Comments for Small Portable Generators

Comment on Portable Generators Parts by Ted Sheckler

Ted Sheckler — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:59 +0000

nope, most electrical is made in Mexico. there might be a few small us company’s out there, but they’re unaffordable. if you want a cheap one, it will most likely be made in mexico. if it says china, don’t get it.

Comment on Portable Generators Parts by Warren914

Warren914 — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:44 +0000

A generator is a mechanical device. It will eventually fail or have problems. The major problem I’ve seen with portable generators relates to improper maintenance. The biggest problem is the carburetor becoming fouled with stale gasoline. Always use Stabyl or similar fuel stabilizer in the gasoline. Change the oil every 50 hours running time or once per year, whichever comes first. Old oil can become slightly acidic and actually create corrosion inside the engine.

For the most part the alternator side is maintenance free. If it uses brushes they should be changed when worn out, likely after several hundred hours running time. Run the generator under load once per month to ensure the residual magnetism remains adequate for startup. Otherwise you may have to flash the field to restore AC output.

Otherwise store it properly. Keep it dry and clean.

Read through my home generator page for other ideas.

Comment on Portable Generators Parts by mel e

mel e — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:31 +0000

I’ve been fixing generators for 25 years. Not really sure which manufacturer makes the LG series but a good place to buy parts for commercial gens is the local rental yard. For consumer gens the local lawnmower repair shop.

Comment on Portable Generators Parts by Mavrik

Mavrik — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:22 +0000

Try their website.

Be warned, Google says; Hawk power Generators website “This site may harm your computer”

Comment on Porter Cable Generator by Warren914

Warren914 — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:19 +0000

You should change the oil once per year or every 25 hours operating time, whichever comes first. If the engine uses an oil filter you can extend run time to 50 hours between oil changes. Oil type to use depends on where you store the generator. If it is stored in an unheated shed where the temperature drops well below freezing use 5W30 oil. If the temperature remains above freezing 10W30 is adequate. Stay away from cheap oil, but there really isn’t any need for synthetic.

Run the engine for a few minutes to get the oil warm and easier to drain. Remove the drain plug and tip the engine to ensure you drain as much oil as possible. It’s unlikely you have an oil filter, but if it’s there you should change it now. After the oil has drained put the plug back in and refill.

You will need about 1quart or slightly less than 1 liter of oil for the 10hp engine. Ensure the engine is level and monitor the dipstick as you add oil. If there is no dipstick you will have to fill the oil to overflow through the fill hole.

I have electrical diagram for DeVilbiss and many Porter Cable generators on my web page.
http://members.rennlist.org/Warren/wiring_diagrams.pdf

http://members.rennlist.org/Warren/generator.html
http://members.rennlist.org/warren/gt5000c.html

Comment on Portable Generators Parts by debbie50

debbie50 — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:15 +0000

You can get them at:
American Warranty Service
Their toll free number is 1-866-393-3968. They are located in Grapevine, Texas. They have every part you need for these generators and are very reasonable. I bought one from Northern Tool (ETQ) and it’s the very same as the ones sold at Heartland and FingerHut made by Robot.

Comment on Porter Cable Generator by Warren914

Warren914 — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:09 +0000

You need to remove the diodes from the rotor to test them. Polarity is important when reinstalling. A quick check is with an ohm meter. It should read low resistance in one direction, very high in the other. Forward voltage drop should be around 0.5-0.7V. This does not measure breakdown voltage or leakage current. You’d need more than just a multi meter for that.

The capacitor should come out easily for testing. Ideally use a capacitance meter to measure leakeage, total value, etc.

I have diagrams for many PorterCable generators on my web page.
http://members.rennlist.org/Warren/wiring_diagrams.pdf

Comment on Portable Generators Parts by snoopyj

snoopyj — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Is there a portable generator with a motor and generator that is made in America?
I was ready to order an Onan generator and found out that it is a Chinese motor. The same for the Power Max generators. I suspect that Briggs and Tecumseh engines are foreign made also. I want to buy something that is dependable and that I can still get repair parts in a few years. Any advice welcome.

Comment on Portable Generators Parts by wwrshm

wwrshm — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

where can i buy parts for a LG800A1 portable generator?
need starter recoil

Comment on Portable Generators Parts by JOE

JOE — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Where can I find parts for a Hawk Power HPE 4000 Portable generator ?
I need a circuit breaker for this model . I’m in the central Georgia area.