Insulated box for generator

[fowldreams]

Just wondering the approach others have done too quiet their generators down. And, how much ventilation is needed. I know the quick answer is buy a honda but that wasn't in this years bugdet. So, I bought one of the cheap large ones from a big box store.Thanks

[Pooh]

As long as there is an exhaust hole and intake hole for the motor to exhaust and get fresh air, it should be ok.

A buddy of mine picked an old motorcycle muffler up off of an aution site and put that on his bowfishing boats generator. That quieted the exhaust, but the generator itself is still loud. Add a box around a muffeled generator, it should be very quiet

[CJH]

Are you going to have heat problems sticking it in a box?

[fowldreams]

Not sure about the heat thats why I was wondering about the amount of ventilation needed.

[Sonicrunch]

test, test,and test.

A very interesting project though. I like it.

[Scott K]

I would just get a long extension cord and place it on the other side of the neighbors ice house. That should make it a quite a sit quieter for you.

Yamaha generators are quiet, and top notch as well as Hondas.

[LightningBG]

I think if I were trying this, my first idea would be to find a cheap auto muffler and attach that to the exhaust for the...exhaust. Then I would try to find a way to run the incoming air through some baffles. Air doesn't mind going around corners, but sound doesn't like it so much. and then put some sound absorbent (non flammable) stuff inside to absorb sound.

Something like this.

[NKLCOLT1911]

you would want some way to force the fresh air in there so it dosent get choked of air and it will serve two purposes 1 keeping fresh air flowing for the engine to run and 2 keep the box cool a 12v automotive blower motor comes to mind to do this cause correct me if im wrong cause i dont own a generator but dont they have aa 12v 110v and 240v option.

[Hawg]

You're not going to have many friends. Those things are terrible to be within 1/4 mile from. You can insulate it all you want but the exhaust still needs to get out. It's going to drive you crazy in your own house. Take it back.

[Hawg]

Sorry Fowldreams, that sounded harsh when I reread it. Just be carefull when around others, they are very,very,very,loud.

[McGurk]

Instead of completely enclosing it, box all 4 sides leaving about 6" clear around the generator. Make it about 2-3' taller than the generator's exhaust point, and line it with some cheap 4" fiberglass insulation. Leave the top open, and most of the noise will be projected up instead of out. Attempting to dampen this thing by enclosing it completely and using baffles will be a big pain with not much more return.

Another way to reduce noise is to reduce the vibration in the ice by isolating it. The easiest way to do that is to just leave it in the back of the truck instead of putting it on the ice. I'm sure there is some sort of vibration reducing rig you could make with bolts and rubber bushings, though. It could be as simple laying an old tire flat on the ice, laying a hunk of plywood on it, and setting the generator on the plywood.

[fsnrod]

Cabelas had a champion inverter 2000 watt about as quiet as a honda for alot less money.