veggiecar300 -

I see your situation is different than Bob's. What I can tell you is this. Hooking up any generator to an existing power system will require extensive knowledge in electric. You should use an Electrician. When Installing a stand by system the existing meter will not be affected.  A transfer switch will be installed either manyal or automatic. Now that will be the easy stuff.  Right now if you want a lister engine you either buy an existing Tier 1 from somebody localy Or you will have to wait until the Tier 2 machines come out because the EPA put a ban on all the small diesel engines  as of 1-1-2007. I think Mike M. has an order comming together for the tier 2 engines, you can contact him here at our forum, listeroidusa. he can better guied you. I don't know much about the changfa engine as this is a lister thread.  BTW those 6.5kw units are rated for continious use.
Rob

Bob -

I use to live in Maryland/ DC area off 95. More importantly I use to live in a townhouse inviorment like yours.. For me I made a real big mistake and it took 2 years to get out. Knowing the problems of noise and neighbors I think a lister engine no matter how well muffled down will still make too much noise for you.The engine tapping and banging even though minor is loud for your enviorment. Even if you mount it on rubber iso pads. I am sorry for you not being able to realize a dream or completion of an idea. My suggestion is you need to get an almost quiet generator. Check this link... www.generatorsales.com, I bought one of these Air cooled silent diesel 6. 5 kw units for a family member. Model 03927. It is a great machine and has been in service for 2yrs. 2-3 hours a week. Also check this link... http://vortexmachinery.com/products_CI_55SD.htm. Little different but the same idea. In either case I am sure this is the noise level you need to be with. You can store 15 gal of diesel fuel with out problems which will last you several days should the need arise. I used a 6 circuit "Gentran" to tie into the house power. It is low cost manual transfer switch using a heavy 8/4 SJ cord to link them together. You will need an electrician to link them together and to the house. If you don't want to go that route you can just use heavy extension cords at the convienance receptacles. Good luck. Every man should be able to have a dream and see it come to life!
Rob

Zeke -

 I see what you are saying about the varation in bearing sizes. You bought your st 15 head from those guys in Dallas, well so did I. Give me th name of your bearing company and I will order from them... Then I should be able to make my repair with out much problem. What was the part No. on that puller you bought from harbor freight. Let me know how the repress of the bearing goes. Got any pic's of the head?? I got another couple of hours on my engine. I think the rings are seating in well, I had about half a load on yesterday and I did not even see any smoke aginst the blue sky.
What size collant tank do you think I need for this beast. I got a 15 gl. on and its piping hot 195 in 2 hrs. I am a little cautious here.
Rob

Zeke -

OK, I looked up those bearings on the internet. That is about the right price. I did tell you I bought a 7.5 st head from that Georgia firm for $310. ship was $101.. Warranty was 1 year.
I will order those parts from mouser next week. I am going to remove my dog house soon too. I want to reduce some of those error factors.
Rob

Hey Zeke -

Sorry to hear you have to do that kind of rewiring.  Did you consult George?  he has some upgrades and some info that might help.
Rob

Zeke -

You are right about the boiling fuel point. I need to preheat the fuel by water from the tank.
I guess I will have to insulate the wvo fuel all the way to the pumps. You think I need to preheat my fuel all the way to the injectors? I think I will plan on doing it just for safety sake.  From what I read 195 deg. is enough to change the viscosity so it will pass through the injectors and pumps -- right ??  Keep up the good work on your ST-head I know it will serve you well in the future.
Rob

Hi Zeke -

I turned another 2 hrs today on my engine. I had a little trouble ligning up the belt on the pully. It took a few trys to get it right. How tight do you guys keep the belt? My ST head sounds qiuet, a little warm I was pulling about 40 amp load for about 1.75hrs. (Elect. Heat). Exhaust was almost clear, slight blue in it. I think everything is going to plan right about now. I got just about 3 weeks untill I am ready to go off grid. I am busy working out the kinks in my equipment. I found a few sources for wvo  All I have to do now it to build my heat exchanger and filter, tank assembly. I was going to use some soft 3/8 copper and wrap around the exhaust pipe. How much do you think I should wrap around the pipe?
Rob

Harvey -

I have always turned the engine over in the direction of the arrow that was printed on the wheel. I never changed anything. It ran the first day in the direction of the arrow. What would make me think something was wrong... This was a combination of errors. I understand this engine now. I removed the arrow that was pointing the wrong way on the wheel. So now the next time someone has a hard time starting their engine, the direction of cranking will be one of the things asked. The engine spins clockwise....
I have a question about my water tank. It is 15 gallons. it that big enough.  After 2hrs of run time all the water was hot. All the way to the bottom of the tank.  You think it might boil ? What happens then... The ST head is working well no problems there. Thank you guys for all your help these last couple of days, no one is as smart as all of us put together
Rob