Parts shouldn't be a problem, but the engine is definitely not Generac. They do not make their own water cooled engines. Could be Mitsubishi or GM.
I
think I recall that when I looked into this several years ago, their "larger" water-cooled models used the GM 4.3L V-6, converted to run on either NG or LPG as needed, instead of gasoline. From a long-term parts-availability standpoint, I would choose that over a proprietary Generac-designed/built engine every time.
Suggest you get the model number of the complete generator and of the engine and Google both for manuals and parts lists for a better idea what you are getting into.
I'll second this.
What makes you think it is necessarily that particular model? Generac also offers 25kW versions of their residential "Guardian" series, and various commercial models as well.
All Generac air-cooled home standby engines are made in their factory in Whitewater, WI, and have been for several years. Generac does also make some of their liquid-cooled, engines, but I don't think they make the one in the 25kW.
I was not able to find a real spec sheet for the model that "Rookie2" linked to; but according to the spec sheet for the 25kW "Guardian" model, it's a Generac-brand 1.5L inline-4.
As has been mentioned, 25kW is a lot of generator for a typical home.
I guess that depends on what you mean by "a lot of generator" and/or "a typical home". Sure, if you only want to keep a very few critical loads alive, you can get by with much less (the 7kW "Corepower" model comes to mind). But then you need to predict
which particular loads will or won't prove "critical", and make "educated guesswork" decisions about how long you're willing to live without the others. OTOH, if you want to side-step all that and simply power the whole house, then 25kW is nowhere near overkill. For example, I have 150A service to my relatively modest (and very typical, here in suburbia) early-'60s 3BR/2BA ranch. When I last seriously considered a standby generator, I decided that while 25-27kW would
probably suffice, I'd really prefer a 36kW model, so that there would be NO need to have any concerns about splitting/shedding loads.
Just the weekly excercise will cost you a lot in fuel,
According to that same above-mentioned spec sheet, it uses 0.7 gal./hour during the exercise cycle. I'm not sure how long that cycle lasts; but I'd guess no more than a half hour (if that much). Propane prices seem to vary widely in different areas; but just to throw a dart, he's probably looking at less than $1.50/week for this. Big whoopie.
The only reason I was going to go with this one over a new 20KW is because it is pretty cheap.
Water-cooled will also tend to be quieter.
I see the fuel usage is about a gal more vs the 20KW.
Exactly what figures are you comparing? If it is the rated maximum consumption, you need to remember that once you're past the "no load" overhead, fuel consumption is largely determined by the load on the unit at any given moment. Hence, you need to compare the two units at the SAME load. Yes, most units are somewhat more fuel-efficient at full load than at, say 1/4-load or 1/2 load. But nonetheless, I would be surprised if a 25kW unit supplying 10kW to the load really burned all that much more fuel than, say, a 15kW unit supplying that same 10kW. And besides, running at full load most/all the time is a good way to wear out the engine in a hurry.
Is it safe to assume that Liquid cooled motors are "better"?
Well... Probably as safe as any sweeping generalization can be.
I am thinking they will run cooler which should make the motor last longer and should produce less noise then an air cooled unit?
Probably correct; but it does still depend somewhat on the specific models in question.
yes and they run at 1800 rpm vs 3600 rpm for air cooled.
The liquid-cooled model you pointed to runs at 3,600 RPM, as clearly stated right on that page.
Buy the 25kw and resale it ! then buy the one that fits your needs.
That makes no sense whatsoever.
If the used genny is really such a big bargain that he could reliably re-sell it at a profit, then it would be just as big a bargain if he were to save himself that hassle and use it for himself.
OTOH, if it turns out that it is NOT such a great bargain (which he would probably not discover until after he'd bought it), then he has money invested in a white elephant, with no good way to recoup that loss -- and he STILL needs a generator.
