Generator questions

[6sunset6]

I have a Honda ES3500 A generator. I bought it used 30 years ago or so. Can't remember exactly. It was the first Honda with AVR. Automatic voltage regulation. Electric start. It has a set of marks on the flywheel cover. Park the flywheel mark between the marks on the cover and the valves are shut and the points closed. It always starts on one pull usually.
I only have used electric start with remote when on a construction job.
ok On to today . I pretty much use it for power outages at home these days. I have refridge and freezer rigged with an short line cord in back so the plugs are near the from on the floor. I just run some extension cords to run them and I don't have to pull them away from the wall. I have town water and propane for cooking and heat. The heat has a couple of pumps and I could get them on the generator if I had to. Same with the blower in my fireplace insert.
So I am pretty happy with a relativly small portable generator. I don't need a transfer switch or automatic standby.
My problem is the fuel valve leaks when it is on and the carb leaks when it runs. Probably the float not right. All this started with ethanol. The tank even pin holed out. I sloshed the tank and rebuilt the valve and carb a couple of times. Now I empty the tank and run it dry when I am done with it. Makes it a PITA to run it once a month for 5-10 min.
My dilemma now is whether to try and rebuild it AGAIN, or bring it in and let a service guy handle it.
Replacement unit is around $2500. OR and here is the question Generac LP3250 propane fueled unit. $600-$700
Anybody know anything about Generac engines? AVR? How come so much cheaper than Honda? Will it run as long as my Honda ran. Although I only need 20 years more not 30.

 

[Mickey_Fx]

It's all about qlty between the Generac and the Honda. Generac has had its ups and downs with qlty. Don't know currently where they are on the qlty scale. One word of caution about the LP. If you're going to be pulling vapor from the tank, Temperature plays a BIG part in how fast the liquid will vaporize. So if there is a need to run the genny during cold weather, you're going to need a BIG tank. Saw a chart on the Yamaha site showing a 7kW genny running at 20F. would need a tank at least 450 gal in size when half full. Tank either more or less full than half way, tank will need to be larger for more surface area. This is not the case if you're pulling liquid from the tank and vaporizing it somewhere else that is warmer.

 

[hr3]

See what other people say about it,, Generac Power Systems - LP3250 Portable Propane Generator