Methods for purchasing a Listeroid

[dieselfox]

Been hooked on diesels cars for years.  Now I need a diesel generator to run a pump and charge batteries.  I am a retired engineer and have time to "play".  A Lister or Listeroid looks like the engine for me.  

I have found several ways, by searching the internet, to purchase one: 1. Diesel Electric Services have six 8/1 for sale.  2. Can order a Lovson compressor from India and then convert it.  3. Couple of places on Craig list (if you search all locations) in North East, but they are priced high and never really sure if they legit.  4. Central Maine Diesel who does not seem to be really selling them even if they are listed on the net.  5. Kits - reading some of the posts Dieselgman says that most of you like to build them yourselves, and I wouldn't mind do this either, where do you get the parts?  

These are the only ways I have been able to find.   I am totally open to suggestions.  Since you all have these engines, or something similar that makes you the experts.  What would you recommend?  Thanks in advance for suggestions.

I just hope you didn't all get them before our the new laws restricted imports into the U.S.  Yes that is where I am located.

[Ronmar]

I just hope you didn't all get them before our the new laws restricted imports into the U.S.  Yes that is where I am located.

Sadly, that is pretty much the case.  I hurried to purchase my 6/1 several years ago once the EPA put the writing on the wall...  If you can get the parts to assemble one from scratch/kit, that is probably your best route.  Indian machinework being what it is, you will want to insure tollerances and alignments to have the best chance for a long running plant...

[LowGear]

There are two real Listers on Lister Engine Forum:

http://listerengine.com/smf/index.php?topic=5812.0

http://listerengine.com/smf/index.php?topic=5811.0

OK!  They're not as nifty as the CS model but they make a lot of sense in many ways.

I was entranced by the CS for a couple of years and then discovered the Witte units and it was all over.  I still think the CS is about the neatest thing since sliced bread (or are they earlier) but a truly enclosed engine just has some real charm.

2 cents and change.

Casey

[sailawayrb]

Welcome Dieselfox!  I am a fellow engineer too (mechanical/electrical working for aerospace co.) although I am still a few years away from retirement.  You will likely be keen to do things right and it sounds like you are not pressed for time to do so.  As such, I would recommend a listeroid kit approach as you can start with new cast iron and not forever wonder about what some moron did previously or how unknown long run hours and associated reduced fatigue life will cause you future problems.  Here's my setup:

http://listerenginegallery.com/main.php?g2_itemId=351

I am sure others will have good suggestions for you on how best to acquire the cast iron.  Best wishes and enjoy the journey!  

Bob B.

[dieselfox]

Wow
Thank you gentlemen!!!  Excellent and I do mean excellent ideas.

I have Ronmar and Sailawayrb who say the kit is the way to go, and I like the idea and the reasons.  LowGear, I appreciate the input on the two for sale, which might be a good way to go, if they have been dissasembled, cleaned and thoroughly gone over. 

LowGear, I looked at the Witte units and I really liked what I saw there, even more so than the Listeroids, but I could not begin to find out where to get one.  So I settled on the Liseroids since there seem to be more of them.  However, if you can give me some good input on how to get a Witte - I am all ears.

Again gentlemen, you are the best. 
Dieselfox

[mobile_bob]

welcome aboard!

i would tell you what you really want is a changfa, however they are about as hard to get as a listeroid too.

sorry guys, i just couldn't help myself!

(ducking for cover now)



seriously either get a kit engine, or get any engine and look at it as a project or kit engine from the start and you
won't be disappointed.

parts don't seem to be nearly as big a problem as getting a complete engine, certainly mucho easier than importing an engine.

this epa thing has just about cut the heart out of this hobby, if you wanna call it a hobby.  that is the reality we must live with
however there are always ways (loopholes) around anything if you are persistent enough.

bob g

[LowGear]

Hi mobil_bob,

Courage lad.  It's nothing I didn't think of but was afraid whisper.  But my heart will always have one of its softest spots for the CS regardless of where the hot iron hits the mold.  OK!  I'm a purist at heart.

Aloha dieselfox,

Thanks for the kind words.  I forget about them once in a while.  As I read sailawayrb's contribution I began to understood completely.  Best wishes with your adventure.

Casey

[dieselfox]

Gentlemen - just found another method. 

Of course this is a new complete machine, and would have to be taken apart and thoroughly worked over, just as if it were a kit - Energy Machines LTD out of Calgary says they have a shipment of GM90's coming in late June, all sold, but always has some cancel when it comes time to lay the money down.  Not too bad of a drive.  A day to get there and a day to get back.

Less shipping that way, unless any of you say this is not a good machine.  Still considering all the options you have given. 

Again thanks for all the input.  Very very much appreciated. 

And mobil_bob - what is a changfa.  Sounds like it is Chinese.  Something I should look into?

Dieselfox

[mobile_bob]

a gm 90 is a nice platform to work with in my opinion, the engine seems to have avoided most of the issues
that the listeroids have, in my opinion.

the changfa is chinese as you surmise, a tough and well designed engine, albeit noisy as all hell compared to the thump thump of the listeroid
and other slowspeed engines. the build quality is generally much higher than the typical indian product.

although our friend veggie has successfully slowed down a changfa type and in doing so made the noise factor much more tolerable from what i have read.

lots of info here on the changfa types if you wanna read  up on them.

it all depends on what you are after, what is important to you, and what you are willing to tolerate.

bob g

[Ronmar]

When was tge last time you tried to drive anything across the US/Canada border?  I have no idea what hoops you would have to step thru to drag half a ton of engine back across the border...

[dieselfox]

Romnar

I have been through customs many times in Asia and Europe, and I don't underestimate the amount of trouble I can get into at customs.  I will do my homework first if this is the way I go. 

Hopefully the EPA just says a company can't import them.  As far as I know it does not say an individual cannot bring them into the country.  But I will have to look into it.

Thanks for warning.  I appreciate it.   
You guys are great.

Dieselfox