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Author
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Topic: Generators?
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Dave_C
Gearhead Posts: 666
From: Gadsden, Al
Registered: Aug 99
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posted 10-29-2002 10:45 AM
   
I know this isn't a car specific question, but it has to do with racing....I ordered a new enclosed trailer (28 ft Vintage) yesterday and I now need a generator. The Mustang I raced for many years always had an alternator and I hauled it on an open trailer, so I didn't need a generator. The new dragster doesn't have an alternator yet. If someone knows of a pulley setup that will work with *both* a mandrel for a belt drive fuel pump and and MSD crank trigger let me know. So, in the meantime I need a generator to charge batteries and run the trailer lights. I *do not* want the older style Briggs engine. Way too loud!. I'm looking at Honda powered as they are very quiet and most have an auto idle feature where they drop to idle when there is no load. But I have also seen the newer OHV Briggs engine. These are supposed to be much quieter. Does anyone have one of these? How loud are they? Does anyone know of any sites where they have sound db ratings on various engines like these? Right now I'm looking at two models. One is a factory reconditioned 5.5 Hp Honda, wattage is 2650/3100 surge. If the warranty is good the reconditioned status won't scare me away. The other is a new 9 HP Briggs Vanguard OHV. Wattage is 5000/6000 surge. Both are within a few $$. I like the new one, but don't want something that's so loud it's on my and everbody that's pitted next to me's last nerve. Thanks,
David Cole
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capri man
Gearhead Posts: 2689
From: doerun, ga.
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 10-29-2002 11:07 AM
coleman makes a small one that does a pretty good job. it has a built in batt charger. lowes or home depot usually have them for about $350 to $400. good luck------------------
mike r
racing is real
everything else is just a game.
81 capri-7.51 @89mph 1/8
1.54 60 ft.
http://prestage.com/site/site_display.asp?SiteID=141
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Dad Vishus
Gearhead Posts: 418
From: Moscow, Iowa, USA
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 10-29-2002 11:35 AM
While you are at it, don't get one that's too small. You will find that now you have lots of room to haul stuff and you may want a small air compressor or even A.C. for your trailer. Sounds silly now, but A.C. in the trailer when its over 90 all day is really nice.I have a Coleman 5K with an old style Briggs. Our racing buddy that we park with all the time won't let me run it. He has a Honda 6800K that he runs all day and all night when we stay over. He makes me plug into his. Even the Honda, which is pretty quiet, will drive you nutso after a few hours. He has a portable enclosure that he puts around it and a long expension cord to get it away from the trailers. When I tow with my Dad's motorhome, I run the Onan 4K in the motorhome. Onans are the only truly quiet ones, but are very expensive. They run at much less RPM and have big mufflers. Also the low RPM requires big windings that make them heavy. If you hunt around a bit, you might find someone who is parting out an old motorhome. Onans are rare even on ebay. If you happen to find one, make sure its not a point and condenser ignition. Those are troublesome. The newer Briggs OHV motors are quieter, but still noisier than Honda or Kawasakis. This is unfortunate as I would rather buy US made products.
Hope you find one that suits your needs.
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 18704
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 10-29-2002 12:30 PM
Sho-Gun products makes the alternator parts you are looking for David.Honda generators are great. Powerful, quiet, and trouble free.  ------------------
Alex Denysenko
Co-Administrator and Moderator NHRA/IHRA/SRA member and licensed Superstock driver
MCA member# 53321
NHRA and IHRA SS/LA National Record Holder '00, '01, & '02
Fleet of FoMoCo products including 88 ASC McLaren Mustang #28
Professional Manwhore
The Barry of BarrysGrrl Quote #1: "I never met a magazine mechanic I liked."
Quote #2: "Make sure brain is in gear before engaging mouth!"
Quote #3: "If you can't run with the big dogs, stay on the porch!"
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jsracingbbf
Gearhead Posts: 1217
From: Batesville,MS. , U.S.A.
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 10-29-2002 08:11 PM
David, On my enclosed trailer I have a Coleman with a Briggs OHV Vanguard motor and it is pretty quiet, but then again it is outside. I haven't heard any complaints from other racers in the pits. I know it isn't as quiet as a Honda though, but hey us catfish in Mississippi can only afford Briggs & Straton  I think the one I have is a 6000watt. It runs everything just fine. Actually, it came with the trailer. I am in the process of hanging plastic across the back of my trailer to install AC. I am glad I have the 6000 watt Genset. Don't go to small on the genset. ------------------
Jerry Smith
69 Mustang Pro ET Drag
70 Mustang retired former footbrake car
"Crawfish are Lucky! they get their Heads Sucked and their tails eaten!"
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steve'66
Gearhead Posts: 5659
From: Sonoma,CA,USA
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted 10-29-2002 11:05 PM
Dave,The 4kw Onan in my M/H is loud enough, but if you're not planing on AC a little Honda would be fine. SteveW
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Dave_C
Gearhead Posts: 666
From: Gadsden, Al
Registered: Aug 99
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posted 11-15-2002 07:49 PM
Thanks to all for the input. Bought a generator today.6.5 hp Honda GX engine. 3100W continuous, 3600W surge. 110/220 power. Hopefully it won't be too loud and it shoulf last me a long time. It's about 95 lbs or so, so not too heavy. I plan on mounting it on the trailer tongue with a sheetmetal box to cover it. Later,
David Cole
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