If you guys have the smaller 2000W Predator generator, check this video, it will directly apply as the predator 2000 is a Ducar internal built gen! ua-cam.com/video/oQcy6dLkK6s/v-deo.html
Just ran mine for 167 hours straight (with break for an oil change) due to hurricane Beryl. LOVE my P3500, it ran flawlessly and did everything I needed.
My predator would not keep running. Mission critical as I am off grid and it runs my well pump. Watched this video and am now pumping water again. Thank you so much!
This is one of the most thorough, in-depth descriptive videos I have ever watched. Great info for the newbie or old-time who needs more tricks. Thank you for taking the time to explain the procedures in such great detail including part numbers, etc., while explaining the reasons behind why these things are important. Bravo!!
This was by far the best video I have seen on the predator or any generator. You get to the point, no needless commentary, and extremely helpful. WELL DONE!!!!
I just sold my Honda EU2000 today and went right down and bout one one of these (rv on the way so needed more power). I am BLOWN away at the quality and how quiet it is. Hope it lasts because Im impressed.
Great video! I run both of mine 4-5 days a week for 8-10 hours each day to power my food truck. I have two Predator 3500s and just ordered the Firman 1201 Parallel kit so I can truly split the load between them. Now I know how to actually maintain them properly. Good job!
Got the battery connector yesterday and used snippers to cut trim of the Predator cousin, the Powerhorse. This is a fantastic modification. Got the unit at the home of the Predator. One issue I noted is that when the charger block is plugged into my covered patio outlet the outlet cover of the socket doesn’t fold back far enough to accommodate the charger base. I had to use a plug extension that I use for my Christmas lights (for the same reason, to allow for a timer) to allow for the charger base. I have the excess cabling attaching to the battery curled up and tucked between the battery and the outside wall of the generator. BTW, I stopped by the retailer for my Powerhorse and spoke to the service tech and he confirmed that the Powerhorse has only one drain tube from the carburetor and that he has to siphon fuel from the tank to drain the tank itself. I’m just going to stick with TruFuel and continue my monthly run for about 30”, only this time remembering to clean the spark arrestor. Since it stays on my patio at home it probably wouldn’t hurt to remove the spark arrestor if I wanted to avoid needing to clean it, even though it isn’t difficult to remove and brush.
I have 2553 hours on my 1 1/2 yo Predator 3500 from HF, and I'm thinking about changing the spark plug for the first time. It's starting to surge a little bit, but when it's warm out sometimes it just shuts down and refuses to start again for a few hours. Guess I'll clean up the spark arrestor, haven't done that yet either.I have never had a battery problem w it and I don't use a tender. We just sit out in the Arizona desert in our 35 foot RV year around! Gotta keep that air filter clean. Awesome machine for the $699 I paid for it. I bought 2 at the same time, sold 1 with about 1500 hrs just because I didn't need it that bad and he wanted it pretty badly.
Awesome stuff! At bare minimum, check and adjust valve clearance at those hours. If a gen is in use constantly like yours, you never will have battery issues, that is for long term storage, usually 30 days or greater to extend the life of the battery when a tender becomes a must.
When you pay $750 for something that others paid $3,000+ you definitely have something to smile about..... oh, THANK YOU for the battery tender suggestion ....
@@MR_Garage thank you.. I put the wheel kit on mine getting to old to lift on back of truck..2 ramps goes up very nicely...Also nice for oil changes too.looks like a off road generator
@@TC-tw5zk I dig the wheel kits. I place my gen in my trailer when I travel and the wheel kit makes it too wide. Thinking of a custom platform someday for it.
Best way to clean the spark arrestor on any small engine is a propane torch. Burns off all the carbon build up in seconds. Can also do the exhaust manifold as well. Great vid.
If it helps anyone, the replacement battery model is YTX7L-BS892 and sells for about $25. It can be found just about anywhere online - I bought mine at Home Depot.
I use Schaeffer's Micron Moly 30wt oil in mine. Also the Neutra fuel additive. Mine will run 14 to 15 hours on a tank. Also do 150 hour oil changes. No problems.
similar set up on my snowblower.i just suck out oil through the dipstick hole with (syphon pump,one hose in oil bucket and one in snowblower,). less mess. i know i dont get all oil out but its not a car and i do it every other year..
You may want to rethink drilling holes in the case. These things are air cooled with the engine powering a fan that draws cool air from the front of the case, across both the engine and inverter and expels the hot air out the back. By drilling the holes you've created a vacuum leak that will allow the fan to draw air through those holes rather than from the front of the case. Thus, the cooling air is bypassing the engine and inverter causing them to run much hotter. Just sayin.
Nope, a gentleman on the predator group did a before and after thermal scan of the inverter which is air cooled. A few holes in the case does nothing to affect cooling of the inverter. On the flip side to this, there is no need to drill the case or vent the door of the gen is jetted properly without the one size fits all jet it comes with. I have another video for that.
Jon doe is correct. I was curious how air gets into the generator so I removed the front cover. The air intake is to the left of the wheel locking lever on the bottom. Directly above the air intake is a large heat sink with fins and a baffle built in to the front cover for cooling the electronics. When the generator is running you can feel suction in this area. Adding cooling holes to the side panels bypasses the primary air intake so now your electronic components are getting less cooling air. Maybe this doesn’t make a significant difference if the electronics don’t get that hot and/or they don’t need much cooling, but it looks like a lot of design effort went into the flow of cooling air around the electronics, generator coil, and engine.
You do not bypass by drilling holes in the case. You can leave the oil access door totally off and still have enough flow to cool the inverter as the motor can move a substantial amount of air. As stated, thermal scans have proven this / there is plenty of flow. And per my previous comment "there is no need to drill the case or vent the door of the gen is jetted properly without the one size fits all jet it comes with". This fixes any rich running conditions without any other modification as long as you do not overfill the gas tank constantly which is a whole different issue and set of symptoms.
