THURSDAY 16th JULY 2009 (GELIBOLU GENERATOR REPAIR)

THURSDAY 16th JULY 2009


Looking out the window at the beach didn't help our weary bodies and weary spirit liven up. We headed off in dread wondering what would happen today. Have to admit The HORS has nearly beaten us.


Before heading out the road we decided to check out the Galibolu Lighthouse, only 2 kilometers from the Otel. And you guessed it....the battery went flat AGAIN.



With no words spoken (we know the drill) Paul caught a taxi to the Industrial Estate and got the battery charged enough to enable us to get the bike there. This time we went to 'Yasar USTUNTAS Oto Elektrik'. He ran his ear over the bike and indicated the generator needed to be removed and pulled apart. But we HAVE had this tested - twice...!!! He's a man of few words and forty years experience particularly with 6-volt systems and insisted.


Paul removed the generator and Yasar dismantled it and tested the armature which is okay. He then connected a battery across the field coil to check the spark. (How am I doing Henzell?) Yasar shook his head and said ..."KAPUT" (a known word in any language!).


Paul was summonsed to follow and two doors down there just happened to be a coil winder (STAR BOBINA) who was busy with his own work but Yasar mentioned the 'Australian' word and Mr. Bobbin immediately stopped what he was doing and checked out the coil.


After the insulation was removed the fault was easy to see. The windings had been shorting internally in an intermittent fashion making it difficult to diagnose. The old bloke knew though.


This has answered or solved the battery discharge problem as the field coil and armature are directly connected across the battery (series generator) and with a much reduced number of windings in the field coil this was loading the battery and allowing it to discharge very quickly.


In about 10 minutes a new coil was wound (costing $17), dipped in shellac and hung to dry.



Tools were downed as it was lunch-time for the workers. We were directed to a small table and before us was laid a plate of Balik (fish) stew, hard-crusted bread, chai and watermelon on newspaper. WOW. These blokes were really looking after us.



A few hours later the coil was dry and Yasar tested it again, this time the smile on his face was promising. Paul reinstalled the generator and it immediately charged the battery. Even the charge light went out. Maybe, just maybe we have fixed the problem.












It was 8.30pm when we left Yasar's and then the hunt was on for a place to stay. Again, too late to make miles. We found the best grungy Otel right in the middle of town next to the fish market. It had the best views but I had concerns when we had to dodge the live wires in the corridor and then to find the toilet was situated at the end of the two beds - no walls, no privacy, no anything...!!! Interesting. Another exciting day over and done with at the Industrial Estate...!!!