New Predator 3500 inverter generator

[cburchel]

I'm guessing taking some of the rattle noise away. Mine has a little rattle noise and if you hold the plastic in spots it is alot more quite.

[ECVCHAMP]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

I don't get how this would help,. Could you explain?????

They worked so hare on making it quiet, they made the case restrictive for the air going into the engine. there are several you tube videos about it.

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by ECVCHAMP

They worked so hare on making it quiet, they made the case restrictive for the air going into the engine. there are several you tube videos about it.

Ah, thanks. One more thing to add to my predator list

[18CrewDually]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

Ah, thanks. One more thing to add to my predator list

I recall seeing a video on tube where a guy used a Uni-bit and made a bunch of ventilation holes in one of the covers. If I find it I'll post the link.

[rracer5]

Originally Posted by ECVCHAMP

I have a Predator 3500 and love it, the only thing is I take off the oil fill door so it runs smoother.

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

I don't get how this would help,. Could you explain?????

I just bought mine a week ago. Still going through the break in period. Will post further as time/testing goes on. And yes, the wheel lock metal plate does rattle but, that's an easy fix.

Some had complained that sometime after the first couple hours the engine would start to surge. One guy took the oil door off while it was running and it suddenly started running smooth again. The deduction was that it was starving for air and removing the door (or drilling holes as mentioned) allowed more air to the carburator. Hopefully this newer batch has been upgraded by the HF manufacturer......stay tuned.

[Farris]

Originally Posted by kenh

I've been considering the Predator 3500 and a couple of Champion models. The Predator 3500 documentation says it has a spark arrestor but it does not claim it to be USDA approved. This might be an omission from the specs. The price looks good and so do the reviews.

In comparing specifications, I noticed that some specify they have USDA or USDA/USFS approved spark arrestors, some do not. Champion 100263 and 100264 specify they are equipped with a USDA approved spark arrestor.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE...rdb5371474.pdf
6. Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark
arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order
meeting either:
o Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Standard 5100-1a; or
o Appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE recommended practice J335 (b) and J350 (a); 36 C.R.R. § 261.52(j)

It looks like using an internal combustion engine without a "USDA Approved" spark arrestor is illegal on Federal land. Could be worth considering depending on where you intend to camp and use the inverter.

Ken

I went to Northern Tool and purchased their Spark Arrester for their Powerhorse 3500, which is USDA Certified and it fits perfectly. I will just keep the receipt in a safe place, in case a ranger questions me. It was only around $15.00. I hopes this helps with any concerns. I love my Predator 3500, so far. I am still breaking it in and have 18 hours on it. So far, it is super quiet and has had no problems. I purchased some break in oil and changed the oil at 1, 2, and 8 hours. Lots of metal shavings at 1 and 2 and not as much at 8 hours. I hope this helps.

[babalu7420]

Bought this last summer & had no problems using it on our RV running the AC. It is quiet running. Price is right. I would recommend buying it. Break it in as suggested,change the oil & use fuel stabilizer.

[CincyGus]

Bought in September, did the 5 hour break in and ran it about 18 hrs when the power was off due to an ice storm last week to use the camper to sleep in. I previously had a Champion 4000 open frame contractor genny and what a difference. I've camped next to plenty of the Honda 3500's and they are great gennys but I'll put this one up against them for quietness. If it holds up, it certainly will win for value being about 2/3rds the cost.

Oil changes are easy, Air filters not bad to get to and I'm pleased with the way it runs everything as long as I don't throw two high powered users (AC, Coffee maker, hair dryer, Microwave) at it at the same time.

The Honda 3500's are clearly the top performers but if like me, the price just doesn't work for you because of the limited amount of boondocking you do, the Predator is a good fit.

[fredoe61]

For the price its outstanding.

[rracer5]

Originally Posted by rracer5

I just bought mine a week ago. Still going through the break in period. Will post further as time/testing goes on. And yes, the wheel lock metal plate does rattle but, that's an easy fix.




