-> > I have often considered using a V-8 automotive engine with much
-> > altered cam and ignition timing running at 540 RPM (PTO speed)
-> > to run a generator.  By careful selection of components, it
-> > would probably be made to be quite efficient at that speed.
-> > Maybe even run it off piped-in natural gas for co-generation.
->
-> I recently saw a 4 cylinder car engine / generator combo.  It looked
-> like someone took perhaps a 5 to 10Kw generator and married it to the
-> auto engine.  Don't think any pulley was used.  It was in the back of
-> a trailer made out of the back part of a pickup truck.  It was fairly
-> quiet.  Valve or lifter clatter was the predominate noise.  By the
-> sound of the engine, I would guess it was running at about 1500 RPM.
->
-> At the time it was not very efficient because the only
-> load was a couple of 2 meter ham radio transcievers.  Somebody was
-> pretty handy with machinery to coble that all together.
Yes, I have a 10kw for backup power in the garage.  It's a
Climax set, and uses a Continental F-135 4 cylinder flathead
engine.  Even at 1200 RPM it's far too noisy for what I have
in mind.  Didn't even consider using that.  And, it's way too
old.  Probably WWII vintage..
The noise is the main reason I want the RPM at 600 or less.
73 de NG1U
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