Generator solutions

Power out? How about an inverter connected to your car?
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kevm14
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Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: Generator solutions

Post by kevm14 »

More oil thoughts.

I noticed that when using multi-viscosity oils, the manual warns of higher oil consumption. I would expect the synthetic to be more robust to that, but that's kind of funny. I don't have a data point on oil consumption on 30 weight though.

I think I will switch to an HDEO by summer. What I'd like to do before then, is continue using the generator on the oil I have, and top off with some old M1 10W-30 I have. Unless I run it enough to need an oil change before summer.

Also it recommends to check the oil every 5 hours. Based on my recent experience, I'd definitely agree. Funny thing about manuals...
kevm14
Posts: 15201
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: Generator solutions

Post by kevm14 »

Maybe I will pick one of these up:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LCD-Digital-Tac ... 1264213122

Would give me a tach and an hour meter that I can use to track usage between oil changes. Then again, engine hours and clock hours are not the same thing. And I think the manual is referring to clock hours for oil changes...hmm.
kevm14
Posts: 15201
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: Generator solutions

Post by kevm14 »

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobbs_meter

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tach_timer

I guess I want a Hobbs meter, especially since the generator is a fixed RPM machine.
kevm14
Posts: 15201
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: Generator solutions

Post by kevm14 »

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/ ... 744_524744

This one seems to have a tach but the hour function is hobbs-based, not tach based. Which is good. It also apparently has a maintenance interval that you can program (like 50 hours), like for oil changes. That's cool, too.

Except it is battery powered and that is not replaceable (5 year rated). Some folks complained about not really lasting if it gets wet. Which mine could.
bill25
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Joined: Thu Oct 31, 2013 2:20 pm

Re: Generator solutions

Post by bill25 »

I meant to ask you about the power back alarm. How hard was that to install?
kevm14
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Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: Generator solutions

Post by kevm14 »

I guess I could have done a better job explaining that, with pics.

- Pull cover from breaker panel
- Locate main feeds, and choose the one around which you'll wrap the PowerBack's inductive pickup
- Punch out the hole of your choice to get the wires into the box. I used one on the left side but you can put it through any hole.
- Install the grommet clamp (you supply this)
- Shove the inductive wire and the green ground wire through the grommet clamp
- Route the wires past stuff as necessary. Wrap the inductive pickup around the main feed. I wrapped it like 4 times. Use the included ziptie to secure the end so it doesn't unwrap itself. This will require a little dexterity.
- Connect the ground wire to your buss bar (where the neutrals and grounds go)
- Tighten the grommet clamp
- Reinstall panel cover
- It sticks to the panel with the built-in magnet.

After losing power, shut off your main and turn on the PowerBack, and it'll warble pretty loudly when power is restored. It must be on when the grid comes back online, since it works on the transient.

Keep in mind I did this after we lost power and before hooking the generator up. So it wasn't that hard. If you've never been inside your panel before, I can help.
bill25
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Joined: Thu Oct 31, 2013 2:20 pm

Re: Generator solutions

Post by bill25 »

Cool. I'll have to check out the panel.
kevm14
Posts: 15201
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: Generator solutions

Post by kevm14 »

Test ran the generator. Running on 1 year old gas with stabilizer. Had to hammer on the carb again, but then it started right up. Still haven't taken the carb apart...

Everything seems fine. Tested both phases with my air compressor.
kevm14
Posts: 15201
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: Generator solutions

Post by kevm14 »

Test ran the generator so I guess it has been 5 months. Same gas, just even older (so at least 1-1/2 years old). I maintain Stabil works really well. I did not have to hammer the carb at all but it took multiple pulls. When it started, it was blowing some smoke and running a little rough but it cleared up. Whatever.

I did a load test on the whole house and it went perfectly.

Video uploading now, will be here: https://youtu.be/EoLFtGZ-DPc

I should video my connection process - main breaker off, gen breaker on. That's it.
kevm14
Posts: 15201
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: Generator solutions

Post by kevm14 »

Another 4 months. It started in a single pull.

Finally scrounged around for a simple test/load setup. This is about 2000W.
WP_20170604_14_47_12_Pro.jpg
WP_20170604_14_47_23_Pro.jpg
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