Carroll Stream engines. Any info?

[Veggiefuel]

I built one of my gen sets using these engines.
The Brand I got was a Launtop L186, 10HP.

For noise reduction and longer life, I slowed it down to 2500 rpm.

You can see it here....
http://www.logicworks.ca/launtop.htm

At the bottom of the web page is a YouTube link where you can see it running.

Cheers,
Veggie

[clytle374]

I built one of my gen sets using these engines.
The Brand I got was a Launtop L186, 10HP.

For noise reduction and longer life, I slowed it down to 2500 rpm.

You can see it here....
http://www.logicworks.ca/launtop.htm

At the bottom of the web page is a YouTube link where you can see it running.

Cheers,
Veggie

Can you get one in the US?

edit:  moved my question outside of the quote tags where is belongs.

[rcavictim]

I just bought one of the red Launtop 6 HP@3600 RPM air cooled diesel engines with electric start from Princess Auto. I got an irrestistable deal on the open box store demo engine, still brand new.   Paint finish is excellent.  It hadn't ever seen fuel or oil yet but I did put oil in the crankcase just in case when I got it home.  It looks solidly built.  I read on the factory website that their engines employ an internal balancing shaft, presumably like the the system used by Changfa in my large 1115 diesel.  That should go a long way towards reducing the vibration.  Princess Auto chooses their products very carefully and stands behind them.  I suspect then that the Launtop is one of the top quality Chinese brands for this type of engine.

Veggie,

I was proposing to slow mine down like you did to 2500-2800 RPM and only expect maybe 2000-2500 watts from it.  Once off-grid I figure a portable wall outlet will be a handy thing to have around here, over and above the main off grid built in systems.

I am playing with an idea for an e-motorcycle.  This might be a way to make it an unlimited range diesel-electric hybrid.  This engine has to be pretty easy on fuel.  Not as good as a big cast iron Changfa single but this aluminum block Launtop only weighs 84 lbs.

[Veggiefuel]

rcavictim,

IMHO the Launtop and Yanmar are the best of the air cooled diesels. I anticipate good reliability from this engine. Should get 5000 to 7000 hours (maybe more) if maintained properly. Driving a 2kw head with your 6HP should not be a problem.
One thing to consider is using the gen set to charge a battery bank.
Run the gen set for a couple of hours each day at with a high amperage charger to charge the bank. Then draw the power from the bank as needed for the next 24 hours.
You can add an inverter and supply 110V throughout your system. There may even be some days when you do not need to charge the bank because of minimal power draw.

Cheers,
Veggie

[Veggiefuel]

clytle374,

I am sure the Launtop engines are available in the USA. They are EPA approved for that reason.
Check some of the larger farm supply store chains.

Veggie

[clytle374]

clytle374,

I am sure the Launtop engines are available in the USA. They are EPA approved for that reason.
Check some of the larger farm supply store chains.

Veggie

The only thing I'm finding, at least in the US, is a brand Torq sold by Surplus Center.  Are those any good? 

[rcavictim]

rcavictim,

IMHO the Launtop and Yanmar are the best of the air cooled diesels. I anticipate good reliability from this engine. Should get 5000 to 7000 hours (maybe more) if maintained properly. Driving a 2kw head with your 6HP should not be a problem.
One thing to consider is using the gen set to charge a battery bank.
Run the gen set for a couple of hours each day at with a high amperage charger to charge the bank. Then draw the power from the bank as needed for the next 24 hours.
You can add an inverter and supply 110V throughout your system. There may even be some days when you do not need to charge the bank because of minimal power draw.

Cheers,
Veggie

Veggie,

Thanx for the vote of confidence on the Launtop engine.  Good to hear.

[RJ]

The one I purchased is used on a old snow blower that had a blown engine: Here are two vids of it:




Here it is working a bit:



I have a gravel driveway so you hear some flying rocks 


-RJ

[clytle374]

The one I purchased is used on a old snow blower that had a blown engine: Here are two vids of it:




Here it is working a bit:



I have a gravel driveway so you hear some flying rocks 


-RJ

Sounds like it runs good.  What brand is it? 

I'm still only finding these things in Canada or China, other than the Torq from Surplus Center or Carrol Stream.   The Torq might be a good engine, and the prices are right, but I can't find a single other place mentioning them so I'm nervous about them too.  I really don't like importing things.