Warning

 

Close

Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Confirm Cancel
BCM
User Panel

Site Notices
Page / 108
Link Posted: 9/12/2023 7:54:07 AM EST
[#1]
Anyone that bought a Firman refurbished generator,  how long did shipping take?
Link Posted: 9/14/2023 10:57:53 PM EST
[#2]
My refurb got to my house in about 5 days. Works great.
Link Posted: 9/15/2023 5:22:55 AM EST
[#3]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By slow3v:
My refurb got to my house in about 5 days. Works great.
View Quote


UPS is scheduled to deliver my 4000 dual fuel today.
Link Posted: 9/15/2023 5:24:32 AM EST
[#4]
For those of you buying the Firman refurbs, which model tends to be the favorite? Looking to power oil furnace and fridge/freezers in the event of a power outage. I've got an old Husky gennie that works but is super loud and heavy (5k running watts). It's likely overkill and more than I need...
Link Posted: 9/15/2023 6:47:34 AM EST
[#5]
I bought the blue 4000 watt inverter. If you only need 120V inverters like this are the way.
Link Posted: 9/15/2023 7:51:35 AM EST
[#6]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Gearsoup:
For those of you buying the Firman refurbs, which model tends to be the favorite? Looking to power oil furnace and fridge/freezers in the event of a power outage. I've got an old Husky gennie that works but is super loud and heavy (5k running watts). It's likely overkill and more than I need...
View Quote


I'm not as familiar with Firman, but I'd think anything in the 3K wattage (2,500 running watt) would be perfect. If you're not running AC or electric heaters, most home appliances use a lot less power than people think. My new full-size home refrigerator is rated at like 3 amps (350 watts) and that's only running intermittently. Google tells me the average wattage for a furnace is 400 watts (again that's intermittent), so really, you don't need that much generator power. TV's, wireless router, etc use very little power.
Link Posted: 9/15/2023 8:19:22 AM EST
[Last Edit: nowgrn4] [#7]
Saw these at my Sam' club. A-iPower SUA2300i Ultra-Quiet Inverter Generator with Mobility Kit (CARB Compliant)current price: $399.00

https://www.samsclub.com/p/aipower-sua2300i-ultra-quiet-inverter-generator/prod22271213?xid=plp_product_4

Use your AMEX card to double the warranty. Disclaimer; I would not believe the 2.3K watt rating out of any 80cc genny. Probably more like 1.9K/1.6K.
Link Posted: 9/15/2023 9:23:08 AM EST
[Last Edit: PepePewPew] [#8]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Gearsoup:
For those of you buying the Firman refurbs, which model tends to be the favorite? Looking to power oil furnace and fridge/freezers in the event of a power outage. I've got an old Husky gennie that works but is super loud and heavy (5k running watts). It's likely overkill and more than I need...
View Quote


My Sportsman 1000i can power my fridge, or my freezer, or my propane furnace, or my submersible sump pump. It's so marginal starting the fridge/freezer that it can't start the fridge while the 82W freezer is running, and it can't start the freezer while the 120W fridge is running. It won't start my old worn out pedestal sump pump, at all.

When the Firman 2000/1600 was $200, I almost bought it, I'm pretty sure it could handle my fridge, freezer and furnace as half its capacity should run any two while the other half should be enough to start the other.

But with the opportunity to get the 4000/3200 for $120 more, and the 3200 came with electric start and a propane regulator, I went that route.
Powering it with propane at residential heating prices (currently $1.40/gallon) could not possibly be more expensive than running a 1600 on $3.60 gasoline.

