My Listeroid Generator

buttie

buttie

Veteran Member
I've finally completed my Lister generator (well almost). I purchased a 6/1 engine, a ST5 head and a serpentine drive belt pully from UtterPower.com.

The water tank is from a 40 gal electric heater I scrounged at the dumps. I made the base from steel I had around the ranch.
 

Attachments

  • ATT00010.jpeg
    ATT00010.jpeg
    36.2 KB · Views: 1,126
  • ATT00022.jpeg
    ATT00022.jpeg
    34.7 KB · Views: 1,118
  • ATT00025.jpeg
    ATT00025.jpeg
    44.8 KB · Views: 1,114
  • ATT00028.jpeg
    ATT00028.jpeg
    45 KB · Views: 1,103
  • ATT00031.jpeg
    ATT00031.jpeg
    42.4 KB · Views: 1,103
buttie

buttie

Veteran Member
And a few more of the mounting base for the engine and tension adjuster for the genhead:
 

Attachments

  • DSC04984s.JPG
    DSC04984s.JPG
    32.3 KB · Views: 1,049
  • DSC04986s.JPG
    DSC04986s.JPG
    33 KB · Views: 1,040
  • DSC04987s.JPG
    DSC04987s.JPG
    24.9 KB · Views: 1,033
Kimber

Kimber

Membership Revoked
It looks so beautiful, it brings a tear to my eye.

After it's been running awhile, can you also report how it performs, maintenance, etc.?

One stupid question - how are/did you move that bohemeth around?

Also, I don't know how much skill is involved in setting one up. Assuming one has only enough mechanical skills to read and follow Chilton's - is this something feasible?

David
 
buttie

buttie

Veteran Member
"One stupid question - how are/did you move that bohemeth around?"

I made one of these with 2 coupling nuts 3/4" X 10 tpi, 2 bolts and the bar of steel. The coupling nuts fit under the valve cover so I leave them in place. Now I can pick it up with an automotive cherry picker (red thing is some of the pictures). This item was needed just to remove the engine from the crate. Now with the whole assembly attached to the engine it is almost perfectly balanced.

It is also mounted on redwood logs with cables on each end so I can drag it around if needed.

George is now marketing complete gen sets so that will remove the welding/metal fab skills from the process. Mechanically this is a very simple engine to work on. The biggest trick is getting the engine timed and the fuel system properly bled.

Listening to is even better than looking at it!!! :D
 

Attachments

  • DSC04992s.JPG
    DSC04992s.JPG
    36.7 KB · Views: 1,024
buttie

buttie

Veteran Member
A member PM'ed me with these questions, but wanted to remain anonymous so I post them that way as others might be interested too.

Tom

>Man, You've done a fine job!!!!

>Let me ask you a couple of questions please.

>You said "I purchased a 6/1 engine, a ST5 head "
>What do these numbers mean?
6HP 1 cylinder and a 5KW generator

>How did you size your unit? Did you base it on total KVA?
I'm going to use mine during construction of my off grid house and then as a backup battery charger. 5KW should be enough.

>I was thinking of using a radiator but you used a water tank, do these listers come with a water pump?
No

>If not how is your water circulating?
Thermosyphon like an old Ford model T.

>You said you moved it with a automotive cherry picker is this the same
>as a engine lift? IYO would a knock down engine lift work?

Yes the 2 ton knock down kind is what I'm using. That or the backhoe. :D


>You said "George is now marketing complete gen sets"
>I asked him about this in the spring but he didn't seem too interested before I talk to him again can you elaborate?

I saw a mention of them on his web site.

>Did you try to talk him down on the price? Did it work? In my dealing
>with him, he didn't seem like the kind to come off the price any!

No he's selling them as fast as he can get them. HOWEVER I did get a bad engine that had sucked a lot of sand during test and George sent me a replacement engine instead of just the parts. That's priceless!!!

>Are you going to hook up to an inverter and battery bank? If you can you give details?

Yes I'll probably be using Xantrex inverters that include a generator input and will charge the batteries.
 
blackjeep

blackjeep

The end times are here.
Nice looking setup. I have the urge to do the same. Since we sold our "retreat" in the middle of nowhere, I miss our old one cylinder diesel generator set. It provided all of our power.

I hope your base lumber is held down with bolts sunk into the concrete. A one-banger diesel will shake and move around unless really anchored well.
 
buttie

buttie

Veteran Member
The costs were 995.00 for the engine, 299.00 for the 5kw generator head, 150.00 for the pully, 25.00 for the automotive thermostat adapter and about 450.00 for shipping. Most of the steel for the base I had laying around.
 
buttie

buttie

Veteran Member
theoutlands said:
Where is it shipped from?
Click to expand...

The port of Portland OR. I made the trip to the local depot to pick it up my self and save some $. The crated engine is about 800 lbs. I wanted a "heavy" duty generator though.
 
buttie

buttie

Veteran Member
Swampthing said:
Bump

Say man, what kind of fuel consumption are you expecting?
Click to expand...

