Yes.... Yet Another Long-Neglected Generator Needing Help. Belco - Bellingham Manufacturing Co.

I've come to realize I regularly need something new to tinker with. My needs are simple and are usually met while perusing the local Craigslist listings for engine-driven contraptions. This latest find seems to be a rather rare item, as the vast Internet has very little information on the company that manufactured my latest acquisition. The manufacturer's name is Belco (Bellingham Manufacturing Co). The tag says the generator is rated at 2 KVA (kilovolt-amperes, i.e. 2 kilowatts), and it is powered by a Wisconsin model AK gasoline engine.

The whole assembly appears to be fairly complete. As mentioned above, the engine is a Wisconsin model AK, and is rated at 4.1 horsepower at 2400 RPM. The serial number dates the engine to 1946. The generator head is designed to run at 1800 RPM, so the two belt pulleys are sized for the engine to run at about 2600 RPM while turning the generator at its required RPM to produce the necessary 60 cycles of 120 volts AC.

The side-draft carburetor is a Bendix-Stromberg. The funky cylindrical thing out the side of the carb is the float bowl, and an oil bath air cleaner is to the left of the carb.

The brass tag says:

              Belco

                      PRODUCT

BELLINGHAM MANUFACTURING CO.

      BELLINGHAM, WASH. U.S.A.

There are two standard ungrounded plugs and two twist-lock three-wire plugs.

An upside down "V"-shaped lifting bracket has been added at some point, and it was welded to the generator frame. I think I'll leave it there, as this beast is heavy! I'm guessing it is 230 pounds or more. The mounting base is a heavy steel skid.

The magneto is a Wico Type C, specification 1295. It's missing an outer cover and I don't know if there is spark. I sure hope so.

This next photo is one I grabbed off the internet showing the magneto cap that is missing on my engine. So far I haven't found a replacement online, but it looks like just a metal cap that shouldn't be too difficult to fabricate. Famous last words...

I don't know when I'll get around to messing with this project but it looks like it will be fun.