Posted by Sherman in Idaho [72.47.153.28] on Monday, June 16, 2014 at 12:38:01 :
In Reply to: Re: OT old gen posted by Ken from Worcester [68.118.230.84] on Saturday, June 14, 2014 at 18:00:26 :
1958, powered by a ZXAER, about 65 cu in herc flathead. Runs at 1800 rpm. Took a lot to get it running but I finally did, verified that it still puts out 5 kW, and haven't used it since. It's a cute little engine, built just like the big boys but smaller. I had to replace the crank because I ruined it when I first fired it up and one of the oil passages was clogged.
The trouble is it's VERY inefficient. It has a thermosyphon cooling system (no water pump) and a radiator as big as a car radiator. It sucks an amazing amount of gas even when not producing electricity. If you look at it as a gas-fired water heater that produces electricity as a byproduct, it's a dandy machine.
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