Generator Purchase

[Nucky]

I've been considering a Generac Purchase and we had the Representative out to our house. Very Impressed with the product but the Unit is very Pricey. Many of our neighbors have them and they are quiet and efficient.

I admit to having Analysis Paralysis in regard to purchasing a Portable unit. We would like to Power Most of the house but not all at the same time. I'm thinking a 10,000 Watt Unit and having it connected to the house by a Licensed Electrician.

I also like the idea of being able to use Gasoline or Propane.

A unit this large is extremely loud and when things are even quieter when the power is out killing my neighbors with the noise is a concern. We have a medical necessity to not be without electrical service for long. We could also help some neighbors who can't afford to do something like this.

The deals on Amazon today are Beautiful for several of the units I like. I would prefer to buy locally but Lowes/Home Depot don't sell large enough Duel Fuel Units.

So what I'm really looking for is any Good or Bad Experiences with any Portable Generator or Generac. Thanks in Advance. I know I waited too long to pull the trigger but better late than never.

[TommyT]

I too have been doing my homework about whole house generators. From what I can see, Generac "Home" generators don't seem to last. Kohler and Briggs & Stratton seem to hold up better. Do some homework and watch/read reviews on YouTube about each home unit before you decide. If you purchase from the Generac supplier, they will do the complete installation including the transfer switch.

my .02 :icon_wink:

[Chatbrat]

I'm a retired electrical contractor, if you have natural gas , @ your house-its a big plus, otherwise go with propane--gasoline in an un injected engine is hit or miss for reliability--kohler is very reliable--, all you really should care about is enough power for a/c, refrigerator and lighting--if you want to not get a real big unit get a window a/c unit for a bedroom, easy in and out and will function with a small portable geneset, however; gasoline may not be available during a prolonged power outage==have enough fuel for 10 days

[villagetinker]

OP, if you medical need is for a relatively small load, there are several suppliers of inverter based generators (typically 1 kw to 3 or 4 kW), the advantage is that they are very quite. I used on up north, and you had to walk up to the unit to hear it running. These typically cost twice as much as the same size conventional (aka noisy) units. Also, you will need a transfer switch for your critical circuits. These will not run you A/C, but you should be able to run the refrigerator, a TV, and your medical devices.

[TheWarriors]

Keep your car filled, get a good siphon and you’ll have at least 15-20 gallons of fresh gas always available for a gas/propane generator.

[Chatbrat]

You can also get 2 Honda inverter generators hat can be paralled, to double require current--honestly you should not have any gensets where you have to fuel during an emergency, noise will be the least of your worries-if you can get a 500lb propane tank with a 12.5kw genset--you should be good to go--

[rjm1cc]

You are correct that the unit is loud. You can hear that it is running from inside the house if you listen for it but it is not distracting. I let my do the weekly test at 2am and no one has complained and I do not hear it. When the power is out I think your neighbors should be a little more understanding about the noise and I think the noise will be notice by those who are outside. See if you can locate the generator away from where your neighbor might have an open window.
You also have some maintenance and checking to do each month and when it is running for an extended period of time at least daily maintenance checks.
I would go with natural gas if you can. Propane presents a storage problem in my mind. Gasoline might be hard to get so I guess I would put that down as number 3. The inverter generator was a good suggestion if you only need to run medical equipment. But be sure the generator is away from the house.

[Chatbrat]

For a medical issue AND if its the only requirement, you can get an inverter attached to your car's battery and you can run your car to provide a limited 1500w inverter--

[TheWarriors]

I would be concerned with noise, if it’s a prolonged outage, how many days do you think will pass before an irate sleep deprived neighbor with all of their windows open decides to take out your generator. And remember, if it’s a prolonged outage, likely Police protection will be very sketchy.

[dewilson58]

Make sure you understand the annual maint requirements and the quarterly run times.

[Dan9871]

We had a Generac that ran on Propane at our house in MA. It was very reliable. Previous to that we had diesel and gas portable generators that ran on diesel or gas.... very messy and not reliable. Small portable generators are not designed to be run for long periods. Where we lived we would have a few outages a year and a really big one, say over 3 days, about once every three years.

