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Posted: 10/14/2012 9:54:24 AM EDT
[#1]
mine will run my fridge and upright freezer
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TX, USA
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Posted: 10/14/2012 9:59:57 AM EDT
[#2]
Originally Posted By The_Beer_Slayer:
mine will run my fridge and upright freezer Maybe I'll try it on my fridge - how many amps does yours draw? |
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Posted: 10/14/2012 12:13:07 PM EDT
[#3]
Originally Posted By sned45:
Any recommendations for a AC/DC converter to run 12v items. The AC/DC converter that Coleman sells for their thermoelectric ice chests works pretty well for most 12 volt devices - It'll produce up to 5 amps at approximately 12 volts (the output voltage isn't real tightly regulated), and it's pretty cheap (Wal-Mart sells 'em for under 20 bucks). 
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Posted: 10/14/2012 1:04:57 PM EDT
[#4]
Originally Posted By 45acpfan:
I bought one yesterday and ran it for 9 hrs on one tank of fuel powering a 60w bulb. My only problem is that it doesn't idle perfectly smooth. I have not had a chance to upgrade the plug yet though. Couldn't be happier with the investment. I have no huge expectations for $80. This is purely for convenice. Mine idles OK, but runs much better under load or part load. I broke mine in running a several hundred watt work light. Ran smooth at 1/2 load too |
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Posted: 10/14/2012 1:14:49 PM EDT
[#5]
Originally Posted By swj0001:
Originally Posted By The_Beer_Slayer:
mine will run my fridge and upright freezer Maybe I'll try it on my fridge - how many amps does yours draw? freezer max 6a fridge 4.5a. both are winthin spec as these are 900w surge = 7.5a |
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Posted: 10/14/2012 2:19:10 PM EDT
[#6]
Mine runs for about two hours then quits. If I open the gas cap it will start right back up and idle fine. I suspect, as mentioned above, the gas cap is not venting properly and creating a vacuum in the tank. Any thoughts on how this can be fixed short of returning the whole unit?
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Posted: 10/14/2012 5:09:12 PM EDT
[#7]
Continuing break in with NGK plug and hardline hour meter installed.
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Posted: 10/14/2012 7:36:43 PM EDT
[#8]
Finished the break in procedure and then used it to power a 2hp electric chain saw. Cut cedar fence posts for 1/2 hr with no problems. I like this little thing.....
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ID, USA
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Posted: 10/14/2012 11:11:55 PM EDT
[#9]
Originally Posted By tenex:
Mine runs for about two hours then quits. If I open the gas cap it will start right back up and idle fine. I suspect, as mentioned above, the gas cap is not venting properly and creating a vacuum in the tank. Any thoughts on how this can be fixed short of returning the whole unit? Redneck fix––just leave the cap on loosely when running. 
Permanent fix––drill the smallest hole possible in the cap. Someone wiser than me may have a better idea. |
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NY, USA
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Posted: 10/15/2012 12:08:07 PM EDT
[#10]
Just drove by the store yesterday and didnt stop in. Missed the sale again!. Any idea how often these go on sale? Called up my local and they said they have a whole mess in stock but at the pre-sale price of 129.99.
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Posted: 10/15/2012 12:13:00 PM EDT
[#11]
Originally Posted By DaveSpud:
Originally Posted By tenex:
Mine runs for about two hours then quits. If I open the gas cap it will start right back up and idle fine. I suspect, as mentioned above, the gas cap is not venting properly and creating a vacuum in the tank. Any thoughts on how this can be fixed short of returning the whole unit? Redneck fix––just leave the cap on loosely stuff a rag in the top of the tank when running.
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Posted: 10/15/2012 1:43:01 PM EDT
[#12]
Originally Posted By subvet707:
Walked in today to pick up a $79 generator and found one out front that was marked open box merchandise. $45. What the hell, had 5 day exchange so I carried it out. its out in the barn right now running with a light plugged in to it. Hard to go wrong at that price  During the testing phase I noticed it would stop running after a couple of hours and there was a vacuum on the tank. I will drill a vent hole in the cap tonite. I guess that's why it was returned and i got for $45. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Posted: 10/15/2012 3:01:33 PM EDT
[#13]
Originally Posted By Skibane:
Originally Posted By DaveSpud:
Originally Posted By tenex:
Mine runs for about two hours then quits. If I open the gas cap it will start right back up and idle fine. I suspect, as mentioned above, the gas cap is not venting properly and creating a vacuum in the tank. Any thoughts on how this can be fixed short of returning the whole unit? Redneck fix––just leave the cap on loosely stuff a rag in the top of the tank when running.
dont forget to light the rag to burn off the extra fumes |
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Posted: 10/18/2012 5:30:11 PM EDT
[#14]
Drlled a small hole in the gas cap and it ran for four hours before I shut it down. Easy fix.