That said, I have to admit that a 40+lb generator with a one handed grab handle is substantially more portable than a 90+lb generator with wheels, folding pushcart handle, two massive grab rails and a propane cylinder on a 30" hose. I could grab the rails and yank it out of the box while trying to hold the box down with my knees, but I wouldn't want to carry it far.
Link Posted: 9/15/2023 12:37:53 PM EST
[#9]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By nowgrn4:
Saw these at my Sam' club. A-iPower SUA2300i Ultra-Quiet Inverter Generator with Mobility Kit (CARB Compliant)current price: $399.00



Use your AMEX card to double the warranty. Disclaimer; I would not believe the 2.3K watt rating out of any 80cc genny. Probably more like 1.9K/1.6K.
View Quote


You can absolutely trust the ratings on 80cc engine generators. There are a bunch of tests on YouTube where guys brine these various 80 cc generators to full load just fine.
Link Posted: 9/15/2023 2:26:21 PM EST
[#10]
I noticed one of my new Champion 2500 dual fuel units will puff a bit of smoke when it goes under a load.  It doesn't appear to constantly smoke but there's definitely a puff when the load hits it before the smoke tapers off.  These are both brand new units, just made it through the 5 hour break in period.  Is this something I should be concerned with?
Link Posted: 9/15/2023 2:32:22 PM EST
[#11]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By motoguy:
I noticed one of my new Champion 2500 dual fuel units will puff a bit of smoke when it goes under a load.  It doesn't appear to constantly smoke but there's definitely a puff when the load hits it before the smoke tapers off.  These are both brand new units, just made it through the 5 hour break in period.  Is this something I should be concerned with?
View Quote


What color is smoke?
Link Posted: 9/15/2023 2:35:48 PM EST
[#12]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Banditman:

What color is smoke?
View Quote

Appears to be a little puff of white or gray.
Link Posted: 9/15/2023 5:15:20 PM EST
[#13]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By PepePewPew:


My Sportsman 1000i can power my fridge, or my freezer, or my propane furnace, or my submersible sump pump. It's so marginal starting the fridge/freezer that it can't start the fridge while the 82W freezer is running, and it can't start the freezer while the 120W fridge is running. It won't start my old worn out pedestal sump pump, at all.

When the Firman 2000/1600 was $200, I almost bought it, I'm pretty sure it could handle my fridge, freezer and furnace as half its capacity should run any two while the other half should be enough to start the other.

But with the opportunity to get the 4000/3200 for $120 more, and the 3200 came with electric start and a propane regulator, I went that route.
Powering it with propane at residential heating prices (currently $1.40/gallon) could not possibly be more expensive than running a 1600 on $3.60 gasoline.

That said, I have to admit that a 40+lb generator with a one handed grab handle is substantially more portable than a 90+lb generator with wheels, folding pushcart handle, two massive grab rails and a propane cylinder on a 30" hose. I could grab the rails and yank it out of the box while trying to hold the box down with my knees, but I wouldn't want to carry it far.
View Quote
Is your Sportsman the green one? If so, I have that one myself. I haven't really played around with it much. I did try to power a full size fridge with it. The overload light immediately came on. The power output is pretty modest.
Link Posted: 9/15/2023 5:22:33 PM EST
[#14]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By motoguy:

Appears to be a little puff of white or gray.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By motoguy:
Originally Posted By Banditman:

What color is smoke?

Appears to be a little puff of white or gray.


That is oil burning. Probably not quite broken in.
Link Posted: 9/15/2023 5:29:54 PM EST
[#15]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Banditman:


That is oil burning. Probably not quite broken in.
View Quote

Ok.  I planned to continue running it a bit longer on non-synth.  The oil was pretty glittery when I drained it, figured it could use a bit more run time.
Link Posted: 9/15/2023 5:36:39 PM EST
[#16]
I got the sportsman 240v dual fuel 8000watt one when home depot had it nearly half off a few years ago.  replaced the generator footers with some hard rubber footers from online meant for hvac stuff and bolted it all to this little concrete slab I poured and put a little home depot plastic enclosure over it.  When power goes off, if its dark or cloudy out I have a few hours of batts before I open the doors and roof and flip the switch on the solar inverter to start topping off the batteries.
Link Posted: 9/15/2023 7:25:52 PM EST
[#17]
Received the Firman today. I hooked up the battery and filled with oil and gas. Started 2nd pull. Ran a space heater for 10-15 min. Seemed like brand new. If not for a scratch on the case I would have thought it was new. Hour meter is 0.0 when I started it. Contents all packaged as new.
Link Posted: 9/15/2023 7:53:13 PM EST
[#18]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By TheLASwamp:
Is your Sportsman the green one? If so, I have that one myself. I haven't really played around with it much. I did try to power a full size fridge with it. The overload light immediately came on. The power output is pretty modest.
View Quote


