How to Flash a Generator with a Battery
Residual magnetism is an important feature of a generator. If the generator loses its residual magnetism, it will not supply power at the start-up.
So why does a generator lose its residual magnetism? Well, this problem can be caused by using the device wrongly or not using the generator regularly. However, there are several ways that you can regain the residual magnetism.
One of the best ways is to flash the generator. During this procedure, you will have to connect the device to a battery and restore its magnetism.
Any professional can perform this task without any hassles. But if you have the right advice, you can also get the generator working again.
What is Flashing?
Flashing is described as starting a generator after it shuts down on its own. If you want to flash a generator, you can use a battery. You might also apply some force to parts of the generator.
How to Flash a Generator with a Battery: The Steps Involved
If you want to flash your generator, you will need a 12-volt battery. For smaller generators, you can stick with lower-sized batteries with Now here are the steps that you can use to work on the generator.
- Head to the generator and look for the voltage regulator.
- Look for a red wire and black/white wire that connects to the generator brushes.
- Remove both wires from the generator brushes.
- Connect either of the wires to the generator ground battery terminal.
- Connect a bulb to the generator. Then turn on the motor.
- Get the 12-volt battery and look for its red cable.
- Connect the red cable to the red terminal on the generator. Keep them connected for three seconds.
- Take out the wires and return the plug to its original position.
As you work on the generator, do not touch any of the wires as it can lead to accidents.
How to Restore the Residual Magnetism on the Generator
Asides from connecting your generator to a battery, there are other ways that you can restore the residual magnetism on the device. Here are other ways that you can perform this task.
1. How to Flash a Generator with a Drill
Apart from using batteries to restart generators, you can use an electric drill to get them working. For this task, some people prefer using special tools. But since you might not have these devices, grab a drill and use the following method.
- Turn on the generator and look over the circuit breaker. If the breaker looks tripped, perform a reset.
- Get a steel rod and attach it to the chuck of a corded drill.
- Confirm if the chuck is secured
- Attach another end of the steel rod to the cordless drill and make the chuck tighter.
- Fix the corded drill to the generator.
- Ensure both drills are set to forward
- Hold both drills with firm fists and turn on the corded drill.
- Turn on the switch of the cordless drill. If set properly, the corded drill serves as a smaller generator that forces the larger generator to start working.
2. How to Flash a Generator with a Cordless Drill
If you can turn on the generator with corded and cordless drills, you might just stick with the battery-operated model. However, this method is dangerous and suited for professionals. If you do not have experience with generators, seek help from an expert.
- Set the fuel valve on the generator. Then adjust the choke and adjust other settings as if you want to turn on the generator.
- Unscrew the recoil starter and straighten it.
- Get a cup in the correct size that suits the nut of the starter cup.
- Install an attachment to the socket that matches the drill chuck.
- Move the cordless drill in a clockwise movement.
- Place the nut under the socket that is connected to the drill
- Start the drill and wait for the engine to start
- Remove the drill as soon as the generator starts working
3. How to Flash a Generator with a Rope
If you prefer a safer way to work on a dead generator, you might have to use a piece of small rope. Although it’s not always safe, it is ideal for starting generators with weak recoil assembly.
To use this method, use a rope of between 4 – 6 inches. Then make an overhand knot on one end.
- Place the knot into a lip on the starter
- Wrap the cord around the starter cup while allowing some space for you to grab.
- Adjust the choke on the generator
- Set the petrol valve
- Draw out the cord with a single movement
N.B Since this method involves exposing sensitive parts of the generator, do not use it in areas with children or pets. If possible, avoid this method and seek the services of a professional.
How Does My Generator Lose Its Residual Magnetism?
There are many reasons why a generator might not have enough residual magnetism. Normally, if you leave a generator in storage for extended periods, it loses such magnetism. Also if runs for hours without any load, it will have the same problem.
Can My New Generator Lose Its Residual Magnetism?
Yes, a new generator can lose its residual magnetism. But before it can have this issue, it might have traveled for hours.
Wrapping Up
Flashing a generator with a battery is a quick way to get your generator. But before you try this task, ensure that you have the right size of batteries. If you have a regular-sized model, 12 volts will be enough to get the generator running.
However, flashing a battery is not a safe activity. If you make any wrong moves, you can hurt yourself or destroy your generator. With this in mind, seek the services of a professional to work on your generator. You might even dump your old generator and get a new one.
