MEP-802a & 803a

[Guyfang]

If you were in the army, you know what a PMCS is. Do it. If you were not in the army, read the operators manual, TM 9-6115-642-10. Do the before operation checks. There will be more then enough guys jumping in here to guide you through this. Its not rocket science. Don't worry.

 

[CapePrep]

Thank you Guy, I will go thru the manual and listen to some other help that comes along here! Looking forward to getting this generator up and running.

 

[jamawieb]

Change the filters and fluids, then hit the dead crank switch to crank for 30 seconds to get oil up to the upper level of the motor. Finally crank.

 

[Blazenwire73]

I picked up an 802a last month for $900 with 3600 hours. When I received it the batteries were dead, no biggie. After charging them and checking the fluids she fired right up. The 802 is very quiet and bullet proof. I installed an interlock yesterday on my house panel and can pretty much run the whole house with it. I initially wanted an 803 but after hooking up the 802 I just don't need the extra power or need to burn more diesel....

What is this interlock that you speak of? I have a friend with a 803a that wants to hook it up to his house. He is also looking for a remote start for the same unit. Thanks

 

[FarmingSmallKubota]

What is this interlock that you speak of? I have a friend with a 803a that wants to hook it up to his house. He is also looking for a remote start for the same unit. Thanks

What is a breaker interlock?


An interlock is a simple mechanical system, acting as a manual slide or a barrier, ensuring that the main breaker and generator breaker cannot be on simultaneously. On the other hand, a transfer switch is a device that automatically or manually switches between utility and generator power.Jul 22, 2025

 

[Blazenwire73]

What is a breaker interlock?


An interlock is a simple mechanical system, acting as a manual slide or a barrier, ensuring that the main breaker and generator breaker cannot be on simultaneously. On the other hand, a transfer switch is a device that automatically or manually switches between utility and generator power.Jul 22, 2025

Ok, thank you. We call them transfer switches. Just double checking.

 

[FarmingSmallKubota]

Ok, thank you. We call them transfer switches. Just double checking.

not the same thing

 

[Guyfang]

An interlock is for safety.

 

[Blazenwire73]

not the same thing

Ok, thanks for the info.

 

[BobbyT]

What is this interlock that you speak of? I have a friend with a 803a that wants to hook it up to his house. He is also looking for a remote start for the same unit. Thanks

@kloppk has the remote starts for 802/803’s for sale… he makes great stuff.

 

[2Pbfeet]

@Blazenwire73 Here is an example of a breaker interlock. They specific to particular models of service panels and they aren't made for every model of panel. You have to turn both the main breaker and the generator breaker off, then slide the cover to whichever position you need, and then flip that one breaker.
https://www.geninterlock.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/SD-200XL-Gen-on.jpg