Posted: 2/23/2009 8:16:14 AM EDT
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Someone school me on diesel generators. Would it be better to have a diesel than gas? Can you run BioDiesel in one?
I haven't picked out a particular model but i'm looking in the portable model 7kw to 15kw range for business (on the jobsite with no power) and home (should the power go out) use. Or, are they crap and I should just go buy a honda? |
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They are a bit more efficient than gasoline IF they are kept loaded to at least 50% of their rated capacity. They are generally less noisy when under load too.
Yes, many will run fine on biodiesel as long as the BD is high quality. Poor BD with FFA or raw MeOH will ruin any engine. They are harder to start than gasoline, especially if it is cold. Oil is more expensive. |
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I have a 6K two cylinder Onan Diesel Gen set. As was stated, running a 50% load quiets it down considerably. When first started, it sounds like a car going down the road with rocks in the hubcap. It is a bit difficult to start when temps go to the below zero range. I excercise mine at least every other month. Because Onan is part of Cummins, parts are expensive, filters, etc. As far as reliability goes, I've had it for eight years, and it's never missed a beat. I don't use it every day, just when power goes down, which in the winter, happens at least three or four times a month. |
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If you cannot afford or don't need those I listed above,
I would highly recommend Buying Honda EU3000is generators and linking them up(with available link). You would be very surprised how much power these put out and require almost no maintenance. They are very quiet also.....pretty sure you can even convert them to run on at least 3 diff. kinds of fuel. My 2 cents |
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One other thing...with smaller units, under 10kW, weight will be about double of gasoline units.
Why the expense? They MUST have pressure lubrication and filtration. Most smaller units will be indirect injection which also makes them less efficient as there is more heat lost to the cylinder head. They are common in marine use, like for trans-ocean sailboats.http://www.centralmainediesel.com/order/yanmar_4kw.asp?page=yanmar_4kw |
You'll get more info if you ask this question in the survival discussion forum. 
http://www.ar15.com/forums/forum.html?b=10&f=17 |