The B3 as a generator: pro and con

[kellen302]

A word to the wise on the Harbor Freight head, 7200 running watts isn't a whole lot. You can run basically 1 big system (well, fridge/freezer, garage door, large appliances) and some lights. We've upgraded to a 8750 running watt IIRC 9500 watt surge Honeywell unit with a Honda GX400 from Costco. Has electric and pull start, starts very easy. Since I've been born we've gone through about 2 other generators. The rural PNW takes a hit from November to February pretty regularly. Hanukkah eve 2006 gave us 4 days without power.

[DriverOne]

I like the idea of using a whole Festiva as a generator. That seems much better than buying one, since I live in an apartment. How would that work? I have a carb'ed Festy. Would running the engine be more efficient than a regular generator?

[bhazard]

Re: The B3 as a generator: pro and con

I like the idea of using a whole Festiva as a generator. That seems much better than buying one, since I live in an apartment. How would that work? I have a carb'ed Festy. Would running the engine be more efficient than a regular generator?

A 45 amp alternator might run your TV...lol

[link5186]

Re: The B3 as a generator: pro and con

Well, if were bringing up alternators hooked up to an inverter, run multiples. Fab up brackets and run two or three high amp alternators. Cost may be prohibitive this way especially with the size of inverter you'd need to do anything major with it.

Sent from the bathroom via crapatalk.

[DriverOne]

Re: The B3 as a generator: pro and con

A 45 amp alternator might run your TV...lol

I meant with a pulley, not the alternator.

[Movin]

Good point on cruise control, one of the older types with adjustable sensitivity and set
would work as long as the generator was loaded near that set point. If the horse power
going to the generator is the same as a festy draws while cruising between 35mph and
and about 80mph , and the pulses from the speed sensor on the crank are the same as
on the car, then it would work the same. When the load is too light then it will hunt and
return to idle. The average guy is going to have trouble with out good directions so
it is best to just buy a governor that comes with directions.

Using a hand throttle to set the rpm is fine too as long as you are sitting there watching
it. I left my kids watching a movie on a player - tv combo and let the hertz get a little high
caused by gen set over speed and the whole unit made a big pop and quit permanently!!

I didn't see this mentioned but are you looking for DC only for batteries or are you really
needing the AC for appliances way out there?

[lessersivad]

I would think an AC generator head would be rather essential if living out in the sticks with no city water. I don't know of too many well pumps that run on DC.

I suppose potable water could be stored so when the power went out the well pump would be a non issue.

Pretty much comes down to how many "things" you want to run and if it's for emergency power or full time duty.

[gergorian]

Use a carby B3 hooked to a wood gasifier and if you live in/ near the woods... free energy! Well sort of. I know that you can make a decent gasifier from scrap but for the best efficiency you would need better materials.

[Movin]

Have the wood gasifier ready to hook to the car, and have the generator hooked up on rollers like a chassis dyno..drive in , plug in and power up the cabin on free energy!!!

Don't forget to change the oil every 3 months..

I would like the gasifier ON the car, around here I would not need to return to town. Whats the point?? When the power goes out you cannot purchase anything with out a gun!!

[Safety Guy]

Lots more good ideas. I should read up on wood gasification, too.

My plan is to purchase around 5 to 12 acres of land and put a shipping container on it first, for simple storage. Then turn that into a shelter by building onto it and maybe another shed, etc. Eventually I want to retire there, and will have solar and wind power capabilities. My dwelling will be small--maybe 400 to 700 square feet (less to heat in winter and I doubt I'll have A/C), with proper solar gain orientation for easy passive solar heating, an efficient wood stove and a rooftop rain collection system, with another roof or two provided by outbuildings, sheds and/or carport. Toilet will be of the composting type, so no water used there. As much as possible I want to live off my land.

I am planning on water and energy sources increasing in price and perhaps becoming hard to obtain in the future, so I need to "have my own." Everything will be as simple and DIY as possible so I don't have to pay money to have things fixed and can remain as unnoticeable as possible to the tax man and anyone else who shows an unhealthy interest in my business.

The B3 generator is mainly for backup power and emergencies, not for regular use.

Karl

[skeeters_keeper]

Karl, when you get done putting your place together I'm going to have to come check it out. Sounds too cool!
I think the shipping container houses are awesome, if you decide to go that route!

Just saying

[getnpsi]

I can see it now a whole bunch of local Festiva guys all get containers and put them in a circle like the covered wagons. Then you will paint each one adiferent color and give it a cute Container name either from its old company it served or something about its adventure to its final resting place

[Movin]

Retired Hippies..that's some of us before long!!