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Posted: 10/18/2012 6:03:19 PM EDT
[#15]
Originally Posted By The_Beer_Slayer:
mine will run my fridge and upright freezer I was surprised to see how little our new fridge draws even on startup. Kill a watt is a very interesting tool. |
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Posted: 10/18/2012 7:08:12 PM EDT
[#16]
I have one on order...should be arriving tomorrow. I can't wait to try it out. It will be a nice addition for emergency power, including my Miller welder on my service truck.
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CT, USA
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Posted: 10/20/2012 2:13:56 AM EDT
[#17]
It looks like Harbor Freight has a 'new', very similar small generator, but it is red instead of blue.
See it at http://www.harborfreight.com/Portable-Generator-63cc-900-Watts-Max800-Watts-Rated-69381.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiNzEzMzQ0MDAiLCJza3UiOiI2OTM4MSIsImlzIjoiOTkuOTkiLCJwcm9kdWN0X2lk%0D%0AIjoiODk0MSJ9%0D%0A&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=4212c&utm_source=1002 "Only 99.99 with coupon 71334400 Add item to cart to redeem coupon" The only difference that I can see from the blue one is that it uses one of their "predator" engines. Anyone have experience with it? |
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Posted: 10/20/2012 3:06:27 AM EDT
[#18]
Looks like the same unit - user manual was written by morons with a para-legal degree.
Claims to use a 63cc OHV engine that runs on 87 Octane fuel with 10% or less Ethanol content and a 50:1 2 stroke oil fuel mix.  Go Figure.
( and I do have a blue version ) |
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NY, USA
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Posted: 10/20/2012 10:50:24 AM EDT
[#19]
I think they figure the red will remind people of Honda and sell more of the inventory.
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WA, USA
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Posted: 10/20/2012 5:12:33 PM EDT
[#20]
I saw the e-mail sale ad yesterday and was wondering if there was any difference in the two? They look exactly alike, so only the paint or a new engine? I see Storm Cat listed on the decal, but nothing comes up on Google. I picked up my second HF blue model on sale last week for $79.95 and just delivered the other day. Maybe they are selling out the blue model, so it might be on sale again. Both models are online as of last night. That's the best price I've seen in 6 months, so I couldn't pass it up. It runs much smoother than my first one that I bought even with the stock Chinese plug. I ran it for about 3 hrs yesterday with a light load and it ran great. I have a Yamaha 1,000 watt with about 3,000 hrs, but at 10 times the cost the HF is a super good deal. I have about 50 hrs on my first HF and it's done a decent job. Works great as a backup to my Yamaha running a charger or lights. Gas consumption is about 3 times more than my Yami, so you can't have every thing.
I think this may be the review I saw that someone recommended running a voltage regulator on it? I bought a APC regulator ($30) No way would I trust the HF on electronics, computer or anything sensitive to a voltage spike. When the HF runs out of gas the voltage spikes all over the place, so BEWARE. I'm a very happy camper with my HF, so I'll be interested to see how the new model performs. |
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CT, USA
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Posted: 10/20/2012 5:51:06 PM EDT
[#21]
Originally Posted By ProfGAB101:
Claims to use a 63cc OHV engine that runs on 87 Octane fuel with 10% or less Ethanol content and a 50:1 2 stroke oil fuel mix. That is a significant difference between the blue one and the red one. The blue one specifies 89 octane or higher. The red one calls for 87 octane or higher. I fill my vehicles with 87 octane fuel, and so I have to keep a separate supply of 89 octane gas for the blue generator (of course you have to mix in the 2 cycle oil, so you would still have to maintain a separate container for the generator and the cars, but refueling the red one would be less of an issue than the blue one, at least for me). I did not find any caution in the blue generator's manual about a max ethanol level, whereas the red one spells it out explicitly, Whether that is due to the recent (or expected) proliferation of high-ethanol fuels or whether it is just an oversight is anybody's guess. |
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Posted: 10/20/2012 5:58:55 PM EDT
[#22]
I went to Habor freight to check this out and they are posted NO GUNS
They will never get any of my money ! |
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Posted: 10/20/2012 7:08:44 PM EDT
[#23]
Great. Now I have to get a red one.
