Predator 3500 generator follow-up. 3 years later
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2020
- This video is a follow up to my look at the Harbor Freight Predator 3500 as compared to a Honda EU2000 generator.
you can watch it here
• HF Predator 3500 gener... - Авто та транспорт
alot of people doing alot more maintenance on their generators than I do. I put fuel in them, change the oil once a year and start them up about every 6 months. Beyond that I have other things to do with my life. The above tests are under those conditions.
They oscillate without a load that's normal.
Thank you for the videos!
Ha! I got yelled at by my friend for that. 😏😂
The minimal load shown on the screen is due to charging the battery for starter. You could easily get a solar battery maintainer and use that to keep the battery charged. Of course you would need to mount the solar panel outside your shed and route the wires to the generator.
Im already tired
I have a. Predator 3500 that I’ve owned for 4 years now. I service it and start it up every 6 months and it still cranks on the first pull. Thankfully I have it because I have used it for the past 3 days non stop due to the power outages here in Texas and have had no problems with it.
Exactly why I'm shopping around for a generator. North Texas here. I'm a slave to the grid so I need a backup plan.
I have a Predator also, in Houston. Used it during the recent storms as well. I love this thing!! I also have a Honda 2000 that my mom used for her place when her power went out
How well did it work during the frigid temperatures? I guess it will power a refrigerator, fan, lampshade and charge a few cellphones? I'm looking for 1 too. Ty
esoj anacig My generator didn’t miss a beat during the cold weather. It ran perfectly and didn’t give me any problems and ran like it normally does. The cold weather didn’t affect it a bit. They have plenty of power so you can hook up multiple items with it.
@@esojanacig9230 the freezing temperatures didn't affect it at all, it ran all thru the cold nite. Powered up a small space heater, cable modem, lights and cell phone chargers. It runs my RV's 13,500 BTU Air Conditioner in the Texas heat also
21 pulls for the Honda. Predator starts on first pull and moved quickly to “run” position. Amazing!
The Honda runs until the bowl is empty upon shutting down. That is to prevent buildup of crap in the carburetor from ethanol fuel. Of course staybil should prevent that but some people don't use it. In the predator you better use staybil because the fuel sits in the bowl.
All I can say is I work on small engines every single day I see time and time again we're bad gasoline is the main culprit it takes out the diaphragm pumps and the metering pumps in two stroke chainsaws weed eaters and blowers it rots the primer bulbs and fuel lines and in four stroke stuff it sits in the tank gums up causes rust and rots them out the old non-ethanol gasoline even though it sits in a tank for a very long time just causes varnish you don't wind up with all the rust in the other garbage that you do with ethanol with this gasoline we have nowadays one of the best ways to prevent any issues with your carburetor or equipment is just drain the bowl put a fuel shut off on it and drain the bowl make sure there's no gas left in the bowl and if ethanol gas sits for more than a month it ain't no good I've worked on lawn equipment that wouldn't crank and I've drained the gasoline out of it and put clean gas in and it fire right off this ethanol is garbage
I only use clear gas in my small engines. I make sure my harley has clear gas when the weather changes and it might sit for a while.
You are absolutely right...ethanol is the death of any gas fueled engine. That's why I only use Shell's Top Tier Premium, as that does NOT contain any amount of ethanol, even as trace. What you pay extra, is WAY less than the hourly rate, or the P.I.T.A. of a non working engine. Especially motorcycles and snow blowers that will sit for sure, for 6 months of the year, around such as the Great Lakes Region.
Agree.
Thank you
@@alex42884 I've run ethanol gas in my equipment for years and never had issues with it. I use Stabil year around and my gas doesn't go bad after a month. I had an old Toro snow blower from the late 70's that would start on the first pull even being 40 years old. My newer one needs the electric start.
Some of the comments are critical of different aspects, but I think this is a great review. I can’t always be bothered to drain the carb, find ethanol free gas, put a battery maintainer on, etc. I just want the damn thing to start and run when I need it without a bunch of babysitting and BS. Thumbs up.