Damn dude, I have watched a lot of how to videos on here and that is about as good sit gets. Thank you it was really helpful for an engine novice like myself.
Overall the best & most complete maintenance video I've seen for the Predator 3500. Thank you! My only 2 critiques are when you say, "I know engines..." and my mind immediately says, then why do you intentionally overfill the crankcase with oil (which leads to unnecessary increased pressure and wear) & then say to your viewers not to worry about it? The other thing I am also guilty of, and that is leaving the generator sitting unused for a, "few months nap." My father was a master mechanic and always told me an engine - any and all - should be started at least 1x/mo minimum to keep everything lubricated including seals etc (and to ensure it will work in emergencies -given it's an emergency tool and all). But like I said, I too have been guilty of letting mine sit for months between uses or such starts too. But I hope to get better (and for critical systems, like my genie, I actually have a backup generator as well as 2 short term "solar battery" systems too).
Small engines like these are splash lubricated and without a PCV valve - direct vent. There is zero extra pressure. Just some extra oil in case they consume a little between runs. And your dad was right! Should start every few months at least, once a month even better. More for the carbs sake if not drained (should be drained of fuel with any nap) Oil and such is fully drained down rather quickly since there is no oil really in the head. Cam and crank are in the bottom of the engine (pushrod motor). Oil gets super hot in these so even 15w40 turns to water at high temps. Moment it shuts down - drains fast. Thanks for watching!
Hello! The 30A twist lock L5-30R outlet is for larger loads and generally used for RV, Travel Trailer type use. Or anything needing more than 20A. The other two outlets are what they call a 5-20R. They support both 15A or 20A.
I brought my predator 3500 generator at a pawn shop I didn't know exactly what I was buying at the time I knew it was a inverter and that's what I was looking for it had 14 hours on it when I bought it I actually stole it because I only paid $350 for it at the pawn shop it has a 160 hours on it right now and it runs flawlessly I have not did any mods to it except put the bigger wheels on it so I can get it around much easier
Great video. Great Tips. I just got one of these and am super happy with how easy it is to operate, maintain and how quiet it operates. (We're neighbors-I think.)
Close! I'm in Tempe. Headed to cooler country this weekend. Another thing that Predator has added to their operators manual regarding fuel-they insist on using fuel stabilizer-always.
In Tempe now, small world. And I agree with them, it goes in all my fuel canisters to ensure it is in every small engine of mine ALWAYS and in the carbs prior to storage.
Great video. Unit wouldn’t start with battery after a year of storage. Have it on battery minder now hoping it will condition and recharge it to a useful one. It looks like I will need to replace it and leave it on the minder. I like the upgrade suggestions and the handy tools that you mentioned. Will go and buy them this week for my unit. Thanks for all the tips.
Worst thing for a battery is to let it die over time. I would replace the battery. We have a video with the part number for the battery. After that, keep it on the battery tender / minder and it will give a really long service life!
I stopped at a Harbor Freight today, and purchased this generator after watching you video. Unfortunately, after opening it the front end of it was smashed in like it was dropped during shipping. oddly the box was not damaged at all. I am hoping they have another generator in stock tomorrow when I return it. I've already purchased the mentioned items you listed (but using 5w40 instead) and I'm hoping this will be a reliable generator for my needs.
I just want to say I know I love my generator I take very good care of it but the point is I picked it up at a pawn shop it had 25 hours on it I paid $400 for it at this current moment it has a 165 hours and I've had it for about coin on maybe 5 years now.
This is a fantastic video. Thank you. Did want to mention that there was one thing I was curious about. I’ve let mine sit too long and want to drain the fuel but am not sure how to do it. I think if your video included that extra perk, it would be next level. Keep up the good work!
If you want to drain the tank too, set the gen to run and open the bowl drain screw. You will of course need a container for the old fuel to run into. You can see how to drain the bowl in my jetting video on the 3500. Only extra step is to set the gen to run (switch is also a fuel cut)
@@MR_Garage Thanks for the reply. I have since learned that there is a little screw on the side of the bowl that allows fuel to drain through a tube when the setting on run which makes it a little easier to catch. 👍
Well no Genny yet. I found out I could not use the coupon which would have saved me $160, bringing the price down to $640. So the best sale price I have seen was $699. So I will just wait till the next sale. Darn it. The money I am saving will be used to buy your kits. ;)
I have both a Yamaha inverter and was given a Predator 3500 for free. (Bad gas) The highest hour generator I ever saw was 18,000 hrs from a friend who "lives off the grid" it is a Yamaha.
Here’s one for you: Bought the generator this week, and ran it with no load for 20 hours (on and off) and checked the oil at 8. She was still full, and clean as a whistle. I just started her up again, and connected my large chest freezer. I then added my full size refrigerator. And the display says she’s only drawing 1.2 amps and 148W. Is this possible!?
Mr. Garage It eventually went to 2.5 amps and 250 watts. I tried to monitor the display for compressors on/off, but this is the highest it drew. Turns out, this huge freezer (brand-new Frigidaire) only draws 1.2 amps, but the refrigerator’s label says 6! I don’t get it. And the 3500 didn’t miss a beat...didn’t power up, power down, stall...for even a split second. I think I want one or two of those little wattage meters that you plug your device into, to double check the 3500’s readout. Changed the oil yesterday to synthetic (broke it in with regular), and today, my spark plug and magnetic oil dip stick arrives. And here’s a question for you: Can you parallel this with the 2000?