The Generac does a test run every week and sends an email to you with the results or you can just look at the check light on it. We had the Generac run of almost a week on a number of occasions because of bad weather outages. When it ran we couldn't hear it and many times didn't realize there was an outage. Outside you could hear it, but not inside. The automatic transfer switch is really a "necessary" luxury.

We thought about putting in a generator here but we've had so few outages it doesn't seem worthwhile... but ask me that again if hurricane puts out the power for a week. :-)

I would definitely go propane over gasoline, less mess and more reliable.

[Nucky]

A whole lot of great information from everyone and I thank you all.

Our neighbors who have Generacs have the big advantage of underground Propane Tanks. The installers really have their act together as they bury the tank and the property is a mess and by the time they leave there is not a chance you could tell they buried a tank there that day. A perfect job.

We live in The Historical Section and supposedly don't have Natural Gas on this side but at the deep end of the Hilltop Pool if you look to the left behind a very heavy bunch of bushes there sits a humongous gas meter. Is it Propane or is it Natural Gas? If it was Natural Gas the Generac would be here already as that would cut $2000 to $2500 off the price plus the cost of filing the tank.

I don't want to get caught. Our side of The Villages was out of power for many moons during Irma. We've had offers to stay with friends and neighbors and it may be cheaper to just go to a Hotel and sweat it out with Room Service. The problem is we want to be home. I have no concern for personal safety during a prolonged weather event. I would be concerned that someone may try to allocate my Portable Generator and that is probably the real reason I can't pull the trigger yet. I will by the end of the day though. One way or the other. Could you imagine someone stealing whatever we decide on? Mama Mia! That would really hurt!

[Chatbrat]

If there is a meter its natural gas

[BobnBev]

We got our whole house Generac (natural gas) generator from Home Depot up in CT, the price included the transfer switch and installation. Did have a plumber come out and set the water column inches (pressure of gas). Ours was a 12.5 KW and powered the whole house and garage. Kind of noisy, but not too bad. We always had electricity and heat, no matter the weather. Generac never let us down.

[Nucky]

If there is a meter its natural gas

I know that you know. Thank's. It's one of those gigantic Old School ones you see on an Industrial Building. Very interesting. It would take a miracle for it to be available at our house though. I have a call out to Amerigas to see what our options are. Safety First :boom:. Wife is concerned. I'm not. Gonna do everything the correct way one I decide. Permits, Approvals Etc.

[Joeg180]

I have had a Natural Gas supplied Generac Whole house generator. Installed in 2014, serviced once a year, runs a test cycle weekly. Still looks like the day it was installed.
Yes it is loud when there is no other noise but not to detriment on our neighbors.

I wouldn’t hesitate to get another.

We are considering one for our house in TV.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rango]

I have a 15 kw Generac for my home up north (natural gas) 7 years old no problems. We have frequent power outages.

Never had an outage in 7 years in The Villages. If you run on gasoline you are probably going to burn gallons per hour

[jcvdd1]

Just my opinion-

After experiencing many hurricanes where the power was out for many days and life without electricity is unbearable, allow me to provide you with a suggestion...
Since the probability of loosing your power for an extended period of time due to a hurricane while living in The Villages is minimal and the expense of a full size
home generator is exorbitant, I'd seriously just leave the area, check into a hotel in a different area of Florida and ride out the electrical outage.

[NoMoSno]

Keep your car filled, get a good siphon and you’ll have at least 15-20 gallons of fresh gas always available for a gas/propane generator.
Good idea. However most cars now have baffles in the fill neck to prevent siphoning.

[Kenswing]

We have a 3,000W Honda that is real quiet. It'll power a refrigerator/freezer, TV and lights without any problem. It's really quiet too. You could have an electrician install a small transfer switch and power the circuits you want. Did I mention it was quiet? lol

Honda EU3000iS Model Info | Super Quiet 3000 Watt Inverter Generator | Honda Generators (https://powerequipment.honda.com/generators/models/eu3000is)

[Nucky]

I like quiet and I like Honda and we definitely gave the bailing out idea some serious consideration but I'm gonna sleep on it overnight so I don't have Buyers Remorse.

