Wisconsin VG4D

[Mike Maner]

Hello to all the forum members. First visit to the site. I found your forum while searching for information about a Wisconsin VG4D engine. I'm thinking about buying a used VG4D engine and using it to drive a 15kw generator head for emergency power. I was hoping some of you might have experience with these engines and that you might be able to tell me if you considered this engine to be suitable as a drive motor for such a task. The engine is presently configured to run gasoline and I would like to convert it to natural gas. I believe the NG engines used a different cylinder head to up the compression ratio,would anyone know if these cylinder heads are available? Thank you for any help.
Mike

 

[Kentb of SWMO]

On Gasoline, LP or NG this engine will be VERY thirsty. You would be better off using a small 4 cylinder car engine. Yes, You have to deal with the cooling system but I think it would use less fuel.

Kent

 

[Kruse]

I agree with Kent on this one. If you use it only occasionally and you got this engine real cheap, it would be okay. If you will use your generator a lot, a new 3 or 4 cylinder diesel will pay for itself in no time.

 

[Tramway Guy]

I tried to source Hi-altitude/LP heads from Wisconsin, and they would not or could not supply them. They are a different basic casting, so they say.
That being said, you can still run on Natural gas, just that you will not get the HP that you had on Gasoline.
The power output of the VG4D at the normal direct-coupled engine at 1800 RPM would be 23.9 kW on gasoline. Should still be OK on Natural gas.

 

[Mike Maner]

I want to thank you guys for the effort and the information. Other than a monthly check for proper operation the engine should only see service during power outages. Which are thankfully fairly infrequent in recent years. As to the economics of this purchase I really can't say yet. If it runs as described I will be fine with the $400 purchase price. If it needs a lot of work/money it will go back up for sale,and I will try and recover what money I can. Thanks again.
Mike

 

[Anonymous-0]

I have a Wis VE4 driving a 15KW generator. (I know I can't load it fully, but I used what I had.) I have it set up so I can use jumper cable from my truck for starting if It doesn't start readily when I crank it so I don't need to maintain a battery. It is thirsty, but it is needed very rarely and worth it when needed.

Areo