Yes. It holds 118V to 730-740 watts, and drops off fast after that. Shuts itself off before 800W.
There's no way it hits 1000W unless it's for a fraction of a second and I can't measure it.
I've thought about taking off the spark arrestor (stainless mesh hose-clamped over the exhaust outlet) to see if that makes a difference, but I decided to just get a bigger generator so I can run multiple things that like to turn themselves on and off.
Link Posted: 9/15/2023 7:55:05 PM EST
[#19]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By zoe17:
Hour meter is 0.0 when I started it. Contents all packaged as new.
View Quote


Is everybody's Firman meter reset to zero, or do some of them show prior hours?
Link Posted: 9/15/2023 11:42:42 PM EST
[#20]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Bophades:
I got the sportsman 240v dual fuel 8000watt one when home depot had it nearly half off a few years ago.  replaced the generator footers with some hard rubber footers from online meant for hvac stuff and bolted it all to this little concrete slab I poured and put a little home depot plastic enclosure over it.  When power goes off, if its dark or cloudy out I have a few hours of batts before I open the doors and roof and flip the switch on the solar inverter to start topping off the batteries.
View Quote
Pics? I'm trying to noodle together something similar to enclose my tri-fuel Firman I picked up.

Curious what enclosure you found to fit.
Link Posted: 9/15/2023 11:44:07 PM EST
[#21]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By nowgrn4:
Saw these at my Sam' club. A-iPower SUA2300i Ultra-Quiet Inverter Generator with Mobility Kit (CARB Compliant)current price: $399.00

https://www.samsclub.com/p/aipower-sua2300i-ultra-quiet-inverter-generator/prod22271213?xid=plp_product_4

Use your AMEX card to double the warranty. Disclaimer; I would not believe the 2.3K watt rating out of any 80cc genny. Probably more like 1.9K/1.6K.
View Quote
I have the slightly bigger brother they make, which is a 100cc unit. the SUA2700i.

It is perfect for running the house when I don't need 240v off the biger unit, and it is dual fuel as a bonus.
Link Posted: 9/16/2023 7:05:19 AM EST
[#22]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By PepePewPew:


Yes. It holds 118V to 730-740 watts, and drops off fast after that. Shuts itself off before 800W.
There's no way it hits 1000W unless it's for a fraction of a second and I can't measure it.
I've thought about taking off the spark arrestor (stainless mesh hose-clamped over the exhaust outlet) to see if that makes a difference, but I decided to just get a bigger generator so I can run multiple things that like to turn themselves on and off.
View Quote
I removed the spark arrestor and replaced the Chonda spark plug with an NGK. I'm sure it helps but I still could not run that fridge. It's an older garage fridge, so it may be pulling a lot of power. I picked the inverter up mostly to run smaller items, anyway, like small electronics. Walmart had it on sale for something like $150. It will probably run a TV, modem, and router without problem. It's really lightweight so moving it around is very easy. It should come in handy as an extra power source for chargers and the like.
Link Posted: 9/16/2023 10:08:08 AM EST
[Last Edit: zoe17] [#23]
Anyone bought a TT 30 plug to a L14 30 receptacle? I want to go from 120 TT to bridged hot plug so I can use my 240v cords with L14 ends on it.
Link Posted: 9/16/2023 10:41:05 AM EST
[#24]
Anyone have a source for adapter plugs to put a round plug parallel wire kit into a square plug (Champion) generator?  All the Champion parallel kids were OOS or priced way high ($100+)when I was looking.  So I bought one for a different brand for about $30.  Of course, it seems that all manufacturers -except- Champion use round banana plugs.  Champion has decided to use rectangular plugs...

