whats the longest a lawn mower can engine run

name is guy · 05-19-2009, 05:20 AM

I want to build a special generator that put out 12volts with selected car alternators or smart drive motor with belt drive ,i just want to know on average how long these things can actually run with out regretful problems. Do they make diesel lawn mower engines?

**Basementgeek** · 05-19-2009, 05:53 AM

Do you mean continuously ? Its got to be shut down once in awhile for oil changes/ maintenance.

If I may ask, what you trying to do/why?

BG

**octaneman** · 05-19-2009, 03:36 PM

There is no exact science that will tell us how long the lifespan of an alternator or generator has. . Its job is to keep the battery fully charged and to provide a steady supply of electricity while the engine is running. A byproduct of producing electricity is heat, which is why every alternator has an integral fan to push cooling air through fre alternator, plus lots of cooling vents CM the front, back and sides to let the heat escape. To keep the alternator from overheating, make sure it's clean and free of any dirt, grease or other debris on its exterior. Anything that traps the heat inside the alternator will kill it in short order.
If the alternator is loose, it will be subjected to jarring and vibration, which may damage its internal components. Also, most alternators rely on their mounting hardware for a grounding source. So a loose alternator will not be able to deliver its full rated output to the rest of the electrical system, due to the voltage drop at the poor grounding point. The alternator will be forced to work extra hard all of the time, in what may be a losing battle to keep up. An overworked alternator will die an early death.

name is guy · 05-20-2009, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Basementgeek

Do you mean continuously ? Its got to be shut down once in awhile for oil changes/ maintenance.

If I may ask, what you trying to do/why?

BG

I want to do this for a few reasons

often no power

power electric pumps because of flooding

ark welding

HHO torch

and air compressor for air tools

I want to build a combo machine with most of these functions for maximum portability.

Im going to try to rack everything but hho generator nicely on a old dollie

**Basementgeek** · 05-21-2009, 06:03 AM

Best of luck on your Rue Goldberg type machine.

Sorry to hear that you ark needs welding, Noah probably had problems with his too.

BG

05-19-2009, 05:20 AM	#1 (permalink)
name is guy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 24 OS: vista	whats the longest a lawn mower can engine run I want to build a special generator that put out 12volts with selected car alternators or smart drive motor with belt drive ,i just want to know on average how long these things can actually run with out regretful problems. Do they make diesel lawn mower engines?

05-19-2009, 05:53 AM	#2 (permalink)
Basementgeek Moderator, Home Support Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Central Ohio, USA Posts: 1,461 OS: XP Pro SP2/Vista Ultimate SP2 Blog Entries: 3	Re: whats the longest a lawn mower can engine run Do you mean continuously ? Its got to be shut down once in awhile for oil changes/ maintenance. If I may ask, what you trying to do/why? BG __________________ Donating to the forum keeps TSF free for all. Proud member of ASAP

05-19-2009, 03:36 PM	#3 (permalink)
octaneman Mentor Home Support, Gearhead Automotive Center Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 541 OS: WINXP	Re: whats the longest a lawn mower can engine run There is no exact science that will tell us how long the lifespan of an alternator or generator has. . Its job is to keep the battery fully charged and to provide a steady supply of electricity while the engine is running. A byproduct of producing electricity is heat, which is why every alternator has an integral fan to push cooling air through fre alternator, plus lots of cooling vents CM the front, back and sides to let the heat escape. To keep the alternator from overheating, make sure it's clean and free of any dirt, grease or other debris on its exterior. Anything that traps the heat inside the alternator will kill it in short order. If the alternator is loose, it will be subjected to jarring and vibration, which may damage its internal components. Also, most alternators rely on their mounting hardware for a grounding source. So a loose alternator will not be able to deliver its full rated output to the rest of the electrical system, due to the voltage drop at the poor grounding point. The alternator will be forced to work extra hard all of the time, in what may be a losing battle to keep up. An overworked alternator will die an early death. Last edited by octaneman; 05-19-2009 at 03:39 PM.

05-21-2009, 06:03 AM	#5 (permalink)
Basementgeek Moderator, Home Support Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Central Ohio, USA Posts: 1,461 OS: XP Pro SP2/Vista Ultimate SP2 Blog Entries: 3	Re: whats the longest a lawn mower can engine run Best of luck on your Rue Goldberg type machine. Sorry to hear that you ark needs welding, Noah probably had problems with his too. BG __________________ Donating to the forum keeps TSF free for all. Proud member of ASAP