I think I'm getting old. What the hell is the problem with making a simple decision? :1rotfl:

K-man, the baby I'm looking at has to run the Central A/C!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I like quiet and I like Honda and we definitely gave the bailing out idea some serious consideration but I'm gonna sleep on it overnight so I don't have Buyers Remorse.

I think I'm getting old. What the hell is the problem with making a simple decision? :1rotfl:

K-man, the baby I'm looking at has to run the Central A/C!

Why not have a window AC unit in the shed for emergencies? If "it" hits the fan, you can put that puppy in the bedroom and the generator could probably handle that just fine without needing it to run the whole house's central AC system.

The rest of the house will be just as miserable as you'd expect, but you'd only have to go to your own bedroom to cool off.

I'm guessing during emergencies, the "rules and regs" about window units are tabled. I doubt anyone from the watch will come over and order you to remove it, if there's no power in the area and you're running a generator for a few days.

[karostay]

Just a chicken little the sky is falling..You need this sales pitch

[Nucky]

Why not have a window AC unit in the shed for emergencies? If "it" hits the fan, you can put that puppy in the bedroom and the generator could probably handle that just fine without needing it to run the whole house's central AC system.

The rest of the house will be just as miserable as you'd expect, but you'd only have to go to your own bedroom to cool off.

I'm guessing during emergencies, the "rules and regs" about window units are tabled. I doubt anyone from the watch will come over and order you to remove it, if there's no power in the area and you're running a generator for a few days.

We have one other person to consider if the power went out. No way we would leave this person behind if we bailed out and NO way would this person stay in our bedroom so there is the dilemma. I didn't factor this into my early thinking. Thankfully my wife brought it up.

The guy across the street from me had a whopper sized Generator when we got the green lite to return and that power had been restored. The news was slightly premature. The noise from that Generator was just terrible. I didn't pay attention to exactly what size Generator it was and he moved. I'm gonna go with the best I have figured on over and over and I have a feeling if I do purchase it we will never need it. :1rotfl: Hope I'm still laughing for years to come.

[billethkid]

In our village there are several all home generators.
During the most recent hurricane, every one of these folks offered the neighborhood.....if the porch lights are on come on over and charge what ever needs charging....and will figure out other more critical needs (if at all possible).

Good neighbors (and maybe noise mitigation tactic!).

[rjm1cc]

I like quiet and I like Honda and we definitely gave the bailing out idea some serious consideration but I'm gonna sleep on it overnight so I don't have Buyers Remorse.

I think I'm getting old. What the hell is the problem with making a simple decision? :1rotfl:

K-man, the baby I'm looking at has to run the Central A/C!

One problem of bailing out you might find a lot of your neighbors have done this and driving on the roads and getting gas maybe a bigger problem than staying home.

[Toymeister]

I actually lived through a six day power outage with a massive regional impact. No gasoline for 125 miles. No generators for sale for 250 miles. Curfews region wide.

What I have now is what I have then:

One Honda inverter 1 kw genset
One generic 2kw inverter genset
One window AC unit

While my neighbors suffered, scrambled for gasoline, endured screaming whole house generators, evacuated or camped out. I enjoyed internet, TV, a fridge, hot food.

I had a great vacation. And I am several thousands of dollars ahead.

It is vastly different giving advise for something you have not experienced vs. having lived it.

[rjm1cc]

I actually lived through a six day power outage with a massive regional impact. No gasoline for 125 miles. No generators for sale for 250 miles. Curfews region wide.

What I have now is what I have then:

One Honda inverter 1 kw genset
One generic 2kw inverter genset
One window AC unit

While my neighbors suffered, scrambled for gasoline, endured screaming whole house generators, evacuated or camped out. I enjoyed internet, TV, a fridge, hot food.

I had a great vacation. And I am several thousands of dollars ahead.

It is vastly different giving advise for something you have not experienced vs. having lived it.
How much gasoline do you keep on hand and how do you store it?

[Toymeister]

How much gasoline do you keep on hand and how do you store it?

Here is a better way to answer that. How long do you want to have power?

The 1kw uses .7 gallons per 11 hours. It will run TV, fan, fridge, modem, microwave, some lights and some chargers for electronics. It won't run AC. That requires the 2k unit which burns 1.1 per 10 hours. Now I am talking a mid size portable AC unit.