Than hire a mechanic to do all that for you !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Otherwise there is a No Maint piece of equip. It can be purchased in Fantasy-land
@@ACHVACTAB1 I said "can't ALWAYS be bothered..." Not can't EVER. It's just that sometimes I get busy or distracted with things like UA-cam, or cancer treatments, or grandkids birthdays - and scheduled maintenance of toys gets knocked down the priority list a notch or two. But it's true - someday I'll probably be about to die and wish I'd spent more time draining carburetors. Thanks for the wisdom.
Thanks for your efforts to put this video together. Very helpful as you and some of the comments gave some watch outs and suggestions on how to maintain and prolong lifespan. We’re getting into tornado season where I live, however we’ve only lost power once in 25 years, but better safe than sorry with a generator.
Can't help but be impressed by the one-pull start on the Predator.
The Honda was for exercize!
😃 2 pulls after sitting a year.
I've seen these start in one pull out of the box immediately after setup. GREAT generator!
Some harbor freight stuff is excellent! No matter what the haters say. There’s always some ass clown trying to make themselves feel better by talking shit about other people or other stuff. I love my generator and the welder and drill press I got from there. They get heavy DIY use more like farm life. So they take a beating and I’ve yet to have a single problem.
I think I'm going to buy a predator instead of the Honda.
I been comparing the two and I really don't see the need to spend that much more money when the predator is just as good
I have one and so far I love it. Funny I can hear my neighbors generator down the street over mine that’s right next to the house! Notice how he’s talking normal while it’s running right next to him, it really is that quiet.
Good vid! I had plans on buying a predator 3500 for my camper and the biggest predator they offer for backup on my house. Seeing this vid solidified my choice. Thanks
The fact that you could talk to the camera and we could hear you with no problem while the Predator was running is super impressive! Not knocking the Honda but the money savings is key for me.
That's an astute observation!
The tip of the day....... After you turn that gas valve on the Honda you have to wait several minutes for the fuel bowl to fill before starting it. It might take a couple pulls but it will start much easier. Sounds like your fuel bowl is dirty. Once in a while you have to clean the carb but the alcohol in the gas scours aluminum. Only had to clean mine once in fifteen years. I am impressed with the Harbor Freight Generator. I am leaning on purchasing one for home backup because my Honda is a bit too small. Great vid. I would have never considered the Harbor Freight Genny before watching your vid.
Really enjoyed the video. I'm preparing to purchase a generator for my camper and now I'm convinced that Predator will be the way to go. I have a Generac 15000W for the entire house. But the small one will do for the camper. Thank you for your video
Great video. I do the same thing. I use my tools for what I need them for. I give them general care. As you say, I have more important things to do than clean every part with a Q Tip swab. I change the oil every year or two. They both still run just fine. Ones a craftsman that’s about 15 years old and the other ones a 2000 watt I got from Aldi‘s. It was on sale for 150$. Now their 450$. It runs like a champ. Take care man.
thanks for the review. I was a little nervous about the china engines, but I bought a harbor freight wood chipper with a predator engine - (likely not the same as in the generator) - and it starts on the first pull even after sitting for long periods like this generator did. It always amazes me. I use stabil marine in the fuel. It has a lot of hours and runs fine.
Love your honesty, thanks its refreshing!!!
My Predator 3500 started on the 1st pull after 6 months too.
Yep it’s all about the name/brand what makes the price! Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and great videos
I hope you’re not convinced that the predator is as good as the Honda.
@@alanmeyers3957 you are a Honda owner and it shows. I own one also but it uses way more gas than the predator does and is twice as loud.
I have a Predator just like yours. Before putting on run there is a flashing green light and when it turns solid then you put it to run. Great little generator.
I'll have to check that out, never noticed
Thanks for the video I've been on the fence going with a harborfreight generator.
Dont be on the fence. They're an incredible product for the price. If you intend to use it tons then buy the warranty and you take it back no hassle for a new one or if you just want occassional use use stabil gas, ethanol treatment or non ethanol gas, maybe an octane booster. Lucas products. And run it put of gas is a good idea or like someone else says drain the fuel or rather run it in fuel shut off mode if it has that feature. I have predator generators just not this model.
I guess it will fit my needs just for a back up power incase of outage.
I’ve put 3000hrs on my predator in 6 months runs awesome on original spark plug
When are you doing oil changes and what oil?
What do you run on this? I’m considering getting one primarily for the house in event of power outage but seems a bit small. Would work great for camping I’d assume
So that means you've been running it nonstop for almost 6 months I'll have to say that's actually pretty good.
@@matthewspry4217
The type of oil you use doesn't really matter just as long as you change it every 50-100 hours with the right weight oil. Don't buy into the synthetic crap.
@@matthewspry4217 oil changes every 100hrs after break in period. Since I have the generator on my semi I’m using Mobil delvac 15w40 diesel oil lol works great.
I got two of the Predator 2000s a few years ago I run in parallel on my race trailer. I have a few hundred hours on them now. For hobby use, they fit the bill. I treat them nicer than a prom date, but still half expect them to die every time I use them. You can tell where Harbor Freight cheaped out, but if you don’t thrash it around, you can avoid parts breakage. At this point, if they were to die, it is a toss-up on whether I would go bougie for the Honda or roll the dice for another set of Predators.
As a rule HFT power tools and such are crap. The predator series stuff is the diamond shining in a goats ass. I have a 2k and a 3.5 k like in the vid. I abuse the crap out of them. They work just fine.
I know you didnt stage it i have the 20ton log splitter from HF has the same predator 212cc engine haven't run it in 8 months started first pull put sta-bil storage in it im going to buy the 3500 generator thanks for the great video
Wow, great test, one pull start, I need one!
I'm liking my Predator 3500 a bunch!!
Excellent video. Buying camper soon and Predator will be my generator.
My Honda EU2200 did the same thing after sitting for two months. It would not run without at least partial choke. Under the carburetor, there is a little fuel drain that uses a slotted screwdriver. I opened it, drained the fuel out of the carburetor and it ran great after that. Must have been some water in the carburetor bowl.
Thats awesome! We recently purchased the Predator 3500 and so far we are impressed.
Might go to the Harbor Freigh and get one of these looks impressive..thanks for posting...
The problem with your Honday EU2000 is the main jet. When you leave gas in it, it gums up the main jet (as happens in most small engines) and if you remove the carburetor, then remove the bowl and use a toothpick to clean out the main jet, all will be back to normal. You can tell it's the main jet because it won't run without a partial choke, that's the main jet. Otherwise excellent video, I am impressed, thank you!
I've been using treated, non-ethanol fuel exclusively in my former and current snowblower for decades. Almost always started on first pull in the fall. Never more than 3 pulls. Sold my old one a month or so ago after not running since the winter BEFORE last and it started first pull.
Moral.... ALWAYS treat your fuel and don't worry about draining the bowl (unless you aren't going to use it for years). Obviously this assumes you are preforming proper preventative maintenance....
Big fan of ethanol free fuel!
I would guess the fluctuation was probably due to the fuel being left in the carburetor. Even with stabil, sitting to long will make it run a little rougher. Very impressed with the Preditor.
I have a 5500 Generac. After a couple years it done than afyer a winter. Mechanic advised me to treat fuel with Mechanic in a Bottle and run til it level out. Worked great. When storing run Fuel stabilizer for a few minutes run tank dry to prevent varnish in tank . I agree the fuel left in it most likely the culprit. No insult to corn farmers intended but ethanol is small engines enemy when not used immediately.
Surging because its charging its own dead battery, not 123 volts, it was 12.3 volts about what you would expect to charge a low battery
Yep, best to turn the fuel off and running it out? I realy dont know?
I have the Harbor Freight 3500w gen. Used the hell out of it for the past 3 years. NEVER an issue period. Bought it because the Onan 4K on the toy hauler could never be trusted. Definitely a good buy.
I have one that oscillated...clean the carb and orifice (saw on a UA-cam vid) and it ran perfect.also you can loosen a screw on the carb and drain it.
