Your last generator Maintenance Run

[3930dave]

I'm in the same boat with impossible to access carbs on my (2) Ariens blowers. The small single stage is very cranky to start in even moderate (30 deg f) temps. I was in the process of deciding where to just drill a 1/2" hole through the plastic, when I discovered that it starts on the first pull if I press the primer bulb WHILE pulling the start cord. I suspect if I can get at the carb I'll find a partially disconnected or damaged primer hose.

Hmmm.... I'll be talking with my neighbour about his soon, I'll pass that primer story along.... altho he already commented that he doesn't "hear" gas moving when he hits the primer bulb...... at a minimum, that &#*@! plastic shrouding has to come off, to at least try a whiff of Quik Start (which, I don't like using unless provoked, and only judiciously...). I'm leaning towards the carb needs to be pulled.... at least with the plastic removed, we could rule out mud-wasps etc deciding to set up home in the carb throat....

If you are @ high-hours on that blower, and the primer is healthy , valve-adjustment perhaps?

Rgds, D.

 

[Happy in NC]

Yesterday!
Got a new generator actually. Ran it a while on propane and tested it out a bit. Again today but ran on gas with a load
HF has a flash sale on them today for 20% off all Predator

 

[3930dave]

Building a load bank is relatively easy and affordable. I use portable space heaters for my testing.
They are typically 1400 watts and inexpensive when you consider the consequences of not loading a generator properly.
I have 3 similar to this and 1 with three heat elements of 2.5kw each. Combined load is over 11kw.
View attachment 2726342

Inexpensive, and effective loads.... aside from their normal uses !

Def overkill, but I'm thinking of whoever on here that had that gorgeous MilSurp load bank.... does the same job, but the control-panel alone sticks in my mind, the same way big classic HF radio front-panels do....

I probably need professional help ^ , but there are worse obsessions.....

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

Yesterday!
Got a new generator actually. Ran it a while on propane and tested it out a bit. Again today but ran on gas with a load
HF has a flash sale on them today for 20% off all Predator

Good headsup - thanks. Been considering a roadtrip below the 49th, but not in time for that sale; others may need to add to their gen-fleet. TBN'ers, helping other TBN'ers Spend Money !

Came up recently here.... is yours a standard Predator gen, or Inverter ? Main question: what is the oil-change interval recommended. Somebody posted about a Predator Inverter, with an 8 hour OCI.

(Not hating on Predator @ all.... it's one of the non-Tier1 names I'd consider myself).

Rgds, D.

 

[Happy in NC]

Came up recently here.... is yours a standard Predator gen, or Inverter ? Main question: what is the oil-change interval recommended. Somebody posted about a Predator Inverter, with an 8 hour OCI.

It is the 13,000 Tri fuel. I tested with my old stick welder and it barely even groaned. I will run it a couple of more times and then change the oil.
So far I am pleased. Haven't used it on the house yet though. I know it won't run the hot water as it is ondemand and takes up 3 220 breakers
I'll try to though
Still need to get an interconnect for the other generator for the garage. Water is wired to the garage and it's on a separate meter

 

[3930dave]

It is the 13,000 Tri fuel. I tested with my old stick welder and it barely even groaned. I will run it a couple of more times and then change the oil.
So far I am pleased. Haven't used it on the house yet though. I know it won't run the hot water as it is ondemand and takes up 3 220 breakers
I'll try to though
Still need to get an interconnect for the other generator for the garage. Water is wired to the garage and it's on a separate meter

Nicely priced. Should have a reasonable sized sump on it.

Rgds, D.

https://www.harborfreight.com/gener...start-and-co-secure-technology-epa-71386.html

 

[kenmac]

anyone know why they changed from a poly gas tank to an all steel tank ?
I have an older Generac (B&S) engine, and it has the poly gas tank, which in my opinion is better than the steel tanks . No rust to ever worry about .

I like the looks of the Predator, I'm just not sure about long term use.
I've has this old Generac since about 1995

 

[grsthegreat]

All i know is…i see alot of damage repair over the years caused by predator generators. These were a few years ago, maybe they have gotten better.

 

[Blue Mule]

I've heard good things about Predator, but that OCI seems really short. If I had to keep a sump pump running for 3 days.... 9 oil changes !

I wonder if their non-inverter gens (larger sump?) have longer OCI recommendations ?

Rgds, D.

Now that I'm thinking about it again, I should go look at that label and make sure I read it correctly.

Nope, I didn't. It says CHECK oil every 8 hours, not CHANGE oil every 8 hours. I pulled out the manual to confirm and it says 6 months/100 hours for oil change. Oops.

Oh well, I have been changing it once per season anyway so I'm good.

 

[Robin Veerman]

A good habit is to check the oil before use and when refueling
100 hours OCI or annual is pretty standard for air cooled splash lube engines.
Engines with pressure/filtered lube systems and liquid cooling can easily go 200…