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Generator upgrades

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Wilber256
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2017/09/20 14:07:58 (permalink)
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Generator upgrades

Hello Everyone, Due to my age and health condition I would like to automate my generator. I would like 12 volt electric start, automatic transfer switch, exerciser, and propane conversion kit. Between my son in law and myself I feel we can complete these upgrades at home instead of going to a shop. Any and all directions, suggestions, recommendation, drawings, etc. to accomplish this is greatly appreciated. Below is the dope on the generator.

Troy Bilt 8250/6000 M# 030475A
Rev NO. 00
S# 1020792355 DOM 3/18/13

Briggs and Stratton Engine Series 1650
342cc/1650 ft lb torque
M# 21T202
S# 13 0304 YD 75509
Engine Family DBSXS, 3422HJ
Type 0121G1
Code 130301YD

Thanks in advance for your help.
Regards

5 Replies Related Threads

    Wilber
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    Re: Generator upgrades 2017/09/20 14:30:33 (permalink)
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    I have a similar setup here in Maine.
    The first thing I can think of is to be sure to add a propane cutoff valve "outside" the generator shack, and another perhaps 20 feet away.
    I also installed a couple of those 6-inch grow fans, one pointing in to the shack and one pointing out to help keep it cool.
    Another thing I did was to place the battery inside the house where it can be maintained and charged easier, and better starts in the winter. I used long battery jumper cables to run from the shed to the house for the battery.
    Bolt the generator down to the deck. Important. Remember you have propane copper/brass connections.
    Also, get one of those vacuum oil sucker-uppers to make changing the oil a snap. Just run the engine for a minute, then stick the hose in the oil port, and wwwuussshhhppp... it's ready for filling with fresh oil.
    Signed,
    Wilber (no relation)
    post edited by Wilber - 2017/09/20 14:32:23
    Wilber256
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    Re: Generator upgrades 2017/09/20 14:59:34 (permalink)
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    Thanks Wilber, Being from the mid south we deal with heat more than cold like you guys. I am building a building without wood and a top only. It is semi closed in on the sides we receive rain from and I also am going to add a fan to assist with cooling. Our local propane supplier won't allow a regulator inside so it will be located outside of the gen shack, and yes there will be a cutoff valve at and downstream of the regular. He also requires high pressure to the gen although its only 25 ft from a 320 gal tank, but in his defense the pipe will continue on for 100 ft to heat my house (another $60 regulator) I wish I could find someone that has added electric start, just wonder how much trouble and expense it is. I suppose 1 step at a time first convert to propane. I wonder which one is the best and less trouble to install and most reliable? Thanks for the reply.
    Wilber
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    Re: Generator upgrades 2017/09/20 16:57:54 (permalink)
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    If you live down in that climate then you could get away with a chain link fence around it with those slide-in slats; no need for fans.
    I would not advise a regular inside the shack; mine is 20' away, but I do have a cutoff at the shack.
    High pressure to the shack is just unregulated pressure from the supply tank; no biggie.
    You need electric start, and that may be the deal breaker where it is overall less expensive both in time & money to just buy a new generator with electric start; the dealer may convert it to propane for you just to make the sale.
     
     
    Wilber256
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    Re: Generator upgrades 2017/09/20 17:52:03 (permalink)
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    The reg will be 3-4 away from gen. The gen shack will be nothing but a metal floor, studs and roof (fireproof) no wood. It will be positioned about 2 ft from 2 metal storage blds one west and one south with about 2 ft over lap. This will prevent rain from getting to the gen on the 2 sides that 99.9% of our rain comes from. Without the walls the heat can escape easily, the fan is for when it's running and the OSA temp is 95 + and not uncommon to be 100 ambient, Heat index up to 115 or so.
    Wilber256
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    W 2017/09/20 17:52:04 (permalink)
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    W
    post edited by Wilber256 - 2017/09/20 17:55:52
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