Lister Type Diesel Engines: Off Grid Generators

walkerland (64)in #homesteading • 6 years ago (edited)

If you are looking for a proven reliable, durable engine/generator for your homestead you might want to consider a slow turning, cold starting Lister type machine. They are renowned world wide for their reliability, ease of starting, remarkable fuel economy, reliability & extreme durability.

You can run this generator with alternative fuels such as straight vegetable oil, waste vegetable oil, bio-diesel, waste motor oil, and other fuels.

They are based on an old technology: the first Lister diesel engines were built in Great Britain in 1929. There are still engines made in India that are exact copies of the originals along with more powerful models that are based on the general design. You'll find videos on-line of vintage engines still in operation. They are truly built to last which provides peace of mind when using it for mission critical applications.

They are generally used for a power source for generators, grinders, mills, pumps and pretty much anything else that else needs power. We use it to charge our solar batteries.

Proven reliable
Starts without power using hand crank
Long duty cycle
Relatively easy to maintain and work on
Built to last forever
Can run on bio-fuel

Video Demonstration

Our generator was made in India by Satyajeet (Sensitive Industries). We have a 10hp 5kw Lister type generator with a GM 90/1. There are a variety of different options and configurations that you can choose from depending on your specific needs. We suggest starting with the Lister forums (see below) and going from there. This is not a "plug and play" type of machine and a person needs to be willing to learn a few things before making an investment!

10hp diesel engine
Electric start with aux alternator
5kw head with utterpower serpentine pulley for slower
speed running with adjustable base
Napa Aux oil filter. Racor marine fuel filter
heavy duty frame with forklift channels
Electrical box with breakers/receptacles
Xyzer dipping rod. Extra fuel lines
Fuel line heater for use when running vegetable oils

We fired it up recently for a video. It had been sitting all winter in an unheated building unused. Fired up on the first try - no problem!

Watch the Video

https://d.tube/v/walkerland/lbtpob1n

24x7 - 3 month run time using waste oil!

Here's a video of a Lister that is run 24x7 for three months at a time using waste oil.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=dYZqAzEuPE8

Support & More Information

This forum shares a wealth of information on Lister and Lister type engines: Troubleshooting & how to's for pretty much anything related to these machines. It also covers using alternative fuels such as straight vegetable oil, waste vegetable oil, bio-diesel, waste motor oil, and other fuels. Find the forum here!

Installation Guide

Here is an installation guide, it has a diagram of the major working parts of the machine. We actually found Bill from Just Live Off Grid to be extremely helpful and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Lister type engines. Here's the installation guide and here is the Just Live Off Grid website.