Hello everyone, would like to get some advice from this distinguished crowd. I am building a generator, using a 240D engine from a $100 junker that I bought for parts for my 300D.

I have the engine and transmission bolted to a frame and machined an adapter plate to hookup to the generator. I am at the point now where I need to hookup a governor to keep the engine at 1800 RPMs to run the generator property. I need to find out a way to hookup an aftermarket tachometer, possibly to the alternator. I am also thinking about getting an aftermarket cruise control with a small magnet type pickup that I could attach to the adapter plate on the tail shaft of the transmission to keep the RPMS at the correct speed.

The 240D is now at a junk yard since all the usable parts have been stripped off. I don’t think I could use the stock cruise control because of the complications of trying to hook it up.

Also did a search on tachometers on this site. I don’t have the pickup or the amplifier that went with the stock setup, that is why I would like to know if I could use the alternator and if someone knows what type of aftermarket tachometer I could use.

Any help or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated. I will attach a picture of my setup.

Thanks,
Dave

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1800 RPM is to establish 60 Hz, right? Why not go to the source, and directly check the output frequency of the big alternator. Forget about the small one.

thats a nice setup.. if i was you id make the gen head attached to the sled the engine is on.. what kind of coupleling are you using?

Wasn't the cruise actuator vacuum controlled on the 240's?

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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

Why don't you dump the tranny and rig up a mechanical actuator that will operate the ip adjustment lever. Just adjust the mechanical lever to run the engine at 1800 rpm and let it go at that.

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Jim

On sub diesel we had a mechanical flyweight gov that maintained engine speed to hold bus frequency. My 240 has an electrical cruise control, and though it might be possible, you prob wont need it. I would try to use a mechanical cable, a vernier, or something with a lock once adjusted. Start the engine at idle, let it warm up, monitor generator frequency and raise speed to 60hz (1800 rpm) and lock the speed. Unless you are running a huge electrical load, engine speed droop shouldn't be a problem. And once you do start something big, just adjust frequency after it's started. Mosler or someone should have a freq meter cheap, or you could monitor it with most hand held DVM's. Nest idea, where did you get the generator?

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2000 C230 Kompressor "Frosty"

2007 PT Cruiser
2001 VW TDI Beetle
1999 Landrover Discovery II
1971 Corvette

Gone: 97 Cabrio, 83 240D, 93 VW Eurovan, 95 Volvo 850, 93 Chevy Astro Van, 77 VW Bus, 99 VW Jetta, 74 VW Bus

I don't know what your plans are for the engine/generator combo, but, it looks like you have a generator of decent size that could accept the 60hp that this engine could provide.

But, since you are only going to run the engine at 1800 rpm, your available horsepower will be something near 20 hp or so. The engine is nowhere near it's torque peak and miles away from it's horsepower peak.

The effort involved to effect a rather small genset might not be worth it.

the key to this thing is gallons per hour fuel useage. Even if your using free veggie oil its better to have a diesel that uses 1 liter per hour vs 2 gals.
Its starts to be come rather difficult even if its free veggie oil if your having to find a few hundred gallons a month.

Secondly You have a heat problem. I would pipe that hot coolant all over my property. There are new hot water floor heating systems...


If i lived in the country I would place my radiator in a flowing creek, or on the roof of a house where there would be some wind.

I think the way to go is to use a lister diesel for a small generator..

have you thought of using pulleys to optimize power or something.. i say scre the om616 and get a listeroid.. thats me

I agree, a 25/2 ought to be enough to run anyone's house. That's what, 18kw, probably on a 20kw genset? That's equal to about 150 amp service from the 'eclectic' company. Besides, you'll probably be using it to charge a battery bank except during peak usage anyway.

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1984 300D Turbo Diesel - 211700+ mileage (now sold)
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In any of my posts, it is safe to assume
that I'm talking about this car.

your right a listeroid from india would be cheap and good..
better than a fake rolex

If you have a use for the additional power generated, or can sell it back to the grid, I would run it at 3600 rpm...

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Mahalo and Aloha,
S. L. "Red" Pike, Naval Architect/Marine Engineer, USCG Licensed Chief Engineer (Steam, Motor, and Gas Turbine)
Former nuc bubblehead (boomers)
"Sustained superior performance through continuous incremental improvement."

1987 300SDL White w/ Gray Leather interior, 160K (mine)
2009 Nissan Murano (leased - wife's)

in our area recently an older couple bought a generator and
put it in there garage. The husband died and my wife is treating the
wife who is severly damaged now.

So build yourself a building for this.....out house

For those of you who didn't notice...dave is in Florida.

He is probably going to use the Generator when we get another Hurricane, and the power goes out. I seriously doubt he is going to use it for heating - we only need that about 3 months out of the year (not at all if you just moved here).

He will probably want to run A/C* and a fridge and maybe a microwave, and possibly a well pump (at least to flush with - I wouldn't drink it).

He probably wants to keep it a two piece set, since it is easier to move, and if his home gets blown away, he can at least take it with. (might be a better idea to build a bunker for it, and raise if of the ground about 3 feet in case of flooding)

*either a central unit, or a windowshaker or two.

__________________
It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

Did the husband die of something related to the generator?

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine