4running 14 Report post Posted October 1, 2009 Hello all- my new 781SS is here, 6hp, 2000@2.5gpm. I had a small burner relight issue that seemed to be solved entirely by charging the battery. I want to understand a 12v burner a little bit better..... Does the igniter arc the ENTIRE time the burner is on? Or does it stop once it is lit? Can the engine recharge the battery on its own? Or must I plug the battery in every night after say, an hours use? Do all engines have an alternator to charge batteries built in? Is it run off of the magneto? I have seen some pressure washers with an automotive style alternator being belt driven. If only some engines have an alternator, if I want to change this engine out, how can I tell which replacement engines have an alternator? Thanks Guys! Kyle Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rand156 14 Report post Posted October 1, 2009 Kyle my 16 horse Vanguard has an alternator on it. Had to have it replaced a while back. Just got my unit back from getting the burner fixed and it worked fine the first time I fired it up. Now after 3 weeks the fan works, it sprays fuel, but the ignitore is not working. I am charging the battery to see if that is what the problem is. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
4running 14 Report post Posted October 1, 2009 Hi- Another Texan, well I think Childress Texas is north of Killeen. Otherwise I would offer a hand. Seems to me on an old Hotsy that I had, I had a Band adjustment as well as an igniter alignment issue. If you have an email I can send pics of what they should look like on a 120v burner, when aligned and cleaned. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rand156 14 Report post Posted October 2, 2009 rand1_20092001@yahoo.com Yea I am a little north of you. Childress is between lost and found. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rand156 14 Report post Posted October 2, 2009 It turned out to be the ignitor was out, ordered a new one today. This unit is costing my butt off lately. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
larryh 65 Report post Posted October 2, 2009 (edited) 12 VOLT BURNER SYSTEMS The 12 volt burner system must be perfectly balanced to eliminate problems. Some of the parameters are: 1. Battery 750 CCA a. The battery must stay fully charged. b. Terminals must be clean and tight. c. The battery must have a good ground. d. The ground between the battery and the entire frame must be good. 2. The charging system must charge at least 13.1 volts and a minimum of 15 amps if using a transformer with a drop out timer or 20 amps using a transformer without. 3. The engine speed is critical to maintain the charging rate. 4. The electrode settings must be exactly as set forth by the machine manufacturer. 5. Fuel pressure must be as established by the mfg. 6. The burner exhaust must not be restricted. 7. The blower motor must be maintained, brushes, bearings, etc. 8. Fuel nozzles should be changed at least twice each year. 9. Fuel filter should be changed every 2 months at a minimum. 10. Top quality fuel must be used. 11. Air band settings should only be made by qualified personnel with the correct test equipment. 12. All components of your pressure washer must be operating correctly or the burner can be affected. 13. It is advisable to use a fuel additive such as Red Devil Soot Remover. 14. Fuel tanks should be topped off each day prior to putting the unit away for the night. This is what I have learned by working with these burners since they were first used in our industry. Edited October 2, 2009 by larryh Mis-spelled words Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rand156 14 Report post Posted October 4, 2009 Thanks Larry, the ignitor on mine went out after only running it for 15 minetes after your shop fixed the burner . My bad luck I guess. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Christopher 102 Report post Posted October 4, 2009 Great information Larry, Thanks! There is a lot of stuff on that list that I have not been maintaining, I need to take a look at some things. Thanks Larry. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paul Kassander 26 Report post Posted October 6, 2009 Hello all-my new 781SS is here, 6hp, 2000@2.5gpm. I had a small burner relight issue that seemed to be solved entirely by charging the battery. I want to understand a 12v burner a little bit better..... Does the igniter arc the ENTIRE time the burner is on? Yes unless the unit has an electronic eye Or does it stop once it is lit? only with the electronic eye option Can the engine recharge the battery on its own? If it is an electric start it should have a built in charging system if the battery is not charging have it checked to make sure it is ok or if it is the battery that is bad. With a 12v burner system it sould be at least a 20 amp system for ADC burners and 25 amp for SDC burners (high vol units) Or must I plug the battery in every night after say, an hours use? Have the unit repaired to prevent damage to your burner system Do all engines have an alternator to charge batteries built in? usually only those with electric starters Is it run off of the magneto? no off the stater behind the flywheel I have seen some pressure washers with an automotive style alternator being belt driven. those units offer plenty of charging for they burners and accy If only some engines have an alternator, if I want to change this engine out, how can I tell which replacement engines have an alternator? they should mention the charging system in the specs ie. 20 amp charging or 25 amp recharge ... Thanks Guys! Kyle see notes above in red Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
4running 14 Report post Posted October 11, 2009 Hey thanks for the info! Its nice to understand how this stuff actually works. So many people own equipment, and haven't the foggiest idea how it works. Kyle Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paul Kassander 26 Report post Posted October 12, 2009 Hey thanks for the info! Its nice to understand how this stuff actually works. So many people own equipment, and haven't the foggiest idea how it works.Kyle You have no idea...But that is why we are here to help. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites