Predator 3500 Inverter Generator | Spark Plug, Air Filter Change and Canister Delete
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- Опубліковано 11 кві 2023
- In this episode we do some maintenance on the good ole Harbor Freight Generator. Spark Plug, Air filter and the charcoal canister delete. The verdict is still out on if the delete actually improves the efficiency and run time.
I am puzzled about the little tube that looks to supply all the air intake for this machine.
Some other upgrades/maintenance are coming soon, including an oil change, 30amp plug switch-a-round -- ( I should trademark that) and few simple improvements you can make in order to
Make YOUR generator great again!
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The charcoal canister isn't vented to open air. The small line coming from the engine area is the vent from the gas tank. It loops down and up in the event some fuel gets into the gas tank vent, and why you need to be careful to not overfill the tank.
When the generator fuel gets warm, either radiant warmed from the engine or just ambient temp/sun exposure, it creates more fuel vapor. That fuel vapor runs in the small hose into the charcoal canister where activated charcoal adsorbs the fuel vapors when the engine is not running. When the engine is running, the nipple on the right of the canister allows air to enter the canister and is pulled into the air filter housing by negative air pressure being generated as the motor draws in air. This air intake cools the charcoal material causing it to release the gas vapors it collected, the vapors are sucked into the engine and burned as part of the combustion process. When the fuel tank is overfilled, fuel is splashed around by high G forces, or the generator tiled too far, fuel can enter the vapor recovery line and wet the charcoal. When trying to start the generator under those conditions, it will run too rich, running rough or not at all depending on the severity of the fuel overflow. Once enough fuel has evaporated from the vapor recovery system, the generator will return to normal operation.
The canister delete is fine and all, Im not preaching about the environment.
The primary issue with removing the canister is you now have fuel just sitting in the now plugged vapor recovery system, especially if you top off the tank. That fuel is just pooled in the vapor system and ready to start a fire if your plugging process fails.
Just food for thought.
Thank you for that information. I did cap off the line to keep any fuel from leaking out. And honestly I haven't seen much difference in performance or fuel economy since I remove the canister. I saved the canister in the event that I wanted to put it back on. I truly appreciate your input on this is I'm not a mechanic or a small engine expert or an expert in generators. I've just read and seen where others have done this and we're stating marked improvements in fuel efficiency.
You should get red hats that say MMGGA with your logo. Great conversation starter. I need to tune mine up as well.
The conversation starter could be "RUN TINA RUN" ;-)
Yeah, it was needed. Part 2 coming soon to a MMGGA movie screen near you!
Fixed my problem immediately! Thanks for the video
You're welcome. Which problem specifically did you have?
Couple quick thoughts...1) the filter is meant to be oiled with light oil not replaced2) There are more than sufficient holes in the back of the airbox3) The right side of the charcoal cannister is open to air and not connected to anything4) You MUST block off all the holes on the airbox as the holes allow direct path to bypass air filter5) the motor oil comes from the crankcase vent coming off the OHV cover and sends oily mist directly into the carburetor for emissions, same as PCV valve on car 6) the hose that runs from the port marked T on the cannister should be run directly out the bottom of the generator. Excess fuel will drain out and air will flow into the tank otherwise it will not run unless the fuel cap is open7) consider gluing the adapter directly to the panel instead of flipping it. On mine I can't envision any scenario where I would run the generator without that adapter.8) The reason folks are replacing the spark plug to a higher temperature is because the plugs are fouling HOWEVER when you delete the cannister the engine no longer runs rich and does not foul the plug. STAY with the same temperature range plug. The NGK BR6 is way too hot a plug the BR7 or stick. I have no idea what the temperature range is for the E3 plug you are using but when you check it look for signs of heat damage to the electrode
Thank you. I did oil the filter, it just never made it into the video.
The plug was supposed to be a direct replacement but I'll look upon changing the plug. Probably next season.
Lastly thank you for your input. As stated, I'm not a small engine mechanic and learn from those with more experience.
On another note. I do see a slight improvement on fuel efficiency.
Great work!! Now take that old spark plug to Lowes and get you a deep well socket that will work with it. :)
No kidding! I actually purchased a second spark plug. Why buy one when you can buy two at twice the cost! ;-)
I think my push lawn mower uses the same plug, so I'll take that one and get it sized up right!
Hope you guys are doing well AND... AND.. if things go as expected, we'll be in Ocala next spring!
That is not a problem,it is recommended to moisten the filter in motor oil before installation.
Yeah, I learned that AFTER I made the video. Lol. Live and learn right?
The air filter housing has additional air intake in it on the bottom of the housing base. The part that does not come out.
Man, I tell you. I could not see any other area. Thanks for pointing that out. I also found that the oil that was near the intake was probably due to the filter oil. Duh!
- David
Replace the plug with an NGK plug. Wayyyy better! There are a couple different ones that work.
Well, I'll give that one a try next time! Thank you for letting me know that!
What's the NGK number?
I have one that I bought from a neighbor who did the break-in as if his life depended on it. I’ve had it for about 4 years and it works flawlessly. I always use stabil for the final run then run it dry. This time I had it winter over in my woodworking shop for a year. I pulled it out, gassed it up with about 3 month old gas. It started on the first pull and I ran it for about 15 minutes. I had No compressed air so I washed it just to get the dust off (not forcefully) now it’s incredibly difficult to start or will only run on start. The minute I put it on run it dies. I changed the fuel to fresh. I changed the spark plug. I examined the air filter and it’s dry and looks brand new. Any idea what’s going on?
BTW I can get it running fine after I take all the panels off and reinstall but then it’s hard to start again.
I am not sure. I'm not a small engine mechanic. But I wonder if water got in someplace. You might want to check some of the forums specific to your model and post that question out there. It's also possible the electronics got wet.
What did you find out about the air box being sealed besides going the the charcoal filter? What is the mod for that?
I had someone comment that there are other openings. However, I can't see them.
I drilled holes in the plastic air filter case to allow a freer air flow through the filter.
I also found that the oil I found in the air filter housing is due to the filter is supposed to be oiled..
Thanks for watching.
These generator are ify I have worked on 3 new ones S soon as you plug in they quit over load or ground fault toldcustomsr totaled it back I have 2000 watt yahama I plug in tta.d it works fine you get what you pay for
We've had good luck with ours so far. Time will tell.
I think something is not right with their ground system
How do you mean?
Put oil on that air filter
Is there a recommended type of oil? I have a spray oil that I used for the four wheelers. Would something like that work?
Yeah any type of oil i like 2 stroke but whatever you have will work its for the dust to stick 2
That explains the oil in the air filter compartment. Thanks and I'll comment on that in part two of my maintenance / upgrades.
Made in China, boo?? This generator that you have is made in China! 😂
Yeah, I know. Just wanting SOMETHING to be made in the USA!
Thanks for watching.