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TOPIC: Portable Generator - 3KW - Chicago Electric - U.S.

Portable Generator - 3KW - Chicago Electric - U.S. 01 Jun 2012 19:31 #1

  • TacomaKarl
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This is a 3KW 4cycle generator with a 4 gallon tank.

Manufacturer specification under medium load is 9 hours of run time.

Having actually used this generator, I can tell you that under a light load it ran only 6 hours on 4 gallons of gasoline.

Post groove - tested this setup with 1 gallon of fuel and a load factor of 900 watts
ie; electric oil heater

the generator ran for 4 hours 17 minutes

That is 17 hours 8 minutes on 4 gallons of gasoline.

Based on the real-time usage under light load, that is a 283% improvement.

Real-time test - Live-stream event in Moses Lake on 4 gallons of fuel, ran the generator 8 hours on Saturday, 6 hours on Sunday. Load of about 400 watts still had 2 gallons of fuel in the tank.

Actual modifications made to this generator..

Gadgetman Groove to the throttle body - 4-8 o'clock groove
Adjustment of the spark plug - increase gap by 20%.

Karl Fortner
Tacoma, Wa.

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Last edit: by TacomaKarl.

Re: Portable Generator - 3KW - Chicago Electric - U.S. 11 Jun 2012 06:57 #2

  • TacomaKarl
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Just ran the generator this weekend.

Saturday, 4 gallon tank was full. End of the day and 8 hours later it was better than half full.

Sunday, End of day and 9 hours later there was till fuel in the tank.

So that is 17 hours of run time on a little less than 4 gallons of fuel.

I call that a win. :)

Just did a video on this...




Karl Fortner
Tacoma, Washington

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Last edit: by TacomaKarl.

Re: Portable Generator - 3KW - Chicago Electric - U.S. 27 Jul 2012 06:16 #3

  • TacomaKarl
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After checking out some other video's on this generator... and finding out that they specify 92 octane fuel, I ran another test to get the results using 92 octane fuel.



There was an increase of 8 minutes per gallon and a 40 degree increase in exhaust temperature. From 363F with the 87 octane fuel to over 400F on the 92 octane fuel...

and this is what the spark plug looks like after the 92 octane fuel...















Think 400F is a little warm... should see the pitting on the piston face.

I'm thinking the results would be similiar if this were to be done with an auto engine as well.

If it has a groove... 87 octane is just fine.

Karl Fortner
Tacoma, Washington

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Last edit: by TacomaKarl. Reason: Add video link

Re: Portable Generator - 3KW - Chicago Electric - U.S. 21 May 2013 21:43 #4

  • Ken Bittle
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Thank you for these posts on generators, I would like to ask if either of you or anyone else has any other tips to add for grooving generators of this type other than the plug gap and groove?

The reason that I ask is that I live approximately 25 miles north of the areas devastated by the Oklahoma Tornado on Monday. Generators will soon be the life of many of my fellow oklahomans and I want to have as much information as possible before offering to help people that really need it right now.

thank you,

Ken

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Re: Portable Generator - 3KW - Chicago Electric - U.S. 31 May 2013 02:05 #5

  • TacomaKarl
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Hi Ken,

Just make sure your groove is tight and full depth.

I used the small bit on this generator, keep in mind that contrary to a cars TB the
generator throttle plate will stay in a fixed area under load so there is a "pocket"
that it will sit in.

Depending on the TB you may or may not break into the float bowl cavity so be very diligent about checking for any potential leaks.

Stay safe out there.

Karl Fortner
Tacoma, Washington

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Portable Generator - 3KW - Chicago Electric - U.S. 31 May 2013 02:10 #6

  • Tracy Gallaway
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Hi Karl, long time buddy! I'm catching up w/ ya in # of posts, I've been a real yakk-box, hope to see more from you! Thanks!

Tracy G
Tracy Gallaway
Founder and Constant Aide to Gadgetman
Gadgetman Reno, NV

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Portable Generator - 3KW - Chicago Electric - U.S. 31 May 2013 02:23 #7

  • TacomaKarl
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Hi Tracy,

This working days stuff is for the birds, gets in the way of everything else.

Didn't realize how much happens in such a short time.

I picked up a spare TB for my Hyundai and regrooved the original. Since I'm doing a regular run up to Seattle 4 days a week I can lay down some real numbers.

Later

Karl Fortner
Tacoma, Washington

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