At a minimum I have 5 gallons in the carts. If it is a hurricane I have bought 15 gallons more in the carts and portable cans. I add preservatives to the gas.

In almost all situations you only need three days of support before some sort of assistance arrives.

If your point is gensets use a lot of fuel, I wholeheartedly agree. I had neighbors run out after a day or two. That's why I have gone with small fuel sippers.

[Velvet]

We have a Kohler standby generator up north. It kicks in within about 5 seconds of the power going off, but it is noisy and at night you can hear it half a block away. We have amazing neighbors and we offer them to hook up to our outside outlets (the generator produces 50 amps). And it auto tests once a week for 20 minutes, sounds like a power gas mower.
I noticed that TV wiring is underground except for the large power lines, so outages are not that frequent I guess. Am I correct, or do I need a generator in TV too (I have gas utilities)?

[village dreamer]

I'm a retired electrical contractor, if you have natural gas , @ your house-its a big plus, otherwise go with propane--gasoline in an un injected engine is hit or miss for reliability--kohler is very reliable--, all you really should care about is enough power for a/c, refrigerator and lighting--if you want to not get a real big unit get a window a/c unit for a bedroom, easy in and out and will function with a small portable geneset, however; gasoline may not be available during a prolonged power outage==have enough fuel for 10 days
my gas gen. would burn about 1/2 gal. of gas per hour , if I remember right? you need lots of gas for a week.

[Toymeister]

my gas gen. would burn about 1/2 gal. of gas per hour , if I remember right? you need lots of gas for a week.

And here you have come to the heart of the matter.

Inverter generators use a motor to power a generator, generators produce DC power at the same voltage at all engine rpms. The inverter technology contained within the generator converts the DC power to AC.

Traditional generators, regardless of fuel, use a motor to power an alternator. Alternators produce ac power at a given voltage if the speed is constant. Which means 3,600 rpms, or screaming fast, in most cases. This is why traditional generators use a lot of fuel.

Inverter generators purr along at low rpms producing constant power, albeit at a lower wattage. When more power (watts or amps) is required the rpms kick up. That is how they save fuel.

If you think you need Max wattage at every moment you are mistaken.

Edit to add, back in the day most generators, particularly traditional generators, used fuel sucking side valve engines. Some still do. Every inverter generator I have ever seen uses fuel sipping over head valve engines.

[Dan9871]

You could hear the 12Kw Generac we had up north when you were outside, but inside the house, unless you were near the wall next to the generator, it was barely noticeable. One thing about our installation was that the pad for the generator was not placed direc.tly on the ground; it sat on a bed of crushed stone. One time we ran on the generator for five days with no refill, and there still was quite a bit left

[Nucky]

My mind has been changed from the Portable Whole House unit since the guy from the Propane Company just left and with all the approvals, permits and then the Extra electrical panel and the Permits would total out around $3000 plus filling the tank. Plus the Generator at about $1200.

I really can't believe it but I'm going to go with the Smaller Generator and Heavy Duty Extension Cords which I dislike and a Window A/C. Details to follow.

I'm like the option of a Gas/Propane Generator. Back to the Drawing Board!

I also really like quiet!

[BobnBev]

My mind has been changed from the Portable Whole House unit since the guy from the Propane Company just left and with all the approvals, permits and then the Extra electrical panel and the Permits would total out around $3000 plus filling the tank. Plus the Generator at about $1200.

I really can't believe it but I'm going to go with the Smaller Generator and Heavy Duty Extension Cords which I dislike and a Window A/C. Details to follow.

I'm like the option of a Gas/Propane Generator. Back to the Drawing Board!

I also really like quiet!

Smart move. Power outages here are so few and far between, you should be just fine.:pray:

[Chatbrat]

good ear plugs you got quiet

[villagetinker]

Nucky, as you move forward with your plans, you will need a way to get the power from outside the house (where the generator is located) to inside where yo will need the power. You should be able to have an electrician install a heavy duty (240v 30 to 50 amp), and a small manual transfer switch. This will eliminate the need for the extension cords. Probably in the $500 range. This would only transfer the loads that you have determined are critical, and you would have control over what is transferred and when.
Send me a PM to discuss in detail.

[Chatbrat]

No need for a transfer switch-,certain electrical load centers have an interlock that prevents one breaker from being while the other is on--simple have a small panel alongside your main panel withe breakers of the loads you gotta have-they will be fed from a panel in your main load center-,now there will be a second breaker-in your main panel that will attach to a plug that your gen set--it can only feed the panel when the normal breaker is off that feeds the aux panel--did hundreds of them in my other life

[villagetinker]

No need for a transfer switch-,certain electrical load centers have an interlock that prevents one breaker from being while the other is on--simple have a small panel alongside your main panel withe breakers of the loads you gotta have-they will be fed from a panel in your main load center-,now there will be a second breaker-in your main panel that will attach to a plug that your gen set--it can only feed the panel when the normal breaker is off that feeds the aux panel--did hundreds of them in my other life

That is what I was calling a transfer switch, sorry, guess I used the wrong terminology, thanks for providing clarification. VT

[Toymeister]

Nucky,
If you want any precise actual current draws such as the fridge let me know as I have them.

The genset market has been flooded with Chinese models, mostly marketed under familiar brands. This is especially true in the 3k inverter generator and under market.

These are actually quite good as they use copies of Honda and Yamaha overhead engines in the 50 to 150cc class.

Here is a clip of a 2kw model powering an RV with a 13,500 btu ac: Pulsar 2000 beats Generac 2000 hands-down - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFTqDd46FeQ)

[Nucky]

Nucky,
If you want any precise actual current draws such as the fridge let me know as I have them.

The genset market has been flooded with Chinese models, mostly marketed under familiar brands. This is especially true in the 3k inverter generator and under market.

These are actually quite good as they use copies of Honda and Yamaha overhead engines in the 50 to 150cc class.

Here is a clip of a 2kw model powering an RV with a 13,500 btu ac: Pulsar 2000 beats Generac 2000 hands-down - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFTqDd46FeQ)

We would be using either our 25 cubic foot fridge or a small fridge if necessary. A room A/C probably 7500 BTU. A modem, TV, Small Fan & a couple of lights. I would appreciate your help Toymeister. Thanks. If the person we may have to help out does come to stay with us in the other bedroom :1rotfl: I understand I can stack two small units together and grab another A/C unit.

VT, I have a representative from Duke Energy coming out to give me an estimate for the hookup. Whatever we end up doing I like the way you are thinking. Gotta get this done already. I wanna get back to having fun! :)

[Dan9871]

I really can't believe it but I'm going to go with the Smaller Generator and Heavy Duty Extension Cords which I dislike and a Window A/C. Details to follow.

!

Nucky, in a driving rain a portable generator with extension cords plugged into it won't cut it. Rain gets into the sockets. You get shocked. You've got to hook up a ground (well you don't really but if you don't you are liable to become ground.) One time dragging the generator out into the rain and you will call the propane guy back. Been there and done that.

And running a generator in a garage with an open door during a hurricane rain... good luck. Done that too...

[VJBama]

We would be using either our 25 cubic foot fridge or a small fridge if necessary. A room A/C probably 7500 BTU. A modem, TV, Small Fan & a couple of lights. I would appreciate your help Toymeister. Thanks. If the person we may have to help out does come to stay with us in the other bedroom :1rotfl: I understand I can stack two small units together and grab another A/C unit.

VT, I have a representative from Duke Energy coming out to give me an estimate for the hookup. Whatever we end up doing I like the way you are thinking. Gotta get this done already. I wanna get back to having fun! :)

I'll answer for TM: 117 watts for the 25sq ft fridge, 52 for a cube fridge, about 700 for the ac, tv 35 to 60, modem 15, non DVR cable box 18-35. Fans vary wildly 35 to 100 covers most. microwave 120, Led lights typically in the 9-15 watt range.

Avoid all types of resistance heat, toaster, tea pot. Use grill to cook and heat water.

