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Lister 3.5kw generator 1950's

Dee

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Hi I want to get a liater 3.5kw generator to be a backup source of Charing for my bros off grid cottage, they are easy on desiel and it will probably still be running well after I'm put into the local nursing home ? the only thing I can't find out is the gen part of it I need to know if it is pure sinwave because if it is not then it will be no good as the charge controller will only accept pure sinwave AC, if anyone hear knows anything about this inverter please let me know, thanks Dee
 

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It is likely not much different then noisey 5kW gens of today. Not perfect but okay. One thing to definitely check is frequency of AC. Most DVM's have freq readouts these days. Just adjust the engine speed governor screw.

One thing that sometimes is a problem with old generators is they have igniter permanent magnets embedded in face of rotor. This provides enough field to start a build up to develop enough field current. These magnets are abused by the generator heat and the fact the electromagnetic field of the rotor bucks its field like putting two magnets in a box pushing against each other.

If these magnets get too weak over the years of use the generator will not start generating electric on its own. You have two choices to get around this if it happens. Pull out the rotor and have the magnets recharged or flash the field current up with a small battery.

I had an old Pincor generator that had this problem and I just rigged in a socket to case going to field brushes. I flashed it up with a ni-cad with diode everytime I used it. You have to get the polarity of battery correct.
 
Hi I want to get a liater 3.5kw generator to be a backup source of Charing for my bros off grid cottage, they are easy on desiel and it will probably still be running well after I'm put into the local nursing home ? the only thing I can't find out is the gen part of it I need to know if it is pure sinwave because if it is not then it will be no good as the charge controller will only accept pure sinwave AC, if anyone hear knows anything about this inverter please let me know, thanks Dee
Ok, that is cool!
 
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Looks like a st1 with a slim boy generator.. Take the last two digits from the serial number and add 50 to get the year.. These air cooled listers must be run under at least half load or they will wet stack. I have a sl1 with a fat boy generator and the fuel burn is better than a honda 2000eu at over a 400w load. One thing to watch when buying these old lister is they will run in horrible shape, so just because it runs does not make it a good runner.. It would be a good thing to check the piston ring gap and the bottom rod bearing for wear(copper showing).
 
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It is likely not much different then noisey 5kW gens of today. Not perfect but okay. One thing to definitely check is frequency of AC. Most DVM's have freq readouts these days. Just adjust the engine speed governor screw.

One thing that sometimes is a problem with old generators is they have igniter permanent magnets embedded in face of rotor. This provides enough field to start a build up to develop enough field current. These magnets are abused by the generator heat and the fact the electromagnetic field of the rotor bucks its field like putting two magnets in a box pushing against each other.

If these magnets get too weak over the years of use the generator will not start generating electric on its own. You have two choices to get around this if it happens. Pull out the rotor and have the magnets recharged or flash the field current up with a small battery.

I had an old Pincor generator that had this problem and I just rigged in a socket to case going to field brushes. I flashed it up with a ni-cad with diode everytime I used it. You have to get the polarity of battery correct.

Hi,
Thanks very much for the info very interesting, can you please give me more info on setting the govener speed: " It is likely not much different then noisey 5kW gens of today. Not perfect but okay. One thing to definitely check is frequency of AC. Most DVM's have freq readouts these days. Just adjust the engine speed governor screw." Also if you have any info on how to test the AC would be very much appreciated, thanks Dee.
 
@Dee can you post a video of the generator running?
I would love to hear it.
I wonder what rpm it runs at 1800, 3600 or something unexpected.
Is the generator head standard enough to be swapped out?
 
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IV not got the gen yet but I do have the 7.5kw version, I'll take a video of it for you it is 2 cylinder I think, the parts for the 7.5 are not easy got so we are trading it in with a guy that has the 3.5kw it's 1 cylinder and yes parts for the 3.5kw are easy to get it is same engine as I used in old cement mixers, they never die they just keep going, like anything if they get looked after!
I should be at the cottage tomorrow I'll take a vid for you and put it up hear ?
 
@Dee can you post a video of the generator running?
I would love to hear it.
I wonder what rpm it runs at 1800, 3600 or something unexpected.
Is the generator head standard enough to be swapped out?

Hi again
Trying to put up the videos of the 7.5 I took this evening but it is too big of a file any help
 

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Hi again
Trying to put up the videos of the 7.5 I took this evening but it is too big of a file any help

You could upload to vimeo.com and the post a link here.
I think they want you to log in with google or create a free account though.
I'll understand if you don't wish to do that.
 
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Nice diesel generator.
I like your dog too.
It needs a bit of tlc and he doesn't need 7.5kw to charge a battery bank so he is going to trade it with a guy I know for his 3.5kw it is in way better condition, so he is getting a better gen although it has lower output it is easier on diesel it only has one cylinder plus he gets £500 and parts are easier to get ? I will put up a video of the new one when he gets it
 
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