Author Topic: B100 running gen set (Read 4667 times)

Jeff_Retired · « **on:** October 12, 2015, 10:24:18 PM »

Considering a small diesel generator about 6000w and want to use my biodiesel. There are many units out there some relatively inexpensive. (probably Chinese manufacture). They claim to be fuel injected. On the few where I have been able to down load a manual, the pressure pump and high pressure line appear to be compatible with bio. Don't know about the injector but assume it is also chemically compatible.
Called one supplier and asked about using bio and they said NO. Actually not sure they understood the difference between biodiesel and wvo. Another call to a seller of a variety of gen sets said they will all run on biodiesel. He said he knew of customers doing it but would not give out any contact info. (understandably.) I assume the issue is primarily engine materials compatible with bio.
Does anyone on this board have any experience with using bio in a small diesel engine, single cylinder approximately 10 HP.?
Thanks Jeff

K.H · « **Reply #1 on:** October 12, 2015, 10:35:55 PM »

I ran one of those Chinese copies of a Yanmar on bio with no problems but it wasn't long term as the genny was too small so i sold it on, i guess it wil be the same as a car and no one will say its perfectly ok becauce of warranty issues

Julian · « **Reply #2 on:** October 12, 2015, 10:37:35 PM »

I think dgs AKA Dave on here runs a large mower / small tractor on bio. He may be able to help.

photoman290 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 13, 2015, 12:53:21 AM »

i run my 4.2 kw genny on bio all the time. no problems. i did try veg poil mixed with petrol for a winter but it gummed the rings badly. the original engine they are designed on is a yanmar 100. if you want one give martin at portable energy ltd a call. he is very helpful and carries all the spares as well. tell him bob in cornwall sent you.

http://www.portable-energy.co.uk/

dgs · « **Reply #4 on:** October 13, 2015, 10:29:55 AM »

Hi Jeff,
I run two large ransomes mowers on b100, they are fitted with idi Kubota engines and they are fine.

Some years ago i bought a 6kva genny, chinese. I ran it on b100 and it was ok for 2 years ( I maybe overstressed the thing as sometimes used to run 2x 3kw immersions off it)

One day (4 years ago) it wouldn't re-start, wouldn't even fire, not even on easy start. I replaced the head gasket but think it's a piston ring issue. I don't have the mental energy to tackle the thing again and it needs to go as spares/repair.

I used it mostly to heat my 400 litre Grundy S/S tank, charged with 300 litres of glycerol to recover the methanol. I would have the thing on all day just to recover about 30 litres (what a total and utter waste of time and energy that was)

Being only 6 kva as I say I was probably asking too much of it.

Jeff_Retired · « **Reply #5 on:** October 13, 2015, 05:26:04 PM »

Thanks for all the replies.
dgs, I noticed your Kubota was an idi technology. Do you recall what injection type your Chinese model was? i.e. idi or di.

photoman290 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 13, 2015, 05:33:13 PM »

mine is DI haven’t had any problems starting it on bio. on veg it is a bit more difficult, but i would steer clear of straight veg.

dgs · « **Reply #7 on:** October 13, 2015, 07:13:37 PM »

Quote from: Jeff_Retired on October 13, 2015, 05:26:04 PM

Thanks for all the replies.
dgs, I noticed your Kubota was an idi technology. Do you recall what injection type your Chinese model was? i.e. idi or di.

Pretty sure it is di. It never seemed to have an issue with the bio. If I had the inclination I really should strip it and check the rings (sure they will be shot) but I put so much time into the damn thing when it stopped, I've now got it in my head it's just scrap. Trouble is with all these modern things everything is behind panels held on with lord knows how many bolts, not like the old listers.

oakwoodtv · « **Reply #8 on:** October 13, 2015, 10:21:54 PM »

Quote from: dgs on October 13, 2015, 07:13:37 PM

Quote from: Jeff_Retired on October 13, 2015, 05:26:04 PM
Thanks for all the replies.
dgs, I noticed your Kubota was an idi technology. Do you recall what injection type your Chinese model was? i.e. idi or di.
Pretty sure it is di. It never seemed to have an issue with the bio. If I had the inclination I really should strip it and check the rings (sure they will be shot) but I put so much time into the damn thing when it stopped, I've now got it in my head it's just scrap. Trouble is with all these modern things everything is behind panels held on with lord knows how many bolts, not like the old listers.

So how much is the scrap gen set for a quick sale always up for a project/bargain.

dgs · « **Reply #9 on:** October 14, 2015, 12:04:53 AM »

What does £100 sound like.

photoman290 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 14, 2015, 02:01:02 AM »

i have stripped and rebuilt mine s couple of times now some if you need any advice on it let me know. i also have a contact for all the spares and you can download the manual.

alexanderfoti · « **Reply #11 on:** December 18, 2015, 06:35:35 PM »

My first diesel bike had a L100 clone, which is certainly what most of these 5kw and < generators will be using.

Does not like WVO (saying that, I ran mine for 3500 miles on WVO and had no issues, but did use waterinjection frequently).

Should run on Bio without any issues at all, simple fuel system, Direct injection.

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