Skeptical...

[hr3]

I wouldn't buy a small engine on anything that doesn't have a manual start rope. My Honda came with electric/battery start and I haven't used it since the original battery died. I think it is overkill for 90% of people using a generator. It could be handy for someone living off-grid to have auto start, which does require a battery and elec. starter.

The auto/idle throttle option is good if you are using the gen at a work site or whatever, but I could live without that option too.

Has anyone here had a Honda generator failure, and what was the issue?

Yes have had a few failures with my Honda.. "6500 liquid cooled".. governor went and I have to run it at least once a month or the unit won't put out power.." have to flash the arm. "

 

[Scooby074]

Yes have had a few failures with my Honda.. "6500 liquid cooled".. governor went and I have to run it at least once a month or the unit won't put out power.." have to flash the arm. "

How old is your generator?

I have to ask... while I try to exercise my gen once a week (good practice) there have been times where Ive neglected it or been away where it has sat for 6 months+ and never really an issue, other than a wrecked battery. And you dont want that, those Yuasia batteries in the 6500's sell for about $200 each!

 

[grsthegreat]

How old is your generator?

I have to ask... while I try to exercise my gen once a week (good practice) there have been times where Ive neglected it or been away where it has sat for 6 months+ and never really an issue, other than a wrecked battery. And you dont want that, those Yuasia batteries in the 6500's sell for about $200 each!

theres some Boeing 787's with Yuasa batteries that would probibly sell them (batteries) to you cheap....

 

[Natureboy]

Sounds like you got the run around on the Honda. If your committed to Honda, find another dealer. Just my opinion-I would buy 2 B&S's and still be $ ahead. When the power goes out usually I am only concerned about necessities-I dont worry about watching a flat screen. Laptop can charge off a car battery if necessary.

 

[Scooby074]

theres some Boeing 787's with Yuasa batteries that would probibly sell them (batteries) to you cheap....

Thanks.. But I dont want my $3000 genset to burst into flames

 

[whistlepig]

Honda generators in our area were recommended by the neighbors due to their dependabilty. That is why we bought our Honda 6500 watt 5 years ago. For us this has been a wise investment. Our generator does have GFI on it but the GFI can be troublesome. Damp weather or fine blowing snow can trip it out. My only thoughts about GFI came from my father-in-law who was an electrician. He said "GFI is nice but it isn't something that I would trust my life too".

 

[jerrybob]

I bought a Coleman 5700 watt generator with a Yamaha engine from Home Depot back in 2007. We had a serious wind storm here and they were flying out the door. Reg price was $699....they were selling them for $360 and I was told they had shipped their entire inventory to the Pacific Northwest because of the storm. Used it initially for 5 days straight. Since....we've used it for two other short outages....2 days once and 1 day once. Have used it for a couple of building projects. Always fires right up....runs a long time on a couple gallons of fuel. Very dependable. The price was right. Suits our needs real well.