[Vwdiesel] diesel generators?

[cass]

hi gang.
i was snooping around in a forgotten shed on a neighbors property...
(long story..place just sold to some people who are only  going 
to be there a couple weekends 
a month..known as weekenders here in the gulf islands.)
and came across a very large old.
not hooked up...
'petter'  diesel generator.
it seems to be an air cooled engine..
(looks like motor bike engine)
i think 4 cylinder.
but forget..could be three..
the 'generator part is about as big as vw motor
 sept cylinder shaped 
the motor part smaller :o) (vw content :o)  )
:o)
please forgive my ignorance..
but dose anyone out there know if this is a thing i need?
as  i may be able to get it.
not sure its value (if i need to barter)
im sure its waaay to big for my tiny place...
(i live in a  wood box)
but i was thinking..
well..
it looked kewl..
:o)
sorry..couldnt read info on side as too many spiderwebs n crap piled around it :o/

thanks for any help
cassie