Adam, I also have the Honda and Predator generators you do, for years. What I've found with both: they're both excellent, only problems where fuel-related. Ethanol in gas these days attracts water from the air, it gunks up the carburetor, Stabil doesn't help. Your Honda running on choke, but not happy coming off of choke is an early symptom. As that progresses after more storage, it will eventually cough even on choke, and will not run at all. I've found that no amount of running on choke will somehow flush it out. It's fuel starvation because of a gunked carb. Same old gas in the tank or fresh gas does not dissolve or clear the gunk. So now what? What do I do? If you take the bowl off the carb, there'll be a pencil-sized column that comes down in to where the bowl was. A small enough flat-blade screw driver will fit up in to it. Unscrew, and a small, approximately 1" brass-colored tube will come out. It's hollow and has 3 or 4 sets of tiny holes drilled through it, and a tiny hole at the top. This is where I always find the problem. It doesn't take much gunk to affect these little holes, and it's stuck in them. Here's what I do: Strip an old piece of stranded wire, get just one strand that fits in those little holes. Use it, and a shot or two of carb-cleaner to chase those little holes and clear them out. Reassemble, don't tighten too hard. Might need an easy starting pull or two to refill the bowl with fuel the first time after this, but I almost "guarantee" you'll be back to one-pull starting. I've had this same symptom/problem/solution with my Honda generator, Predator generator, my pressure washer (Honda engine), my rider-mower (Briggs & Stratton engine), my push-mower (Kohler engine), and also fixed my neighbors Honda generator the same way. It's the ethanol in the gas when left sitting. So what do I do? Don't leave them sit with fuel in the carb bowl for an extended period. Keep the fuel off that little brass thing. I typically run them dry when possible, or drain the carb bowl, and store them that way. My 2 cents.
Good point. Look for StarTron fuel enzyme fuel treatment. Turns E85 back to 100% gas.
I know this is an old video but your Honda clearly needs a carb clean. I have several of these and they come right off choke within 10 seconds of starting and run flawlessly. Your Honda takes a lot of pulls because the carb dries out and it needs a fuel pump to prime itsself (pulse pump off crankcase). Your predator also has carb issues (the hunting) but with a gravity fuel feed is much easier to start. You need to store them 100% dry. Drain the carb bowl. Its the only way.
Very good video because I'm looking to purchase the predator inverter.
Like the Predator except the tiny wheels. I had the Honda 2000, it was a beast served me well, passed it on to friends who have used it for years. Loved my old Champion 4000/3500, but was so heavy and noisy, now looking for a quieter and lighter gen. I only need to power my AC in my trailer, otherwise I have solar on the roof and live off 12v when camping.
Thank you for sharing you economic train of thought. Very balanced. Hadn't thought about the idea of innovation as a factor in purchasing.
That run position is an actual choke - not automatic and yes, if you leave it in the choke position it will eventually load up and shut off. Not surprised it cranked on one pull. I highly recommend you install a fuel filter. When any small, carbureted engine searches like that, 99% chance a tiny piece of trash is stuck in the low speed jet. Easy to clean it out, only requires a screwdriver.
Honest video, love the apples on the ground.
I'm glad to see this video! I'm a mechanic for a rental company we feature eu2000i Honda's and a few Briggs and Stratton small generator's with the Honda's I had to replace the petcock factory oops, apparently those are quite similar except price ( noise levels ect) but I'm impressed with your generator and the test against the Honda. I'm impressed! Harbor Freight here I come.....thanks
Really great review!
If you are running alcohol enriched gasoline, it is imperative that you drain the float bowl of the carburetor on your generators after each use, unless you are running them every day. I have seen jets get clogged in as little as a week. The Honda has a fuel pump, and will take around 6 pulls to fill up the carburetor.
Great review, cheers mate.
Adam, thanks for the video. I am considering this purchase. I thing i have come across in my research is for the Predator, there seems to be a air issue and there is a cover on the left side (as you look at it) that folks have modded to add venting and that seems to help. That could be why you're getting that slight flutter
The videos are BS the generator has holes in the bottom of it and is made to pull air from the bottom
That’s legit brother... I did the same thing... didn’t use mine for a year the batt is dead... it only took one pill and ran... wow... after an hour running push start worked... it had enough charge to start it
That happened to my Honda (up and down)...I pulled the carburetor cleaned it out...running perfectly without any weird up and downs. Now I run it every month for 30 minutes and change oil every 6 months.
