Building a Generator

[Jscotty]

I am considering using my old M20 engine to make a utility generator. I have a 5x8 flatbed trailer that I want to mount it on and then fabricate some side panels and a roof. Has anyone on this forum had any experience with doing this?

I am thinking that it wouldn't be that hard if I transfer over the battery, radiator, electric fan, ECM, exhuast, and auto trannie from the parts car. The one thing that I DO NOT know is where or how you get the actual generator head and if it is even a worthwhile investment compared to those 25,000kW "tow-behind" generators that you can get from the rental yard.

Is this a feesible weekend/1-week project or would it be more trouble than its worth?

[matt]

Much more trouble than its worth. Diesel generators are cheap from Northern Tool and a million other places.

[atomic]

Not really sure but if you go this route you should make a trailer out of the front of a e30 with the engine sitting in its normal place but all its used for is a generator......Kinda like Matts BBQ grill

[jlevie]

Your biggest problem will be speed regulation. An actual generator uses a fairly precise governor or a feedback loop to an electronic throttle.

[Jscotty]

Thanks for the advice guys. I will probably find a clean body to put this motor into and then I will just have an extra car. I just don't want to part with a perfectly good engine that I could put to good use. The first time I saw a cummins diesel engine inside of a cell tower control room, I figured I could do something similar.

[ACHTUNG]

good thought but Jlevie is right with the speed regulation being more trouble than what it's worth.