Did I buy the wrong generator?

[whiskywizard]

Octane is a measurement of a fuel's burning characteristic and the reference fuel is iso-octane with has a rating of 100. See this ref for some info. 2,2,4-Trimethylpentane - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Never have seen it used in ref to detergent properties of gasoline.

Good post. There are so many folks out there with the incorrect impression that higher octane fuel is somehow "the good stuff".

Use it in your high compression ratio applications and nowhere else, 'cause it doesn't do anything for you anywhere else.

I think the confusion might stem from the big gas retailers who tend to pile on the other additives in their "high test" fuel in an attempt to up-sell it.

 

[kenmac]

I can't say anything bad about a subaru engine. I've never owned 1. I've always owned B&S. No need for me to change from something that has served me well for yrs.

As for the poll. I always run my carbs. dry B-4 storage

 

[Pilot]

Tip: If you have electric start, get a float charger from Harbor Freight for about $5 (often less) and use it to keep your battery charged. I have used these for 10 years with good results for my generator, tractor and riding mower and at $5 they are a great deal. However, if power is cut off, they will drain, not charge the battery if left disconnected because they have a little LED that is on as long as there is a power source, either from A/C or from your battery. They do not charge a battery very well, but they do maintain a charge.

Storage: FWIW, my Briggs manual says if the engine won't be operated for 30 days or more it needs to be protected from gum formation in the fuel system and they recommend their fuel stabilizer, claiming it is good for up to 24 months. UNLESS you have ethanol junk in your gas, then it says to drain the tank and run the engine until it stops.

Ethanol: If you are stuck using ethanol in your gas, buy gas frequently and use it up in your vehicles before it gets old to insure you have good gas when the power goes out. In Oregon we can buy ethanol free gas for off road use.

 

[Chilly807]

I've got a very basic Honda EZ5000 generator. Just about the cheapest they make, and we've been more than happy with it. If there's any design problems with them, it's the small fuel tank, and fairly loud exhaust.

I run all my small gas equipment dry of fuel (at least the carbs) before storing them, and keep the tanks full of gas with stabilizer added.

Sean

 

[k0ua]

I think the exact opposite is true. When you leave fuel in the carburetor it will eventually evaporate leaving behind the "solids" which we call shellac or whatever gums up the carb jets.

FWIW, I am in the shut off fuel and let it run to clear the carb before long term storage. I also use regular gas with Stabil and recycle one year old fuel into my car (well diluted).

I am in this camp, this is exactly what I do.

James K0UA

 

[k0ua]

Good post. There are so many folks out there with the incorrect impression that higher octane fuel is somehow "the good stuff".

Use it in your high compression ratio applications and nowhere else, 'cause it doesn't do anything for you anywhere else.

I think the confusion might stem from the big gas retailers who tend to pile on the other additives in their "high test" fuel in an attempt to up-sell it.

Well maybe some of this idea started because around here you can buy non ethanol gas but it is all the premium kind. You cannot buy non ethanol regular gas. But that could just be a local thing, But this is what I see.

James K0UA

 

[oldboyscout]

I've NEVER used hi octane until the last few months-just switched. As far as I can can tell, the reasoning is that the 87 octane regular relies on the 10% ethanol for its octane rating, and no longer has the "good stuff" in it. I don't know if the problem is that the ethanol evaporates too quickly, or the lack of actual octane is the problem.
remember that octane rating is not the same thing as octane content (for you chemists out there)

 

[QRTRHRS]

I have a Home Depot power washer with a six horse Suburu Robin engine that I have had at least four years. A new HD offering at the time, at 500 bucks it was priced maybe 200 less than comparable sizes so I said what the heck.

At the time, I bought extra hose, etc., etc. and used my CC. Never checked my slip until I got home. The price on the washer? 400 bucks!

After some break in time, I switched to synthetic motor oil and I only use Stabil in the winter months when my gas usage is lower. Hit or miss useage of course but the Suburu starts with one pull everytime. Uses no oil. What else to ask for?

My ZTR has a Briggs 23HP and my previous mower had a 19HP engine with no real issues considering my minimalist maintenance program for my small engines.

I have 6500 watt, 8500 peak Generac I bought over ten years ago. Last time I went to use it, it started just fine but it is not putting any juice out. I guess I really should get looking at it. There in lays your bigger concern, electrical issues and not engine. From what I have heard, sometimes it is cheaper to replace than repair when the issue is electrical.

 

[wdchyd]

Not that I have much of a choice, Generators are slim pickings hereabouts...


But Home Depot has TWO different Husky 5000w generators. One has a Subaru motor, one has a Brigs & Stratton.

Same price.


I drove 65 miles round trip to get the only one anywhere near me.

I got the Brigs and Stratton, I thought I was going to get the Subaru one (My FIL has one and loves it).

I'm not sure I can get it back in my truck without using the FEL and or a couple big guys becasue it is HEAVY and I'm still limited duty due to busted collar bone.

But, I just want to know if I goofed when I blindly said "I'll take it, Put my name on it!"

I'm a big boy and can take my lumps. Give it to me straight.
Thanks in advance.

Be well,
David

David,

Last spring while I was at a friends house briefly, we lost power at home......2 hrs later unbeknownst to me my wifey was sitting in the dark with one lone candle........

She said "Honey can you do me a big favor......please go and buy a new generator"........

Didn't take long for my rapid response of taking care of the Mrs......:thumbsup:......I had decided prior to this that when the time came (which was right then) I would buy one when there was no big demand for them to allow me the benefit of having plenty of choices.....

I ended up buying this model .... http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-O...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053 .......w/ a yamaha engine

I think you made the right choice don't look back, I'm sure you'll have many years of good service...............Much better than "Should'a would'a could'a"

 

[yooper1]

I have 6500 watt, 8500 peak Generac I bought over ten years ago. Last time I went to use it, it started just fine but it is not putting any juice out. I guess I really should get looking at it. There in lays your bigger concern, electrical issues and not engine. From what I have heard, sometimes it is cheaper to replace than repair when the issue is electrical.

Check the brushes on the generator end. The end cover "should" come off easily enough and then the brushes are exposed.

If not the brushes, it may be the regulator