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Advice on small generators?

submitted by Version6 to whatever 2.8 yearsAug 9, 2021 09:35:13 ago (+17/-0)     (whatever)

Of course Honda is probably the best bet but im looking for any experience with other brands out there. Generac, Champion, yamaha, etc. Anybody got any input? Looking for something quiet that will run in parallel, dual fuel a plus.


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[ - ] Gunnargoatson 4 points 2.8 yearsAug 9, 2021 09:49:09 ago (+4/-0)

So, I had this page book marked a while back, for generator muffler silencers, the link will take you to that book mark. But if you dig around on their menu there is a pretty decent buyers guide. I ended up going with an old navy diesel generator, but there is alot of great info on the site.

https://www.generatorszone.com/muffler-silencer-for-generator/

[ - ] Version6 [op] 1 point 2.8 yearsAug 9, 2021 12:51:51 ago (+1/-0)

Lots of info there. Thanks.

[ - ] aleleopathic 3 points 2.8 yearsAug 9, 2021 13:47:50 ago (+3/-0)

Anything Japanese will be good, but assuming you are asking because you are on a budget:

Champion actually does run like a champ, but is loud as hell. IME, generac tends towards lower fuel efficiency due to having lower compression ratios (probably a longevity thing, or just cheaper materials).

Also, to silence a generator, use a motorcycle muffler. The first thing any biker does when buying a new bike is take it to the shop to have the muffler removed - the shops throw handfuls of the things away every week. Be aware that it is an 80/20 rule, you can fully muffle the exhaust, and then you will find 20% of the noise is actually transmitted through the head itself, etc.

[ - ] Version6 [op] 1 point 2.8 yearsAug 9, 2021 15:54:59 ago (+1/-0)

Which champion have you used? Ive seen some of the small ones rated with low noise. Around 53dba to the hondas 48dba.

[ - ] aleleopathic 1 point 2.8 yearsAug 9, 2021 16:09:39 ago (+1/-0)

4 of them in total - 2 4kw babies, 1 8kw, and a monster 12kw. The two larger ones are dual fuel from the factory, and one of the 4kw I converted with an aftermarket kit. Only problems I've ever had related to the propane regulator dying on the aftermarket kit, and some electrical problem related to an oil level sensor. Otherwise, all problem free for the last 4ish years.

Every single one is loud as fuck. Doesn't bother me much, but if it matters (like you are trying to run a food truck or similar) then go with the japanese or use a motorcycle muffler. This video shows what I means earlier about a large fraction of sound going through the head itself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9rNtk4XbN0

[ - ] CPU 1 point 2.8 yearsAug 10, 2021 02:32:51 ago (+1/-0)

What you could do is build a generator box and reduce the sound. If you use sheet lead and mount it on rockwool and then the walls, it will prevent the sound vibrations from transferring through the box walls.

Use rockwool on both sides of the lead and it will absorb some sound and block the sound as well.

Lead and rockwool are going to be resistant to high heat compared to other materials. Fiberglass is another choice as well.

[ - ] aleleopathic 0 points 2.8 yearsAug 10, 2021 02:40:12 ago (+0/-0)

It's a good idea - I've seen that suggested on the forums in a few places. Again, it is just a time thing for me - I'm time limited, and it really doesn't bother me. I hope I'm not just going deaf, lol.

Cheers for the well-researched tip.

[ - ] CPU 0 points 2.8 yearsAug 10, 2021 02:46:21 ago (+0/-0)

I forgot to mention, you can use Sorbothane bushings to physically isolate the generator so sound and vibrations do not travel by the feet and into the box walls or ground.

Sorbothane is supposed to be a very good vibration and shock isolator. On a side note, it can also be used to prevent your shoulders from hurting when using an axe or sledgehammer.

[ - ] germ22 2 points 2.8 yearsAug 9, 2021 10:12:51 ago (+2/-0)

I know of a little Honda inverter generator that has thousands of hours on it by now, and still works as if it is brand new. Very fuel efficient, very quiet that it was often forgotten and left running through the night.
I have a Champion 3000 watt generator that i have been using at a construction site. Works well, doesn't burn all to much gas. But is fairly noisy. It has enough power to run two large power tools at the same time with out complaining too much. Kinda heavy and awkward to move around.

[ - ] AloisH 1 point 2.8 yearsAug 9, 2021 15:53:18 ago (+1/-0)

Mixing fuel & oil can be a pain in the ass.

[ - ] account deleted by user 1 point 2.8 yearsAug 9, 2021 15:24:00 ago (+1/-0)

account deleted by user

[ - ] SendMeToTheGulag 1 point 2.8 yearsAug 9, 2021 12:01:54 ago (+1/-0)

i picked up a Wen 3800 a year ago

[ - ] Version6 [op] 0 points 2.8 yearsAug 9, 2021 12:50:49 ago (+0/-0)

Any feed back on it? Ive avoided them because I dont know anything about them.

[ - ] account deleted by user 0 points 2.8 yearsAug 9, 2021 16:49:01 ago (+0/-0)

account deleted by user

[ - ] Spaceman84 1 point 2.8 yearsAug 9, 2021 11:24:34 ago (+1/-0)

You really can't go wrong with Honda or Yamaha.

[ - ] mannerbund 1 point 2.8 yearsAug 9, 2021 10:07:59 ago (+1/-0)

Generac are relatively simple, highly maintainable. My father-in-law repaired tractors and generators for a few decades and those were his favorite to work on.

I've a shit honda 1000 and its pretty warn out, despite maintenance it barely puts out power at this point ( A lot of use ). I've also a honda eu3000i and it works great, but its kind of a pain to tear down to work on.

[ - ] account deleted by user 1 point 2.8 yearsAug 9, 2021 09:48:01 ago (+1/-0)

account deleted by user

[ - ] CPU 0 points 2.8 yearsAug 9, 2021 16:28:59 ago (+0/-0)

Install a fuel cutoff switch, and drain the carburetor when not in use. Most problems are due to ethanol in fuel causing damage to the rubber o-rings and seals in carburetors.

[ - ] VitaminSieg 0 points 2.8 yearsAug 9, 2021 12:30:07 ago (+0/-0)

Just wondering what a generator is for. If the power is out, then you can't pump gas, because gas pumps run on electricity. So unless you've stockpiled a shit ton of petrol, what good is a generator? Not to mention the fact that they're loud af and will draw unwanted attention.
Unless you just need a generator for your electric well pump because you get lots of storms or something.
But I'm guessing this is more about prepping.

[ - ] Version6 [op] 1 point 2.8 yearsAug 9, 2021 12:49:11 ago (+1/-0)

There are some very quiet ones. The random black out happens in my area. I have enough gas onsite but if I can find a decent dual fuel model then that makes propane use possible as well. Its just a small insurance policy, nothing more.

[ - ] dontknowwhatiwant 1 point 2.8 yearsAug 9, 2021 13:54:52 ago (+1/-0)

I have a water well I can use a generator for pulling water out of the ground. Have a 2000 gallon water tank which can gravity feed my house.

[ - ] CPU 1 point 2.8 yearsAug 9, 2021 16:28:04 ago (+1/-0)

Gas stations can run on their own fuel to operate the pumps. Assuming the owner is smart enough to have a backup generator.

Also for individual use, one could use wood gas to run a generator.

[ - ] TerryB 0 points 2.8 yearsAug 9, 2021 10:39:49 ago (+0/-0)

If you want to handle the noise they can make I've heard of people digging a pit and putting them in the pit and putting some wood planks over it. Keeps the noise down. I'm worried about people wanting to steal them if shit hits the fan. They go by your place and hear one running and come back in the night.