Thank you! I have the exact generator and haven't started it in several months. I unfortunately, didn't put the Stabil-izer i the gas, and now it won't start. I just ordered the battery thing - hoping it will start up after that! When I charge up the battery, I'll add some stabil-izer to the gas and cross my fingers! LOL THEN, do an oil change!
About the air filter - what did you say you put on the air filter when you put it back after you clean it off? Also did you mention that you clean it with water? Thanks
Odd, I could have sworn I responded to this, apologies! These days after I wash a filter (dawn dishsoap and hot water - then let dry) I just use a little gear oil. A little bit goes a long ways. I stopped using canned filter oil.
We just bought ours in February. We just unboxed it and have it in the back of our truck for use with our new Scamp 5th wheel. Instructions recommend grounding it first. Should we? Or Not? If so, how do you do that? My husband and I are the blind leading the blind. Neither one of us are electricians.
Hey there I noticed in your video the spark plug you were using was a NGK BPR7EIX but the link you used was for the BR7EIX and didn’t know the difference between the two..I went out and bought the BPR7EIX but didn’t want to install it without checking. Great video thanks for the help.
Good catch Jay, oddly it was showing the correct link and even in the search bar when clicked, but displayed the wrong plug. I generated a new link to make sure the right plug would show.
Who makes the extra thin walled socket? I really like my new predator generator starts easy hood for a women and very quit I live off grid and owned about every brand of generators even many Honda’s but this 1 is the best!
Excellent video! Subscribed. I just added all the pieces/parts to my Amazon cart. After this hunting season now I’ll know how to prep my Predator generator for storage thru the winter.
Yessir, need to get it into the carb. I talk with many that think just dumping it in the tank is all that is needed. And as I mentioned - best to always put stabilizer in your storage tanks at home. So no matter what you fill - it will already be there.
One more question, would you suggest draining the carb bowl if you knew you weren’t going to use it for a month or so? Would this help preventing the jets from getting gummed up? I use Sta-bil and non-ethanol gas.
If only a month or two and non ethanol, you would not need sta-bil but does not hurt.I would just drain the bowl and call it good. If longer than say 4-6 months or more, drain carb bowl and use a syringe to back feed ATF back into the carb. Try to fill it until it comes out the jet, then suck 5cc back out. When it comes time to run it again, drain the ATF, fill with fresh gas and go! Will smoke a little but no problem. Carb will be good to go.
Great video thank you for all the information. I just did pretty much everything in this video. And now for some reason when I have the knob on the start position and use the electric start it will not turn over. But when I put it in the start position it turns over perfectly with the electric start. I also live in Arizona so I am low elevation. I know higher elevation Requires you to put the knob and run and start it. Let me know what advice you can give me.
Great video. I have one question. When you shut it off for a long period, how do you keep fuel in the carb from going bad? I noticed that you have no fuel shut off so you can run it dry.... Is it a easy fix?
@@nyquil07na38 No. Non ethanol fuel has a long shelf life. However, run the generator once a month to operating temp. Sitting is bad for engines. Seals dry out.
The OFF switch is actually a multi-function switch that shuts it down and also has a fuel petcock on the back to shut off fuel. They do fail though. Just ordered a new one for mine (only $4) because between the failed petcock and bad needle valve, it kept feeding fuel and overflowing through the air filter. Once it's off, there is a small flathead screw on the bottom of the carb bowl to empty it out. Also a good idea to add a small inline fuel filter right below the tank behind the air box.
I love the video and thank you for being so thorough. I recently purchased one of these and have been breaking it in, but noticed some minor surging at idle. Following advice from another video, I pulled and cleaned the pilot jet and re-installed it, but do you think I was smart enough to count how many rotations the idle set screw was from the carb? No. How many turns do you usually set yours at to run smoothly?
Have you had any surging issues? I fired mine up this week for it’s monthly run and found it to be surging real bad, and with esc on it almost dies. From what I can see, plug is good, gas is tested and fresh, spark arrestor is clean, air filter is clean. I’m kinda stumped. Nice to see another AZ RVer out there using the same setup! I find it powered everything we need as well.
Hey Jim, Not at all. Surging usually occurs when jet has a blockage. Does not take much to clog it up. Something in the gas, container or just old gas. I would take off the carb and clean. Also, does it run better with the oil door removed in this situation? If so, fuel tank was overfilled and charcoal emissions canister was soaked in fuel starving the gen of air.
Well, pulling the carb may be next then. As for over filing, it’s usually only got about 1 or so gallons when not in use but if it did get overfilled it would’ve been last summer sometime. I’d think it would be cleared up by now unless it gelled in there or something.
Hey Mr. Garage, I took apart my carb about a year ago and took the ESC throttle controller off the top of it by mistake. I was wondering if you would be able to send me a video or some pictures of how it needs to be reattached to the carb. The spring and black plastic parts came apart and I am confused on how to make it work properly again. Thank you!
1. Add some dawn dishsoap to a bowl of hot water. Soak the filter in that and rinse clean. 2. A spray oil may be best for you. Check out maxima fab1 filter oil. A light coat will do you fine.
Just 1 question. Manual says to treat fuel and fill tank to full for storage. I have done this and it starts with 2-3 pulls during maintenance run for 20 minutes. Some say drain fuel and run until dry. What say you, sir? Full or empty? If you have time to answer this.
@@MR_GarageFor most of the year. So far it has been used once for a power outage and it sits idle for the rest of the year. Has sat idle for 98% of the year and a half since we bought it.
Sitting for that long, I would for sure drain the carb bowl totally. I recommend draining if storing for more than 3 months at a time (I just do it as a standard every-time I put a generator away). For extended storage for 3 months+, drain the gas tank too. No need to let it sit. If you really want your generator ready in short notice after long term storage, drain the carb and fuel tank. Then, put 4-5 ounces of ATF in the gas tank. Set the generator to run and let the carb fill up. Then, drain totally before filling with gas again. Will smoke a little and be a little bit of a pita first start after sometimes, but will start and be good to go! Last recommendation - your fuel container... Never leave gas in it for more than 4 months tops. Dump the old gas in your car and fill it back up fresh. If you can get ethanol free gas, you can go 6-7 months or so.