Ideally get a long run option this:https://www.amazon.com/Atima-Extended-Eu2200ic-Westinghouse-WH2200iXLT/dp/B06VTS928N/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=honda+generator+extended+r un+fuel+system&qid=1563415832&s=gateway&sprefix=honda+generator+extende&sr=8-5. Or this: https://www.amazon.com/Bergs-System-HND1-2000IS-Single-Tank/dp/B07K385YGX/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=honda+generator+extended+r un+fuel+system&qid=1563415832&s=gateway&sprefix=honda+generator+extende&sr=8-2

[VJBama]

Nucky, in a driving rain a portable generator with extension cords plugged into it won't cut it. Rain gets into the sockets. You get shocked. You've got to hook up a ground (well you don't really but if you don't you are liable to become ground.) One time dragging the generator out into the rain and you will call the propane guy back. Been there and done that.

And running a generator in a garage with an open door during a hurricane rain... good luck. Done that too...

Ah, no. Get one of these and run in your garage (run pipe under garage door): https://www.amazon.com/Valley-EU3000is-Inverter-Generator-extension/dp/B07D9HRWCX/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=honda+generator+exhaust+pi pe&qid=1563416817&s=gateway&sr=8-3. They are available for virtually every brand. But it keep in the bag in case you ever need it

[Toymeister]

The posted wattages are accurate. Of course for capacitor start motors you do need to allow for starting wattage spikes.

If your portable ac will not start with a small genset there is a fix for starting wattage spikes. It's a detailed fix so I won't post it now as it is probably not necessary for you.

[mulligan]

///

[Nucky]

I've been here over 8 years, and spent a total of 3 hrs. (+/-) without power. Seems like a major waste of money, or perhaps conspicuous consumption.

I definitely understand and to some extent agree. That's why this has been so helpful with the give and take from everyone. We are in Orange Blossom Gardens. Our area was without any power for I believe it was 8 days. When we got back from a dear friends house in Georgia who took us in for about a week we drove in the Boone gate and made a left and Followed West Schwartz all the way around before we headed to our home.

No exaggeration, we saw some Heartbreaking Situations with people of advanced age, we are about 60 they were older. It was very sad. I promised myself to not get caught again and to do my best for the future. Of course, I postponed and here we are.

I hope I buy the machine and break it in and maintain it and never use it. I'm going today to get it. Wish me luck.

[Velvet]

Nucky, my parents lived for decades very close to your place. They never had a power outage they could remember but they were seasonal residents. My brother is an engineer and he had a small portable generator ready for them to use. They felt better knowing that it was there for them in an emergency.

[Toymeister]

I would buy three more things based upon my experience w/o power and eventually water.

Two buckets from Lowe's w/ lids
25' rope
Bathtub Bob https://www.amazon.com/WaterBOB-Emergency-Container-Drinking-Hurricane/dp/B001AXLUX2

You will have water until the tower runs dry. Then use buckets and the local pond for filling the toilet.

The tub water storage bag has all the potable water you need. Which you fill once the power is out. It's a better option than your water heater tank due to the risk of Legionaire's.

For 50.00 you get a lot of knowledge that you will live in relative comfort.

[EdFNJ]

I've been here over 8 years, and spent a total of 3 hrs. (+/-) without power. Seems like a major waste of money, or perhaps conspicuous consumption.

That sounds a bit presumptuous. Tell that to the thousands of residents in the hundreds of homes who lived where Nucky lives when the entire area was without power for over a week after the last "small" hurricane blew through. Kinda doubt it would be "Conspicuous consumption" for them. Maybe "once bitten, twice shy" might be a better description. ;)

[Nucky]

Well, yesterday we went to Harbor Freight and bought The Predator 3kw Inverter Generator Model 3500. It was a little over $650 and then the First gas can $35 (Metal) Stabile for the fuel and a funnel. It fit in the back seat of a Sonata to give you an idea of the size. So far just a little over $700 and we are almost ready to go. Just have to find the correct window A/C.

The final decision was the fuel-sipping point that Toymeister brought up several days ago. Then my wife surprised me by not needing the entire house lit up as normal. We camped a whole lot when the kids were young so her positive attitude about roughing it for a bit was great, she always comes thru in a pinch. The main thing is the necessities are or will be covered so it won't be exactly roughing it but not exactly roughing it either.

