Your last generator Maintenance Run

[dragoneggs]

I started this thread, thinking if a few guys stop by, that'll help me remember to git'er done myself.....

Along the way, I've learned a lot about generators - big and small, wiring issues, interesting add-ons, and seen some really nicely done installations and fab work.

I'd say that I like hanging out in this thread more than watching TV.... but that's damning with faint praise :drink:

Rgds, D.

Yeah thanks Dave! I think I first posted in your thread about 4 years ago and it has been a great reminder for me to frequently get out to fire her up and check on the battery and tender. Not to mention learning more about generators and people's set ups more than I ever dreamed. :confused2: :drink:

 

[3930dave]

For us, no worries. If it gets high enough to threaten the house, there had better be an Ark out there somewhere. Some nearby roads can get over-flow from nearby farm ponds if things get bad. In town (6 miles away), some streets get inundated if the storm drains can't keep up. That's about it.

Sounds like a "normal" heavy storm here.

Good to hear that you guys are not seeing the 100+ year events some people have seen this season.

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

Yeah thanks Dave! I think I first posted in your thread about 4 years ago and it has been a great reminder for me to frequently get out to fire her up and check on the battery and tender. Not to mention learning more about generators and people's set ups more than I ever dreamed. :confused2: :drink:

What I've always liked about engineering.... peel back a layer, and there's usually n layers underneath to learn....

Rgds, D.

 

[dragoneggs]

What I've always liked about engineering.... peel back a layer, and there's usually n layers underneath to learn....

Rgds, D.

Ain't that the truth. One graduates with an engineering degree and other than the theory, you don't know nothing. Experience is the real learning. I do hark back to my schooling and wish I could go back... just no tests and grades.

 

[TractorGuy]

My monthly maintenance regimen is paying off now. Generator has been running non-stop since 3PM yesterday and will probably continue for several days if not weeks.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I'm with you JD855guy.

I got ready for Florence last month. Moved the generator up from my workshop, purchased 30 gallons of gas, charged up the battery, etc. Like the idiot I am I used up the 30 gallons of gas I had stored for the generator. Yesterday I went back and purchased another 16 gallons just in case. As luck would have it our power went out at 11:23 am yesterday. Glad I got the extra gas.

One thing I noticed is that the clocked hours on the meter is 1/2 the actual run time. Don't know what's up with that unless it has something to do with load on the unit.

 

[TractorGuy]

I'm on hour 43 of straight running. My unit is diesel and has only used 21 gallons in that time.

I had used a lot of my reserve fuel in the tractors. Fuel truck is on the way.

 

[90cummins]

JD GUY what size is your generator and what is the average load?
90cummins

 

[Turbys_1700]

I'm on hour 43 of straight running. My unit is diesel and has only used 21 gallons in that time.

I had used a lot of my reserve fuel in the tractors. Fuel truck is on the way.

I have a 15 HP gas generator rated at 8KW continuous and 10KW surge. The literature says it will run 11 hours on 8 gallons of fuel at 1/2 load. I guess they figure 1/2 load is a good guesstimate. I typically get between 12-14 hours so I must not be loading it too hard. With the 8 gallon tank that is a a pretty decent run time for an emergency generator IMHO. I would guess your unit is much larger than mine.

 

[TractorGuy]

JD GUY what size is your generator and what is the average load?
90cummins

My generator is a military surplus MEP-803A. Rated for 10KW continuous @.8 power factor. Loads vary. I'm showing a little over 15 amp draw on it right now. Yesterday while we were drying clothes and cooking it had 52 amps on L1 and 54 on L2.

I built a resistive load bank that will load it to 13.5K and it runs it without a problem.