Date:         Wed, 4 Jun 2008 18:44:05 -0400
Reply-To:     pyjme@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Peter Young <pyjme@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Gas Gen. in Engine space?  Nooooo!
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I would have to second that one Don...

Generator in the engine bay is a BAD Idea. And not just because it's enormously
inconsiderate and annoying...

Where the hell would you find one that fit into that small space? The smallest Honda
generator I know of wouldn't fit IF you took its plastic case off, which would
also probably be a bad idea. Then you have the question of fuel supply - are you
running it off of your primary vehicle tank (obvious downside if running continuously)
or its own tank? If it has its own tank, where do you put it? In the engine
compartment on the other side? What if it leaks, how do you fill it without taking it out
and putting it in every time or avoid spraying gas all over the engine compartment?
There is also the issue of air circulation around the motor, especially if you have an
air-cooled model. Those large cavities on either side are where the air scoops feed
into the engine compartment.Even if you have a water cooled model, you still need
that air circulation to prevent the merely-adequate, prone-to-failing cooling system
from working harder than it already does.

Solar is the way to go, and given rising fuel costs may prove to be cheaper in the
long run since you won't have to buy all of that gas just to keep the lights on (or god
forbid keep the movie player from cutting out in the middle of a movie!).

Peter
'81 Westy "Daisy"