Your last generator Maintenance Run

[Chilliwack Murray]

All controllers will require a functional ECM on an electronic engine. These controllers only replace the start/stop/start disconnect functions.

Even big name manufacturers are in the position of engines as recent as post 2000 being obsolete because the controls are no longer supported. On emission controlled products is not even legal to provide an aftermarket system. It’s not the freeforall that the diesel pickup market is.

So, definitely yes, mechanical engines will become very valuable to anyone who isn’t bound by regulations.

 

[3930dave]

The previous owner installed all after a 5 day run in the Snowmageddon storm of 2010 with no power. It runs the whole 400 amp house, and then some LOL :laughing:

Do you have an auto transfer, or do you manually transfer over?

YES! this was taken sometime during a snow storm, and I had been plowing with the tractor, that snow will make them look NEW!

That's one of the biggest residential gens anybody has posted here.Maybe preaching to the choir , but I'll second d's comment about adequate loading.

With the value of that setup, I'd consider doing used oil analysis if you haven't already. CAT, Blackstone etc. don't charge all that much, to get the "blood" analyzed.....

Enjoy.... i'd expect a very long life out of that setup......

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

Relieved to check back and see that my opinions were well received.

Typed that out after an 18 hour day and was a little concerned I had picked a fight somewhere in the middle of that rant.

No Worries...... Can't see many of the crew that regularly hangs out here disagreeing...... At all.

There's the thing for me in this application...... if I was playing a video game, I might want lots of tech and bells/whistles..... because it's just a game.

Generator - don't need pretty or pimped-out, just need it to W O R K.

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

Limp mode for a generator is Derate and can seriously compromise a facility. Nobody buys a generator significantly larger than required but when in derate it will typically be limited to 60%.

In high rise applications for example that will handle a normal power failure - running loads are usually around 30% but in a fire situation where stairwell pressurization fans and fire pumps are running you can expect 80% loading. Hospital generators are often loaded to around 50 - 60%.

When you derate the max throttle is limited so any increase in loading results in lower and lower frequency until the protection shuts it down on under frequency.

Great data points, thanks.

Rgds, D.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I looks to be three phase too.

One of the Big NG sets at a mennonite Laser Cutting Plant. They all use waste heat to heat their plants. Some buildings have the doors wide open all winter.



They use little Yanmar sets or Inverters to run the office and house at night.



I find stuff like that better than going to Disneyland!

I noticed that hour meter on the Yanmar at almost 11000!

 

[3930dave]

All controllers will require a functional ECM on an electronic engine. These controllers only replace the start/stop/start disconnect functions.

Even big name manufacturers are in the position of engines as recent as post 2000 being obsolete because the controls are no longer supported. On emission controlled products is not even legal to provide an aftermarket system. It痴 not the freeforall that the diesel pickup market is.

So, definitely yes, mechanical engines will become very valuable to anyone who isn稚 bound by regulations.

I've seen what heavy-truck ECMs cost..... a big bill is bad enough, but at least you have a part available.

Regularly trashing big expensive systems...... it's good for the environment !

Rgds, D.

 

[Blaszer]

Wet stacking anyone?

Aaron Z

Actually, none at all. It has been installed for 13 years and has no wet stacking issues. Our whole house runs on electricity, except for a gas stove, it gets a good workout when in use

 

[Blaszer]

That's one of the biggest residential gens anybody has posted here.Maybe preaching to the choir , but I'll second d's comment about adequate loading.

With the value of that setup, I'd consider doing used oil analysis if you haven't already. CAT, Blackstone etc. don't charge all that much, to get the "blood" analyzed.....

Enjoy.... i'd expect a very long life out of that setup......

Rgds, D.

I hear that, it does get tested as well, no issues. Oil changed once a year (About 100-150 hours). The hardest part is keeping the fuel in the 250 gallon diesel tank in good health.

When is power does go down (mostly summer) it runs 4 heat pumps, 4 pool pumps, 80 gal water heater, 1hp well pump, septic, 2 electric dryers, 240V pond Fountain ... (we have nearly a 1k electric bill every month). It gets load bank tested once a year as well

 

[RoyKing]

Most homes are single phase and many gens are 3 phase, this leads to unbalance loads and loss of 1/3 of rating. Some 12 wire heads can be rewired but efficiency is down compared to a dedicated 4 wire single phase.

I choose a 30kva Mecc-Alte dedicated single phase with digital voltage regulator, hooked to a 3cyl turbo Perkins no ECU diesel. This allows very low tech no controller operation using cutoff water and oil sensors.

Or you can go digital with Deep Sea 7320 MKII controller which will run a transfer switch via Utility monitoring, maintenance cycles and using resistor sensor on water, oil, fuel. Which will run auto tank refills from 55 gallon drums.

Next is sound case PDG builds nice Alum/Stainless powder coat cases with input and output baffles and sound deadening liner.

Using a dumb generac 200 amp trx switch

 

[3930dave]

I hear that, it does get tested as well, no issues. Oil changed once a year (About 100-150 hours). The hardest part is keeping the fuel in the 250 gallon diesel tank in good health.

When is power does go down (mostly summer) it runs 4 heat pumps, 4 pool pumps, 80 gal water heater, 1hp well pump, septic, 2 electric dryers, 240V pond Fountain ... (we have nearly a 1k electric bill every month). It gets load bank tested once a year as well

All electric, many loads to choose from. Good move though with the load-bank; unless you work at it, many loads are intermittent and won't overlap for long.

I imagine high humidity down your way..... diesel has always had water issues, but it's gotten worse with ULSD. What do you use to treat your fuel ?

Rgds, D.