Portable Generators

[buickanddeere]

My SIL has a generator with electric start, and rope start.
It is about 8HP.

He is glad it has electric start even though it has no battery.
He can pull start it, but, his wife can jump start it off the garden tractor
So, everybody is happy!!

Starting batteries are not prohibitively expensive . What does the generator's charging system do when there is no battery?

 

[4570Man]

Starting batteries are not prohibitively expensive . What does the generator's charging system do when there is no battery?

I have ran equipment without a battery. Once you get it started as long as the charging system is working it will run.

 

[CADplans]

Starting batteries are not prohibitively expensive . What does the generator's charging system do when there is no battery?

The charging circuit is a little flywheel alternator,, not much output.
It basically does nothing with no battery.
The charging circuit is nothing like a full blown alternator,, output is something like 3 amps.

 

[buickanddeere]

My point is that it's still not a good idea to open circuit the system .the battery is supposed to be there to absorb voltage spikes .

 

[CADplans]

My point is that it's still not a good idea to open circuit the system .the battery is supposed to be there to absorb voltage spikes .

I agree,, that is VERY true with a real charging system,, but, with only 40 watts of energy,,,
it is a non-issue.

I have had at least 6 engines with non-connected 12 volt supplies,, it has never been a problem.

Almost every lawn mower engine has such an output for lights,,,
most are never used.
Actually, if the lawn mower has lights, and they are not turned on,,,
it is the identical situation.

 

[dragoneggs]

Speaking of electric (key) start, I do really love me Honda EU3000is. But I learned long ago that you need to put a battery tender on it or you will be pull starting whenever you need it unless you use it very regularly.

 

[TheMan419]

Speaking of electric (key) start, I do really love me Honda EU3000is. But I learned long ago that you need to put a battery tender on it or you will be pull starting whenever you need it unless you use it very regularly.

Yeah I have a portable. It has a built in battery tender. Of course I did not plug it in.... so the one time I have needed it due to power outage I had to pull start it. It stays plugged in now.

 

[DieselBound]

Yeah I have a portable. It has a built in battery tender. Of course I did not plug it in.... so the one time I have needed it due to power outage I had to pull start it. It stays plugged in now.

I'm chuckling because I have a generator with a block heater, electric! It wasn't intended for backup [home] power, but that's what I'm going to be using it for.

 

[DieselBound]

I'm confused. Is this a Honda mfg. generator, or a generator with a Honda motor on it??

Lots of folks sell generators with Honda motors, but that doesn't make them a Honda generator.

SR

I've got an Onan/Cummins generator. It's got a Kubota diesel engine in it! Talk about confusion here when trying to get parts! (got it this past year; it was built in 1993) 7.5kw unit. Have yet to see how it does with my well pump (1/2hp).

 

[Pettrix]

Agreed, but he keeps calling it a "Honda generator" and I'm betting it's not up to the quality of a REAL Honda generator.

SR

It has a HONDA GX 390 engine and a NORTHSTAR GEN SET but the GENERATOR has oversized Brushless Copper windings and copper heads. The Generator is actually made in Italy. The generator comes with a 4 year warranty