Parallel kit with round plugs:




And the damn rectangular ports on my Champion generators:



The plugs are rectangular as well:




Link Posted: 9/16/2023 1:34:09 PM EST
[#25]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By HoodyHoo21:


You can absolutely trust the ratings on 80cc engine generators. There are a bunch of tests on YouTube where guys brine these various 80 cc generators to full load just fine.
View Quote


I say this from personal experience. My newest genny is a 2.1K watt 79cc Black Max (Homelite) from Sam's. It absolutely will not start my 12K BTU 10Amp 120V window shaker we install seasonally for hurricane duty. My 19 year old 121cc Honda eu2000i starts it first time, every time with eco off and runs it at it's max fan and coldest setting effortlessly with eco on at 780 watts indicated on my kill a watt meter. There is no replacement for displacement.

YMMV
Link Posted: 9/16/2023 2:47:30 PM EST
[#26]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Kanati:
Pics? I'm trying to noodle together something similar to enclose my tri-fuel Firman I picked up.

Curious what enclosure you found to fit.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Kanati:
Originally Posted By Bophades:
I got the sportsman 240v dual fuel 8000watt one when home depot had it nearly half off a few years ago.  replaced the generator footers with some hard rubber footers from online meant for hvac stuff and bolted it all to this little concrete slab I poured and put a little home depot plastic enclosure over it.  When power goes off, if its dark or cloudy out I have a few hours of batts before I open the doors and roof and flip the switch on the solar inverter to start topping off the batteries.
Pics? I'm trying to noodle together something similar to enclose my tri-fuel Firman I picked up.

Curious what enclosure you found to fit.

Got it at home depot, brand is suncast.  Had to take the  sawzall to the plastic bottom plate though

Link Posted: 9/16/2023 2:55:59 PM EST
[#27]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Bophades:

Got it at home depot, brand is suncast.  Had to take the  sawzall to the plastic bottom plate though
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/129484/2023-09-16-14-42-01-940-2956107.jpg
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Bophades:
Originally Posted By Kanati:
Originally Posted By Bophades:
I got the sportsman 240v dual fuel 8000watt one when home depot had it nearly half off a few years ago.  replaced the generator footers with some hard rubber footers from online meant for hvac stuff and bolted it all to this little concrete slab I poured and put a little home depot plastic enclosure over it.  When power goes off, if its dark or cloudy out I have a few hours of batts before I open the doors and roof and flip the switch on the solar inverter to start topping off the batteries.
Pics? I'm trying to noodle together something similar to enclose my tri-fuel Firman I picked up.

Curious what enclosure you found to fit.

Got it at home depot, brand is suncast.  Had to take the  sawzall to the plastic bottom plate though
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/129484/2023-09-16-14-42-01-940-2956107.jpg
Our Sam's has it on sale at the moment, so I'll be picking it up in the morning.
Link Posted: 9/16/2023 4:55:06 PM EST
[#28]
I just saw a Predator 9000 hooked up to a food truck and that thing was whisper quiet.
Keep in mind I need hearing aids, but it was still remarkably quiet.
Link Posted: 9/17/2023 3:37:22 PM EST
[#29]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By motoguy:
Anyone have a source for adapter plugs to put a round plug parallel wire kit into a square plug (Champion) generator?  All the Champion parallel kids were OOS or priced way high ($100+)when I was looking.  So I bought one for a different brand for about $30.  Of course, it seems that all manufacturers -except- Champion use round banana plugs.  Champion has decided to use rectangular plugs...

Parallel kit with round plugs:

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81HEAKVt1qL.jpg


And the damn rectangular ports on my Champion generators:

https://images.etrailer.com/static/images/pics/c/h/ch99fr_2_1000.jpg

The plugs are rectangular as well:

https://images.thdstatic.com/productImages/9ff46607-4b66-40db-9944-98c7a8916de0/svn/champion-power-equipment-generator-accessories-100740-64_600.jpg


View Quote
You're trying to parallel a Champion inverter and a non-Champion inverter?