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Posted: 10/20/2012 9:30:04 PM EDT
[#24]
Originally Posted By Snakedocc: I went to Habor freight to check this out and they are posted NO GUNS They will never get any of my money ! No sign on ours. Must be just that store. |
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Posted: 10/21/2012 2:35:59 AM EDT
[Last Edit: ProfGAB101]
[#25]
Originally Posted By targetworks:
Originally Posted By ProfGAB101:
Claims to use a 63cc OHV engine that runs on 87 Octane fuel with 10% or less Ethanol content and a 50:1 2 stroke oil fuel mix. That is a significant difference between the blue one and the red one. The blue one specifies 89 octane or higher. The red one calls for 87 octane or higher. I fill my vehicles with 87 octane fuel, and so I have to keep a separate supply of 89 octane gas for the blue generator (of course you have to mix in the 2 cycle oil, so you would still have to maintain a separate container for the generator and the cars, but refueling the red one would be less of an issue than the blue one, at least for me). I did not find any caution in the blue generator's manual about a max ethanol level, whereas the red one spells it out explicitly, Whether that is due to the recent (or expected) proliferation of high-ethanol fuels or whether it is just an oversight is anybody's guess. I guess I failed to point out the IRONY that it claims its an CARB approved OHV engine that requires a 50:1 2 stroke oil mix. I was under the impression that CARB had banned the sale of 2 stroke engines in California several years ago. Also, there has not been a modern consumer grade 2-stroke motor with Over Head Valves in nearly 30 years. Norton tried a few limited production models, and I think Honda played with the idea purely as track prototypes. Moron manual writers - like saying this engine requires 104 octane low sulfer unleaded diesel fuel. Back on topic - they may have increased the combustion chamber volume to cope with lower octane fuels - but that is a piss poor engineering shortcut. This effectively lowers the compression ratio of an all ready low compression motor. The "Static" compression ratio is often as low as 5:1 on a 2 stroker the saving factor here is with proper tuning the effective compression ratio can be up around 9.8:1 and this engine really only needs to run at one speed - unlike a motorcycle which you need a range of power. Understanding 2 stroke tuning will soon be a lost art. And while I would now choose a 4 stroke for most applications - some things like motors for Ultra-lights, nothing beats a simple air cooled 2 stroke engine. |
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Posted: 10/21/2012 9:30:07 AM EDT
[#26]
Originally Posted By targetworks:
Originally Posted By ProfGAB101:
Claims to use a 63cc OHV engine that runs on 87 Octane fuel with 10% or less Ethanol content and a 50:1 2 stroke oil fuel mix. That is a significant difference between the blue one and the red one. The blue one specifies 89 octane or higher. The red one calls for 87 octane or higher. I fill my vehicles with 87 octane fuel, and so I have to keep a separate supply of 89 octane gas for the blue generator (of course you have to mix in the 2 cycle oil, so you would still have to maintain a separate container for the generator and the cars, but refueling the red one would be less of an issue than the blue one, at least for me). I did not find any caution in the blue generator's manual about a max ethanol level, whereas the red one spells it out explicitly, Whether that is due to the recent (or expected) proliferation of high-ethanol fuels or whether it is just an oversight is anybody's guess. i have run 87 exclusively in mine since day one. with the stock plug is stuttered a bit on rare occasion until warm, with the ngk plug it runs perfectly. |
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Posted: 10/26/2012 2:07:37 PM EDT
[#27]
Anyone have a link to the $89 coupon in this months American Rifleman? Work blocks "weapons" so I can't go to the NRA site and I want to get one ASAP with the hurricane coming - tomorrow morning might be too late if it isn't already.
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Posted: 10/26/2012 2:24:26 PM EDT
[#28]
Originally Posted By Snakedocc:
I went to Habor freight to check this out and they are posted NO GUNS They will never get any of my money ! i open carry in mine all the time. |
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Posted: 11/3/2012 9:26:26 AM EDT
[#29]
Just a little update on my generator:
I'm on Long Island, and have been without power since Monday at 10am. I'll post another, longer thread about "thing I've learned" in this storm, but to get to the point, my HF genny has been gold in the last week. We run our big portable (via transfer switch) for a few hours in the morning and evening to cool the fridge, heat the house, cook breakfast/lunch/dinner, give us light, etc. We use the harbor freight genny at all other times to power a lamp, a TV, DVR, WiFi router, and the Verizon FIOS power supply. During these times, the kids can watch tv, we have internet, phone and light. Best part is, that little generator has an average usage of a gallon of gas per 6 to 8 running hours! I'll post more in a bit... |
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Posted: 11/3/2012 12:12:13 PM EDT
[#30]
Originally Posted By billyjoebob:
Just a little update on my generator: I'm on Long Island, and have been without power since Monday at 10am. I'll post another, longer thread about "thing I've learned" in this storm, but to get to the point, my HF genny has been gold in the last week. We run our big portable (via transfer switch) for a few hours in the morning and evening to cool the fridge, heat the house, cook breakfast/lunch/dinner, give us light, etc. We use the harbor freight genny at all other times to power a lamp, a TV, DVR, WiFi router, and the Verizon FIOS power supply. During these times, the kids can watch tv, we have internet, phone and light. Best part is, that little generator has an average usage of a gallon of gas per 6 to 8 running hours! I'll post more in a bit... this is where these shine. low fuel cost and decent output for "comfort" can make a HUGE difference in the face of a disaster such as this. when this is over, build a a could of battery boxes. use the genny on 2-3 hour runs to recharge them. it will save even more fuel and depending on the inverter give you higher output if needed. |
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Posted: 11/3/2012 12:24:12 PM EDT
[#31]
Originally Posted By The_Beer_Slayer:
Originally Posted By billyjoebob:
Just a little update on my generator: I'm on Long Island, and have been without power since Monday at 10am. I'll post another, longer thread about "thing I've learned" in this storm, but to get to the point, my HF genny has been gold in the last week. We run our big portable (via transfer switch) for a few hours in the morning and evening to cool the fridge, heat the house, cook breakfast/lunch/dinner, give us light, etc. We use the harbor freight genny at all other times to power a lamp, a TV, DVR, WiFi router, and the Verizon FIOS power supply. During these times, the kids can watch tv, we have internet, phone and light. Best part is, that little generator has an average usage of a gallon of gas per 6 to 8 running hours! I'll post more in a bit... this is where these shine. low fuel cost and decent output for "comfort" can make a HUGE difference in the face of a disaster such as this. when this is over, build a a could of battery boxes. use the genny on 2-3 hour runs to recharge them. it will save even more fuel and depending on the inverter give you higher output if needed. Battery backup is next on my to-do list. My main generator is a 7000 watt generac. It uses around 0.5 gal/hour at half load, and we generally don't pull more than 3500 watts at a time (usually a bit less than that). This little generator strikes a great balance...it lets me use the big gen to heat, run the dish washer, cool the fridge, etc....all without worrying about consumption and load management. The little guy can run at all other waking hours, and provides the creature comforts for the kids. My family (spread out around the island) is now starting to get power back. I was the only one with a generator. I can guarantee that these little HF generators are going to make a great xmas gift for each family. |
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Posted: 11/3/2012 12:26:20 PM EDT
[#32]
yep, the biggest lesson i learned when we got hit was fuel management. big genny on 1/3rd-1/2 load wastes a LOT of needed fuel. these run for ever on a gallon of gas and power the comfort things that make life easier.
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Posted: 11/3/2012 4:40:45 PM EDT
[#33]
Prolly want to include a pre marked 5 gal gas can "50:1 Pre-Mix Only" and a pre-marked cup.
I found by far the best deal is to buy the gallon jugs of Outboard motor oil pre-mix. I also run it in my edge trimmer. I been mixing up the smoky fuels since I was about 12 as I used to race the High Speed carts and later moto-cross so doing the mix calc is old school for me. I still have ny Banshee and keep a better race quality oil for it. Up here in Colorado I mix my gen/trimmer fuel about 42:1 - by running more oil you are effectively leaning out the air/fuel ratio which helps compensate for the altitude. This can actually improve spark plug service life depending on the oil used, and I'm sure them Chinese bearings would enjoy the extra oil too. On bikes it was common to re-jet the carb for each track. That isn't as practical on these gens - Hell I would not be surprised if the main jet was press fit, not threaded. |
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Posted: 11/3/2012 5:11:38 PM EDT
[#34]
Can the exhaust be effectively plumbed/blown away to run on a balcony or fire escape?