I found out about a Propane Conversion kit that is available. This is important to me as I would like to balance the Fuel use between Gasoline and Propane. I am confident in my ability to retrofit this Generator. Consumer Report Rated this particular unit one small notch behind The Honda Units. The price was about half of the Honda units. It came in as the Third Highest Rated out of many. I feel that with the help of many I made a better decision than if I had acted alone and bought The Behemoth Gas Gulping Unit that I was first considering.

I like the Alarm they sell that goes off if you run out of fuel or if someone is trying to steal it and the gas cap that can increase the time between refueling. I bought another camera so I can take a look at what is going on without outside. So Mission Impossible or Improbable has turned out to be Mission almost complete. Now I have to finish the job down to the last drop.

Thank's again for all your ideas and help, much appreciated.

[TheWarriors]

Take a look at possibly adding the Gas Tapper for syphoning fuel from your car if needed, a great backup and alternative to storing a larger quantity of gasoline. Sounds like you made a well thought out decision.

[Toymeister]

Congratulations!

If You want to take this to the next level:

Install this: https://www.amazon.com/WEN-55201-Magnetic-Generators-compatible/dp/B07643J11X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=Harbor+freight+3500+genera tor+oil+plug&qid=1563550623&s=gateway&sr=8-1
Break engine in
Run dry
Drain carb by opening the small brass screw attached to the clear drain tube to empty the carb bowl
Purchase American made spark plug to replace the Chinese one, but keep it for spare
Change oil and have a replacement quart on hand

As far as the A.C. Try Aldi grocery store for their 7,000 a.c. Unit for 199.00

Propane, I get the draw but think hard about this. Liquid propane has 74% of the energy gasoline does, so you need 1/3 more on hand. Second propane needs 20% head space in the tank. So a 50 gallon tank holds 40 gallons and is as useful as 28 gallons of gas.

Again if this 3500 watt unit does not start your ac unit in testing I have the solution. I just am not intersested in the peanut gallery comments if I post it now.

[Nucky]

Congratulations!

If You want to take this to the next level:

Install this: https://www.amazon.com/WEN-55201-Magnetic-Generators-compatible/dp/B07643J11X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=Harbor+freight+3500+genera tor+oil+plug&qid=1563550623&s=gateway&sr=8-1
Break engine in
Run dry
Drain carb by opening the small brass screw attached to the clear drain tube to empty the carb bowl
Purchase American made spark plug to replace the Chinese one, but keep it for spare
Change oil and have a replacement quart on hand

As far as the A.C. Try Aldi grocery store for their 7,000 a.c. Unit for 199.00

Propane, I get the draw but think hard about this. Liquid propane has 74% of the energy gasoline does, so you need 1/3 more on hand. Second propane needs 20% head space in the tank. So a 50 gallon tank holds 40 gallons and is as useful as 28 gallons of gas.

Again if this 3500 watt unit does not start your ac unit in testing I have the solution. I just am not intersested in the peanut gallery comments if I post it now.

Just ordered the magnetic DipStick from Amazon. It will probably be here this afternoon. LOL.

We'll wait for the other solution if I have a problem. Thank's Again.

[Velvet]

Toymeister, your comments are really appreciated. I am learning from them too.

[CWGUY]

Toymeister, your comments are really appreciated. I am learning from them too.

:bigbow: Yes! Very informative and helpful.

[Toymeister]

In preparation for power outage you are only as good as your weakest link.

For a gasoline generator it is the varnish in the gasoline from old gas, specifically the tiny bit in the carb bowl. That's why these little gensets have a drain tube attached to them.

[GwenR]

I haven't used Generac, but i have experience with solar generators.
I've divorced, and moved to another house. In new place there are troubles with electricity, that's why i decided to buy generator. On one of forums i was advised to buy a solar generator. I like all eco-things, so that decision was easy for me. It's just pleasant to understand, that you doing nothing harmful to environment, especially in front of your own nose)
I understand, that solar generators have lower capacity of batteries and lower output power, but for me it's good option. In my house electricity can disappear for 4-5 hours, all the time i work at home (i'm designer), so i use my generator actively and it hasn't let me down yet. So think about it, may be it'll be good for you too.
This overview (https://generatoron.org/best-solar-generator/) will be useful if you decide to buy solar generator, there are 9 of them completely described with all pros and cons stuff.
I chose Rockpalls 300W (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K60N1DQ/), and i'm a lucky duck with it!

