I have a 5,000 watt generator that is used for a deep well submersible water pump. The wife put a couple of new small gardens in and went to start the generator to water them. She came back home and told me the generator wouldn't start. I went and had a look and it refused to turn over with the electric starter and the recoil rope starter wouldn't budge it either. The generator is kept in a small cement and block enclosure. I drug it out of the enclosure and noticed what looked like termite construction on the generator end. I took off the generator end cover and it was absolutely packed with termites. They built so much of a nest that the generator is stuck fast. I had no idea that the little bastards would build a nest in wires and metal. It is in the shop now. It didn't appear that they ate any wires but everything is sure clogged up.
I learn something new every day, and not all pleasant things. I learned that dark and damp is NOT a good place for a generator.
Crazy generator problem
-
KB_Texas
Crazy generator problem
I know in the southern US, were there are fire ants, there is huge problem with things like this. Telephone, cable, power, etc....anything with a box for the buggers to build in, they do. Many times it is so bad it shorts everything out. I have even seen large bundled cables with the ants nesting inside. Not sure if Thai ants do the same, though they do seem to be everywhere!!!
KB
KB
Crazy generator problem
Less than 30 minutes ago, our neighbor came over and said her well pump was on the blink. Same problem.....termites. Might have something to do with the end of the rainy season and termites beginning to build up new nests (mounds).
Crazy generator problem
The problem seems so common you would think that there would be some product on the market to discourage these pests from housing themselves in electrical device containers. Though if it were that simple sellers would advise that their electrical product had some antitermite treatment.
Crazy generator problem
Long ago I read a book about the Vietnam War.....some grunt talking about hiding behind a 6 foot termite pile. I thought that was a bit of a stretch.....but I've seen one that big in my neighbor's yard. According to the neighbor, those are 'good' termites......that can point to a good source of underground water.
Crazy generator problem
Yesterday I went with my wife to have the generator repaired. That's always a mistake. Thais see big baht charges when they see a farang. My wife went alone to pick it up today. As suspected, the guy wanted 1,500 baht for cleaning it up. My wife of course, threw a fit and ended up paying 1,200 baht. That's still a pretty hefty charge for a days labor.
Crazy generator problem
Try an Insect Surface spray, keeps everything out ...TJ wrote:The problem seems so common you would think that there would be some product on the market to discourage these pests from housing themselves in electrical device containers. Though if it were that simple sellers would advise that their electrical product had some antitermite treatment.