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Posted: 11/3/2012 6:07:07 PM EDT
[#35]
Originally Posted By WhyTanFox:
Can the exhaust be effectively plumbed/blown away to run on a balcony or fire escape? mine really are not that bad once they warm up. |
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CT, USA
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Posted: 11/4/2012 11:49:30 AM EDT
[#36]
I finally saw one of these running. I figured it was going to be a roaring chainsaw, but they are pretty quiet!
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Posted: 11/4/2012 12:18:01 PM EDT
[#37]
Mine is not too bad, it just putters away with the occasional hiccup. I didn't need to fire mine up, my power was restored by Wednesday afternoon.
One thing I did notice was since it was so quiet I could tell who was running generators up to about one block away. Security was not an issue in my neighborhood, but, along with coming up with an idea for a portable shelter for protecting the generator from rain/snow, i need to think of a way to secure the little critter to the ground or an object to deter thieves. Once the wind died down you could hear generators running from a pretty good distance away. 
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Posted: 11/4/2012 4:56:26 PM EDT
[#38]
Also worth mentioning is the quality of the electric output.
Mine puts out between 123 and 124 volts at about 63hz, with very little fluctuation at half load. Better than expected for a cheap Chinese generator. |
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Posted: 11/5/2012 9:35:12 AM EDT
[#39]
Just broke the fuel shutoff switch on one of mine. Cheap pot metal. Have to use pliers now.
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Posted: 11/5/2012 2:46:01 PM EDT
[#40]
Originally Posted By criley:
Just broke the fuel shutoff switch on one of mine. Cheap pot metal. Have to use pliers now. Will a generic petcock fit? I've seen them for $5. |
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Posted: 11/5/2012 7:41:03 PM EDT
[#41]
Originally Posted By strat81:
Originally Posted By criley:
Just broke the fuel shutoff switch on one of mine. Cheap pot metal. Have to use pliers now. Will a generic petcock fit? I've seen them for $5. If I get motivated enough I will check it out. Pliers work for now. |
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NY, USA
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Posted: 11/6/2012 10:57:24 PM EDT
[#42]
My genny just siezed up , was running great then I heard a strange metal to metal sound so I shut her down, now I can't even pull the pull cord,
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Posted: 11/6/2012 11:07:55 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Skibane]
[#43]
Originally Posted By warrior23:
My genny just siezed up , was running great then I heard a strange metal to metal sound so I shut her down, now I can't even pull the pull cord, 1. How many hours on the engine? 2. What 2-stroke oil were you using? 3. What oil:gas mix ratio were you using? Usual fix for a seized 2-stroke is to pull the spark plug, squirt a little oil in the cylinder, let it soak in a while, and then work the pull cord to free it up. IIRC, you can also remove the pull cord housing to access a bolt on the crankshaft - use a wrench or ratchet to turn it. |
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NY, USA
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Posted: 11/7/2012 3:15:11 AM EDT
[#44]
Maybe 50 hrs,I used sears oil 50 /1 mix.i have the extended warranty so it's going back tomm.
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Posted: 11/7/2012 12:29:58 PM EDT
[Last Edit: KCGunnr]
[#45]
Let us know if they replace it with the new model.
Seems to be the same genny, just a new color scheme. |
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NY, USA
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Posted: 11/7/2012 1:36:25 PM EDT
[#46]
will do,gonna be awhile though cant imagine any gennys in stock here with all the power outtages..
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NY, USA
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Posted: 11/10/2012 6:33:28 PM EDT
[#47]
Ok, found my paperwork I did hav the 2 yr extended warranty and got a new replacement.
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Posted: 11/12/2012 9:26:42 PM EDT
[#48]
Any idea when these go back on sale?
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Posted: 11/12/2012 9:28:18 PM EDT
[#49]
Black friday for $88
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Posted: 11/17/2012 9:49:39 PM EDT
[#50]
My hf genny decided it won't run unless it has a little bit of choke. At no choke it loses power and dies. With a little choke it runs very nicely.
The air filter is clean as a whistle. Any ideas? The fuel in it is pretty old. Probably a year old. I believe it was synthetic with fuel stabilizer but its been a while. I know I used good oil. |
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