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Diesel generator fuel consumption

Discussion in 'Carver Yacht' started by Jnicholas, Jul 3, 2024.

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  1. Jnicholas, Jul 3, 2024
    #1
    Jnicholas

    Jnicholas Member

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    Just an educational question on ,y Carver 450 voyager.

    13kw unit which we’re using for battery charging and a little tv.

    any guess what it burns per hour?

    thanks for any input
  2. Capt Ralph, Jul 3, 2024
    #2
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Starts at 1/2 gallon / hour.
    Better details should be in the owners manual.
  3. Pascal, Jul 3, 2024
    #3
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    1/2 gph with a light to medium load, 3/4 under heavier load like air con, water heater etc
  4. Jnicholas, Jul 3, 2024
    #4
    Jnicholas

    Jnicholas Member

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    Thanks. I’ve been planning on a gallon so I should have enough fuel to get home!
  5. MBevins, Jul 4, 2024
    #5
    MBevins

    MBevins Senior Member

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    You know you're not doing that Gen any favors by running with that light of a load.
  6. DOCKMASTER, Jul 4, 2024
    #6
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    You’re braver than I am if you are cutting it that close on fuel.
  7. Capt Ralph, Jul 4, 2024
    #7
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    If your not running heavy loads, an inverter may be a better plan.
  8. Jnicholas, Jul 4, 2024
    #8
    Jnicholas

    Jnicholas Member

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    My fuel comment was a joke! Have a 200 gal cushion on top of travel fuel. Not sure I understand the light use comment. Maybe I misspoke on my question. When at the islands, everything is running through the battery banks for radar, lights, refrigeration, tv, chargers for all phones and computers.

    the inverter on board is for refrigeration, tv, and ice maker. So when battery use is around 60% from my xantrec meter I will run the generator. Usually not to 100% as in float mode it would take longer than I want to run it.

    so is this damaging or prematurely wearing the generator?
  9. Capt Ralph, Jul 4, 2024
    #9
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Running a gen-set un-loaded is not good for the engine.
    They need to have a load to keep the upper cylinders hot and exhaust clear.

    Your opening comment was a 13KW gen-set running a TV and battery charger.
    In my opinion, way under loaded.

    I further assumed you were striving for range is why I suggested an inverter.
    Either an ACR or second alternator (as on our boat) charging the inverter battery bank while operating.
    Last edited: Jul 4, 2024