Your last generator Maintenance Run

[Will S]

Diesel Tq.... covers many sins :thumbsup:. Thorough test; liking the shutdown timer.

Nice setup you built.

Rgds, D.

Thanks. It works well, and between the DynaGen programmable controller (supplied with the generator), and the Thomson programmable controller in the ATS, there are programmable schedules to run without load, other can be set to run with load; relay functions to control equipment such as remote alarms, remote gen controls, remote fuel pump operations, real-time displays of all engine and generator parameters, history log, and more. So far, I'm pretty pleased. Still tweaking the settings.

 

[grsthegreat]

My dealer price is close to $300 incl tax and shipping now. Used to be about $250 delivered, when I purchased a bunch of them last year. I still have 4 in stock, but those are for stock use only. They have made a name for themselves, guess the prices have reflected that.

 

[Popgadget]

The link that I posted has them for $259

 

[Will S]

From what I can tell, there seems to be 2 different units. Which one is the better choice?
Single Phase 23v (16-32 RLA) | sure-start
Micro-Air EasyStart™ 368 (6-ton) Soft Starter - Global Yacht Supply

 

[Will S]

My dealer price is close to $300 incl tax and shipping now. Used to be about $250 delivered, when I purchased a bunch of them last year. I still have 4 in stock, but those are for stock use only. They have made a name for themselves, guess the prices have reflected that.

So that means you are keeping them as spares? Any available for sale?

 

[grsthegreat]

So that means you are keeping them as spares? Any available for sale?

I purchased 12 of them early last year. I install them for living. Not for sale.

 

[daugen]

Will, nice looking gen and setup.
GRS, sure is nice having your knowledge here
If Generac can sell modules and relays for load shedding,
couldn't they have a soft start module that is remote installable at the hvac power input line?
This is why most of us should call electricians...

Meters and gauges. Remember when you could specify the "full gauge package" on your car?
I wish one could do that for an important piece of machinery like a generator.
Oil temp. Oil pressure, cylinder head temps, voltage, amperage, distortion, max and mins, fault codes
Information is power.
Then you can start getting fancy and install vibration sensors.
I spent several years installing Schlumberger electronic recording pods/sensors on power plant turbines. The biggest generators of them all.
Trend analysis, predictive monitoring, all in front of you on your big color pc screen. And not down on those ancient
strip chart recorders. My boss was the engineer, I was the marketing gopher, but field trips were great fun. All that huge humming equipment.

but I just want a 300 dollar optional gauge package please. No wifi needed but that could be another option.

 

[TheMan419]

Ice. '98 in Eastern Ontario is something I'll never forget. You did well at only 23 hours.

Good gens are great to have on standby, but esp. this time of year !

Rgds, D.

Still 20k homes in the area wo power. Estimate is 3pm Monday for full restoration. So some folks will be 3 days wo power. Even with the generator that would not be enjoyable.

The city has opened warming centers but with Covid I suspect lots of ppl will be hesitant to go.

 

[Rustyiron]

I just ran across this thread earlier today, and saw your comment about the engine temperature. I hope I'm not stepping on anyone's toes coming on here. I mean this only to be helpful to those not aware.

If a diesel is running lightly loaded (not really working) it doesn't reach normal operating temps (about 180-190). The engine could be experiencing wet-stacking, and prolonged running like that can cause damage to the engine. As a reference:Wet stacking - Wikipedia

Best thing for any diesel is to work it. I apologize if you feel I'm out of line here. This is a very interesting and informative thread, and I like your installation. Very nice build and well thought out.

Not out of line at all Will:thumbsup: this generator just appeared on c/l and with the fuel tank it's sitting on included, with only 1052 hours and $4500 price, I was in. If I were shopping new, it would be smaller for sure. My first good test was a few weeks ago, 66 hours (iirc) and no apparent issues and a good clean exhaust.
I like to be able to run all my big stuff beyond the house if necessary, that includes a 5hp compressor, rotary phase converter, 250a welder and the plasma cutter. Then there's the go big or go home mentality that I struggle with.

 

[Popgadget]

Will, nice looking gen and setup.
GRS, sure is nice having your knowledge here
If Generac can sell modules and relays for load shedding,
couldn't they have a soft start module that is remote installable at the hvac power input line?
This is why most of us should call electricians...

The soft start works directly with the motor windings and capacitor in the heat pump, to let the compressor start slower and use less current. It wouldn’t be possible to do the same thing on the power line supplying the unit.
The Generac load shedding works by interrupting the thermostat low voltage wiring to keep the compressor from starting at all. A much simpler approach, but a different solution.