Making a generator

[metallitera]

I've got a 20HP B&S v-twin horizontal shaft motor that I'm gonna use to run this: Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

I'm planning on building a frame to hold the 2, but im not sure how to connect them. I was thinking by v-belt, but i remember seeing a gas powered cattle sprayer that had the shafts directly connected vis basically a rubber insulated piece, maybe simular to a harmonic balancer? i think that would be easier since i wouldnt have to make a way to adjust and lock in the belt's tension.

what do yall think?

[symbols]

I dunno...either way it should work. I think I would rather have it direct drive instead of through a belt also

[metallitera]

found them doo-hickeys

Lovejoy
Lovejoy

[Farmersteve]

flex couplers will work good, or you can use a chain coupler that you can get from a local bearing/ industrial supply store. a chain coupler is just 2 sprockets that you put on the ends of the shafts you are joining and connects them with a roller chain wrapped around the sprockets. gives a little flexion but very strong. we use them on alot of farm equipment. You can also find different types at Grainger Industrial Supply

[metallitera]

ive been looking at them all and for the money i think a one piece clamping coupling will work for me:

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generator head has a key way and i figure if i have slipping problems i can grind a flat on the engine's shaft and drill & tap set screws on one side of the clamp.

[metallitera]

It's running!

welded the frame yesterday and today, mounted everything up and just stuck the fuel line in a gas can and used jumper cables to hook to the battery leads and she cranked right up! supposed to run at 3600RPM and i think it was prolly around 5k or 6k RPM cause the voltage meters were spiked at 150 & 300 whereas they should be around 130 and 240, respectively LOL

just gonna mount a fuel tank and battery and prolly hard wire a trickle charger to the battery from the generator as opposed to putting an alternator on there.

also need exhaust work, need a new muffler, and bigger one since its LOUD, and might put a stack on it to keep exhaust away from the generator head.

oh, and wheels. its HEAVY!