Some had complained that sometime after the first couple hours the engine would start to surge. One guy took the oil door off while it was running and it suddenly started running smooth again. The deduction was that it was starving for air and removing the door (or drilling holes as mentioned) allowed more air to the carburator. Hopefully this newer batch has been upgraded by the HF manufacturer......stay tuned.

Breaking mine in 1 hour at a time whenever I feel like opening the tonneau cover on the truck on a nice day and firing it up. On hour 3 now and it's still running smoothly. The only thing I noticed is that it cranks over for around 5 or 6 seconds before it starts. Could be I miscalculated the amount of Stabil I mixed making it hard to start? But, when it does fire up, it runs smooth. Probably will change the oil after the next hour.

Originally Posted by fredoe61

For the price its outstanding.

Black Friday weekend special $679.

[fredoe61]

I never got the surge problem but I did buy the extended warranty where at the end of the whole warranty period I'll just trade it in for a brand new one again. I dont think you can beat that gen for the price. Only prob is the weight.

[cra_fizzer]

Originally Posted by rracer5

Breaking mine in 1 hour at a time whenever I feel like opening the tonneau cover on the truck on a nice day and firing it up. On hour 3 now and it's still running smoothly. The only thing I noticed is that it cranks over for around 5 or 6 seconds before it starts. Could be I miscalculated the amount of Stabil I mixed making it hard to start? But, when it does fire up, it runs smooth. Probably will change the oil after the next hour.




Black Friday weekend special $679.

Use non-oxy gas if at all possible.

[rracer5]

Originally Posted by fredoe61

I never got the surge problem but I did buy the extended warranty where at the end of the whole warranty period I'll just trade it in for a brand new one again. I dont think you can beat that gen for the price. Only prob is the weight.

I got the extended warranty also. How does that "trade it" thing work?

Originally Posted by cra_fizzer

Use non-oxy gas if at all possible.

Do you mean ethanol free gasoline?

[Plaroche]

Anyone have a problem w this unit stopping on its own? And how they fixed it? I used Stabil stabilizer as recommended in regular unleaded 87 octane gas. 25 hours total usage. Thought maybe wind had something to do with it but even shielding didn’t help. Only once has it run continuously 8 hours. Usually quits after a couple hours, up to 5. Seriously considering taking it back. Bought 2 year warranty.

[rracer5]

Originally Posted by Plaroche

Anyone have a problem w this unit stopping on its own? And how they fixed it? I used Stabil stabilizer as recommended in regular unleaded 87 octane gas. 25 hours total usage. Thought maybe wind had something to do with it but even shielding didn’t help. Only once has it run continuously 8 hours. Usually quits after a couple hours, up to 5. Seriously considering taking it back. Bought 2 year warranty.

Oil level ok? Maybe it's borderline filled. Try putting another ounce of oil in it. Check the connection on the low oil switch...loose??


If it still quits, take it back....they'll give you a new one.

[Plaroche]

Ya I made sure and topped off oil. Checked a few times. Not a power demand issue either, last time I was running it through night with only dehumidifier running and it quit. I’ll probably just take back unless anyone has any other ideas.

[fredoe61]

After the manufacturers warranty ends your extended warranty kicks in. I think that's 2 year extension. Wait till the last cpl of months and take it to harbor freight and trade it in. You may have to say it's not working correctly but they will give you a new one. This is what they told me when I bought the extension otherwise I wouldnt have got it. I know others that's done the same thing.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by fredoe61

After the manufacturers warranty ends your extended warranty kicks in. I think that's 2 year extension. Wait till the last cpl of months and take it to harbor freight and trade it in. You may have to say it's not working correctly but they will give you a new one. This is what they told me when I bought the extension otherwise I wouldnt have got it. I know others that's done the same thing.

Free generator replacement for life!
I'll add this to the things that make me shake my head.

[fredoe61]

Originally Posted by 5picker

Free generator replacement for life!
I'll add this to the things that make me shake my head.

I dont think you can add another extended warranty to the replacement so it's not for life but it's still a pretty good deal.

[aeblank]

Leave the gas cap loose? Perhaps pulling a vacuum on the tank?