Generator solutions

[kevm14]

I will just keep waiting for Slickdeals to e-mail me for new threads. But as we are into hurricane season, I may have missed my chance to get a good deal until next spring. I am still leaning toward spending less on something I will rarely use, even if it requires me to manage loads. I don't think I can justify a generator sized to "run anything at any time," especially if that thing is sucking down gas but only putting out an average of 2-3kW to due my average needs. I'd rather have the gas last longer than run more things in my house.

[kevm14]

Ended up buying an older Coleman Powermate 4000 (maybe from the 80s or so, and maybe it wasn't branded Coleman at the time). Uses the workhorse Briggs 8hp I/C (industrial/commercial) with a cast iron sleeve. It appears to be rated at 4000W continuous which is nice. I found it on Craigslist from a guy in Portsmouth who is a merchant marine. He said he's never had any issues with it and it always starts. Only reason for getting rid of it is because he wanted a more permanent, automatic solution that was wife-friendly.

I'll put up pics and maybe video tomorrow but for now I do have a few impressions after getting it home (in the Caprice, with the trunk bungeed).

I put my air compressor on it which is known to draw some serious current on startup. It started it fine but then the governor started hunting. It would eventually calm down but it was repeatable if I shut off and restarted the compressor. I suspected the air filter probably was overdue for a change. So I removed it and that seemed to solve the issue, so I'll need to replace that, and give it a good tuneup (plug, and oil, probably synthetic 10W-30 which is rated for winter or summer).

I did more of a load test and put my air compressor and a 1500W space heater on it. I even started the compressor while the space heater was running. It definitely dipped down but came back to where it was supposed to be, putting out 237V on the 240V outlets, which is great. Unfortunately, since it is not regulated, the voltage output is quite high when unloaded (like 137V on the 120 and almost 275V on the 240). But with some load this is probably fine. Not sure about sensitive electronics. But for $200, I think this will absolutely power my well pump, furnace, water heater and fridge (simultaneously), and then I can just use other things as necessary.

[kevm14]

Engine code:

Broken power meter:

Replaced the 120V outlet (the original was actually a Leviton) and discovered that the power meter worked but the mount broke so it wouldn't sit properly. I rigged out something pretty redneck to keep it pushed flush with the front panel.

I also had a lean condition that happened after I shut the fuel off at the tank. The clear fuel hose (replacement) made it pretty obvious what the problem was: junk from the tank had clogged the carb jet. Since this one is old school, I richened it up which cleared the junk, and then it was fine. But I decided to flush the tank and install a fuel filter. It's a simple mesh one but is better than nothing. I could upgrade to the real paper media type if necessary.

Here I am load testing. I tried all combinations (2 at a time) of this 1500W microwave, a 1500W space heater and my air compressor.

It ran all combinations of two of those things, and even started the air compressor while the space heater was on. That momentarily flashes the red overload light but comes back down once it is running.

It was fun to compare the Kill-a-watt to the built-in power meter. I estimate this generator is capable of around 4500VA at full load. I don't know what the surge capacity is.
Space heater, almost 1600W:

Microwave, which had a surprising 0.97 power factor:

And the air compressor which pulls a startling 2100VA (and around 1500W):

Like the grid, UPSs and inverters, generators care about VA, not watts.

Here it is at other angles:

Made in 'Merica!

I don't find anything about this to be quiet...

The mounts probably could stand to be replaced, but I don't think it's an emergency.

Did an oil change (M1 10W-30), new plug and new air filter. Need to replace the 240V outlet just to avoid problems, and make an adapter from this old Nema 6-15r style to something new, and get a generator cable.

Anyway, I like it. I think it'll power my base loads (furnace + water heater + well + fridge) and leave me with a little headroom for some light additional loads.

I guess the only thing that would be better than this would be if I got it non-running for less. As it is, I think $200 was fair since there was nothing wrong with it.

Videos are coming.

[kevm14]

I just noticed from the mount pics: there are two oil fills and two drain plugs. That's something.

[kevm14]

https://youtu.be/PXzCjjwxpKg
https://youtu.be/e5J7DvVNI6U

[kevm14]

Engine code:
195432

Manual and parts list.

Engine specs:
3" bore
2-3/4" stroke
19.44 cu in or 318.5 cc
8 hp @ 3600 rpm
12.7 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm

[bill25]

Watched the videos. Your neighbors must be like WTF is this guy doing over there with a heater, a compressor, and microwave, but no food.

Is he cooking soup in the microwave outside with a generator, wearing serial killer gloves???

[kevm14]

I did heat some water up and then threw it on the driveway. Which may not help my case.

[kevm14]

I forgot to mention. It starts in one pull from cold. Hopefully that extends to winter months...

[bill25]

It probably will if you keep it in the basement vice a sub freezing shed.