Generators
#1
02-25-04, 02:17 PM
Generators
I have heard that there is a type of a generator engine that runs
on furance oil and/or regular gasoline. But I can't finfd anything
on it. Has anyone heard or knows anything about it?
Also, on the DIY TV channel one day, I saw the tail end of a show regarding how to hook up a generator to the eletrical panel, again any info as to what sort of hardware do you need to do the hook up?
Tx in advance for any help.
on furance oil and/or regular gasoline. But I can't finfd anything
on it. Has anyone heard or knows anything about it?
Also, on the DIY TV channel one day, I saw the tail end of a show regarding how to hook up a generator to the eletrical panel, again any info as to what sort of hardware do you need to do the hook up?
Tx in advance for any help.
#2
02-25-04, 02:24 PM
Heating oil and gasoline are two very different fuels. I have only seen generators that run on gasoline, or natural or LP gas, never one that runs on heating oil.
Hooking up a generator to an electrical panel requires much knowledge of codes and safe practices. It must be done using a transfer switch and a sub panel (usually part of the transfer siwtch for small generators).
Search this forum for many discussion on the subject.
Post back with specific questions.
Hooking up a generator to an electrical panel requires much knowledge of codes and safe practices. It must be done using a transfer switch and a sub panel (usually part of the transfer siwtch for small generators).
Search this forum for many discussion on the subject.
Post back with specific questions.
#4
02-25-04, 08:58 PM
Ive seen some smaller Briggs and Stratton engines run on kerosene. The magneto needs to be adjusted to retard the ignition timing though. At a really retarded timing you could run it on heavier fuels and at the higher end it would be more advanced so you could run it on higher octane fuels or something like propane. Ive actually seen a guy run an old pushmower on diesel. It had to be started on gas then switched to diesel but once it warmed up it ran fine, when you lugged it down it smoked pretty good too. This engine was on its last legs though...
Some older tractors were dual fuel too. Another friend of mine had a John Deere B with a small gas tank and a larger "distillate" tank. We always ran it on gas but you could always warm it up on gas, turn a knob and let it run on kerosene or diesel. It also had another valve for water injection. The carburetor siphoned water from the coolant as an anti detonant when you really lugged the engine down using the heavier fuels.
As far as Im concerned for a smaller generator for most homeowners, who want a complete standby unit. Go for one that runs on propane. It wont have to be run as often and you wont have as much of a chance of stuff gumming up in the carburetor. If your going for something larger, go for diesel but be sure that its ran every so often and use all those antigelling, antimicrobe treatments.
Some older tractors were dual fuel too. Another friend of mine had a John Deere B with a small gas tank and a larger "distillate" tank. We always ran it on gas but you could always warm it up on gas, turn a knob and let it run on kerosene or diesel. It also had another valve for water injection. The carburetor siphoned water from the coolant as an anti detonant when you really lugged the engine down using the heavier fuels.
As far as Im concerned for a smaller generator for most homeowners, who want a complete standby unit. Go for one that runs on propane. It wont have to be run as often and you wont have as much of a chance of stuff gumming up in the carburetor. If your going for something larger, go for diesel but be sure that its ran every so often and use all those antigelling, antimicrobe treatments.
