Micro CoGen.

Finally back to start work!  (I am helping my son is finish his first car - an '81 VW Rabbit diesel - go figure!)

The engine arrived in great shape and I am sizing up the (4) iron bars that were used to bolt to the engine to the crate like a stand.  I may end up using them by welding them to a I beam framework I will be using.  I may need to reinforce them first though.

I have the luxury of a family member that owns a scrap yard, so I will find a good radiator out of a small 4 cylinder car with an electric fan for cooling.  I also need to find an idler pulley for the cooling belt.  At this point I will not use an alternator, just a trickle charger for my starting battery, considering I only need the battery to start the engine.  After the engine is running the trickle charger will start catching up again!

Mike M. is making a pulley that bolts directly to the flywheel.  We decided that it was best to simply send my flywheel to him - just to assure the fit.  (BTW, shipping flywheels can be expensive and we took advantage of the $10.70 United States Postal Service flat rate for a 12x12x5 box.  Flywheel was wrapped in cardboard and duct taped to assure a safe trip, knowing abuse is a given.)

So, I am waiting for the pulleys and will learn how to post pics once it arrives.  I will lay out the engine/generator frame next weekend too - will post some pics from that too.

-Charlevoixboy

7.5KW generator head arrived on Friday, generator scheduled to arrive on Monday.  It is like the Holidays arrived early!  Can't wait and will post pics of the flywheel and bolt pattern my sheaves will be made to.

-Charlevoixboy

Hello, I am a newbie to this awesome forum!

I have read some background posts for a generator setup using the Surplus Center Yanmar 13.4HP diesel.  This last week I purchased the engine and then ordered a generator (7.5KW) from Central Georgia Generator (great folks, very helpful).  Got in touch with Mike M. to make some sheaves for the correct RPM (as soon as I can give him the correct bolt circle and size!) and now I wait until the trucks arrive.

So, I am starting this topic to see if there are any other members that might share their experience with this engine/generator combo, or maybe those that might be thinking of going this route and would care to share their progress?  I would be happy to post my progress if anyone would find that helpful.

Believe me, when I complete this it will be a major accomplishment for me!  I am not really that knowledgeable about generators....but I sure am willing to learn - and share.

-Charlevoixboy