Stupid Diesel Engine question
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New User
Joined: Apr 2005
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Stupid Diesel Engine question
I know this question probably doesnt have a answer that will work but i figured if anybody knew about this it would be one of you guys. Just wondering if there was any way to get any electric power out of a trucks diesel engine similiar to what a diesel generator would do. i need a generator to power a welder but dont wanna spend the money. if anybody knows how to do it or build a good generator to power a small arc welder the help is appreciated
Thanks
Tom C.
'89 250 7.3
Thanks
Tom C.
'89 250 7.3
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: houston
There are a couple of kits on the market for small welding units that are powered by your alternator. I can't remember the companies. But if you check out the back pages in a couple of off-road mags I'm sure you will find them. Good luck.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Marengo, Iowa
I would say quite small, just don't have the amps to do a lot. Those generators are the only thing the diesel motors are running, and they can really crank out the amps. You may be able to rig something up by PTO would be the only thing I can say. I guess if you can figure out a way to mount it, you might be able to mount a generator head and have it be belt driven.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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I can't remember who made it but I saw a generator that was mounted on the motor of a v10 ford. It was a sweet set-up. Had a on off switch in the cab and they ran the plug to the bed of the truck. If it needed more juice it was hooked to the throttle and would rev the motor for more power as was needed. The guy using it had a good sized welder working off it and it worked just fine for that.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Marengo, Iowa
Sorry, habit. Power Take Off, attaches to the side of the transmission, runs off the idler gear inside the trans, does not require the trans to be in gear, but does require the clutch be engaged. You would then run a shaft back to the bed area to run the accessory of choice. The shaft would be similar in nature to a driveshaft, just doesn't operate at as high of speeds generally.
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Posting Guru
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If your transmission has a PTO access, you'll need $3,000 or so to make a PTO generator. If you don't have the access, add more money for a trans that does have it.
Almost all the manual trans have one, and very few of the automatics do.
Almost all the manual trans have one, and very few of the automatics do.
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Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Marengo, Iowa
Northern Tool has a pto generator with 13,000 watts output, 100 amp 120 V and 50 amp 240 volt. That should be adequate for most welders, priced at $999. Then you just need the drive and shafts and hanger bearing setups.
New User
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Clovis CA
I would think that for the cost and sweat to make a generator work off the engine or PTO, you would be better off stopping by the local auto supply (Kragen, Auto Zone, Pep Boys etc) they have cheap ($200 plus or minus) 2Kw Generators. That's enough to run your welder and a TV.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
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From: Marengo, Iowa
gotta watch the amps, that is what a welder needs most. If it were that easy to power a welder, they wouldn't have to have a high dollar generator for the portables. Most 220 arc welders require 50 amp circuits for proper operation.
New User
Joined: Apr 2005
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hey tom . i just bought a portable unit on ebay from Zena www.zena.net they offer a wide variety of applications for under hood instalations . i was very impressed with the output of the 150 amp.. cuts 1/4 inch steel like butter and all their units are 100% duty cycle. These little units are not toys and you can get a quality engine driven welder for about 600 bucks.. Lars
