Light Plants + Generators at Coolspring - June 2019 

I've been looking for an old generator to belt up with my engines, but they're expensive and not common. Have you been to Coolspring? 2 big shows a year, not a hard drive from MD. It's like 2 shows in one, the visiting engines in the field, and the big and mid-sized permanently installed engines in multiple big buildings.

@@SteamCrane Thanks for the note. I have not been to Coolspring yet, but it's now on my list - appreciate the heads up.

I'm not sure how easy to find they are but to my understanding they can outlast their owner without a major overhall with basic maintenance.

You asked how much fuel those older engines burn - This is a general rule - for gasoline engines most have a 2:1 or 3:1 efficiency - 2:1 means it generates 2000 watts per gallon of gas burned - or 3000 watts per gallon of gas burned. - The newer single cylinder air-cooled gas engines generally have a 3:1 efficiency - the older air cooled flat head engines had a 2:1 efficiency - the air cooled diesel 3600 rpm generators have a 4:1 efficiency - Most grid power plants have a 4:1 efficiency - that' rating is 1 kw at 100 volts 60 Hz and higher voltages - With piston engines the more the cylinders the less efficient the engine is - Speed if a major factor - engines that run from 50 to 350 RPMs can have a 20:1 to a 25:1 fuel efficiency when they run at 250° - Those engines use transformer oil for coolant - the high temperature cause complete fuel burn and since they run slow there is time for a 100% fuel burn - Those engines are started at 25:1 compression but after there up to running temperature there are compression change over valves that are opened that reduce the compression as low as 6:1 - Normally compression is needed to maintain high upper cylinder temperature - oil cooled engines run hot so high compression isn't needed - Those Chinese air cooled engines run at 23:1 compression - so they can burn low grade diesel - that's #3 diesel as used in third world countries - If you burn jet fuel in them in cold regions you have to add a 50:1 2 cycle engine oil to each gallon of fuel - 50:1 is one gallon of oil to 50 gallons of jet fuel or kerosene -

No idea, hope the owner can answer. Given the option of electricity or no electricity, I'd throw some gas in it. Gas was relatively cheap back then.

My guess is 6:1 meaning 1 gallon of gas generated 6 KWs -

Unfortunately, lots of people want them. A bit pricey.

@@SteamCrane just curious as to what they go approximately?

@@JWO0169 Don't know, it's above my price range!

@@SteamCrane what's your price range $500?

@@JWO0169 LOL! A bit higher, but not crazy.

More than likely the crank shaft would brake stationary engines have very large crank shafts