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With electronics, I think it is hard to have too many surge suppression devices scattered around. EMP effects can be significant to microelectronics at large distances, but that's "can be". I was a hundred yards from a lightning strike on a tall tree that blew a chunk of bark almost to my feet...

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@Mweiss that is an incredible photo. Sorry for your loss. I would distinguish between grounding and lightning protection as they aren't the same thing. Both are needed, and the sharp, grounded edges of solar panels make for excellent ionizers to contribute to attracting lightning strikes...

Business opportunity there? Ever had one apart? They are pretty simple inside, but I think that the secret sauce is being able to assemble them in a way that results in reliable long term performance. The technology is both old and simple, and I think that the simplicity makes it fairly...

@ssybert Are there any visible part numbers on your float switch? As @Light in the Dark wrote, WEMA is probably the source for the original switch. Globally, they make most of this type of switch, and are the go to manufacturer for many customers. The WEMA level sensors are very common and some...

On the Arctic heater module; if you are worried about the main batteries running down (a reasonable concern in my view), I would consider a second battery set dedicated to running the preheat. The Eberspracher units don't draw much power, but like everything else, they will do better if they...

No, sir. Oh, gosh no! I meant the shed doors. Bad grammar/sentence construction on my part. -30F to -40F and snow aren't great storage conditions in my experience, and I have worked hard not to run internal combustion engines in closed spaces, as I am sure you have, too. I was thinking more...

Another vote for reading the TM and the forums, and rodent proofing your generator. If you can put it in a wind proof insulated shed, that will take the edge off of the cold. (To store, perhaps run with open door(s)). The Eberspracher heaters are great, solid units, and there is a specific...

IR temperature meters are a little sensitive to surface effects (paint/no paint, rust vs. shiny), but I agree with @Light in the Dark 120F seems too much, if it is real. I would try to retake the temperatures from the same distance, with the same angle (preferably 90) to the manifold. IIRC: the...

Either that, or I'm chasing spider webs... I have this funny aversion to sparks and arcs, day or night, for some reason...:LOL: All the best, 2Pbfeet

Good luck with the trips and Dr's appointment. That's a haul, and I hope the trip is worth it. In my limited experience with this style of panel circuit breakers, I'm used to seeing the amperage ratings on the circuit breaker inside, not outside, so I would not sweat the lack of a number...

@minke In this application, an RS bearing (rubber seals) is preferable, given the exposure to dust. I would stick with the factory bearing. All the best, 2Pbfeet

@DieselDr Thanks for the clear photos; in the series of photos that you posted, #3, the one that @Guyfang reproduced, it seemed as if the wire bundle below the switch had some brownish residue or discoloration both between the wires in one place and also where the cable ties seem to cross. Is...

@DieselDr, thanks. Not what I assumed when I read "rotary hammer". All the best, 2Pbfeet

@DieselDr Welcome to the forum. It is always great to have a diesel expert around! A 5HP rotary hammer can have some pretty impressive startup surges. Like an AC, they startup under a load, and the starting surge is not a trivial draw in my book. If you need to operate it on this generator, I...

Nice diagnosis and explanation! Very clear and to the point, in my opinion. Thanks for the write up. All the best, 2Pbfeet

I would bear in mind that ChatGPT excels at approximate answers, not necessarily perfect ones. "Trust but verify..." All the best, 2Pbfeet

If you do put it on a cart, I would consider a few trailer jacks/blocks to be able to put the generator on a solid footing when it runs... vibration is not a friend. All the best, 2Pbfeet

I used 1/8 stainless mesh to help keep insects (mud dauber wasps, in particular) out, and used stainless safety wire to attach the screens. After installation, I painted the side vents in matching colors. I use 1/8" around here a lot to reduce the impact of flying embers in during wildfires...

White smoke can happen for a variety of reasons, and there is a nice summary of things to consider here https://www.capitalremanexchange.com/causes-of-diesel-engine-smoke-by-color/ (As a general rule, I think it is useful to be able to narrow the list of potential issues by understanding smoke...