There used to be adapters but they don't make them anymore. I had to custom-create a solution to parallel a Champion inverter with a Wen inverter.
Link Posted: 9/17/2023 3:58:42 PM EST
[#30]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By TheLASwamp:
You're trying to parallel a Champion inverter and a non-Champion inverter?

There used to be adapters but they don't make them anymore. I had to custom-create a solution to parallel a Champion inverter with a Wen inverter.
View Quote

No, trying to use a non-Champion parallel kit on a pair of Champion inverters.
Link Posted: 9/17/2023 4:22:17 PM EST
[#31]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By motoguy:

No, trying to use a non-Champion parallel kit on a pair of Champion inverters.
View Quote
Yeah, you're probably going to have to get a Champion kit. The price sucks but the kit works very well. The ability to parallel was clutch during the week long outage after Ida.
Link Posted: 9/17/2023 4:56:32 PM EST
[#32]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By TheLASwamp:
Yeah, you're probably going to have to get a Champion kit. The price sucks but the kit works very well. The ability to parallel was clutch during the week long outage after Ida.
View Quote
Looking further into it, it appears Champion is having a supply chain issue or possibly trying to transition to a new setup.  Several of the places that are OOS on the 30A unit I need state an ETA of mid October.  Current pricing on the Champion unit (pre order, backorder, etc) is ~70 at many of these places.  Sucks to pay an extra $40 just for the connectors, but I'd probably have about the same amount in getting this one to work.  I'll probably just send this one back and order the Champion when it's available.
Link Posted: 9/17/2023 5:05:22 PM EST
[#33]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By motoguy:
Looking further into it, it appears Champion is having a supply chain issue or possibly trying to transition to a new setup.  Several of the places that are OOS on the 30A unit I need state an ETA of mid October.  Current pricing on the Champion unit (pre order, backorder, etc) is ~70 at many of these places.  Sucks to pay an extra $40 just for the connectors, but I'd probably have about the same amount in getting this one to work.  I'll probably just send this one back and order the Champion when it's available.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By motoguy:
Originally Posted By TheLASwamp:
Yeah, you're probably going to have to get a Champion kit. The price sucks but the kit works very well. The ability to parallel was clutch during the week long outage after Ida.
Looking further into it, it appears Champion is having a supply chain issue or possibly trying to transition to a new setup.  Several of the places that are OOS on the 30A unit I need state an ETA of mid October.  Current pricing on the Champion unit (pre order, backorder, etc) is ~70 at many of these places.  Sucks to pay an extra $40 just for the connectors, but I'd probably have about the same amount in getting this one to work.  I'll probably just send this one back and order the Champion when it's available.
WEN has a nearly identical panel.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XZX4L9T?tag=arfcom00-20
Link Posted: 9/17/2023 5:09:03 PM EST
[#34]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By motoguy:
Looking further into it, it appears Champion is having a supply chain issue or possibly trying to transition to a new setup.  Several of the places that are OOS on the 30A unit I need state an ETA of mid October.  Current pricing on the Champion unit (pre order, backorder, etc) is ~70 at many of these places.  Sucks to pay an extra $40 just for the connectors, but I'd probably have about the same amount in getting this one to work.  I'll probably just send this one back and order the Champion when it's available.
View Quote
This is the one I have (below). It's spendy for sure. I modified it so I could connect it to a Wen GN400i of the same wattage. It worked perfectly. Having scalable power was the only way to go with fuel hard to come by.

Mendards
Link Posted: 9/17/2023 5:36:38 PM EST
[#35]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By TheLASwamp:
This is the one I have (below). It's spendy for sure. I modified it so I could connect it to a Wen GN400i of the same wattage. It worked perfectly. Having scalable power was the only way to go with fuel hard to come by.