There is a fuel consumption chart on the utter power site that shows using bio-diesel (which has less energy than regular) I can produce at a 2kw rate and use .11 gal of diesel per hour. So I expect about 4-6 hours per gallon during construction. Later when I've got it loaded up charging batteries I expect about 3 hours per gallon.
 
S

Swampthing

Inactive
Later when I've got it loaded up charging batteries I expect about 3 hours per gallon.
Click to expand...

Is this on a continuious run or a on/off on/off cycle? Continuious run that's 8 gallons a day, with batteries that should be cut in half at least, right?

In a grid up scenerio I assume, and I'm sure you do to, that diesel will be available for purchase for a alternative/backup to biodiesel.

In a grid down scenerio that diesel available for purchase will only be there until the stocks run out. You/we are going to be totally dependant on the fuel we produce. What is your biodiesel plan? In my self analysis, I see there's more to it than just planting soybeans. Would you mind sharing your plan for biodiesel production in a grid down situation? I don't want to point out holes in your plan, I want to see the holes in mine.
 
buttie

buttie

Veteran Member
Well I'll be off grid, but that's now what I think you are asking. I intend to install a 3.2 kw PV array, so in a "grid down" scenario I plan to cut back on usage. The ranch is 77 acres with about maybe 20 tillable so I could grow some crops, but right now all I can think is where the $ is going to come from to build the house.

I do plan to plant a sizable olive orchard for both oil and eating, however that is a long term plan.
 
buttie

buttie

Veteran Member
Oh I believe the chart is for continuous run. Here is a link to the chart: Utter Power

George is now testing a 3KW gen permanent magnet gen head that is supposed to be much more efficient then the ST heads. As I understand it eliminating the power usage for the field windings is the primary source of the increased efficiency.
 
buttie

buttie

Veteran Member
Update

I put the genset through its first heavy duty usage this weekend. I purchased a 20' shipping container to use while constructing the house and the county wants a man door installed (I guess to prevent someone from being locked inside).

I ran a wire feed welder, skill saws and grinders all day long and used about a gallon of diesel. The welder seemed to drag it down quite a bit for some reason :D but at the end of the day the generator seemed to run the welder fine. I think as the engine is breaking in its gaining power.

After doing a lot of welding there was a good head of steam rolling out of the top of the cooling tower and I could not help to think that if I had some of those meals that cook by boiling the plastic pouch I could have had a nice hot lunch. My BIL who was helping wanted to put some taters and carrots in the tank and make a stew. :lkick:
 
Tom McDowell

Tom McDowell

BAMN
Wow,

The more I read about the Lister, well - it's kinda addicting.

Went ahead and ordered one.

Going to run it as an adjuct to a micro turbine. Building a 48 Volt system with 2 trace sw58's. Toying with the idea of a permanent mag 48 Volt genny on the Lister, instead of the 5kw. Any thoughts?

Thanks for bringing this to the board.

Tom
 
S

Swampthing

Inactive
>Did you try to talk him down on the price? Did it work? In my dealing
>with him, he didn't seem like the kind to come off the price any!

No he's selling them as fast as he can get them. HOWEVER I did get a bad engine that had sucked a lot of sand during test and George sent me a replacement engine instead of just the parts. That's priceless!!!

>Are you going to hook up to an inverter and battery bank? If you can you give details?

Yes I'll probably be using Xantrex inverters that include a generator input and will charge the batteries
Click to expand...

Did you take pictures of the sand in the motor? I'd really like to see that.
 
Airborne Falcon

Airborne Falcon

Resident Ethicist
That's impressive. I wish I was more mechanically inclined so as to be able to put something like that together on my own. We have got to do something like that soon ... we're torn between generator options. I wanted one like Dennis' but they have gone out of business. Now I am torn and looking at all options again.

Russ
 
buttie

buttie

Veteran Member
There was so much sand in the rings that they were stuck in the grooves. I didn't find to much in the bottom end though so I'd guess that it was test run with no air cleaner.

Here you go:
 

Attachments

  • DSC04998s.JPG
    DSC04998s.JPG
    26.4 KB · Views: 715
  • DSC05001s.JPG
    DSC05001s.JPG
    10.1 KB · Views: 713
J

jimmer

Contributing Member
antifreeze

Tom,

Do you live in a no freeze area or is the unit located inside?

I started with a tank on my GM90 Listeroid then went to a radiator when I realized how much antifreeze I would need for the volume of water.

You have a nice setup.

I have about 100 hours on my setup and like you said the engine seems to gain power with time.


Jim
 
buttie

buttie

Veteran Member
Crawlingtoy said:
Where's the gas tank?

How much capacity does it have?

Is it still running good?


-CT
Click to expand...

Hello CT,

The fuel tank is the square thing behind the engine in the first picture. It holds about 2.5 gal which should last for about 12 hours of operation. I really have not used it much yet, but as soon as I get my water system installed in about 2 weeks it will go to work pumping water.

The 6 HP engine is driving a 5000 watt generator.
 
