they're not lauging now

[dougimes]

We had an incredible storm rolll thru last week, put down a huge pine which took out the util lies on our road. The storm hit at dusk.


Fired up the (1967) PU-286, set the field voltage, normal. Switch on the pre-electronics era voltage regulator, normal. (still not exactly sure exactly how that works).

Tie in the house. 23 hours, and 7 gallons later, we shut it down when Duke got their powerlines back in order. Did we take it a little too far when we turned on all of the outdoor lighting and ran the air compressor?

The back story of course is when I unloaded the Generator after a spur of the moment purchase last year. My dear wife rolled her eyes and said "what is that?"

My lame explaination sounded a little like washington when they are justifying their own salary raises. I did say that someday, when Hammett Rd was as dark as a cave, there would be lights at 504 Hammett.

For a few grand hours, When we were cooking dinner that night on our electric range, with lights, and refrigerators and internet. I was a hero.


No reason to think the pu-286 will not perform as well next time, but it would probably be a good idea to have a back up generator......... what should I be looking for?


- I have a question also, the gen had 1120 hours when I got it. What is the lifespan of an gasoling generators from this era?

- When I start up, i get light smoke for a few minutes. I also get light smoke when loading more 30%. Oil consumption for the 24 hr run was maybe 8 oz. hard to say exactly because I am leaking little at the magneto mount.

 

[kennys@wi.rr.com]

Now that is great to hear. I love when the old equipment still comes through.

 

[Tinwoodsman]

Don't you just love it when a plan comes together!!!

 

[rmgill]

Being prepared is worth all that.

 

[wreckerman893]

Great use of surplus equipment....I just bought a diesel 10K a few weeks ago.

I am assuming you had a disconnect switch that kept your power from back feeding the grid.

If not you could be fined or held liable if someone working on the lines were to be killed or injured.

Safety first.

 

[exbrown]

That was a bad series of storms! Glad that you had the generator and the Duke got the power back on.

 

[91W350]

Thanks for sharing! Glen

 

[gimpyrobb]

1200hrs is 50 days of run time. Your genny is hardly broke in. I would search for a diesel mep002 or mep003. I have a gas genny and a diesel just in case.

Have you tried to run the genny loaded for a good couple hrs? It might just need to get warm and have the rings re-seal. (in reference to it smoking).

 

[JAYHAWK 1962]

Sweet little genny set up. That tree will make good firewood.

 

[JDBUCKSAVAGE]

Just shared your post with my wife....THANKS !! as I resemble your remark

 

[neilhendrix]

Don't you just love it when a plan comes together!!!

The woodsman took the words right out of my mouth. As WM said be sure you have a disconnect.

 

[derf]

A good idea to get a backup generator? You already have one. You mean a backup to the backup?
That tree would make terrible firewood. It might make a good bonfire but you don't want Pine burning in your fireplace.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Rallywood. Bring it to the GA Rally. Green or not, we'll get it burnt.

 

[Taurus454]

Love it! Great to be an American, nice job!

Tom

 

[OPCOM]

With small engines and small oil pans, keeping the oil in good shape is #1. The TM might say to change it more often than you think. As far as turning on all the lights, it depends on if you think others will view that as an indication of who has valuable resources.

 

[dougimes]

For all who asked, and are reading this. Yes I have a disconnect means to switch the panel over to generator. Without it, you would backfeed the util, and neighbors etc. a very dangerous situation indeed.

 

[scrapdaddy]

I hate to say it, But I'm looking forward to the next power outage. I've been working on the mep-003 and house wiring. Just about ready now. Thanks for posting, got to let my family read this one.

 

[robert c neth]

if the switch is an automatic transfer switch your good to go ,if its a manual switch in a lot of states its not legal and it needs to include the ground wire.in our area they also have to be inspected.its great to have power though when the whole area is out.keep up the good work.

 

[kipman]

I am surprised you could fire up your electric stove, big amp draw. What is the rated output of that unit?

 

[deuceaid]

I am assuming you had a disconnect switch that kept your power from back feeding the grid.

If not you could be fined or held liable if someone working on the lines were to be killed or injured.

Safety first.

thats why they have a little loop that a padlock fits into,,,,,

the 2nd time was feeding the house, ( off a 300 watt inverter) and I got a call from my roommate saying edison claimled enery theft on our part,,, I told him,,, NO,,we have solar panels and an nverter...........