Mendards
View Quote
That's the 50A unit.  I guess I could just buy it and get a 50A->30A cable.  Our camper has a 30A plug.
Link Posted: 9/17/2023 6:20:37 PM EST
[#36]
Was following this thread a week or two ago, missed the Firman deal, but stumbled upon an older Kipor 1000 watt Honda EU1000i clone at a garage sale that the owner could not get running.  It clearly wanted to run, so I figured I would risk it and talked him down to $50.  Pretty much an exact copy of the Honda, Honda actually had a bunch impounded and destroyed in England over counterfeiting lawsuits.  It is the “New 2007 Model!” So says the label…

Disconnected the low oil sensor which had malfunctioned (found that the low oil light would light up when you tried to start it), got it running, cleaned out the carb, and now I ran it enough that the vacuum line powered fuel pump gave up the ghost and needs replacing as it cuts out when the fuel gets below about 2/3 full.  $12 for a fuel pump, and also got a spare in case my EU2000i ever needs it as they use the same type.  

A 1000w is pretty dang small, however I already have a loud as hell Coleman 5000W, and the EU2000i, a transfer switch to run my well plus 4 other circuits, so it is just a good spare to have.  I have already bought the hardware to do interlock kits on my 2 panels in the garage (twice the hassle/twice the wiring and interlock parts needed).  Interlocks are way more flexible than transfer switches…

Anyhow kind of pleased with my project generator, small though it is!  Don’t forget the used market.

Got the Coleman over 25 yrs ago and it has served me well when the power was out, even back when it meant lots of extension cords thru a window in my old house.  I added a twistlock outlet on it for a heavier cord to go to the transfer switch.  The Honda was a divorce sale deal from a coworker, and it is pretty nice for some basic power at economical gas consumption rates.  Had to make a cord to plug it into the transfer switch, and did a jumper inside the cord end so it can power both sides of my transfer switch, so I get 4 out of 6 circuits.  (The other two are tied together for the well and require the actual 240 V Coleman genny.)

Anyhow- at the prices these ones go for, a spare generator gives some impressive piece of mind for the cost.  Having one go down when it is needed is no good.  If nothing else maybe consider getting a cheap spare carb to swap out if needed while you work on rebuilding or cleaning the original one.  Get one of the screw on oil drain tubes so you don’t make a mess of the oil changes, and the maybe a magnetic oil dipstick to grab any metal shavings.  A spare fuel pump is cheap.

And one other good thing about the cheap inverters- while you might be screwed if the inverter goes out due to a cheap part failure on the electronics, the DC output will still work, so you could hook a plug in inverter to it as a stopgap if needed.  So make sure you have the correct DC output plugs/wires for yours.
Link Posted: 9/18/2023 6:10:58 PM EST
[#37]
Generac recalls around 64,000 portable generators amid hurricane season


The "recalled generators' fuel tank can fail to vent adequately from the rollover valve, causing the gas tank to build up excess pressure and expel fuel when opened
View Quote
Link Posted: 9/18/2023 6:22:58 PM EST
[#38]
It sure took awhile for the problems to crop up.

The generators in question were sold "from April 2011 through June 2023 for between $3,300 and $3,650," at most home improvement stores, the commission said.
View Quote
Link Posted: 9/26/2023 6:20:04 AM EST
[#39]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By tac556:
Was following this thread a week or two ago, missed the Firman deal, but stumbled upon an older Kipor 1000 watt Honda EU1000i clone at a garage sale that the owner could not get running.  It clearly wanted to run, so I figured I would risk it and talked him down to $50.  Pretty much an exact copy of the Honda, Honda actually had a bunch impounded and destroyed in England over counterfeiting lawsuits.  It is the "New 2007 Model!" So says the label

Disconnected the low oil sensor which had malfunctioned (found that the low oil light would light up when you tried to start it), got it running, cleaned out the carb, and now I ran it enough that the vacuum line powered fuel pump gave up the ghost and needs replacing as it cuts out when the fuel gets below about 2/3 full.  $12 for a fuel pump, and also got a spare in case my EU2000i ever needs it as they use the same type.  

A 1000w is pretty dang small, however I already have a loud as hell Coleman 5000W, and the EU2000i, a transfer switch to run my well plus 4 other circuits, so it is just a good spare to have.  I have already bought the hardware to do interlock kits on my 2 panels in the garage (twice the hassle/twice the wiring and interlock parts needed).  Interlocks are way more flexible than transfer switches

Anyhow kind of pleased with my project generator, small though it is!  Don't forget the used market.

