" <phil at positiveenergysolar.com>
> Allan uses a Honda-powered Winco on his house.  Got it in trade from a
> client after it self-destructed.  It sat in the shop for about a year
until
> he could get a local machine shop to recreate some internal widget, now it
> runs fine.  It replaced a very very tired Honda-powered Coleman.
>
> They are sold as tri-fuel units--gasoline, natural gas or propane.  There
is
> a one time adjustment for either nat gas or propane, with the ability to
run
> on gasoline at any time.  Some units use a Honda engine, others I've seen
> used either a B&S or Tecumsah engine, I can't remember which.  The Honda
> units are the only ones worth getting, stay away from the other.
>
> Also, one critical note.  Winco's conversion voids the Honda engine
> warrantee, so if you have ANY trouble with the unit you can't turn for
help
> to the local Honda repair facility--it requires shipping back to the
> manufacturer or seller, a point those lowball catalog sellers just happen
to
> forget to mention.
>
> Electric start, but can't be started remotely/automatically (manual
propane
> valve and choke ).
>
> Don't forget to derate for fuel source.
>
> Also, if unit stalls propane continues to flow.  We've seen one client rig
a
> 110v gas solenoid to the AC output of the genny itself.  If the genny
shuts
> off it cuts off fuel flow.
>
> Enjoy the Sun!
>
> Phil Undercuffler
> Positive Energy

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