[Fourlanders] Contest Weekend

[Kos]

I agree - the chances of something else happening to Brian's generator is small. That being said, I figured I can give everyone an update on my generator project.

I pressure washed it inside and out, and found a number of interesting tags and decals that I had been searching for and weren't apparent from the caked on dirt from construction site usage. This information gave me what I needed to source parts, so I'm certain that what I will need are available. I have dismantled all the accessories and parts off the motor so that we can pull the head. As many of you might have heard, I was getting blow-by and it is pointing toward a bad piston or ring. Ivan will be coming over next week and we'll pull the head to get a good look at what the problem may be.

My plan is to repair the motor if it is salvagable - which I believe it is. It starts and it runs, and other than the blow-by it appears otherwise fine. If it's the piston or ring I can order the piston kit and a head gasket and hopefully be up soon. If the cylinder is scored or otherwise damaged, it may require a sleeve or other work. We'll see what happens when we take the head off.

The generator is only 6 kw, but it is run by a diesel motor, and with it's 30 gallon fuel tank it is supposed to run some 60 hours at full load. Brian and I have been discussing the possibility of wiring it to accept his power cable, and we may have other options as well. After I finish up the motor I'll start working on the power distribution and see what is possible with this unit. 

Worst case, if the motor can't be repaired or turns out to be too pricey, I figure I can scrap the motor and generator, and go out and get the biggest honking gas generator I can find, and mount it in place of the original. Weight will not be a factor, and will actually be necessary to maintain a low center of gravity to counter the mast.

I'm thinking that with my unit and one portable generator, we can come pretty close to meeting our power requirements under emergency conditions. 

The other advantage of course, is that it has the 30-ft mast for mounting antennas. I was working up configurations for mounting all the vertical antennas and still have room for a rotator, if needed.

Kos



________________________________
From: Bob Lear <w4zst at windstream.net>
To: "fourlanders at contesting.com" <fourlanders at contesting.com>
Sent: Wed, June 23, 2010 5:20:48 PM
Subject: Re: [Fourlanders] Contest Weekend

We used to use Brian's and Jim's generators both and had no problems. 
both are still available as Scott has Big Hoss and I have Jim's old 
generator.  I say we bring them both for backup along with one or two 
gas cans to get us started if needed.

I do think however that the odds of anything else happening to Brians 
Diesel generator are too small to worry about.

Bob
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