New Predator 3500 question
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: IA/GA/HI/FL/VA/CA/ME
New Predator 3500 question
I just picked up this generator from Harbor Freight and it is not as quiet as what I was anticipating. It is quieter than my old generator but it is louder than what I thought it would be. Are my expectations too high or is there possibly something wrong with this one??
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Wyoming
I have low expectations of just about any product from Harbor Freight. There are a few exceptions, of course.
Get a decibel meter and get an objective measurement on how loud it is. My on-board Onan 5500 generator is rated at 67 dB for comparison purposes. I checked it and my brother's Honda generators with my meter and they both came in at about 68 dB and even lower if the reading is taken from a direction other than where the muffler is.
Get a decibel meter and get an objective measurement on how loud it is. My on-board Onan 5500 generator is rated at 67 dB for comparison purposes. I checked it and my brother's Honda generators with my meter and they both came in at about 68 dB and even lower if the reading is taken from a direction other than where the muffler is.
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Elder User
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From: IA/GA/HI/FL/VA/CA/ME
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Colorado Springs
Do you have it leveled? Have you gone through it and tightened all the exposed hardware? That video sounds pretty damn quiet to me. I would also change your spark plug to a quality one and after you run it for the recommended break in period,Change your oil two or three times
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,729
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From: New Jersey
I downloaded a decibel meter for my phone and used it on my Predator 3500. It was right at where the paperwork claims. Right around 60 decibels or so. Very quiet and smooth. Especially on Eco mode. However, you had a pitch change when you went to the rear of the unit which is the muffler. It will be louder there. My recommendations would be to run it for the 8 hours. Change the oil while hot. Run it until 25 hours and change the oil again. As it was mentioned, a spark plug change would be in order. The Predator 3500 is pretty darn nice for the price. Besides try using a contractor generator, then come back to us. LOL
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 941
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From: Port huron MI
I think i responded to your thread on another forum, but they are quit. i'll did mine out tonight and fire it up and see what it reads.
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Mountain Pass
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From: Estacada, Oregon
Just be cognizant that the noise levels are usually stated with the generator under a 25% load. If you are running your AC or a microwave you will be using more than 25% of the available wattage.
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