I have had it, currently have a Generac 5000 watt generator with a Briggs and Stratton engine and the dang thing is the most tempermental engine I have ever had to deal with. Purchased several yrs. ago and there have been couple yrs., during power outage, that I have sat in the dark because I could not get it started. Can't find any 'portable generator' reviews, or forums and immediately thought of checking with FTE members for any suggestions, or recommendations on generators found dependable. I would like to stay with 5000 watts, or above area but don't want another Briggs. Appreciate any input!!

Thank you, Dave

 

How do you prep it for long term storage? We ghot one when going through an extended power outage in the winter several years ago. I went to use it the following summer, and it had gotten the carb plugged up. The Sta-bil I used had plugged it up, as there was red gunk blocking all the ports. Don't know if it was because the Sta-bil was outdated (actually has a shelf life) or just the product itself, but I now use Sea Foam to store my small engines have have few issues getting them to fire.

 

If at all possible use non-ethanol gas. Ethanol is the worst thing to ever happen to outdoor power equipment, especially when it sits. People laugh, but I run ethanol free 91octane gas in all my outdoor stuff, except the Sears SS/18 Twin in the winter, as lower octane lights off easier in the cold. That is still non-ethanol 87 octane.

Honda powered generators are decent, as well as Onans.

 

I dunno, my 4500W coleman generator is briggs powered and it's started on the first pull every time for the 10 years I've had it, even though it probably has the original oil.

Usually starting problems come down to gummy carbs, and that's caused by leaving the fuel in the line. I've done that quite a few times thinking I'd "get to it" and not doing so. Then, I pay.

As far as replacement generators go, you really can't go wrong with anything powered by a honda. While I have yard equipment with all kinds of engines on them, everything that's honda always works, every time, pretty much no matter what.

But Honda powered equipment tends to have a price premium associated with it.

I just got this one:


240V @ 63 amps, 15KW run, 22KW start/peak, 472 lbs of American made, gasoline sucking, ear drum rattling, "manly" generator lol.

I'm almost done building a "generator hut" for it to protect it from the elements!

And I concur with the comment(s) about ethanol gas. I've not had good luck with it in non-driving gasoline devices. Disintegrating rubber fuel lines, leaking primer bulbs, gummy carbs, etc. Moreso a problem on smaller engines where fuel line tubing has a far thinner wall than the tubing on the bigger engines.

Not to much is worse than pressing the priming bulb only to have a pinhole shoot gasoline at your face.

 

Best I have found with my Generac is ethanol treatment and when I shut it off I shut the gas line and run it till it spits once and kill it. Have had and used since 1999. 10K unit.

 

Just got electricity restored this morning after 4 day outage during which time neighbor loan me his Honda 1800. It had been stored in a shed for quite some time; took a rag and dusted it off, started on the second pull. So far, only had to use a generator a total of couple weeks per year, I thought about another cheap replacement but as I noted, there have been a couple instances where I could not get the generator to run, it could have been due to an ethenol gas blend, and/or the generator had been setting for a period of time. I heard about the reliability and quality of Onan generators but appears they are quite expensive and not sure the amount of use is worth the cost. Noticed Northern tool supply carries the Northstar generator which seem reasonably priced and powered by Honda engines. I plan on traveling a few miles and check out an engine repair shop that carry the Honda generator which are also expensive but may be more in my price range, if dependable it will be worth it. I appreciate the suggestion and info regarding the gasoline. Thank you!!

 

I've had some terrible luck with generators over the past few weeks. I've worked on three or four and cant keep them running. It always seems to be fuel related. But I have a plan. There is a kit that coverts a small engine to a tri-fuel option. Gasoline, propane and natural gas. The kit is about $300, but I really think it would be worth it. Gasoline doesn't store well at all, even with stabil or seafoam. Propane is cheaper, stores forever it seems, and is relatively portable. If you have NG to your house for heating, then you can hook up to the generator and have an infinite supply of fuel that doesn't require a refill.

 

I just bought a RIDGID RD6800. I think the trick is to start it at least once a month a put a load on it for a while to keep it in shape. Bit like vehicles really. If you leave them sitting too long they don't run properly.

 

*like button*

 

I have a Briggs on an air compressor, thing I found is they drilled a hole in the choke plate for emissions? Sucker was always hard to start until I blocked the hole in the choke plate.

 

You just can never tell with these things. I've had my 7500w Generac for eight years, Never changed the oil, run Stabil in it at all times, and still has original battery. Set's on the carport and I crank her up about twice a year, if I haven't used it, to make sure battery is charged. Hasn't failed me yet.

 

Update; spent friday checking out various Generator brands and my last stop was the small engine repair shop mentioned in my prior thread. Met the shop engine repair person who spoke highly of the Briggs and Stratton. Mentioned I was considered rebuilding, or replacing the Briggs engine when he brought up the fact, in their infinate wisdom, the California legislators passed the 'carb compliant' law; only california, making it difficult, or impossible getting replace'mt parts or engines. Anyhow, happened to have the old spark plug and air filter and upon inspection he suggestion I replace the items and give the Briggs another try. He also suggestion disconnecting the 'oil level' switch temporarily for test purposes. Got home, replaced the items and it started on the 2nd attempt. Happend to come across the receipt which indicates the generator was purchased in 1998 and I don't recall ever replacing the plug or filter, and then I wonder why it was getting difficult to start; anyhow, Briggs is back in my good graces and now a member of the fan club.

 

Amazing what a little servicing will do

 

Yes, items came to less than 15 bucks and I was sooo close to purchasing a replacement generator, the cheapest 5000 k watt, or above, costing between $750 and $1200, which meant I would have been placed on the familys Christmas scrooge list, needless to say household very pleased. Since it's a 'non rain' day intend changing the oil and drain the gas, hey it's never tooo late to show some interest in servicing.

 

STA-BIL is my friend. I ignore the directions and use gross excess since it's cheap.

My Bronco II sat for about four years yet fired up with mild priming (to save cranking) and ran fine.