6.2 liter V8 Backup power. Kohler 48KW LP Gas (Propane) Generator 48RCLC
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- Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
- Tour (unboxing) of a new 6.2 liter V8 48KW backup generator. This generator runs its massive GM V8 engine at a quiet 1800 RPM. Kohler 48KW LP Gas (Propane) Generator 48RCLC
Also unboxing of the two automatic transfer switches:
Kohler RDT-CFNC-200ASE
Kohler RXT -JFNC-0200ASE
These switches both have Service Disconnect functionality.
I got a question about propane consumption and propane tank size. Here is my reply:
In cold weather, a large generator can consume propane faster than the propane can evaporate inside the tank.
At full power, this generator uses 9.3 cubic meters of propane per hour - at any temperature below 20°F a single 500-gallon tank can not provide enough propane vapor.
Here is how I studied the problem in a spreadsheet:
baxsie.com/ima...
One solution is to use a larger tank, and another is to somehow keep the tank warm. Apparently, this is why some tanks are buried underground. There are also electric heating blankets: amzn.to/3CIdeey
Our solution will be to use 2x 500 gallon (400 useable) tanks, for 1000 gallons (800 useable) total. If the tanks are reasonably full, we should be able to use full power down to 0°F and should be able to use 50% power down to -10°F
This generator is way overkill for our needs, so we do not expect it to run at more than 50% power.
Our runtime from a full tank at 100% power should be 88 hours, at 50% it should be 167 hours, which is a full week, running 24 hours a day. In real life, we would probably shut it off at night in all but the worst weather.
Pretty old school with that engine.
Simple and reliable . . . . .
Mercruiser is using a similar engine that I believe is also from BluePrint. They're calling it their own, stating essentially that newer automotive engines include features not beneficial nor suitable for marine operation. Pretty sure they're referring to features like cylinder deactivation and variable camshaft timing. So, for applications like these generators and marine, companies have made a conscious decision to stick with the solid and reliable SBC!
That’s a blueprint casting of a small block Chevy 350, nice bit of kit 👌
It is fun documenting something so new and perfect :-)
What that coolant valve's are is for a heater to keep the coolant warm in the winter by circulating it thru a heater . I have a Kohler 60 RCL at my business. and a 30RCL at my home down in Florida. Kohler makes great generators. Another tip is to take out the oil drain plug and go to home depot and get an extender that will screw into the drain hole that you can attach a hose to to drain the oil. It makes oil changes a lot easier. When your done just take the hose off and put the plug back in. The plate on top is to get to the radiator cap.
Thanks for the pointer. I have the engine heater, so by using those valves it will be easy to install. I also got the battery heater, and just picked up a starting battery.
Good to know about the radiator cap access. I should probably read the manual, LOLz
@@Baxsie No problem. You made an excellent choice by going with Kohler
Redy for the pocyclips
We might not have terlit paper, but we sho nuff have light! More seriously, we are on a well and septic, both of which need power so it is pretty critical to have backup.
We have the 60kW version of this - looks identical.
Wasn’t cheap but sure has been a total pile of problems!
We have it on a slab now, still waiting on the electrical connections and propane supply. We have not fired it up.
What kind of issues did you have with your 60KW unit?
1995 What problems have you had?
@@Dqalex for the first year, it wouldn’t generate any power, as the actual electrical-generator unit needed replacing - yes, it didn’t work from the factory.
Once fixed, the first major outage resulted in the main controller failing immediately.
Thereafter, have had a host of niggling issues - rough running (not firing on all cylinders), a constant ‘adaptive learn’ error code (persists to this day and Kohler can’t help with it), and an issue whereby starting under load (during outage) results in wild fluctuations in voltage, followed by nothing and then it tries to start again - it does eventually get there, but does make me think it won’t. 85 total run-hours so far, 60 of which is just 4 years of weekly exercise.
Max load has been about 25kW, so I’ve never really stressed it.
My Kohler agent has had unbelievable issues with the the smaller models (broken crankshafts on brand new generators). My 5 year warranty is up this year and then God only knows how much I’ll spend on parts every year.
48 and 60kw both use same engine, 80kw adds turbo.