Got the Coleman over 25 yrs ago and it has served me well when the power was out, even back when it meant lots of extension cords thru a window in my old house.  I added a twistlock outlet on it for a heavier cord to go to the transfer switch.  The Honda was a divorce sale deal from a coworker, and it is pretty nice for some basic power at economical gas consumption rates.  Had to make a cord to plug it into the transfer switch, and did a jumper inside the cord end so it can power both sides of my transfer switch, so I get 4 out of 6 circuits.  (The other two are tied together for the well and require the actual 240 V Coleman genny.)

Anyhow- at the prices these ones go for, a spare generator gives some impressive piece of mind for the cost.  Having one go down when it is needed is no good.  If nothing else maybe consider getting a cheap spare carb to swap out if needed while you work on rebuilding or cleaning the original one.  Get one of the screw on oil drain tubes so you don't make a mess of the oil changes, and the maybe a magnetic oil dipstick to grab any metal shavings.  A spare fuel pump is cheap.

And one other good thing about the cheap inverters- while you might be screwed if the inverter goes out due to a cheap part failure on the electronics, the DC output will still work, so you could hook a plug in inverter to it as a stopgap if needed.  So make sure you have the correct DC output plugs/wires for yours.
View Quote
I have an old 5000w Coleman generator that's about 20 years old. Well, my brother in law has it currently. It's a 3,600 rpm screamer. I'm kind of glad he never returned it after Ida, to be honest. I now have several inverters and they are the way to go. Far more fuel efficient, far cleaner power output, and far quieter. I could not imagine going back to something as big, heavy, loud, thirsty, and nasty as that old Coleman.
Link Posted: 10/29/2023 8:28:12 AM EST
[#40]
I've got my pair of Champion 2500 dual fuels for camping / trailer use.  I need to get one for the house.  It'll still be a "portable" generator, though.  Not a fixed unit.

Is Champion still a solid choice in the 9k or so size?  Any reasons to recommend a different brand for that usage?
Link Posted: 11/7/2023 10:46:12 PM EST
[Last Edit: stockshift] [#41]
Interested in the Blackstone lab report for the break-in oil on my Pulsar PDG40ISCO (3200w) inverter generator?  Yeah I spent $30 to geek out on oil.  

Attachment Attached File


Break-in procedure:

- Factory Pulsar brand oil 10W30 (came free with the unit)

- Rutters brand ethanol-free 90 octane fuel with a touch of Stabil.  Fuel was ~1 year old, stored in a metal Midwest (Valpro-made) jerry can.  The generator took a few pulls to start; I am not sure if this is due to "old" fuel as I have run the same fuel in my car at high mix rates (3:2 old:new gas) without problems.  

- Ran for ~1.25 hours with varying load:  four 15 minute sessions with different loads using a 1500W oil-filled electric heater and 6000 BTU window air conditioning unit.  Kill-A-Watt said the air conditioner was running around 700W at full blast.  Therefore, with both heater and air conditioner running the generator was running at around 2200W.

- After break-in, the Pulsar brand oil was changed to Mobil1 10W30 full synthetic and generator was run dry for storage.  

- Visually the oil was cloudy and you could see metal particles.  

Attachment Attached File


Further testing was done with a Radio Shack SPL (sound pressure level) meter to validate manufacturer noise claims.  I can't find the pictures right now but the results were not along the numbers claimed by the maker.  It's not a very loud generator but the numbers were higher than I expected.   I need to find the pics.  I measured at no load, 1500W and 2200W load.

Given the test result and the condition of the break-in oil I think it needs more break-in.  I bought a quart of Quaker State conventional 10W30 for further break-in.  I will probably pour out the Mobil1 full synthetic fuel that's currently in the generator (which has 0 hours on it) so I can use conventional for more break in.  