I've had the Predator 212 cc engine in a rototiller as a replacement engine and I've never had any problem getting it started - good engine. It's been more reliable than the Briggs and Stratton it replaced which surged a lot. Too bad the Predator wasn't around when I bought my 2 Honda 2000i's but they are a nice form factor. My guess is if you would have let the Honda sit for 5 min after turning the fuel on it would have started right up. It just took a few pulls to draw the fuel into the carb.
I just bought the Predator yesterday , I put oil and gas in it this morning and it started 2nd pull 🤠👍
Thanks for the video.
I have two of these predator 3500. Of course I run non-ethanol gas w/ stabil, Mobile One synthetic oil, and NGK spark plugs.
I also pulled the control panel off and unplugged the kill switch. Now when I turn it off it continues to run until it burns all of the gas in the carburetor. I have not had any issues with surging. I exercise them at least every 30 days for 30 minutes (thanks to my phones calendar reminders). They always crank right up and run perfectly.
Great comparison!
On that Predator generator there is a cable connected to that switch that chokes the engine also when that switch is in the off position it shuts off fire and fuel.
Thank you for your review; I found it interesting. I just bought two Honda EU2200's, but I gave the Predator much consideration first. Perhaps I wasted my money; I don't know. In any event, it always surprises me how rude men are nowadays when commenting on these reviews. How pathetic a man must be to feel comfortable insulting another behind the anonymity of a keyboard.
It's not just men.
@@n0xctbob401 Agreed - people.
You didn't waste your money! Honda is still a better generator, just maybe not worth the extra money depending on your needs.
I own both brands and you can't go wrong with either one. If you can afford two Hondas then hats off to you.
I have 2 Honda 2000. I dont think you'll be disappointed. When I bought them the 2000s were $1,000 and the 3,000 was $1800. So I bought the kit where I can hook them together. 4,000 watts for $2,000 or 3,000 for $1800. I like that if I dont need 4,000 watts I can run just one 2,000. I have over 10,000 hours on 1 of these
Good video. It seems both carburetors have minor issues. This may cause low power.
I haven't found any additive that offsets the negative effect ethanol gas has on carburetors. I've found using ethanol free gasoline is only cost effective solution to prevent issues. My long term storage preparation is: run engine until gasoline tank is empty, add about 1 quart Trufuel, run engine for 5 minutes.
It does have an actual choke. Take the panel off and you see it move when you move it from start to run. That knob turns the gas, spark, choke on and off in one clever movement. Once you ran it a couple of minutes you don't choke it to restart as you learned. The charging system is working fine but everyone knows it take a while for a battery to charge back up. You were wasting time trying to battery start in 5 minutes and it proves nothing. Forget the stabil and instead drain ALL the gas out of it. With no gas to spoil there's no need to start it every 30 days and it runs when you need it some day. Simply put it up like draining the oil. Place a clean container under the carb bowl drain tube , turn knob to start or run and drain the tank and carb. Don't use stabil, I never have and never had a problem. Instead put some Sea Foam or equivalent in the fresh gas and it will clean the carb of any gunk. Sounds like both needed some Sea Foam. Generators need to have a load to run right. They are built to work NOT sit around doing nothing. Thanks for the video.
I love my 3500. Just like yours battery was dead. And 1 pull to start. No bs
Awesome video
Great video!👍🏻
Always use non ethanol fuel
Nuff said !!!
Agree 100%, I use only non ethanol in all my equipment and it starts even after a year or so of sitting within a pull or too.
Shhh... Just enjoy the fruit of our secret... lol. What a difference rec gas makes!
Ya 🌽 gas sucks 😕 All it does is make farmers wealthy
Maybe is a dumb question, but does it means the gasoline from any gas station does have ethanol? If this is the case, where can I buy non-ethanol fuel?
