Portable Generators

[check]

Generac's are vulnerable to Gasahol, carbs will corrode. I solved the problem by using Staybil 360 Marine additive. Mine (17.5 KW) has worked fine for 18 months now after making the fuel change. It has no adverse effect on our motors and electronic gear. Their guarantee states that the warranty is void if Gasahol is used. Their manual states you have to drain all fuel after each use. Holds 15 GL in the tank so you figure. I now never drain the fuel. Ron Ron

What??!! Drain all fuel after each use? Do all the Generac generators require that?

 

[Garandman]

Briggs & Stratton is a major generator manufacturer.

 

[BHD]

I would consider a generator welder,

back in 1977, we had a power outage, (30 days) and bought a small 4000 watt generator,two small for normal living, worked but could only run one thing at a time,

a number of years later, I bought a (20,000 watt single phase, 30,000 watt three phase generator), and built a shed and have a 1000 gallon propane tank for it,
beside test runs and a few hours on it hardly ever used it, (wanted it large enough to run my shop welder),

a few years later, I bought Lincoln ranger used, (was a mistake as when the project I bought it for the Onan engine craped out) so I replaced it with a new unit, 10,000 watt generator and 250 amps AC/DC welder, and can run a wire feed head, and with a high frequency unit Tig,

yes I am building some new corrals out of pipe and sucker rod,

but if I had it to do again I would just buy the welder, and use it for a back generator when needed, and never have messed with the other generators, that is my opinion,

 

[Pettrix]

From my research it appears the Northern Tool with the Honda Generator is a quality generator. They offer a 4-year warranty.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Looking to get a portable gas generator, around 8,000 - 10,000 watt generator output. This will be to operate the well water pump during construction and some power tools. It will later be used as a backup power in case the main electric power goes out.

Been looking at Generac and Honda.

Generac XP8000E (clean power design for sensitive electronic equipment) - $2,400
NorthStar Honda - $2,300

Any other ideas, comments or recommendations?

Duromax 1 Watt Hybrid Dual Fuel Portable Gas Propane Generator RV Standby | eBay

 

[buickanddeere]

I just shut the tank valve off and empty the fuel from the carb. When the engine begins to sputter the choke is applied to keep the engine running longer and draw more fuel out of the carb.

 

[Pettrix]

Is it typically 2000 watts of power needed per HP of a well pump? If one has a 3HP well pump, then 6,000 watts should suffice, right?

I am leaning towards the NorthStar 6,600 WATT generator with the Honda motor and it has the Northstar Genset with brushless copper windings and copper head generator. Most of the generators out there have aluminum windings and aluminum head, which are not as good.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Is it typically 2000 watts of power needed per HP of a well pump? If one has a 3HP well pump, then 6,000 watts should suffice, right?

I am leaning towards the NorthStar 6,600 WATT generator with the Honda motor and it has the Northstar Genset with brushless copper windings and copper head generator. Most of the generators out there have aluminum windings and aluminum head, which are not as good.

750w per HP for running.. Surge is an entirely different matter. My 5000w stalls trying to start a 1/2hp deep well..

 

[reb]

750w per HP for running.. Surge is an entirely different matter. My 5000w stalls trying to start a 1/2hp deep well..

I believe 1000 watts/hp running is more realistic, considering the power factor.

If the generator is going to be used for normal household purposes while starting the pump, something larger might be in order.

 

[buickanddeere]

Is it typically 2000 watts of power needed per HP of a well pump? If one has a 3HP well pump, then 6,000 watts should suffice, right?

I am leaning towards the NorthStar 6,600 WATT generator with the Honda motor and it has the Northstar Genset with brushless copper windings and copper head generator. Most of the generators out there have aluminum windings and aluminum head, which are not as good.

As previously stated . If the pump draws 20 amps while running. The starting inrush will be 100amps peak and 70-80 amps as the motor whirls up to speed. A small portable generator maybe able to momentary produce double it's nameplate current if it has a proper voltage regulator however the voltage will have dropped to approx 2/3 of it's nameplate rating.
That pump will require a 15,000watt portable gen set.
How about a 12.5KW or 15KW Pto generator?
If the pump was three phase and was operated through a constant pressure controller with soft start . A 10KW genset would do the job.