Back when I was looking to buy a generator (about a year ago) I read the results of a test of generators that was done by a magazine (maybe Home Power). The results were that a Briggs & Stratton engine lasted a few hundred hours, a tecumseh engine lasted a few hundred more hours than the B&S, and a Honda engine lasted someting like 25,000 hours-- or something along those lines.

I ended up buying a Honda based largely on that report. I only wish I remembered the exact details of that test result, because I am now researching generator models in order to present some valid information to my town officials, who have recently agreed that it would be prudent to have a generator.

Can someone help me with this???? Did you read this information, do you remember the specifics, and can you post it here??

This is truly a test of the TB2000 prep forum's abilities :)

THANK YOU!

-- herrick Kimball (herrickkimball@sprintmail.com), November 10, 1999

Answers

herrick, try looking at the garynorth site and under the catagories of Alternative Energy you should find the answer you need. Sorry I don't have the exact site for you. Furie...

-- Furie (furieart@dnet.net), November 11, 1999.

If this is for your town, forget the gasoline units and get a nice reliable diesel, something by Caterpillar or Lister-Petter. Now finding the size they want at this late date might be problematic, particularily if they want one large unit rather than 2 or more smaller units. http://www.rjkpower.com might have some still in stock.

Remember to have them put PRI-D in the diesel fuel. The PRI Ocide is inexensive and is also a good idea. If you are in a Northern area add some PRI-Flow to prevent potential gelling.

-- Ken Seger (kenseger@earthlink.net), November 11, 1999.

Herrick.....Wasn't us. Oh the article on home built DC gennies did mention some of the info you stated above but the only info possible applicable to A/C gennies was the engine life info.

If I was buying a new gas genny tomorrow it would probably be a Honda ES6500 (gas, electric start 6500 watt), If the unit didn't have to be portable I'd go propane or diesel for a bigger unit. I think Northern might have the best price on this...

DCK Home Power Magazine

-- Don Kulha (dkulha@vom.com), November 11, 1999.

Thank you everyone for your response and advice. If I ever find that info, I'll post it.

Best wishes

H Kimball

-- herrick Kimball (herrickkimball@sprintmail.com), November 12, 1999.