New to me generator!

Joined
Mar 31, 2010
Messages
6,909
Location
Iowa
I currently have a 7250w (running watts, and on propane) unit that I use for power outages. I bought it after the derecho came through and wrecked absolutely everything and people were without power for weeks on end. We were incredibly lucky and got our power on after something like 2 days (and others nearby only lost it for a couple of hours). That made me realize that I needed to step up my game a bit. Well I've always had my eyes open for a bigger non portable and enclosed unit and I think they I found it. I randomly browse marketplace to see if there's something I can't live without and the other day I found this thing. Basically an 18kw Kohler unit set up for LP (probably 20kw on gas). The seller seemed like a pretty honest guy and gave me no reason to doubt him. He disclosed that it had an oil leak and would be in need of another front (mag) seal. Evidently there was another that was installed and it failed too. He was told by the servicing dealer tech that the crank has a groove in it and that is the cause of the leak. The thing is that at 250hrs, it doesn't have squat for time on it and it was new in 2014, so I offered him $500 for it as I am a bit worried that it may be caused by a blow-by problem. We'll see... Another minor issue that it surges after it comes off of load - well the anti-surge spring is laying in the bottom of the enclosure. The bushing on the throttle control servo is a bit worn too, so I'm hoping that a new bushing and re-installing the spring fixes that.

PXL_20251122_165958705.webp


PXL_20251122_170012742.MP.webp


PXL_20251122_170019518.webp
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Nice score. I bet you could can get some kind of speedi sleeve on there if the crank is grooved.
 
Nice score. I bet you could can get some kind of speedi sleeve on there if the crank is grooved.
If that is the root of the problem, I hope to be able to. There's an above average chance that such a thing exists as the dealer tech told the guy that's what he'd do, but it wasn't an allowable repair. Not sure if he was referring to the selling company or Kohler.
 
The unit also has an auxiliary oil heater and crankcase breather heater. The seller had it all decked out!
 
... Basically an 18kw Kohler unit set up for LP (probably 20kw on gas).

Actually, you likely have that backwards. LP fuels produce more power per unit of measure than does NG. There is approximately 2.5x more energy in LP than NG for an equal measure of quantity. Generally, generators make more power on LP, not less.
 
Actually, you likely have that backwards. LP fuels produce more power per unit of measure than does NG. There is approximately 2.5x more energy in LP than NG for an equal measure of quantity. Generally, generators make more power on LP, not less.
Although your reply is factual.
Perhaps he meant gasoline?

For example the trifuel furman generator is rated "7500(Gas) 6750(LPG) 5500(NG)"
 
Actually, you likely have that backwards. LP fuels produce more power per unit of measure than does NG. There is approximately 2.5x more energy in LP than NG for an equal measure of quantity. Generally, generators make more power on LP, not less.
Yeah I realize that the CNG has less energy than LP - I meant gasoline. Perhaps it is rated at 18kw on CNG and 20kw on LP? I just figured the 20 in the model number was it's gasoline capability?


Although your reply is factual.
Perhaps he meant gasoline?

For example the trifuel furman generator is rated "7500(Gas) 6750(LPG) 5500(NG)"
You're right, I did mean gasoline, but I think that you're off on the Firman numbers. It is rated 10kw/8kw on gasoline, 9050/7250 on LP and 6900/5500 on CNG
 
Yeah I realize that the CNG has less energy than LP - I meant gasoline. Perhaps it is rated at 18kw on CNG and 20kw on LP? I just figured the 20 in the model number was it's gasoline capability?



You're right, I did mean gasoline, but I think that you're off on the Firman numbers. It is rated 10kw/8kw on gasoline, 9050/7250 on LP and 6900/5500 on CNG
Not that its important it was just an example.. but... ;)
The FIRMAN T07571
1764027534267.webp
 
Back
Top Bottom