@@mogb2094 just look for REC fuel or non ethanol fuel it depends on your area
Maybe a lookup online
I make sure my carb is drained before storing . So far so good
That is the secret. And I think they have a drain valve on it.
Sta-bil works for me.
Make sure the whole thing is empty of the tank and carb. Pour 5ml of oil in the spark plug hole and pull it over a couple of times to coat the cylinder walls to avoid corrosion. Put the sparkplug back in and leave it as long as you need.
@@pbodymathis ...sta-bil is great to preserve the gas. However, if you leave gas n the carb for an extended time after running it you will trash it. I know because I speak from experience 😂🤣😂
@@redstone5149 Thanks for the tip. Same thing for injectors? What if you have sta bil in the gas and run the engine for a short period, and then store it?
How many hours do you have on that predator?
It’s also possible to cut the dead space out with a video editor. 20 minutes is a long time to hang out for this.
Fast forward is a possibility to bro I think he wanted to give a real time span that’s the point of the video if your attention span is lacking or if you don’t find the video interesting enough how’s that his problem is all I’m saying
@@dredre9324 that was my thoughts
Yup that impressed me a lot the Honda probably has a carb issue with that many pulls and the fact that it won’t come fully off choke. I’m leaning to that predator. I got one of their pressure washers and love it.
I see more predators out there than honda in denver i kept seeing them EVERYWHERE it got my interest ill be havn the predator 💯
Its because there was no fuel in the system. The honda took awhile because of that.
I have two predator motors and five honda motors . After sitting several months ,I live in Vermont ,my predator motors start on 1-3 pulls. one is a lot splitter 3 years old the other a two year old generator 9000 watts . I have 4 honda ruckus scooters and a honda self propelled quadra cut mower . My scooters take at least 20 -30 kicks before starting. My mower will usually start on pull two . No stabilizer of any kind, regular gas with ethinal .
It is oscillating because the main jet is slightly plugged with our miserable corn distilled alcohol that costs more for the diesel tractors and combines and pesticide sprays which use copious amounts of fuel. More fuel is used for corn alcohol than is ever realized as a saving in fuel. Ridiculous. Besides plugging up every lawnmower and generator across the nation using another tremendous amount on thrown away bad fuel.
Yep
And that ain’t all. The extra corn grown to make ethanol causes extra fertilizer runoff, polluting streams. Another feel good scheme that doesn’t work.
Paublus Americanus AMERICANUS Ethanol fuel. More worthless junk brought to you be the greenie wienees that has killed more engines and done less than nothing for the environment.
I consider ethanol-tainted fuel a tax on the country to benefit a few corn growing states. We also sacrifice millions of dollars in power equipment so they can make a few extra bucks. Ridiculous.
It's not the main jet that is plugged. It's the starter/pilot jet, which has a very tiny orifice. These are what plug up easily after long storage when the fuel isn't completely drained out of the carburetor. It happens even when fuel without ethanol is sitting in the carb bowl long enough.....(usually more than 12-14 months)
I wonder if you have fresh gas, clean the exhaust screen, and put a load on it if it smooths out
Running out of gas still leaves a small amount in the float bowl. Draining the carb is the only way to go. High humidity will cause gas to turn to gum quicker. That will occur here in FLORIDA in about 4 months.
steve from the steve small engine salone channel had a video of surging power equipment and all it was the main pilot jet in the carborator was partly plugged up with varnish from the gas. clean out the carbs on both machines and i recommend never keep gas in your machines always drain them even the bowl on the carb needs to be drained.
Dude, once the Predator generator has warmed up you don't start it in START mode. You start it in RUN mode. In START mode the engine is choked.
Well if you knew how lean they jet those carburetors stock youd know your basically gonna have to use the choke everytime to start it regardless if the engines cold or hot.
@@minibikegarage1577 I've had my Predator 3500 for 5 years now and I live in California. After it has been started and runs for even one minute it will not start in START mode. I also have a Powerhorse 2000 watt generator which is similar to the Predator 2000. Same situation. You can yank on that rope till your arm falls off and it won't start in START mode. Maybe it's the climate here in California that makes the difference but I noticed you were having issues starting your Predator after it was warm where you are, which is why I left my previous comment.
