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Old 09-06-2018, 11:37 AM   #1
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2kw Diesel DC generator.

Hey Everyone,


I bought a 2kw 24 volt DC diesel generator for my bus and am having second thoughts.

I got a good deal on solar gear and am considering try to go solar only. I have 3kw of panels. Probably won't use all of them but I found a way to leverage excess panels. That has me thinking that I will cover as much of the roof as I can practically.

Anyone here have any interest in this generator?

Yanmar single cylinder diesel
Air cooled
Electric and pull start
Compression release

Let me know if you have any interest and I will get pics.

Thanks.

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Old 09-06-2018, 11:47 AM   #2
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Is that a military surplus unit? I used to work for a company that made generators for the military. A diesel generator is a good backup in case the sun goes away for a few days or if you travel to a northern area during the winter when sunlight isn't effective.
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Old 09-06-2018, 11:55 AM   #3
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Originally Posted by E450Shorty View Post
Is that a military surplus unit? I used to work for a company that made generators for the military. A diesel generator is a good backup in case the sun goes away for a few days or if you travel to a northern area during the winter when sunlight isn't effective.
Yes, it was a military unit.

I am going to try living without a generator.

I had a wonderfully quiet water cooled diesel generator in my last bus and had no solar.

At times I would go up to a week without running the generator to charge my batteries. With as much solar as I am installing and the size battery bank I will have, I think that I have a shot at success at doing without.
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Old 09-06-2018, 12:00 PM   #4
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There is a good chance I tested that unit. also they are probably the loudest generators in production. The noise rating is generous to say the least to get by military testing. I have a few of them if anyone needs parts.
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Old 09-06-2018, 12:02 PM   #5
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There is a good chance I tested that unit. also they are probably the loudest generators in production. The noise rating is generous to say the least to get by military testing. I have a few of them if anyone needs parts.
Are you in Ontario?
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Old 09-06-2018, 12:04 PM   #6
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Some details :

Mechron
Part# 10626145
Serial# 27B 6733 Y2.2
CAPACITY 2.2kW
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Old 09-06-2018, 12:35 PM   #7
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Ahh mechron. I worked for the other company that produced the same unit, with the exception of rounded aluminum frame tubing instead of the sharp corners. They went out of business a few years ago.
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Old 09-06-2018, 12:47 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PNW_Steve View Post
Hey Everyone,


I bought a 2kw 24 volt DC diesel generator for my bus and am having second thoughts.

I got a good deal on solar gear and am considering try to go solar only. I have 3kw of panels. Probably won't use all of them but I found a way to leverage excess panels. That has me thinking that I will cover as much of the roof as I can practically.

Anyone here have any interest in this generator?

Yanmar single cylinder diesel
Air cooled
Electric and pull start
Compression release

Let me know if you have any interest and I will get pics.

Thanks.
Post some pics.
They're loud but the single cylinder Yanmars are super durable and very fuel efficient. I've got a lawnmower with one!
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Old 09-06-2018, 02:27 PM   #9
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Cool... This is the first time I've seen such a generator (just looked it up). How much do those go for? I could certainly get use out of something like that. I'm in Ontario. If anyone has el cheapo leads on one I'd have interest.
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Old 09-06-2018, 04:05 PM   #10
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E450Shorty,

Do you have any idea of the value? I can't find any used ones on the market.

Mechron is still in existence in some form. I talked to them looking for documentation.

The gent there seemed surprised to see one in civilian hands.

It is similar to this one: http://www.centralmainediesel.com/or...hler_Diesel_DC

It sells for $2999 new.
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Old 09-06-2018, 04:10 PM   #11
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Looks nice. Retail price is rich for my blood! Local crigislist doesn't turn up any better priced options today.
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Old 09-06-2018, 04:21 PM   #12
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Looks nice. Retail price is rich for my blood! Local crigislist doesn't turn up any better priced options today.
I've done my best Google-Foo and could not find another used one for sale.
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Old 09-06-2018, 05:00 PM   #13
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I've seen some no name imports from China for around 700 retail, and one for selling a used one of them for 650. You know the kind, where the same generator might have a hundred different brand names on it.

I did see a yanmar single for 1200...
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Old 09-06-2018, 05:14 PM   #14
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I've seen some no name imports from China for around 700 retail, and one for selling a used one of them for 650. You know the kind, where the same generator might have a hundred different brand names on it.

I did see a yanmar single for 1200...
I found a couple of bare Yanmar engines and they ranged from $650-$1200. The $1200 one looked like new in the pictures.

If anyone is interested at $500 plus freight let me know.
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Old 09-06-2018, 05:23 PM   #15
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I might be interested, let me look up the model tonight.
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Old 09-06-2018, 05:26 PM   #16
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I might be interested, let me look up the model tonight.
Let me know when you & Hillary are coming to pick it up and I'll make room in the driveway for your bus

It is really too bad that you are so far away. I would give it to you for a few days help on my bus.
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Old 09-06-2018, 07:01 PM   #17
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I know we're literally on the opposite corner of the country from you guys right now. Do you have room in the driveway for 35 or so feet of Bluebird and Bluebird Accessories?

I'm looking at options to make a 24v generator useful. There's no reasonable way that I'd bump my power system to 24v, so I'm looking at maybe a 2000w 24v inverter and a 24 to 12v charger to go with it, something like that.
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Old 09-06-2018, 07:34 PM   #18
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Originally Posted by brokedown View Post
I know we're literally on the opposite corner of the country from you guys right now. Do you have room in the driveway for 35 or so feet of Bluebird and Bluebird Accessories?

I'm looking at options to make a 24v generator useful. There's no reasonable way that I'd bump my power system to 24v, so I'm looking at maybe a 2000w 24v inverter and a 24 to 12v charger to go with it, something like that.
I would have to spend two or three minutes juggling vehicles. I think I can manage that.

I have a few spare 300 watt solar panels as well....

I am going 24v on mine. My lighting will be pairs of 12v led lights in series. Surflow makes a 24v water pump. I found reasonably priced USB chargers that are 12-24v. I bought a pair of Xantrex 1800 watt PSW 24 volt inverters. I may only use one of them.

It probably is not practical to make a trip to pick stuff up but we would sure love to have you visit again.
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Old 09-06-2018, 08:03 PM   #19
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It's gonna be a while yet before we're back on the road, I don't think we'd get there before winter. We do have business that general direction but don't plan on seeing us until spring!

We fully transitioned to running 12v inside, we got a 12v fridge so the inverter is only used for running the occasional power tool and our electric toothbrush chargers...if I get a generator, it's primary function would be to power a stand alone air conditioner.
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Old 09-06-2018, 08:06 PM   #20
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Looks nice. Retail price is rich for my blood! Local crigislist doesn't turn up any better priced options today.
There's a "jobsite" Yanmar genny that's about a thousand less. I'll try to find a link...
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