Fabulous video!! hardly ever use my Predator, but I just started it up and noticed it is running rough. I came in, turned on the computer and found this video. What an amazing resource. I think I have some cleaning work to do. Just like you mentioned, my battery went bad in the first year and I hardly used it. Battery guy at store suggested not leaving it hooked up to generator. Does the battery tender work when battery is hooked up to generator? Does leaving the battery unhooked solve the problem or is the battery tender a better idea? If I'm using the battery tender, can I then leave my battery hooked up to the generator. Thanks for your help.
The generator charges and maintains the battery when running. When not running, if the battery tender is plugged in, it will maintain the battery. Anytime it is not in use - keep it on the tender :)
You can gap iridium plugs but you have to be extremely careful and only use an arm bending tool. A slide gapper destroys them. In this case, the plug I recommend is plug and play.
If you can get non-ethanol, go for it. Fuel stabilizers benefits are limited with non-ethanol so not really required. Mass majority of us do not have that option, only crap fuel available around me.
The main off / run / start switch is acts as a fuel cutoff. But does not let you run the carb empty. You can wire in a bypass for that if you like so it will keep running until it dies.
Hi. I have a gen similar but mine is yellow, brand "atlas copco". Very strange yours called "predator" and red, never see this brand around. Exept some details our generator are same. Mine is model P3000i. 3kw. Btw Thanks for explain maintenance. I would like also desemble all and clean all inside. You already do that?
If the gen is running really rich, then I can see 8-10 hours. If running normally, every 40+ hours. Just have to get a feel for it and see if it runs a LOT better when removed. That will tell you if there is a major restriction.
If you can get ethanol free rec gas, DO IT. In all tests I have seen, you do not really need stabil or similar with ethanol free but I still run it. OR, drain the carb totally and use a syringe and fill the bowl with ATF (Drain before next start).
If you guys have the smaller 2000W Predator generator, check this video, it will directly apply as the predator 2000 is a Ducar internal built gen! ua-cam.com/video/oQcy6dLkK6s/v-deo.html
Just ran mine for 167 hours straight (with break for an oil change) due to hurricane Beryl. LOVE my P3500, it ran flawlessly and did everything I needed.
My predator would not keep running. Mission critical as I am off grid and it runs my well pump. Watched this video and am now pumping water again. Thank you so much!
Awesome! So happy this helps, that is what it is all about :)
This is one of the most thorough, in-depth descriptive videos I have ever watched. Great info for the newbie or old-time who needs more tricks. Thank you for taking the time to explain the procedures in such great detail including part numbers, etc., while explaining the reasons behind why these things are important. Bravo!!
Much Appreciated! I enjoy working on this and helping others. UA-cam has made a good outlet for that.
Boom! One search and I found the BEST video on UA-cam for p3500 maintenance! Thanks Brother
Glad it helped!
Good info. No BS. No unneeded commentary. Thank you.
This was by far the best video I have seen on the predator or any generator. You get to the point, no needless commentary, and extremely helpful. WELL DONE!!!!
Thanks Boss!
I just sold my Honda EU2000 today and went right down and bout one one of these (rv on the way so needed more power). I am BLOWN away at the quality and how quiet it is. Hope it lasts because Im impressed.
Great video! I run both of mine 4-5 days a week for 8-10 hours each day to power my food truck. I have two Predator 3500s and just ordered the Firman 1201 Parallel kit so I can truly split the load between them. Now I know how to actually maintain them properly. Good job!
Appreciated - your food truck sounds awesome!
Got the battery connector yesterday and used snippers to cut trim of the Predator cousin, the Powerhorse. This is a fantastic modification. Got the unit at the home of the Predator. One issue I noted is that when the charger block is plugged into my covered patio outlet the outlet cover of the socket doesn’t fold back far enough to accommodate the charger base. I had to use a plug extension that I use for my Christmas lights (for the same reason, to allow for a timer) to allow for the charger base. I have the excess cabling attaching to the battery curled up and tucked between the battery and the outside wall of the generator.
BTW, I stopped by the retailer for my Powerhorse and spoke to the service tech and he confirmed that the Powerhorse has only one drain tube from the carburetor and that he has to siphon fuel from the tank to drain the tank itself. I’m just going to stick with TruFuel and continue my monthly run for about 30”, only this time remembering to clean the spark arrestor. Since it stays on my patio at home it probably wouldn’t hurt to remove the spark arrestor if I wanted to avoid needing to clean it, even though it isn’t difficult to remove and brush.
I will hire this guy to work on my equipment any day
I have 2553 hours on my 1 1/2 yo Predator 3500 from HF, and I'm thinking about changing the spark plug for the first time. It's starting to surge a little bit, but when it's warm out sometimes it just shuts down and refuses to start again for a few hours. Guess I'll clean up the spark arrestor, haven't done that yet either.I have never had a battery problem w it and I don't use a tender. We just sit out in the Arizona desert in our 35 foot RV year around! Gotta keep that air filter clean. Awesome machine for the $699 I paid for it. I bought 2 at the same time, sold 1 with about 1500 hrs just because I didn't need it that bad and he wanted it pretty badly.
Awesome stuff! At bare minimum, check and adjust valve clearance at those hours. If a gen is in use constantly like yours, you never will have battery issues, that is for long term storage, usually 30 days or greater to extend the life of the battery when a tender becomes a must.
