Muffler Technology

[levittownnick]

Ok, I?m one of the lucky ones that Irene passed with only a power outage, and I have a 4 KW generator. I only run the generator between 7:30 AM and 9:00 PM.
The generator is noisy and I would like to quiet it down. If I adapted an automotive or motor-cycle muffler, would it help much?
Thanks,
Nick

 

[robert graham]

Re: Muffler Technology

I'd use an automobile muffler with larger pipes/plumbing to ensure no increase in exhaust back pressure/possible motor overheating. Should work fine!

 

[j_martin]

Re: Muffler Technology

I've seen it done. Quiets it right down. The machinery noise will then drive you approximately nuts.

 

[mommicked]

Re: Muffler Technology

I remember long hot, humid nights w/o power, trying to sleep after hurricane Fran. Listening to the generators of neighbors far and wide, no doubt powering AC units among other things; and I envyed them all!!! The noise and uncomfortable air in the dank house and sweating yourself to sleep was terrible. Heard of someone driving 300 mi. to find a generator then.

 

[jlinder]

Re: Muffler Technology

If you ever want to find out how much you can reduce generator noise you should look at the "blimped" generators they use for the movies when on location. I have stood next to a generator supplying close to 100KW and it had the same noise as an idling car engine.

I did not know it was the generator until someone told me and I noticed the heavy wires.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Muffler Technology

you will get more bang for the buck if you put sound absorbing foam in a dog house around the generator and simply keep a fan running to supply cooling air. just have the opening with the exhaust pointed away from your house at your neighbors.

 

[mvnvltn]

Re: Muffler Technology

I welded a motorcycle muffler I had laying in my garage on my generator in prep for the hurricane. I quieted down the exhaust note, but the damn engine itself makes plenty of noise....

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Muffler Technology

engine valve train noise is only a few decibels below the cheap exhaust system noise on small single cylinder engines. you cant make one quiet without discovering the need to make the other quiet. so sound shield the whole thing as long as you keep the cooling air flowing your golden.

 

[Fishing Dude too]

Re: Muffler Technology

I hear you pain (or should I say your generator) I tried to quiet down a small 2000 watt gen never happened. As far as the 5500 watt unit I put in garage (detatched) open the overhead doors about 4 inches and kill every bug, stray cat, bird, or anything else that wonders in. Open the man door to release the deadly exhaust from it to go and refuel. Can't hear it in the house 12 ft away, and never had a overheat issue. Just need to be very careful when going in to refuel could open overhead door if has an opener. Good luck.

 

[levittownnick]

Re: Muffler Technology

It's a given that I came to the right place to post my question. Please accept my thanks to all that pondered the question and especially to all respondents.

Thanks,
Nick

 

[jlinder]

Re: Muffler Technology

If you build a dog house look at the foam that RV's place around their generators. It has 3 layers - light foam, rubber sheet, and light foam again. The mix is good for absorbing noise.
If you are building a real shelter around the generator a cheaper solution is to put in drywall if it is weather protected. The mass will really baffle noise. Go with the thicker stuff (5/8") if you can.

If you are putting in a dog house or shelter how much effort would you be putting into it? (I have other suggestions, but they are probably beyond what you are interested in)

 

[QC]

Re: Muffler Technology

An automotive muffler is good for approximately 100 - 300 hp. You have 6?

 

[yabuoy]

Re: Muffler Technology

As previously suggested, I would build a small generator shed for it. Place enough insulation around it and secure it so noone attempting to steal it can get to it. A few cooling fans or whirlybirds should take care of cooling issues. Be sure to secure it!!!

 

[levittownnick]

Re: Muffler Technology

Well...I tried and not with any measurable success. The original muffler is back on the engine. I'm not saying that it can't be done, I'm just saying that I was not successful.

Thanks for all the input. At least it was fun playing.

Nick