Apparently there are a lot of the old AG-Tronic gensets out there but the AG-Tronic company doesn't exist anymore. The AG-Tronic and Powermate generators are now supported by PRAMAC America, LLC, and parts for most of the AG-Tronic and Powermate generators are available from them.
They can be reached at either www.powermate.com or www.pramac.com and you can download manuals and parts lists for just about all of their units.
Replacing Brushes
Many of the 4KW and larger AG-Tronic generators have "brushes" as part of the generator and these need periodic replacement. However, on occasion after the brushes are replace there is no output. When this happens you may need to re-magnetize (a.k.a re-excite) the field coil.
Below is the procedure as provided by PRAMAC America LLC, 4970 Airport Rd, Kearney, NE 68847 Tel: 800-445-1805 Fax: 308-236-4598.
Remagnetizing Brush Style Rotors
If there is a loss of residual magnetism (voltage will not build up), it may be necessary to re-excite the generator head.
1. Use a DC power source (minimum 6V DC, maximum 24V DC) such as a 6V lantern battery or a 12V automotive battery.
2. Disconnect all loads from the generator.
3. Remove the brush cover.
4. Plug a lamp or light into the generator before starting the engine. The light source will illuminate when voltage has returned.
5. Start the engine.
6. Attach the negative (-) lead of the battery to the negative (left) brush. Very briefly, touch the positive (+) lead of the battery to the positive (right) brush. Remove as soon as voltage builds up. To measure voltage, use a plug-in voltmeter.
Repeat steps 1 through 6 if no or minimal voltage is present. If the rated voltage does not return after re-excitation, one of the generator components is faulty and will need to be replaced.
Remagnetizing Brushless Rotors
In brushless units (usually 3000 watts and smaller) the rotor is magnetized through the 120V AC receptacle using a 6 or 12 volt DC battery WITHOUT the engine running.
1. Put a two wire jumper plug into one of the 120V AC outlets.
2. Touch one wire to the negative (-) battery post.
3. Touch the other wire very briefly to the positive (+) battery post. It is normal to see some sparking.
4. Start the generator and check for voltage.
Repeat steps 1 through 4 if no or minimal voltage is present, If the rated voltage does not return after re-excitation, one of the generator components is faulty and will need to be replaced.
GENERATOR MAINTENANCE
Lot's of folks buy portable generators, use them, and then put them away until "next time" only to find out they won't start or run.
While the exact steps may vary a little depending on the brand of generator and engine used (consult your owners manual) you should at least do the following.
Run the unit until it runs out of gas. (This is very important if your gas contains any ethanol.)
Change the oil (4-cycle engines) and replenish your reserve oil.
Clean the air filter.
Check all bolts for tightness.
Blow or brush accumulated debris from the fins and other areas of the unit.
Remove the spark plug, clean or replace it and check the gap.
Pour a small amount (about 1/4 to 1/2 ounce (7 to 14 cc) of engine oil into the cylinder through the spark plug hole and crank the engine slowly to distribute the oil. Replace the spark plug.
Cover unit before storing.
Keep the manuals and instructions with the generator.
Inspect all extension cords and power strips for any damage and replace if necessary.
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Disclaimer
As far as I know all the information presented above is correct and I have attempted to ensure that it is. However, I am not responsible for any errors, omissions, or damages resulting from the use or misuse of this information, nor for you doing something stupid with it. (Don't you hate these disclaimers? So do I, but there are people out there who refuse to be responsible for their own actions and who will sue anybody to make a buck.)
Updated 2012-11-19