RB> I would like to know where a person might find a generator in the
 RB> 3-10 KW range 110v AC that can run on alcohol. Being in a highly
 RB> sunny area, the idea of a sun-driven still for night time power
 RB> or cloudy days is VERY appealing as a backup. But you apparantly
 RB> just cant take a PowerPony or other little generator that runs on
 RB> gasoline and pour in 160 proof ethanol; ethanol burns too hot for the
 RB> engine , so I am told. Advice?
 JR> I would check a motor cycle wrecker and see if I could get a cheap
 JR> bike engine and modify that. A lot of racing engines run ethanol!
 JR> Perhaps a two stoke motor so the oil helps to avoid the corrosive
 JR> effects of alcohol?
 JR> A bit of chain gearing and a couple of alternators and away you go!
 JR> All-be-it that the engine would probably only need to run slightly
 JR> above idle:-)
I am not sure that a motorcycle engine would be suitable for this 
application, since they are not designed to run at a low speed for an 
indefinate period of time.  I'm afraid that you would see a lot of fouling, 
and possibly an oiling problem.
Perhaps one could find a used engine designed for this type of application, 
such as one from a stand-by irrigation pump or smaller welding machine?
One of our local small-engine repair shops sells rebuilt units starting at 
around $250.00, and has everything from 5 hp B&S to 16 hp Wisconsin Twins.
KLC
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