Cool..
Looking at these and the Generac 48kw, like the build of the Kohler but that V8 is a lot more thirsty than the Generac 4 cylinder.
Not much difference at half load. Full load the 4-cylinder uses less:
Generac 4-cylinder, 1800 RPM LP Consumption:
Full Load 6.61 gallons per hour
Half Load 4.16 gallons per hour
ref: norwall.com/products/generac-48kw-120-240v-1p-rg04845gnac
Kohler 8-cylinder, 1800 RPM LP Consumption:
Full Load 9.0 gallons per hour
Half Load 4.7 gallons per hour
ref: resources.kohler.com/power/kohler/residential/pdf/g4306.pdf
But the NOISE! Generac 70 dBA ("normal" load), Kohkler 61 dBA (full load) - that is a big difference.
@@Baxsie Still trying to get someone that does Kohler's to give me a quote but no response from anyone and everyone I've found has been Generac only...
@@ChrisEpler I used Electric Generators Direct ( www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/ ) I spoke to Nico Welgemoed at (800) 710 - 7499 ext 164 I am pretty sure any local electrician that is willing can do the wiring install. It is a little intimidating but if you get the correct matching Kohler switches from Electric Generators Direct (Nico helped me select the correct ones), the installation instructions are pretty clear.
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@@Baxsiethank you for these stats. I’m trying to figure out if I get a 48kw or the 32kw. Everything is a trade off.
Do you the fuel consumption and how large is your LP tank?
In cold weather, a large generator can consume propane faster than the propane can evaporate inside the tank.
At full power, this generator uses 9.3 cubic meters of propane per hour - at any temperature below 20°F a single 500 gallon tank can not provide enough propane vapor.
Here is how I studied the problem in a spreadsheet:
baxsie.com/images/Remodel_2021/Generator/Propane_Consumption_Evaporation.xlsx
One solution is to use a larger tank, another is to somehow keep the tank warm. Apparently this is why some tanks are buried underground. There are also electric heating blankets: amzn.to/3CIdeey
Our solution will be to use 2x 500 gallon (400 useable) tanks, for 1000 gallons (800 useable) total. If the tanks are reasonably full, we should be able to use full power down to 0°F, and should be able to use 50% power down to -10°F
This generator is way overkill for our needs, so we do not expect it to run at more than 50% power.
Our runtime from a full tank at 100% power should be 88 hours, at 50% it should be 167 hours, which is a full week, running 24 hours a day. In real life we would probably shut it off at night in all but the worst weather.
it’s a 383 cubic inch stroker 6.2 chevy. what you see on the exhaust is called a blanket, has nothing to do with sound, gas gensets exhaust glow red hot, (why i don’t care to work on em but i do) seen to many catch fire over long run hours. the ball valves go to a block heater witch i see you don’t have so the cut the levers off so you don’t open them but are there i case you decide to use a circulating block heater, did your salesman not go over anything with you?
Thanks for the information on the exhaust blanket. I guess it is a bit like the header wrap on hotrods - keep the heat in until the hot exhaust exits the engine compartment. Whatever they are, they have impressive build quality.
There was no local stock - so I used one of the big online sellers. They were good at selecting the correct transfer panels to work with 2x 200 amp services (I hope). We have one RDT transfer switch which will stand alone, and an RXT that will communicate with the generator.
I did order the block heater and battery heater. Another comment let me know what the valves are for. I have yet to install them - still waiting on propane and connection.
I have been studying the installation - I am a bit in the dark. I think my electrician will be good for the HV wiring. I'll have to follow the install guide for the low-voltage stuff.
ahhh i gotcha, yeah not to many storefronts anymore, and yes it’s like headed wrap. and your correct on the exhaust, it’s also to keep it cooler cause it gets hot hot hot! ✌🏻
What size wires are needed from there to transfer switch and do they pipe in the slab at the bottom of the generator? Nice setup.
That should be wired to meet code. My electrician worked all that out and did all the wiring.
the engine with *ÆÅOÊÉWŒØØ* v8
Straight pipe?
No, there is a muffler inside the cabinet that houses the radiator. Very quiet.