Micro CoGen.

Interesting discussion, thanks for the input. I think that for my needs, I could just use the propane directly to run a propane fridge. Oh well, it was worth asking.

Hi guys, I haven't been around for a while. Life got busy...

So, I'm thinking I should be able to run this engine on propane. Has anyone here done this? It sure seems possible, although I could see a couple of issues like lubrication that may cause a problem. I have plenty of propane that could be earmarked for generator use if necessary, having an alternate fuel source would be a good thing.

I have used one of the units on my Kubota BX24 two times now. I put it on the oil pan the night before I needed the tractor. Both times it was very cold (around zero) when I went out to start the engine. A few seconds of preheat and she fired right off. None of the cough/choke/smoke like before I had the pan heater. I like it. I'm sure it will make a big difference on the generator when I get it going.

I think I'm lost. You mentioned 'solar array'. PV panels? Why won't they charge the batteries?
I'm running a pair of 4048s and I use my panels for charging when the sun is shining. What am I missing?

I agree with getting another 48 volt inverter/charger, but...

One of my sons works at NPS in Salt Lake City. They are a surplus disposal place that moves 'lost' shipments. He watches for deals for me on panels. They got in 3 pallets of new panels (don't know how many for sure) and that's how I got the last four. Yes, great price, they should be about $400 each.
The mount was intended to allow for seasonal changes, but so far, of all things, I have found that they work best with the panels in 'stored' position. That was designed to allow me to tip them vertical (actually a bit over vertical) for snow and wind protection. The buildings block the normal winds a lot. But it seems that the reflected sun from the gravel drive in front of them in summer and the snow in winter more than make up for the angle. I'll find out more with the higher power panels in place.
Unfortunately, Nevada has run out of matching money AND the stupid laws require 'certified' installers. I know more than most contractors I've ever dealt with and also, we are so remote, even if I did find someone I would trust to do the work, the travel would more than offset the savings. The power company is the same thing, too many hoops to jump through to sell back, so I'll just do my own thing.

Actually, the panels that are there now are 75 watts each. The others that I got in the deal are still in storage. I got four 125 watt panels with the eight 75 watt panels. So I got about 1100 watts of panel in that deal. (nominal of course)
I since have picked up four new 185 watt panels for $250 each and I have four 200 watt panels also. I plan to replace the 75 watt panels with the larger units come spring. With the 125 watt panels, that would put just over 2KW on this system and leave me the 600 watts of panel for my 12 volt system.
I keep watching for sales and deals and so far, so good.

I stumbled onto the power panel as 'used'. Turns out someone apparently bought it and put it in their garage, it had never been connected to anything. I got it and a kilowatt of panels and some junk batteries for three grand. Did good, I think. We now have two banks of eight 330 amp flooded lead acid batteries running at 48 volts. The thing will be getting alternate power from the Changchai 10KW generator when I get it set up and connected.

I have a system consisting of a Xantrex power panel, battery banks and some solar panels. This system is a 48 volt battery bank feeding two 4KW Xantrex inverters. Work continues, but the basic setup is working. I have more panels to mount, replacing some of the lower wattage units and moving them to the 12 volt system.

Shown are the power panel, one of the 2 battery banks for this system and the first solar panel rack. The power house is the shed behind the panels. It is 8' by 16' and will eventually have our freezers inside along with the power stuff.

It is good to hear the lady clucking again. Never tire of seeing stuff like this.
I don't understand (or want to... ) the torroids, but I like what I see in your power house.

Thanks for the link! That looks like my engine. Nothing like actually seeing what's in there without opening it up.
That guy is a good mechanic, he had never seen the innards of one of those either and he figured it out as he went along. My type of people.

Yes be safe. Water fill is a good thing.

Many years ago, I had an old Norton motorcycle and the gas tank leaked. I didn't have any way to fix it, so I took it to a radiator shop to get him to braze the leak. He wouldn't touch it... "gas fumes". I took it outside his shop and dropped a lit match into it... WHOOOOT! end of problem. Took it back inside and he brazed it. 

Wouldn't recommend that with a propane tank however. 

meanwhile back at the changfa glow plug issue... 

Could someone post a picture of where the match/glowplug goes?

I thought I would post a few pictures of my engine. It seems to be different from some others here. It has an alternator for charging the batteries, a starter and doesn't seem to have a place for a glow plug. It does appear to be IDI, the injector (according to the manual) injects into a cup in the head.

Some generator pictures for reference...



Engine plate



Generator plate



Head



Drive belts

and, YES, I have a headlight 

I have received the S1100A2 manual and the A2NM supplement from flywheel and am working on converting them to PDF. I'll send them to anyone who wants them when I'm done.
thanks flywheel!

I finally got two 20 foot containers here. They will be the north and south walls of a new barn.

I wouldn't be afraid to bury a container WITH proper reinforcement. The walls and roof are corrugated, that is big ribs. Adding proper rebar reinforcement and taking advantage of those ribs, then pouring a concrete cap and walls would make a great bunker. The container itself is such a wonderful weatherproof box, the concrete and burial would make them a really fine underground space.
I'm building a regular concrete block 'fruit shelter', no way to move a container into the hole I have.