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How to increase Portable Generator Wattage output
I have a small generator that I bought for my girlfriend but we have not been to satisfied with its performance. It's purpose was to run small things around the yard without being to much or too heavy to just grab quickly.
Though it is about not worth even the little effort unfortunately. I got it at Tractor Supply. It is a Sportsman 1500 running watts and a 2000 surge watts. I didn't and still don't know a lot about generators as a whole but really like the whole idea of them. Is there anyway to beef it up or make it a little stronger without just going to buy another brand new bigger one?
The "I want to do it myself" in me is telling me since I have several motors from former push lawn mowers and riding mowers even that I could upgrade my way with a little research. My girl friend thinks that it would be a good idea also before I get any more ideas in my head.
Since you guys have all helped me so much in the past on other issues I thought that you would have some great info on this matter to if you have the time to spare your thoughts.
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How to increase Portable Generator Wattage output
Craigs list is going to be your best bet. There is nothing you can do with what you have. If you put on a bigger motor, you will over drive your generator and it will burn it out, if you put on a bigger generator, your motor will not drive it.
Another potential would be harbor freight, they have a generator with out a motor and you might look at that.
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How to increase Portable Generator Wattage output
Not to sound dumb or anything but I am curious are you saying use their generator with my motor? I have heard some guys talking about how they made theirs that they use at their place and I was quite intrigued by this for some reason. I know the Sportman is not the equipment I need but I would like for it to be a little more something than it is now. though to build one myself I think would be so cool for many reasons other than the "men wanting to" I have been looking in to it the past 2 days and gathering my ideas but none of the guys at the hardware store have anything to offer as to help with like general advice.
I do love me some Harbour freight though!
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How to increase Portable Generator Wattage output
If it will work, not sure what you are looking to do, a little more umph, do you know what you are looking to accomplish? Like say what you want to run requires 2000 watts?
Basically things look like this, it takes 1 hp/750 watts, that is gross. Gross means with out electrical or mechanical losses. As a rule, you can figure 60% of what you get.
A 10K generator requires a 20 hp motor. Rough calculation says that equates to 13 hp, using the derate I gave you, multiply the 13.333 hp from the first calc multiply by 1.4 for the derrating value and you get 18.666 hp to run a 10 KW generator, so you buy a 20 hp motor to improve recovery during load changes, providing a more stable output and less chance of damage to your equipment.
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How to increase Portable Generator Wattage output
Man I think I actually understood that, that is so cool, I am wanting it basically to assist in the building or remodeling you could say of my shed. Other projects have come into play since I have started this one and others will be generated from its completion which has been a little slow in coming but still coming I hope.
It is a job in itself keeping cost to a minimum but I try to without putting way too much extra work to offset spending my cash but it is fun and rewarding when something works out well.
I do have a 17 hp engine that is looking quite like the victim of my thoughts at the moment but I am still researching all my possibilities.
The little Sportsman can barely run a couple sets of light and the house is way to far to run a cord safely I think.
Like I said this is not anywhere near a strong subject for me, but all I have is time to get the P's and Q's lined up and worked out. The main thing that would help is if I could get my air compressor to work at the shed. Most of my tools require it so it is a big part in the completion.
If I only had to paint it I would be sitting pretty but unfortunately I am sitting without walls on my shed.
Thank You so much for your knowledge you have shared.
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How to increase Portable Generator Wattage output
http://www.harborfreight.com/catalog/product/view/id/1315/category/429/
The link above will take you to the generator sold by these guys, you can get on line and see what the reviews of it say.
This says in the specs on it a 16hp is good enough, so your 17 would be fine according to them. Running an oversized engine is just a tad more expensive than the recommended one. Like maybe a few cents a day. The gen shown has all the controls and outlets so no effort on that part for you. The lowered hp indicates that the gen set they have may be a little more efficient. Running a larger motor on yours would make it easier to maintain full output, but if you are near the max on your requirement it will hurt the one you have.
Doing a craigslist scan of my area, I found a 3KW gen for 300 and a 5KW for 400, and another 5KW for 350. Anyhow, you have a lot of options facing you. As Yoda says, "Choose wisely". If you have anymore questions, ask away.
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How to increase Portable Generator Wattage output
And if you get to my part of KY, I've got a 9hp "smart" generator that's safe for running sensitive electronics and the like. I've used it successfully on my home entertainment system, computer equipment, satellite TV, satellite internet, etc. It's in top shape, I've just decided to get rid of my two gasoline generators for one diesel.
//greg//
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How to increase Portable Generator Wattage output
I was looking at the Harbor Freight link that you supplied and I love it. The info you provided is awesome. My girl friend liked it to, but had this question. How will running a gas powered engine differ from running it with a diesel engine considering you can run a diesel for extended periods of time with out the threat of overheating. Can that gas engine I have take long hours or will it need to be modified or what?
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How to increase Portable Generator Wattage output
Dunno, what did the 17hp engine come out of? When running, was it air-cooled or liquid cooled?
//greg//
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How to increase Portable Generator Wattage output
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I was looking at the Harbor Freight link that you supplied and I love it. The info you provided is awesome. My girl friend liked it to, but had this question. How will running a gas powered enginediffer from running it with a diesel engine considering you can run a diesel for extended periods of time with out the threat of overheating. Can that gas engine I have take long hours or will it need to be modified or what?
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I do not see an issue using your engine, I assume it is air cooled, but, even if it is liquid, there should be no issue.
As far as a comparison of gas or diesel for running a generator, you would have to do something to increase the speed to the generator from the diesel, which is no big issue as it would simply be a matter of pulley sizing. Other than that it is just the usual gas/diesel argument. Overheating is a subject which will destroy both engines, I have not noticed either engine being particularly immune to overheating, both need to have an intact cooling system that is working properly. I have ran gas powered generators for days at a time with no ill effect or overheating when all air paths were clear of obstruction. Plug the air path and any engine will over heat. I have a little diesel which will run this generator for 2 or 3 working days on 6 gallons of fuel. I also have a 18hp Onan which is gas and is nearly as good on fuel and it is air cooled.
If you do follow the HF path, create a tensioner which will allow the engine to start before engaging the generator, put the tensioner on the slack side, that would be return to the engine pulley, it will help give the most bite to the engine pulley. Not really critical, just a preference of mine this tension pulley location.
Modification of your engine, I do not see the need except possibly providing a larger fuel tank. Make sure the cooling fins are clear and all shrouds are installed. The big difference between the gas and diesel engines is the RPM each will turn for best hp rating as far as running your generator Read through the comments on the HB site, give you some ideas of the errors others have made, 1 in-particular, letting the engine exhaust into the generator. There was also a note in the comments on the grease used in the bearings. I noticed the same thing on the HB lathe I purchased.
For all the comments I have made, I assume you are only running your generator while working which would be about 8 to 12 hours a day, maybe 16 hours, I think your engine will do fine, but i have no idea of the age or condition of it.
Nice looking dog buy the way.
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12-11-2012, 19:52 
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