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Question:

can a diesel engine be used as a generator?

i have a 2004 duramax 6.6 diesel truck.does anyone know if there is a converter kit to use the truck as a generator for my house?

Answer:

The diesel would only be used to power the generator. Just as water is used at hydro-electricity plants to turn the turbines. The engine alone would not produce electricity. I agree that you could use your truck to power a generator with the proper adapters, but it would be cheaper to buy a self contained generator.
It sound like you want to be able to drive the truck away also? So you need a power take off. You would bolt a large electrical generator (just the electrical par, no motor) and then have someone weld a connector to your driveshaft in such a way that you can switch it from rear-end to generator mode and in generator mode it would spin the rotor of the generator. With the HP output of that truck you could light up at least 3 houses. It would be cheaper, easier, and safer to just get a stationary generator from Lowe's and have them install it
Yes it can but using a truck engine for such a purpose is a bit expensive. There is a kit made out there for such a task, had just read a little bit about it the other day, but dont remember where I saw it. You would actually be better served by investing in a proper stand alone generator. Good luck.
Detroit Diesel built 2 stroke diesel and was used in over the road trucks until early 90's when EPA pretty much clamped down on them that the engine could not pass clean air standards. There are still many running in heavy equip in the construction today. How ever they are being phased out and repowered with cleaner burning 4 stroke engines.
Sure, no problem. Here's the place to go. Get a list of your RPO's to tell if you have the right trans when you check out the site.

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