Link Posted: 11/20/2023 11:46:24 AM EST
[#42]
Anyone know of any generator deals for black friday?

I'm probably going to get 2-2000 inverter predators but since i'm going to do a dual fuel kit and bigger tank upgrades if there were any existing 2k inverters that came dual fuel from the factory I'd consider them depending on the price.
Link Posted: 11/23/2023 11:52:16 AM EST
[#43]
Fleet Farm has a Generac 3300w Inverter on sale tomorrow for $599

Regular price is $849

https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/weekly-ad/0000000370599?Ntt=101599513
Link Posted: 11/23/2023 11:55:52 AM EST
[#44]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By crownvic96:
Anyone know of any generator deals for black friday?

I'm probably going to get 2-2000 inverter predators but since i'm going to do a dual fuel kit and bigger tank upgrades if there were any existing 2k inverters that came dual fuel from the factory I'd consider them depending on the price.
View Quote


These Champions are good to go in my opinion.  I have 5 Champion gen/inverters.  Haven't had a problem with any.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08J9NZ9D7?tag=arfcom00-20
Link Posted: 11/26/2023 11:41:00 AM EST
[#45]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Kanin:


These Champions are good to go in my opinion.  I have 5 Champion gen/inverters.  Haven't had a problem with any.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08J9NZ9D7?tag=arfcom00-20
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Kanin:
Originally Posted By crownvic96:
Anyone know of any generator deals for black friday?

I'm probably going to get 2-2000 inverter predators but since i'm going to do a dual fuel kit and bigger tank upgrades if there were any existing 2k inverters that came dual fuel from the factory I'd consider them depending on the price.


These Champions are good to go in my opinion.  I have 5 Champion gen/inverters.  Haven't had a problem with any.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08J9NZ9D7?tag=arfcom00-20
Ohhh I like those especially the 2400/2500w versions. Are there any extended run gas tanks for those? I was having trouble trying to figure that out. It'll probably be on propane 87% of the time but having a larger gas tank would be nice too.
Link Posted: 11/26/2023 6:17:58 PM EST
[#46]
I have one of them Firman 3100w inverters that takes care of the camper, and a Westinghouse Wgen7500c that takes care of the house. Despite both being budget, both continue to perform well! Figured I'd update.
Link Posted: 11/27/2023 7:41:59 AM EST
[#47]
Direct Tools Outlet has some good deals today on factory blemished Ryobi generators.

https://www.directtoolsoutlet.com/search?query=inverter%20generator

Attachment Attached File
Link Posted: 12/16/2023 9:11:53 AM EST
[Last Edit: wesr228] [#48]
For those waiting to pick up the OG of this thread, 10% off at Harbor Freight, no exclusions.

It’s not the original deal, but that was also many moons ago. It’s still a good buy, though I’d probably lean too the new 5,000 dual fuel inverter if you can stand the weight.

https://go.harborfreight.com/coupons/2023/12/182400-10/

Attachment Attached File


https://www.harborfreight.com/generators-engines/generators.html
Link Posted: 12/16/2023 12:31:31 PM EST
[#49]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By wesr228:
For those waiting to pick up the OG of this thread, 10% off at Harbor Freight, no exclusions.

It's not the original deal, but that was also many moons ago. It's still a good buy, though I'd probably lean too the new 5,000 dual fuel inverter if you can stand the weight.

https://go.harborfreight.com/coupons/2023/12/182400-10/

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/413139/IMG_7343_jpeg-3061087.JPG

https://www.harborfreight.com/generators-engines/generators.html
View Quote
I'm still waiting for my $180. 3500 watt to show up.
Link Posted: 12/16/2023 8:48:14 PM EST
[#50]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By PAspeedmaster:
I'm still waiting for my $180. 3500 watt to show up.
View Quote


Hahaha since this thread will never die, can’t wait to keep getting the no show updates!
Page / 108
Close Join Our Mail List to Stay Up To Date! Win a FREE Membership!

Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!

You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.


By signing up you agree to our User Agreement. *Must have a registered ARFCOM account to win.
Top Top