I bought a 7 hp Hatz diesel engine

[JLEONARD]

It won't make a very big standby gen set. Engine hp to kw output on small generators is usally 2hp=1kw. 8hp=4kw. Also, being it's only a 2-cylinder, and depending on the engine rpm, you may notice a flicker in the lights since it so long between power strokes. With a 2-pole alternator, the engine will have to turn 3600 or a 4-pole it will have to turn 1800 in order to deliver 60 cycles.

I have a 2 cylinder Westerbeke 4. 4 kw generator in my boat, circa 1983. Runs at 1800 rpm, no flicker, smooth and quiet (note exhaust is water cooled). It is rated to use about 1/3 gal per hour at full load.

The engine is rated at 13 hp at 3000 rpm but obviously less at 1800 rpm.

 

[rscurtis]

If you're going to use a two bearing generator, figure out the engine's "sweet spot" where it runs more quietly and smoothly. It might be at 3000 rpm for example, and you can gear the generator accordingly without coming too far off the engine's maximum power. You may find that the engine is happy (and quieter) at 2800 RPM, and can still do 90% as much as it could do at 3600.

 

[TBartlett1]

7hp Hatz

Yep It would be perfect for a 3~4kw generator during extended outages when you just need the essentials such as heat, fridge, freezer & possible even your well depending on the depth.

You would however need to manage the power to avoid over loading or low voltage.

You could use a 2 bearing generator & connect with a love joy coupling or belt drive.

Being a direct injected diesel it would use possibly 1/4 the fuel of a gas job and I know you have diesel on hand.

Good find & have fun!

90Cummins

 

[mwilson]

Just to compare, my genset (8HP) Briggs running a 4500 watt generator will consume 4-5 gallons of gasoline for 8-9 hours of run time.



That is running the whole house, deep well pump, furnace, everything but the dryer.



I want to try this with the little T/K for better fuel economy as well. Plus I have 300 plus gallons of #2 for the furnace in the cellar that I could tap into if needed... ... ... .



When we lose power it usually stays out for a couple of days, we are in a low priority area. No big deal, just keep 20 gallons of gas on hand and be ready.



Be more fun listening to a diesel for a couple of days... ... ...



Mike.

 

[DJW]

We depend on a deep well pump for all our water supplies, and being in California without water during the dry season one couldn't even save your own house and outbuildings in case of fire. At one time we were often cut off owing to some drunk crashing into a power pole. Central Maine Diesel has a good supply of diesel powered stand by or constant use electric generators, gives all details of them. I see there are diesel generators very cheap, probably made in China I certainly wouldn't buy any of those, anyone with experience of them? I believe Northern Tool sells a model.

 

[AABEN]

I had one little diesel eng on a generator that sound like that at idle. When speed up it sound good. So I would not worry about it. That little eng has good compression from the way it shot down with a big jerk.