I use the Battery Tender on my ATV battery. It's 8 years old and always works
My uncle just changed the battery in his 2005 Suzuki Eiger for the 1st time this year... Has it on a tender anytime he isn't riding it
I'm planning to get the Powerhorse 4500 which is almost identical to this Predator model. Glad I found this video which will help me maintain it!
When you pay $750 for something that others paid $3,000+ you definitely have something to smile about..... oh, THANK YOU for the battery tender suggestion
....
yes...that tender recommendation is awesome. I need to get one of those for my atv too.
Put a Drainzit HON1010 oil drain tube in place of the factory drain plug and it makes oil changes easy as pie, with no messes or leaks.
Those battery tenders work great. Going on 5 years on my yuasa. Generator battery and it fires right up. Highly recommend getting one.
Yes sir - only way to keep a battery is maintained... unless you enjoy replacing them often :)
@@MR_Garage thank you..
I put the wheel kit on mine getting to old to lift on back of truck..2 ramps goes up very nicely...Also nice for oil changes too.looks like a off road generator
@@TC-tw5zk I dig the wheel kits. I place my gen in my trailer when I travel and the wheel kit makes it too wide. Thinking of a custom platform someday for it.
We just purchased the 3500 watt generator. Love your tips, and we purchased the spark plug, grease and the dip stick, and also an hour meter.
Best way to clean the spark arrestor on any small engine is a propane torch. Burns off all the carbon build up in seconds. Can also do the exhaust manifold as well. Great vid.
Thanks for the propane tip. Never will clean it again with parts cleaner.
Thank you
This is one of the best instructional videos I have ever seen! Excellent job! Thank you for taking the time to make and post it!
Glad it was helpful!
If it helps anyone, the replacement battery model is YTX7L-BS892 and sells for about $25. It can be found just about anywhere online - I bought mine at Home Depot.
Yessir :) ua-cam.com/video/BsR8ql6a1-o/v-deo.html
Excellent video! Really appreciate it. Did all that to mine today.
Should be in good shape for the rolling blackouts this summer in Texas...
Nice hack with the ramps! Well played sir....Thanks for such a well articulated intersectional video!
I use Schaeffer's Micron Moly 30wt oil in mine. Also the Neutra fuel additive. Mine will run 14 to 15 hours on a tank. Also do 150 hour oil changes. No problems.
similar set up on my snowblower.i just suck out oil through the dipstick hole with (syphon pump,one hose in oil bucket and one in snowblower,). less mess. i know i dont get all oil out but its not a car and i do it every other year..
The smart guys get it :) And even with a car, you end up leaving 1/2qt or more in the engine when you do a change.
Thanks for this video 👍💯 we just picked up the 4550 yesterday for mobile detailing/home backup. Your maintenance list should help us out a lot! 👍😎
You may want to rethink drilling holes in the case. These things are air cooled with the engine powering a fan that draws cool air from the front of the case, across both the engine and inverter and expels the hot air out the back. By drilling the holes you've created a vacuum leak that will allow the fan to draw air through those holes rather than from the front of the case. Thus, the cooling air is bypassing the engine and inverter causing them to run much hotter. Just sayin.
Nope, a gentleman on the predator group did a before and after thermal scan of the inverter which is air cooled. A few holes in the case does nothing to affect cooling of the inverter. On the flip side to this, there is no need to drill the case or vent the door of the gen is jetted properly without the one size fits all jet it comes with. I have another video for that.
Jon doe is correct. I was curious how air gets into the generator so I removed the front cover. The air intake is to the left of the wheel locking lever on the bottom. Directly above the air intake is a large heat sink with fins and a baffle built in to the front cover for cooling the electronics. When the generator is running you can feel suction in this area. Adding cooling holes to the side panels bypasses the primary air intake so now your electronic components are getting less cooling air. Maybe this doesn’t make a significant difference if the electronics don’t get that hot and/or they don’t need much cooling, but it looks like a lot of design effort went into the flow of cooling air around the electronics, generator coil, and engine.
You do not bypass by drilling holes in the case. You can leave the oil access door totally off and still have enough flow to cool the inverter as the motor can move a substantial amount of air. As stated, thermal scans have proven this / there is plenty of flow. And per my previous comment "there is no need to drill the case or vent the door of the gen is jetted properly without the one size fits all jet it comes with". This fixes any rich running conditions without any other modification as long as you do not overfill the gas tank constantly which is a whole different issue and set of symptoms.
Damn dude, I have watched a lot of how to videos on here and that is about as good sit gets. Thank you it was really helpful for an engine novice like myself.
Overall the best & most complete maintenance video I've seen for the Predator 3500. Thank you! My only 2 critiques are when you say, "I know engines..." and my mind immediately says, then why do you intentionally overfill the crankcase with oil (which leads to unnecessary increased pressure and wear) & then say to your viewers not to worry about it? The other thing I am also guilty of, and that is leaving the generator sitting unused for a, "few months nap." My father was a master mechanic and always told me an engine - any and all - should be started at least 1x/mo minimum to keep everything lubricated including seals etc (and to ensure it will work in emergencies -given it's an emergency tool and all). But like I said, I too have been guilty of letting mine sit for months between uses or such starts too. But I hope to get better (and for critical systems, like my genie, I actually have a backup generator as well as 2 short term "solar battery" systems too).
Small engines like these are splash lubricated and without a PCV valve - direct vent. There is zero extra pressure. Just some extra oil in case they consume a little between runs.
And your dad was right! Should start every few months at least, once a month even better. More for the carbs sake if not drained (should be drained of fuel with any nap) Oil and such is fully drained down rather quickly since there is no oil really in the head. Cam and crank are in the bottom of the engine (pushrod motor). Oil gets super hot in these so even 15w40 turns to water at high temps. Moment it shuts down - drains fast.
Thanks for watching!
