Changfa type

[Stevem]

Hello;
      Mr. question here.  I drop in here from time to time and always enjoy reading about the projects of others.  In 2007 or so a friend of mine introduced me to Listeroids and I purchased one from Joel Koch in Portland Oregon.  Very nice and knowledgeable fellow.  As it turned out he did not have a crank handle for the listeroid so he said if you don't mind hunting one up I will give you this other engine.  I cleverly said "ok" and left with I believe a new Fuzhou Golden Flying Fish 175 air cooled diesel.  I have started it a few times and it runs sweetly. 
     My question is, what is the best use for such an engine?  I have some other diesel gensets both lister and changfa.  Any suggestions?  I''m retired and have too many projects to complete but am ok with starting another if need be.  Is there some really neat use for these that I might pursue?  I think according to the manual this engine is rated 3.68 KW.  Your thoughts appreciated.    Stevem

[mobile_bob]

i believe i have the same engine, and also from Joel Kock... and yes he is a very good man too

my engine has the cylinder part of the crankcase canted at about a 45 degree angle rather than laying down or upright
laying down= like the water cooled changfas and upright = the listeroids.

i am thinking or rather have been thinking about using my engine in a motorcycle project. with it canted 45 degree cylinder, it looks like it could be easier to make fit in a motorcycle frame.

i figure one of these days to find a junk honda 175-350 cu/in street bike, or yamaha, or whatever... that has a blown or siezed engine. and remove the engine and fit this changfa into the frame and rig up some sort of centrifugal clutch and belt drive the rear wheel, or maybe retain the chain drive,, whatever is easier.

the idea being something to plug around town on that is different and economical too.  top speed might only be 35mph or so flat out, i am not sure, however even if it were 25 mph it iwould be fast enough to just plug around this little town and have some fun.

apart from that project,  i thought maybe building a backup DC generator, using one of my all time favorites, the 110-555jho alternators, controlled to charge at 24vdc nominal.  i think the little engine is probably good for 2kwatts, maybe more out of the alternator.. and being aircooled the thing could be a tighter package and something easy to maintain or rather put away and not worry about it till it is time for needing to be used.  there are certain limited advantages to an aircooled genset for specific applications, where absolute economy is not the focus but rather simplicity.

there are two idea's i have for mine, however like you i have too many projects and too little time, let alone a back that is degenerating faster than i ever thought would.  i am not sure i will ever see the day mine gets put to use for something of my own... i may end up selling off my stock of engines and genheads, and while it will be a sad day, my hope is they will find good homes with DIYers such as folks that come here.

bob g