[Blondesare]

I had Accurate Power and Technology come out and do a home evaluation 352-735-8285. They are Kohler and Generac dealers. They do the entire install, electric, gas or l/p, permits and service. They do stand alone units and smaller units, even portable. I am in a similar situation with my husbands medical and heat issues. I choose a automatic unit as he instantly had power vs trying to get a portable unit set up and started.

[splashes]

I have a 9375 dual generator for two years I have a propane tank is my yard so I had a outlet set up that I just plug it in when needed as well as a plug put need my electrical box on the outside. Easy to use and set up I also bought a 20lb propane tank just because. If you want to see it just send me a note

[Nucky]

Our little Generator has been out 5 times so far for short periods of time. Under 30 hours total. No complaints so far. I do exactly what the manual says.

The toughest part was putting the 10,000 BTU A/C in the window but only one time after the initial fitting. It ran great and cooled the Living Room, Dining Room and Kitchen. We can run the A/C, Full-Size Fridge, TV, Modem, BI/PAP & a Fan and the generator still could have handled more. The Fuel Usage was Chicken Feed!

Toymeister suggested an Oil Dipstick that is actually a Magnet. It did attract small pieces of metal from inside the engine during break-in. Saved me a possible big headache. There were also pointers on Youtube about Venting the Cabinet the encloses the Engine. That was simple. Next year a Carb that allows me to switch from Gas to Propane. I'm very happy for the help on this thread and that I posted instead of making a mistake.

[village dreamer]

Keep your car filled, get a good siphon and you’ll have at least 15-20 gallons of fresh gas always available for a gas/propane generator.

you cant do that on the new cars , it has a check valve in the fill neck.

[Nucky]

you cant do that on the new cars , it has a check valve in the fill neck.

I have a 2018 Hyundai and The Dealer says Siphoning is a no go but I say it was no problem Taking or Putting Back unused gas after the storm. Didn't spill a drop the second time. :ohdear:

[Toymeister]

you cant do that on the new cars , it has a check valve in the fill neck.

It is possible to syphon from a automobile gas tank. See Gas Tapper - Products to Siphon / Transfer Gas, Diesel,Fuel & Water (http://www.gastapper.com) for a list of new, modern, vehicles with anti syphon check valve equipped vehicles that this has been used on. It is also available on Amazon.

They have two versions of this product one is 99.00 the other is 189.00

[Tom C]

I saw the before and after of someone who had a large propane tank installed with a generator. I don’t know the installer, but afterward one could not tell they had dug up the yard to install the tank (except for just the very top of the tank showing). Impressive. That installation was done On a house that backs up to Moyer Loop.

[Nucky]

I saw the before and after of someone who had a large propane tank installed with a generator. I don’t know the installer, but afterward one could not tell they had dug up the yard to install the tank (except for just the very top of the tank showing). Impressive. That installation was done On a house that backs up to Moyer Loop.

Tom, hope things are going well getting set up in your new home.

These Installers really have their act together. They have done 8 homes in our neighborhood and there is zero evidence that they were ever there burying a tank. No exaggeration, there is not a pebble out of place or any dirt in the road.

Having a Generac installed is a winner all around if you have a Medical need or just want the convenience of not having to goof around with the things that are necessary for a portable unit.

As I age I would not hesitate for a second to go the Generac route but for now, I'm as happy as a clam at high tide. :pray:

[splashes]

I bought a 9375 generator dual fuel i have a buried propane tank so i have plenty of propane had a hook up from the tank that the generator and hook into. Had an electrical plug outside of the electrical panel. Easy to hook up and use. Noise not a problem because you do not have to run it 24/7 I trickle charge the battery periodically so the starting of generator is easy

[TheWarriors]

It is possible to syphon from a automobile gas tank. See Gas Tapper - Products to Siphon / Transfer Gas, Diesel,Fuel & Water (http://www.gastapper.com) for a list of new, modern, vehicles with anti syphon check valve equipped vehicles that this has been used on. It is also available on Amazon.

They have two versions of this product one is 99.00 the other is 189.00

Exactly.