@@MR_Garage Thanks for the clarifying info! Awesome!
Thanks Man. Mine wound only run with choke(start) on. I cleaned the exhaust screens like you said and it is good to go.
Right on!
Try putting a little grease inside the socket and that will help it release. Great video! Thank you for all the info!
Thanks for the great video. Can you explain the difference between the power outlets. Is there any particular usage difference ?
Hello! The 30A twist lock L5-30R outlet is for larger loads and generally used for RV, Travel Trailer type use. Or anything needing more than 20A. The other two outlets are what they call a 5-20R. They support both 15A or 20A.
EXCELLENT VIDEO!!! One question, every how many hours of use does this service have to be done?
I go way overkill and change oil about every 10 hours of use.
I brought my predator 3500 generator at a pawn shop I didn't know exactly what I was buying at the time I knew it was a inverter and that's what I was looking for it had 14 hours on it when I bought it I actually stole it because I only paid $350 for it at the pawn shop it has a 160 hours on it right now and it runs flawlessly I have not did any mods to it except put the bigger wheels on it so I can get it around much easier
Great video. Great Tips. I just got one of these and am super happy with how easy it is to operate, maintain and how quiet it operates. (We're neighbors-I think.)
Right on! Very good gen. And we could be - I am in Laveen. Several TT owners in our community.
Close! I'm in Tempe. Headed to cooler country this weekend. Another thing that Predator has added to their operators manual regarding fuel-they insist on using fuel stabilizer-always.
In Tempe now, small world. And I agree with them, it goes in all my fuel canisters to ensure it is in every small engine of mine ALWAYS and in the carbs prior to storage.
Thank you video is the most insuring trust worthy I've seen
Should fuel be drained after use to store away
Great video. Unit wouldn’t start with battery after a year of storage. Have it on battery minder now hoping it will condition and recharge it to a useful one. It looks like I will need to replace it and leave it on the minder. I like the upgrade suggestions and the handy tools that you mentioned. Will go and buy them this week for my unit. Thanks for all the tips.
Worst thing for a battery is to let it die over time. I would replace the battery. We have a video with the part number for the battery. After that, keep it on the battery tender / minder and it will give a really long service life!
Put 350 hours on it in 3.5 weeks. And it still works.
I stopped at a Harbor Freight today, and purchased this generator after watching you video. Unfortunately, after opening it the front end of it was smashed in like it was dropped during shipping. oddly the box was not damaged at all. I am hoping they have another generator in stock tomorrow when I return it. I've already purchased the mentioned items you listed (but using 5w40 instead) and I'm hoping this will be a reliable generator for my needs.
Bummer boss! Best of luck on your next unit
@@MR_Garage what are your thoughts on the PJ1 Aerosol foam filter oil? Instead of using engine oil/gear oil?
@@JonathanCarl It will work fine. You can also use Maxima Fab1
I just want to say I know I love my generator I take very good care of it but the point is I picked it up at a pawn shop it had 25 hours on it I paid $400 for it at this current moment it has a 165 hours and I've had it for about coin on maybe 5 years now.
Great generator!
Predator 3500s out there with 3000-5000 hrs on them. Might be the best thing HF sells.
Thanks for the video, only question I have is do you gap the plug or run it out of the box?
Run it out of the box - no need to gap it. And if you do try, do NOT use a slide gaping tool! Arm bending tool and feeler gauge set only.
This is a fantastic video. Thank you. Did want to mention that there was one thing I was curious about. I’ve let mine sit too long and want to drain the fuel but am not sure how to do it. I think if your video included that extra perk, it would be next level.
Keep up the good work!
If you want to drain the tank too, set the gen to run and open the bowl drain screw. You will of course need a container for the old fuel to run into. You can see how to drain the bowl in my jetting video on the 3500. Only extra step is to set the gen to run (switch is also a fuel cut)
@@MR_Garage Thanks for the reply. I have since learned that there is a little screw on the side of the bowl that allows fuel to drain through a tube when the setting on run which makes it a little easier to catch. 👍
I just want to say: "I just love your channel. " Great stuff and very informative on the generator info.👍👋
I appreciate that!
I use this generator for detailing. Thank you so much for this video!!
All I can really say is ... outstanding. Thanks for a great video.
Thank you very much!
Outstanding. Going to buy one tonight for my camper. Thank you
Well no Genny yet. I found out I could not use the coupon which would have saved me $160, bringing the price down to $640. So the best sale price I have seen was $699. So I will just wait till the next sale. Darn it.
The money I am saving will be used to buy your kits. ;)
My kits? Amp gear? :D
I have both a Yamaha inverter and was given a Predator 3500 for free. (Bad gas)
The highest hour generator I ever saw was 18,000 hrs from a friend who "lives off the grid"
it is a Yamaha.
Great site just found you. My predator had the same problem with fuel thanks for the tip on where to buy leaner jets.
Here’s one for you:
Bought the generator this week, and ran it with no load for 20 hours (on and off) and checked the oil at 8. She was still full, and clean as a whistle.
I just started her up again, and connected my large chest freezer. I then added my full size refrigerator. And the display says she’s only drawing 1.2 amps and 148W.
Is this possible!?
Does not sound normal at all unless the compressors on both were not on at the time.
Mr. Garage It eventually went to 2.5 amps and 250 watts. I tried to monitor the display for compressors on/off, but this is the highest it drew.
Turns out, this huge freezer (brand-new Frigidaire) only draws 1.2 amps, but the refrigerator’s label says 6! I don’t get it. And the 3500 didn’t miss a beat...didn’t power up, power down, stall...for even a split second.
I think I want one or two of those little wattage meters that you plug your device into, to double check the 3500’s readout.
