I finally have a working small diesel generator that is working, although I still have to fit a starter to it. It is a military surplus, like new Coleman 4000W small diesel generator with an Acme Motori diesel engine. 110/220 volts.
Four questions.
- What is the life expectancy of such a small diesel, in terms of hours. This one has an oil pump in it, it is not "splash lubricated".
- I heard some stories about how difficult it is to start diesels in winter. Accidentally, that would be the time when I need a generator the most, to power the furnace in the house.
I will have a starter to spin it up very fast, but will I need to warm up the engine prior to starting? What is the ambient air temperature beyond which starting a diesel, even with a starter, becomes difficult?
How would I warm up the engine, practically? Can I do it with a propane torch or a little "candle" that is used to keep food warm at social gatherings (forgot the name of that thing)?
- The generator will be on a concrete pad (most likely made of concrete patio blocks). I want to build an enclosure for the generator. At times when it is not needed, the enclosure will be "closed". At the time when the generator runs, I will open a "window" near the exhaust, some other "window" so that adequate air can be fed into the enclosure. The roof of the enclosure would lift a bit so that even more air circulation is permitted.
The enclosure would be lined with "basement soundproofing panels".
Would this be a workable plan. Does the enclosure need to be made of steel (which would be a pain and bad from soundproofing standpoint), or can it be safely made of plywood (again, provided adequate ventilation and a few inches clearance, from the standpoint of fire safety.
The diesel engine is quite loud and my neighbors would not appreciate its unsilenced sound at night. Plus, from the standpoint of protecting ourselves from thieves, it would be better if the noise is not as conspicuous.
Thanks
i