Anyone have experience with a China Diesel/Hardy generator?

-- JLS in NW AZ (stalkingbull007@AOL.com), December 24, 2000

Answers

Haven't had any experience with China Diesel, but have with other imports. Parts and service support often preclude any cost savings on the equipment. I would look at domestic brands first. Even if they are actually imports, if they sport a domestic brand name, they should have parts and service available.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), December 24, 2000.

We have had a 8KW China Diesel gen set for 2 years now and have about 2500 hours on it. Had a small problem with it after about 6 months. The problem was solved with one phone call to their 800 number. It required a replacement part and they shipped it the same day overnight. They stock all the parts needed for repair. (and it is really a very simple engine)

I know a couple of people that have them and everyone I know is satisfied.

I definately recommend that you set up a thermosiphon for it. (very easy to do) It sure makes the engine a lot easier to start in cold weather. They will give you a drawing that shows how to do it.

Hope this helps. Doug

-- Doug Shutes (toadshutes@yahoo.com), December 24, 2000.

I know of about 7 familys with the 8kw and all are very happy with them. Like Doug says they are simple but nothing seems to go wrong. The only complaint I've heard is the diesel smells so watch that...Kirk

-- Kirk Davis (kirkay@yahoo.com), December 24, 2000.

Actually, I was kinda hoping they were not quite as good as described! What I was thinking there might be a few broken down motors around with a perfectly good generator that could be bought cheap. Oh well, on to plan B.

-- JLS in NW AZ (stalkingbull007@AOL.com), December 26, 2000.

I recommend Skip Thomsen's More Power to You. You can find ads for it in Countryside, I believe, or BackHome. Thomsen gives detailed instructions on how to set up complete off-the-grid power system. It is not as complicated as you might think. He says he has used his for years with no problems, very little wear, much satisfaction. Good Luck.

-- Bob Blessum (robertblessum@netscape.net), December 28, 2000.

I have 18KW China Diesel, love it, puts out 100 AMP and ran whole house except central heat for 7 days in mid December outage, burned 35 gals diesel. Have another purcahsed in 80's and rented out in oilfield until idiot put diesel or something in raditor and ruined moter, looking into converting to propane.

-- Deborah (theant00@yahoo.com), January 07, 2001.