Altitude, temperature, humidity... there’s a number of variables that affect air/fuel ratios.
@@minibikegarage1577 Not so sir
@@mikyahl8749 your wrong bud, i build performance small engines, if you dont rejet them, theyll never start up without the choke, hot or cold, there jetted extremely lean from the factory. put a slightly bigger main jet/pilot jet in it and theyll start fine.
A great video and very helpful comments. Thank you. Can I as this audience a question. Here in the UK we have duel fuel generators. Does running the generator on LPG ( propane) avoid the ethanol problems. I'm aware with LPG the power output seems to be a little reduced.
I see several comments about not using ethanol fuel. I have been using mine for a year and a half with absolutely no problems. It was my understanding that the alcohol thing was a thing of the past. I see no warnings about that issue so I will continue using what I use. Thanks!
If you are using it often enough for ethanol not to sit a long time, it's not an issue. The issue with ethanol is, when it sits, it gums up the carb. fuel lines etc. really bad. Worse than spoiled or old fuel with no ethanol. Makes a solid gelatinous goo.
@@MrBilld75 thanks Bill, I will be sure to use the equipment often to avoid that problem. J.R.
The surging could be a clogged jet or because you have the unit sitting on the grass which is partially blocking the vent hole for the air intake. Also even though you use stabel fuel additive, the gas can still go bad. Mine sat for only three months and the gas had to be emptied and replaced.
Hey On those smaller units open the door to carburetor. You will be able to drain fuel bowl of carburetor. If you look there is small screw to open bowl and a drain line.
Did that 2 weeks ago on my father's honda. Started first pull after getting the shitty gas out.
Your Honda might need a jet Cleaned out, and maybe the predator as well that’s why it’s cavitating. Good video thanks for sharing.
When those Honda’s sit for longer than a month, it’s 20 pulls, next time he starts it, it will be first pull.
Thanks!!! Great video!!!!
It may also hunt a bit until you put a load on it. I just got one and it's really nice. Awaiting the next power outage. I think I will go disconnect the battery to preserve it.
Perhaps a automatic battery maintainer/float charger would help.
Solved my idle hunting with a new jet, original is a 76 installed a 68. Smoooth now.
So they didn't fix the problem.. good now I know not to buy one 😔
I bought my HB3000 gas generator at a yard sale for $100, they said it just stopped running. I took it home, pulled the carb and cleaned it, changed the oil, new air filter, spark plug and blew out the spark arrestor. When I put it all back together, it looked brand new, I have always ran super unleaded, I have never had an issue, I also charged the battery. I believe the generator was 2years old when I bought it, Ive had it 3 years, it runslike a champ, no issues, I change the oil and spark plug every month, clean the air filter and blow out the spark arrestor after every use. I put a gas cut off valve under the tank, I close it and let it run out so my carb is dry and doesnt get gunked up and disconnect the battery when I put it away. It believe it will run another 10 years as long as I do what im doing. Ive owned lots of motorcycles, I have always been very meticulous in maintenance, my motorcycles have never had a failure on the road.
Running high octane fuel in an engine that doesn't have high compression ratios is a waist of money.
@@MegaSling not true but I don’t want to get into the science of why I do it and go over your head. If you can afford it, do it, I guess it’s a personal choice.
Adam,
was the fuel in the tank a fresh or whatever you left the last time you used it? Do you recommend to keep the fuel with fuel stabilizer if you are not using it for long time?
My Honda starts first or second pull and it’s 20 years old. Never seen one take 20 pulls? How stale was the gas?
I had a 8700 predator for five years and I worked it really hard and I just took a shit yesterday so I had to buy a new one they’re good generators if you do the maintenance on them and plus my old one used to be on for like 3 to 4 Hours a day
The Honda has a fuel pump so it took 20 pulls. The preditor is gravity feed fuel so 1 or 2 pulls.
How heavy is it and will it fit under a Tonneau Cover in a ford pickup?
I like those generators that have starters that crank them!
Yeah but the battery always dies.
