Generator issues/help

[TheMan419]

^^^ From what I've been seeing while pricing my standby, you'd be looking at a serious chunk of change. I'm around $4,500 already and not even powered up yet. And I'm only doing a 16Kw unit for a one BR house with no barn or animals, outdoor heaters, etc.

I've been seeing 10Kw units that will run on propane and/or gasoline for under $1,000 that should more than handle your short term barn needs.

Yes. I am looking at a Champion 6Kw unit that is an inverter for about $1200. I would use that for the house and the current 6Kw unit that is not suitable for electronics for the barn. I would have to be careful about loading on that one with the barn. If the pump kicked on and all the heating elements were on at the same time the generator would not have juice for it. Easy enough to just turn a couple circuits off before running the pump.

 

[ponytug]

FWIW:
If your pumps aren't 240, having an autotransformer, like a Victron, can help. It balances the power of the two 120 legs back to the generator.

All the best,

Peter

 

[TheMan419]

FWIW:
If your pumps aren't 240, having an autotransformer, like a Victron, can help. It balances the power of the two 120 legs back to the generator.

All the best,

Peter

Pumps are 240 in both the house and the barn. That drives the generator choice to an extent.

 

[ponytug]

Great! I think that 240 is the way to go for large loads.

That Champion seems like an interesting generator; I had been eyeing a similar, but quiet PowerHorse from NorthernTool, but that one is another $1700 more expensive. If you get it, I would be interested in your experience with it.

All the best,

Peter

 

[MF RED in MT]

What generator? How old? How long has it been unused? How often do you test run it?

I have an old ETQ 8250 that gives me fits when trying to start. Test run a few days ago it took basically what you just posted. Electric didn't start it, pull rope didn't start it, but it fired and ran fine on the next attempt using the electric. I had turned the fuel off and ran it dry last time a couple of weeks back. My guess it that it needed a few revs to get fuel back in the system.

I have had that same generator since 2010 (new), it's stored in an unheated garage until it's needed for use on the covered back deck, and I hope yours treats you well.

I have a battery tender and an electric battery blanket install on it, and every summer I drain the fuel (all old fuel goes into 2001 GMC Sierra pickup) and then purchase fresh fuel for it.

I use stabil in the fuel tank and also the 5 gallon fuel containers of fresh fuel, and for maintenance has only been to clean the air filter and changed the oil a few times.

I had found out for myself to not run the generator dry of fuel (like my chainsaws), and to start it up about every 2 months to run for about 15 minutes.

It still starts right up when needed and has been running since noon today (power went out about 10:30am).

I am on my 3rd 12v battery 1st battery did not have tender or blanket, the 2nd battery only lasted about 1 year (?), and the current battery is about 4 or 5 years old and cranking strong.

We have on the transfer switch the 240v well pump, large refrigerator, large upright freezer, another small refrigerator, kitchen microwave, TV, internet, and various lights & plugs.

The generator now has 64 hours showing on it's meter, and I have a 6' ground rod that is connected to the generator, and it has more then paid for itself (knocking on wood right now).

Also lost 4 larger fir trees today that will turn into firewood this summer.

KC