Changed the oil yesterday to synthetic (broke it in with regular), and today, my spark plug and magnetic oil dip stick arrives. And here’s a question for you:
Can you parallel this with the 2000?
@@Ira88881 That is amazingly efficient - good to know on the freezer!
@@Ira88881 I believe you can parallel with any generator. I've connected a 3500 to the predetor 2000 and they worked great together.
Thank you! I have the exact generator and haven't started it in several months. I unfortunately, didn't put the Stabil-izer i the gas, and now it won't start. I just ordered the battery thing - hoping it will start up after that! When I charge up the battery, I'll add some stabil-izer to the gas and cross my fingers! LOL THEN, do an oil change!
Took my spark arrestor off because it was bogging out with it on when running my AC, the first time I had it out.
Awesome video! Thanks for such a thorough maintenance video. Had to buy this for a recent power outage and for future use with our TT and I love it!
Very welcome!
About the air filter - what did you say you put on the air filter when you put it back after you clean it off? Also did you mention that you clean it with water? Thanks
Odd, I could have sworn I responded to this, apologies! These days after I wash a filter (dawn dishsoap and hot water - then let dry) I just use a little gear oil. A little bit goes a long ways. I stopped using canned filter oil.
excellent video, well explained and the part number was a great addition.
thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Would it possible to remove and attach better wheels than the cheap stock ones ?
They make large tire kits for this generator if you already have one.
Which spark plug do you recommend for the predator 9500?
Also, what battery would you recommend for it also?
I love my Predator 3500!
Thanks for the video! Love my predator. I’m definitely not a engine guy but find this generator very easy to maintain.
Indeed ! Easy to work on for sure. Has been a great gen for us.
Mr. Garage yes love mine!
Great, informative video. Just bought this today and looking forward to your tips and tricks. Thanks!
Excellent video. Thanks !
We just bought ours in February. We just unboxed it and have it in the back of our truck for use with our new Scamp 5th wheel. Instructions recommend grounding it first. Should we? Or Not? If so, how do you do that? My husband and I are the blind leading the blind. Neither one of us are electricians.
I have never ground a gen for mobile use. Never had a need.
Hey there I noticed in your video the spark plug you were using was a NGK BPR7EIX but the link you used was for the BR7EIX and didn’t know the difference between the two..I went out and bought the BPR7EIX but didn’t want to install it without checking.
Great video thanks for the help.
Good catch Jay, oddly it was showing the correct link and even in the search bar when clicked, but displayed the wrong plug. I generated a new link to make sure the right plug would show.
Who makes the extra thin walled socket?
I really like my new predator generator starts easy hood for a women and very quit I live off grid and owned about every brand of generators even many Honda’s but this 1 is the best!
Excellent video! Subscribed. I just added all the pieces/parts to my Amazon cart. After this hunting season now I’ll know how to prep my Predator generator for storage thru the winter.
Glad it helped you out! Good stuff man :)
Run the engine with the stabilizer. Why did I not think about that. So obvious now that I think about it. This guy is smartt with 2 t's.
Yessir, need to get it into the carb. I talk with many that think just dumping it in the tank is all that is needed. And as I mentioned - best to always put stabilizer in your storage tanks at home. So no matter what you fill - it will already be there.
Great video,love my 3500.
Enjoyed this very much! Thanks for all of the info!
Awesome video! God bless from Colorado
Thanks for watching!
One more question, would you suggest draining the carb bowl if you knew you weren’t going to use it for a month or so? Would this help preventing the jets from getting gummed up? I use Sta-bil and non-ethanol gas.
If only a month or two and non ethanol, you would not need sta-bil but does not hurt.I would just drain the bowl and call it good. If longer than say 4-6 months or more, drain carb bowl and use a syringe to back feed ATF back into the carb. Try to fill it until it comes out the jet, then suck 5cc back out. When it comes time to run it again, drain the ATF, fill with fresh gas and go! Will smoke a little but no problem. Carb will be good to go.
Great video thank you for all the information. I just did pretty much everything in this video. And now for some reason when I have the knob on the start position and use the electric start it will not turn over. But when I put it in the start position it turns over perfectly with the electric start. I also live in Arizona so I am low elevation. I know higher elevation Requires you to put the knob and run and start it. Let me know what advice you can give me.
Great video! thanks for the tips
Great video. I have one question. When you shut it off for a long period, how do you keep fuel in the carb from going bad? I noticed that you have no fuel shut off so you can run it dry.... Is it a easy fix?
Use fuel stabilizer and start once every 30 days, let it warm up.
If you use ethanol free gas do you still need the stabilizer?
@@nyquil07na38 Only if you are storing for long periods of time. I would still use it if storing for over 3 months.
@@nyquil07na38 No. Non ethanol fuel has a long shelf life. However, run the generator once a month to operating temp. Sitting is bad for engines. Seals dry out.
The OFF switch is actually a multi-function switch that shuts it down and also has a fuel petcock on the back to shut off fuel. They do fail though. Just ordered a new one for mine (only $4) because between the failed petcock and bad needle valve, it kept feeding fuel and overflowing through the air filter. Once it's off, there is a small flathead screw on the bottom of the carb bowl to empty it out. Also a good idea to add a small inline fuel filter right below the tank behind the air box.
Thank you. Great video
Great video! New Subscriber... Please keep the good maintenance videos coming...
Thanks! Will do!
thank you for this, my man!
You bet!
Great video just what I needed
Glad I could help
How do you change the fuel strainer on the predator 3500 inverter generator?
I love the video and thank you for being so thorough. I recently purchased one of these and have been breaking it in, but noticed some minor surging at idle. Following advice from another video, I pulled and cleaned the pilot jet and re-installed it, but do you think I was smart enough to count how many rotations the idle set screw was from the carb? No. How many turns do you usually set yours at to run smoothly?