C

Crawlingtoy

Veteran Member
Very nice. With any luck I'll pick one up before too long here. Any other advice you would give, besides what's in this thread.

-CT
 
buttie

buttie

Veteran Member
jimmer said:
Tom,

Do you live in a no freeze area or is the unit located inside?

I started with a tank on my GM90 Listeroid then went to a radiator when I realized how much antifreeze I would need for the volume of water.

You have a nice setup.

I have about 100 hours on my setup and like you said the engine seems to gain power with time.


Jim
Click to expand...

Hello Jim,

We hardly ever get a freeze and it usually warms up during the day so I don't expect a problem. I guess it would not hurt to dump a couple of gallons of anti-freeze in it even if it's just for the corrosion protection.

What are you using your GM90 for?
 
J

jimmer

Contributing Member
Hi Tom,

I'm running a 5KW ST head, just for backup.

I've been running it 1 day a week for a while just to see how everything is going to work if I need it.

Jim
 
Kimber

Kimber

Membership Revoked
Stupid post by me . . . Number 37.

I'll need to be able to move it around solo, and travel with it in a big SUV with a 2 inch receiver.

I've been looking at something like the following (below). I think I saw a Bass Pro Shop or Cabela model that will lift up to 500 pounds. Probably not enough, however.

Do any of you know of a company that sells something like the following that can lift, via a winch, 1,000 pounds? Ideally, something that could lift the generator, pivot and stow it in the vehicle, and unload it.

David
 

Attachments

  • Winch.jpg
    Winch.jpg
    14.4 KB · Views: 652
buttie

buttie

Veteran Member
Hello David,

Way, way to light. I use a folding cherry picker to move it around when I don't have the backhoe. The cherry picker is rated for 1000 lbs fully extended and it is rather bouncy with the generator hanging on the end of it.

The way this cherry picker folds it can be easily loaded in the back of a pickup with one person. I got mine at harbor freight.

I set mine on some lengths of 1" water pipe in the back of the pickup and rolled it forward that way and it was real easy. However if it shifts to one side you'll know why they call it a lister. :D Don't ask me how I know.
 
lgsracer

lgsracer

Inactive
Good info. I ran across this website from a guy in Florida and his 12 HP lister set up. Very good check it out.

DSCF0111.JPG


http://www.f1-rocketboy.com/lister.html

He also had some links in the article that may be of interest.

Mr. Atul Patel, CEO of Anand Enterprise (engine manufacturer)

http://www.poweranand.com/

Old Style Listers (importer)

http://www.oldstylelisters.com/
 
buttie

buttie

Veteran Member
The ST 5 head is a little over sized, but the next size down is a 3KW is undersized. I've read of the 6/1 listers putting out 4.2 KW continuous. With all that rotating mass starting big loads like my air compressor is easy for this generator.

I have a 4.4 KW Homelite generator with a 8HP Briggs that won't start my compressor, but the Lister hardly flinches even when already loaded with 2.2 KW.

It will be interesting when I hook the Lister up to my Trace SW2512 inverter to charge batteries because I can set the load on the generator with the Trace. And the Trace has metering so I can tell exactly what the output is. Right now I've been using a couple of electric heaters as a test load. I'm looking forward to doing some fuel consumption/KW testing.
 
U

USDA

Veteran Member
Could a an 11hp Briggs and Straton engine on a riding lawn tractor be hooked up and used as generator for battery charger and to run a well pump?

My mechanical skills are not much and rusty...been in nursing most of my life.

I am thinking if I could disconnect the mower from charging and move it to the well ect...is there anyway this could work...bucks are hard to come by on retirement.
 
C

Crawlingtoy

Veteran Member
I ordered a 6/1 Lister today!

No ST5 though. He didn't have any. I think there is a couple of other sources out there, so the search goes on.

I would love to see the results of your testing, I have similar plans myself, but I am a ways out still on that.

USDA- Sure you could do that, but if you have no mechanical skills it could be a bit difficult. If you have all the stuff laying around why not give it a try though? Can't hurt, and maybe you'll learn something.

-CT
 
buttie

buttie

Veteran Member
Welcome to the "roid" club CT!!!

USDA, you can power a large automotive alternator with that engine and charge 12V batteries, but to power your well motor you will likely need an inverter to convert the power to 240V AC.

I have built a generator like you describe using a 5.5 HP Tecumseh engine and a Delco 65 amp S-10 style alternator (very common part). This is a nice way to go for long term power as you can charge batteries during the day and run the inverter at night. You can also power a much larger load because the batteries will store the power from a smaller generator.

The most difficult part I found is the pulley setup. Automotive V belts are not the same profile as industrial V belts. I ended up modifying an automotive pulley to fit the engine. You want your drive ratio to be about 1:1.
 
J

jimmer

Contributing Member
FWIW:

Grainger has a Dayton motor mount base that works great for the ST head in a Listeroid setup.

I don't think I could have fabricated anything similar for the $65.00 price.

Part number is 2M513. The unit is adjustable and very heavy duty.


Jim
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top