@@michael931 wouldn’t batteries + have a replacement
I don't know if this has been mentioned, but, if you just turn on the fuel valve on the Honda and let it sit for three minutes, it will start right up. Give it a try, works on mine every time after long storage.
To fix the surging did you rebuild or replace the carburetor? I don’t know why they don’t have a fuel shut off to run Carb dry after use.
I am amazed that larger Predator is quieter than that Honda EU, wish they could get the Predator 2000 to be that quiet because it's lighter for hauling.
I always run ethanol free gas with the green marine stabil not the red stuff. I also add a teaspoon of 2 cycle oil per gallon to help prevent corrosion if stored for a long time like at a summer cabin.
When you start them, do you load test them? Just because it runs, doesn't mean that it makes power, a battery maintainer would assure long battery life and easy starts.
If my Honda has been sitting, I pull the cover and air filter, then stick my finger in the carb opening and pull. It allows no air, so pulls fuel only into the carb. Pull a couple of times then take your finger out and pull. It should start.
Predator 3000 has a larger fuel jet so it wont clog as easy but its still running lean thats why its hunting...both your gens need carbs cleaned. Not only should you run stabil but you need to drain carbs before storage. The predator start position is connected to a standard butterfly choke so when its warmed up you can just restart in run position. Running any generator with a surge will ruin the generator inverter and stator/rotor. Always rebuild or replace the carb if its hunting or surging. Generators are not like a lawnmower they need to maintain an almost perfect rpm so it will not have voltage spikes
Predator! Very Kool!
I leave fuel in all my machines, Motorcycles,Predator 3500 generator, Kubota zero turn, Snow blower, pressure washer, Stihl grass whip and chain saws. I use premium gas and stabilizer when storing it away and I have NO problems. I will replace fuel if its not used within the next running season. I've owned the Predator for 3 years, Home and RV use, I just took it out 3 days ago to start it up in preparation for the potential winter emergencies, No problems . Been doing this since the 70s, yep I'm a older guy and licensed industrial mechanic . If it ain't broke don't fix it ,eh.
Impressive 1 pull start. I find that my Honda (I have Honda 2000 and 2200) also take a dozen or more pulls to get them started if they have been sitting for many months - but will start on the first pull thereafter until its sits for several months again. Despite putting Sta-bil etc in the fuel or running your carb dry, you can still get some buildup in your fuel system that causes the surging you hear - fuel deposit buildup is not uncommon. Run enough gas and Sea Foam mixture to run for an hour or two and it should take care of the surging. I think this is a good value product.
Good video. 👍 I'm thinking of buying the Predator!
Nice shed but Q: Why does the door open inwards rather than out?
While the generator is laboring/surging can you power anything?
I have 3 generators LOL. 1 of them is a little 1200 watt for short term 1 to 3 hour power outages. It'll run fan and fridge. The 2nd is a little bigger it's 3000 watts. Its a loaner for family or friends in need. But the one I use for a serious power outages is a 9400 watt duel fuel that runs on gasoline or propane. It's only emergencies
Get non ethanol fuel , find it online in your area, and use a good fuel stabilizer and cycle your fuel all year . And you can also store your stuff with synthetic fuels and use fresh gas when needed
Wow awesome 👍
That battery problem is caused by sitting too long. It will self-discharge until it's dead. Once it's dead, the lead plates will sulfate and then it will have trouble taking a charge. That's why 5 mins run time did not charge it enough to start. Get a little battery maintainer (not a charger) and clip on it and plug it in. It will keep the battery up and it will always start. No electric in the shed? Use a little solar panel meant to charge game camera batteries. Just make sure it doesn't overcharge. Use a meter to measure the battery once a week while there is full sun on the panel. If the voltage is over 14 volts, you are hurting the battery. Disconnect panel for a week, then reattach it. Measure voltage after a day or two. You will eventually get the feel for how many days you should leave it disconnected. You may only need to hook it up for one day a week. I maintained a Sears DieHard lawn mower battery like that and it lasted 20 years. It never sulfated. What killed it was probably one of the internal connections corroded and broke. One day it started the mower fine. Next week, nothing-not even a click.