I set by RPM and use a little inductive hour meter / tach to monitor RPM or you can do it by ear.
Have you had any surging issues? I fired mine up this week for it’s monthly run and found it to be surging real bad, and with esc on it almost dies. From what I can see, plug is good, gas is tested and fresh, spark arrestor is clean, air filter is clean. I’m kinda stumped.
Nice to see another AZ RVer out there using the same setup! I find it powered everything we need as well.
Hey Jim, Not at all. Surging usually occurs when jet has a blockage. Does not take much to clog it up. Something in the gas, container or just old gas. I would take off the carb and clean.
Also, does it run better with the oil door removed in this situation? If so, fuel tank was overfilled and charcoal emissions canister was soaked in fuel starving the gen of air.
Well, pulling the carb may be next then.
As for over filing, it’s usually only got about 1 or so gallons when not in use but if it did get overfilled it would’ve been last summer sometime. I’d think it would be cleared up by now unless it gelled in there or something.
@@jimwarden6419 One thing to check before pulling the carb, remove the idle screw. Blast some carb cleaner into it to flush it. See if it runs better.
Great thanks for your recommendations, MARANATHA 👍
Welcome!
do these inverter types have fans to move the air around that enclosed case?
20 oz. Is the factory recommended oil amount.
I use the 12v solar charger from HF.
Great video!
Thank you that's an excellent video you are on point Thank you again
Hey Mr. Garage,
I took apart my carb about a year ago and took the ESC throttle controller off the top of it by mistake. I was wondering if you would be able to send me a video or some pictures of how it needs to be reattached to the carb. The spring and black plastic parts came apart and I am confused on how to make it work properly again. Thank you!
Can you teach me a little more about re oiling the air filter. How do you do that?
1. Add some dawn dishsoap to a bowl of hot water. Soak the filter in that and rinse clean.
2. A spray oil may be best for you. Check out maxima fab1 filter oil. A light coat will do you fine.
@@MR_Garage ok thanks a lot bud. Thanks for sharing your knowledge
Just 1 question. Manual says to treat fuel and fill tank to full for storage. I have done this and it starts with 2-3 pulls during maintenance run for 20 minutes. Some say drain fuel and run until dry. What say you, sir? Full or empty? If you have time to answer this.
How long do you store it between uses?
@@MR_GarageFor most of the year. So far it has been used once for a power outage and it sits idle for the rest of the year. Has sat idle for 98% of the year and a half since we bought it.
Sitting for that long, I would for sure drain the carb bowl totally. I recommend draining if storing for more than 3 months at a time (I just do it as a standard every-time I put a generator away). For extended storage for 3 months+, drain the gas tank too. No need to let it sit.
If you really want your generator ready in short notice after long term storage, drain the carb and fuel tank. Then, put 4-5 ounces of ATF in the gas tank. Set the generator to run and let the carb fill up. Then, drain totally before filling with gas again. Will smoke a little and be a little bit of a pita first start after sometimes, but will start and be good to go!
Last recommendation - your fuel container... Never leave gas in it for more than 4 months tops. Dump the old gas in your car and fill it back up fresh. If you can get ethanol free gas, you can go 6-7 months or so.
Fabulous video!! hardly ever use my Predator, but I just started it up and noticed it is running rough. I came in, turned on the computer and found this video. What an amazing resource. I think I have some cleaning work to do. Just like you mentioned, my battery went bad in the first year and I hardly used it. Battery guy at store suggested not leaving it hooked up to generator. Does the battery tender work when battery is hooked up to generator? Does leaving the battery unhooked solve the problem or is the battery tender a better idea? If I'm using the battery tender, can I then leave my battery hooked up to the generator. Thanks for your help.
The generator charges and maintains the battery when running. When not running, if the battery tender is plugged in, it will maintain the battery. Anytime it is not in use - keep it on the tender :)
Thank you, finally someone that knows what they're doing.
Great video! Wondering if you need to gap the NGK plugs?
You can gap iridium plugs but you have to be extremely careful and only use an arm bending tool. A slide gapper destroys them. In this case, the plug I recommend is plug and play.
Well done
Do you have to use ethanol free gas?
You do not, but I recommend it if you can get it!
Would you recommend fuel stabilizer if the fuel is 89 non ethanol?
If you can get non-ethanol, go for it. Fuel stabilizers benefits are limited with non-ethanol so not really required. Mass majority of us do not have that option, only crap fuel available around me.
Nice video. Do these have a fuel shut off valve?
The main off / run / start switch is acts as a fuel cutoff. But does not let you run the carb empty. You can wire in a bypass for that if you like so it will keep running until it dies.
Thank you very well done. I was looking at buying this generator. Thank you.
Hi. I have a gen similar but mine is yellow, brand "atlas copco". Very strange yours called "predator" and red, never see this brand around. Exept some details our generator are same. Mine is model P3000i. 3kw. Btw Thanks for explain maintenance. I would like also desemble all and clean all inside. You already do that?
There are a ton of variants. This is the most popular in North America with the blue power horse variant coming in 2nd.
How many hrs between Spark arrestor cleaning? I have like 8-10 hrs running time on the clock and wondering if there is a point od even touching it...
If the gen is running really rich, then I can see 8-10 hours. If running normally, every 40+ hours. Just have to get a feel for it and see if it runs a LOT better when removed. That will tell you if there is a major restriction.
I have this same generator, should I use recreational gasoline or just 87 octane with static bit or rec gas with static oil? or sea foam???
If you can get ethanol free rec gas, DO IT. In all tests I have seen, you do not really need stabil or similar with ethanol free but I still run it. OR, drain the carb totally and use a syringe and fill the bowl with ATF (Drain before next start).
@@MR_Garage thanks , do I need to ground it?