Joey Mack Posted 2 hours ago Share Posted 2 hours ago well said GW.. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73081-finally-some-dm-progress/page/45/#findComment-562501 Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjh Posted 2 hours ago Share Posted 2 hours ago 5 minutes ago, Geoff Weeks said: Most places now a days have a disconnect outside of the house (most often below the meter). A manual transfer switch placed below the meter, while not as convenient as an ATS, is a whole lot cheaper. The switch needs to be rated for the full input of the service, but the generator connection doesn't have to match that. With a manual you don't have to "upgrade" when the generator gets changed out, but will not automatically start and stop the generator We loose power so infrequently and for short duration, that I have never bothered with the expense. Just run extension cords to the few things (fridge, freeze) we want to keep powered. Well we just went thru this situation power was out for 24 hours or so due to a big wind storm ! I put a plug on the out side of the house with a lock out on the panel ran it thru a 30 amp breaker. Haven't had to run the gen for two or so years even though I ran it out of fuel when I put it away back then ,there was just enough of that shitty fuel they sell us in the carb to create a mess ! Had to remove the carb and clean out all that crud in the carb to get it started! I learned that you need to drain the float bowl and blow it clean if your parking the gen for long periods. how ever how do you know when your going to need it that's the hard part! 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73081-finally-some-dm-progress/page/45/#findComment-562506 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joey Mack Posted 2 hours ago Share Posted 2 hours ago fjh, I feel your frustration. I actually use 'Sta-Bil', but I also crank both genny's up every other month. I walk by then everyday, so cranking them is easy, i shut the fuel valve after a minute and let them run dry.. It's not a perfect way to combat our crappy gasoline, but it works for me. I sleep with a C-PAP, so it is vital that my house Genny runs good. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73081-finally-some-dm-progress/page/45/#findComment-562508 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Weeks Posted 2 hours ago Share Posted 2 hours ago Breaker Interlock is the cheapest solution, but is limited by the wiring to the input. Manual transfer switch is good regardless of generator up grades or load changes up to the service entrance capacity. It only needs to be replaced if/when the service is increased, like from 100 amp mains to 300 amp mains. It is the intermediate step between a full automatic transfer switch and a single breaker interlock. People change generators all the time, but rarely change main service capacity. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73081-finally-some-dm-progress/page/45/#findComment-562510 Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjh Posted 2 hours ago Share Posted 2 hours ago 1 minute ago, Joey Mack said: fjh, I feel your frustration. I actually use 'Sta-Bil', but I also crank both genny's up every other month. I walk by then everyday, so cranking them is easy, i shut the fuel valve after a minute and let them run dry.. It's not a perfect way to combat our crappy gasoline, but it works for me. I sleep with a C-PAP, so it is vital that my house Genny runs good. yup joey I guess I have to get into the habit of pulling it out and starting it every couple of months! these storms haven't come often but when they do they kick the hell out of things for the hydro dudes! last big storm was 2 to three years back and we were out for 3 days! soon after that I bought this gen and only used it the once after that! 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73081-finally-some-dm-progress/page/45/#findComment-562511 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mechohaulic Posted 2 hours ago Share Posted 2 hours ago hope I didn't start any bad habits on these forums LOL A topic of DM progress has turned into a generator forum ; which I didn't do (this time) LMAO. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73081-finally-some-dm-progress/page/45/#findComment-562514 Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjh Posted 2 hours ago Share Posted 2 hours ago 10 minutes ago, Geoff Weeks said: Breaker Interlock is the cheapest solution, but is limited by the wiring to the input. Manual transfer switch is good regardless of generator up grades or load changes up to the service entrance capacity. It only needs to be replaced if/when the service is increased, like from 100 amp mains to 300 amp mains. It is the intermediate step between a full automatic transfer switch and a single breaker interlock. People change generators all the time, but rarely change main service capacity. Geof I really only need the 30 amps to run my well pumps fridges ect ! I just shut down the all the heavy draw items the HW the Heat Pump (got a wood stove) and the shop compressor! It can handle the lights and the rest!evry thing light wise I have converted to LED so I have very little draw in that department The shop draws a total 9 amps with all the lights on! Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73081-finally-some-dm-progress/page/45/#findComment-562515 Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjh Posted 2 hours ago Share Posted 2 hours ago 1 minute ago, mechohaulic said: hope I didn't start any bad habits on these forums LOL A topic of DM progress has turned into a generator forum ; which I didn't do (this time) LMAO. yup another side track thread ! 🤣 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73081-finally-some-dm-progress/page/45/#findComment-562517 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joey Mack Posted 2 hours ago Share Posted 2 hours ago Mech,,, I/We do it all the time, I'm chatty today.. Still ill from pnumonia, so I am indoors today. Need to be well for tomorrows work day. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73081-finally-some-dm-progress/page/45/#findComment-562518 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mechohaulic Posted 2 hours ago Share Posted 2 hours ago 5 minutes ago, Joey Mack said: Mech,,, I/We do it all the time, I'm chatty today.. Still ill from pnumonia, so I am indoors today. Need to be well for tomorrows work day. I had to "walk away "from some issues in life at the moment , so BMT is the best place to be. so I logged on to see the DM progress (how's that). being retired figured Bob had it completed /painted and driving it in the local parades in town!!🤣 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73081-finally-some-dm-progress/page/45/#findComment-562525 Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjc transport Posted 1 hour ago Share Posted 1 hour ago Bob, look on craigs list in your are for a 10- 15KW onan or kohler made in the 80's. also on auction sites. you kan pick up a very good unit that is being age replaced with no hours on it usually for under $1,000. the 15.0 JC onan natural gas came from ocean beach md fire department. had a little over 400 hours on it when i got it for $762. firehouse was knocked down and rebuilt, and a new generator was included in the price. the 17.5 RDJF is a water cooled diesel with 43 hours on it. this one was a little more expensive at $1300, but it was also delivered and came with a brand new battery, new 80 gallon fuel tank, and an onan battery charger/maintainer came from a bergen county sewer pumping station. it was never used as a power source, just run for 3-5 minutes every month to make sure it still ran. . same thing as the 15.0 JC, it was replaced due to age. 1 Quote when you are up to your armpits in alligators, it is hard to remember you only came in to drain the swamp.. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73081-finally-some-dm-progress/page/45/#findComment-562535 Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjc transport Posted 1 hour ago Share Posted 1 hour ago 42 minutes ago, Joey Mack said: Mech,,, I/We do it all the time, I'm chatty today.. Still ill from pnumonia, so I am indoors today. Need to be well for tomorrows work day. same here Joey. i am recuperating from a bout of walking pneumonia AND bronchitis. been down since last tuesday. Quote when you are up to your armpits in alligators, it is hard to remember you only came in to drain the swamp.. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73081-finally-some-dm-progress/page/45/#findComment-562537 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joey Mack Posted 1 hour ago Share Posted 1 hour ago My wife is in the bed with Bronchitus. So I am tending to her as needed.. So far she hasnt snapped at me, so I guess i'm doing a good job. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73081-finally-some-dm-progress/page/45/#findComment-562538 Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjc transport Posted 1 hour ago Share Posted 1 hour ago 45 minutes ago, fjh said: yup another side track thread ! 🤣 47 minutes ago, mechohaulic said: hope I didn't start any bad habits on these forums LOL A topic of DM progress has turned into a generator forum ; which I didn't do (this time) LMAO. it is allowed. Bob started this thread and he was the one that threw the switch to the off topic track. 1 Quote when you are up to your armpits in alligators, it is hard to remember you only came in to drain the swamp.. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73081-finally-some-dm-progress/page/45/#findComment-562539 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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