OK, I may be way out in left field here but I want to know what you guys think. I have a 1979 F250 with the 300 six. Funny thing, those are tough engines but they just won't run without oil. Anyway I'm wondering if I could affordably convert this motor to a stationary motor in a genset after I rebuild it. I know about the real 300 six industrial motors on the market and I realize they are modified quite a bit, but I can't help but think a well built stock motor could do the job. I'm not talking about a constant run application here. I live off the grid and I use solar for my daily electrical needs, but there are times I need more juice than my battery bank can supply i.e. welding and such. That is when a skookum generator would be nice. Thanks for any ideas you might want to share.

 

What is a skookum generator?

 

That would be a good strong well made generator that would fire and run any time any condition. It's a northwest thing, coming from "Chinook Jargon".

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skookum

For the OP, sure that motor will work for that. Electronic ignition will be your friend. Stabil or other fine brand of fuel stabilizer, and weather proofing like you were in Antarctica. And a test fire 3 or 4 times per year.

Serving suggestion.

 

Thanks for the Skookum definition. I lived in Washington state for 25 years and didn't know. I got to learn at least one new thing today.

The one challenge will be creating throttle control for either rpm or load.
If you run a DC generator to supply current to the battery bank then the engine can be governed so that it only supplies enough current to cover the load by varying the rpm rather than a constant rpm.
The engine will idle at no load and the rpm will increase only as the load increases.
Better fuel efficiency along with longevity.

 

Lots of hits for engine speed control, but OP will be doing a lot of reading to sort out a system that will work.

This outfit sells the 300 industrial, reman'd version. And the governor to go with it. Get your checkbook out....

https://www.foleyengines.com/tech-ti...trial-engines/

 

Thanks for the speedy response. I lived in Alaska for 17 years and saw many 300 sixes, industrial and otherwise. They were used a lot in snowcats and weasels (tracked vehicles) but not a lot of stationary applications. Just gotta figure out what RPM makes 60hz and how to govern that. I know Foley has governors and I hear that are pretty spendy. I'm retired and would like to do this without going into hock. I just wanted to know if you guys think an engine made for vehicular use will work as a stationary. Looks like I need to research governors. I always liked Hickel

 

AFAIK a 4 pole stationary generator operates at 1800 rpm to produce a 60hz output.
The 300 six with a stock cam also produces peak torque at 1800 rpm.

The 300 industrial engines were set up to run many hours before rebuilds.
Some had steel crankshafts. Most had hardened exhaust valve seats especially if the engine was run on a gas instead of liquid gasoline.

It doesn't sound like you will be running your 300 for long periods of time.
My suggestion is to rebuild the engine with hypereutectic pistons and not worry about upgrades anywhere else.

If the crank is damaged beyond repair, you can get a new cast steel industrial crank from OXX for $95 plus shipping.

 

That is some great info! I really appreciate it.

 

I seem to recall that at one place I worked, we had a Miller gas powered welder that we also used as a generator. That might also fit the bill

 

YES
The HD engines were intended to be used for continuous operation and had to be built for long intervals between service.
For your application where you will be using it occasionally and not necessarily at the rated output it will be a "walk in the park" for a vehicle engine.

 

That seems to be the popular consensus. Now I will just need to rebuild the motor. My son ran it out of oil so I don't yet know the horrors I will find in the autopsy. Should be fun tho. This forum is a really valuable resource, but I am preaching to the choir. Now, if you will all open your hymnals to page 62.....