If you guys have the smaller 2000W Predator generator, check this video, it will directly apply as the predator 2000 is a Ducar internal built gen! czcams.com/video/oQcy6dLkK6s/video.html
Just ran mine for 167 hours straight (with break for an oil change) due to hurricane Beryl. LOVE my P3500, it ran flawlessly and did everything I needed.
This is one of the most thorough, in-depth descriptive videos I have ever watched. Great info for the newbie or old-time who needs more tricks. Thank you for taking the time to explain the procedures in such great detail including part numbers, etc., while explaining the reasons behind why these things are important. Bravo!!
My predator would not keep running. Mission critical as I am off grid and it runs my well pump. Watched this video and am now pumping water again. Thank you so much!
This was by far the best video I have seen on the predator or any generator. You get to the point, no needless commentary, and extremely helpful. WELL DONE!!!!
When you pay $750 for something that others paid $3,000+ you definitely have something to smile about..... oh, THANK YOU for the battery tender suggestion ....
I just sold my Honda EU2000 today and went right down and bout one one of these (rv on the way so needed more power). I am BLOWN away at the quality and how quiet it is. Hope it lasts because Im impressed.
Great video! I run both of mine 4-5 days a week for 8-10 hours each day to power my food truck. I have two Predator 3500s and just ordered the Firman 1201 Parallel kit so I can truly split the load between them. Now I know how to actually maintain them properly. Good job!
Got the battery connector yesterday and used snippers to cut trim of the Predator cousin, the Powerhorse. This is a fantastic modification. Got the unit at the home of the Predator. One issue I noted is that when the charger block is plugged into my covered patio outlet the outlet cover of the socket doesn’t fold back far enough to accommodate the charger base. I had to use a plug extension that I use for my Christmas lights (for the same reason, to allow for a timer) to allow for the charger base. I have the excess cabling attaching to the battery curled up and tucked between the battery and the outside wall of the generator. BTW, I stopped by the retailer for my Powerhorse and spoke to the service tech and he confirmed that the Powerhorse has only one drain tube from the carburetor and that he has to siphon fuel from the tank to drain the tank itself. I’m just going to stick with TruFuel and continue my monthly run for about 30”, only this time remembering to clean the spark arrestor. Since it stays on my patio at home it probably wouldn’t hurt to remove the spark arrestor if I wanted to avoid needing to clean it, even though it isn’t difficult to remove and brush.
I have 2553 hours on my 1 1/2 yo Predator 3500 from HF, and I'm thinking about changing the spark plug for the first time. It's starting to surge a little bit, but when it's warm out sometimes it just shuts down and refuses to start again for a few hours. Guess I'll clean up the spark arrestor, haven't done that yet either.I have never had a battery problem w it and I don't use a tender. We just sit out in the Arizona desert in our 35 foot RV year around! Gotta keep that air filter clean. Awesome machine for the $699 I paid for it. I bought 2 at the same time, sold 1 with about 1500 hrs just because I didn't need it that bad and he wanted it pretty badly.
Awesome stuff! At bare minimum, check and adjust valve clearance at those hours. If a gen is in use constantly like yours, you never will have battery issues, that is for long term storage, usually 30 days or greater to extend the life of the battery when a tender becomes a must.
Best way to clean the spark arrestor on any small engine is a propane torch. Burns off all the carbon build up in seconds. Can also do the exhaust manifold as well. Great vid.
@@MR_Garage thank you.. I put the wheel kit on mine getting to old to lift on back of truck..2 ramps goes up very nicely...Also nice for oil changes too.looks like a off road generator
@@TC-tw5zk I dig the wheel kits. I place my gen in my trailer when I travel and the wheel kit makes it too wide. Thinking of a custom platform someday for it.
Damn dude, I have watched a lot of how to videos on here and that is about as good sit gets. Thank you it was really helpful for an engine novice like myself.
Great video. Unit wouldn’t start with battery after a year of storage. Have it on battery minder now hoping it will condition and recharge it to a useful one. It looks like I will need to replace it and leave it on the minder. I like the upgrade suggestions and the handy tools that you mentioned. Will go and buy them this week for my unit. Thanks for all the tips.
Worst thing for a battery is to let it die over time. I would replace the battery. We have a video with the part number for the battery. After that, keep it on the battery tender / minder and it will give a really long service life!
This is a fantastic video. Thank you. Did want to mention that there was one thing I was curious about. I’ve let mine sit too long and want to drain the fuel but am not sure how to do it. I think if your video included that extra perk, it would be next level. Keep up the good work!
If you want to drain the tank too, set the gen to run and open the bowl drain screw. You will of course need a container for the old fuel to run into. You can see how to drain the bowl in my jetting video on the 3500. Only extra step is to set the gen to run (switch is also a fuel cut)
@@MR_Garage Thanks for the reply. I have since learned that there is a little screw on the side of the bowl that allows fuel to drain through a tube when the setting on run which makes it a little easier to catch. 👍
Great video. Great Tips. I just got one of these and am super happy with how easy it is to operate, maintain and how quiet it operates. (We're neighbors-I think.)
Close! I'm in Tempe. Headed to cooler country this weekend. Another thing that Predator has added to their operators manual regarding fuel-they insist on using fuel stabilizer-always.
In Tempe now, small world. And I agree with them, it goes in all my fuel canisters to ensure it is in every small engine of mine ALWAYS and in the carbs prior to storage.
If it helps anyone, the replacement battery model is YTX7L-BS892 and sells for about $25. It can be found just about anywhere online - I bought mine at Home Depot.
Overall the best & most complete maintenance video I've seen for the Predator 3500. Thank you! My only 2 critiques are when you say, "I know engines..." and my mind immediately says, then why do you intentionally overfill the crankcase with oil (which leads to unnecessary increased pressure and wear) & then say to your viewers not to worry about it? The other thing I am also guilty of, and that is leaving the generator sitting unused for a, "few months nap." My father was a master mechanic and always told me an engine - any and all - should be started at least 1x/mo minimum to keep everything lubricated including seals etc (and to ensure it will work in emergencies -given it's an emergency tool and all). But like I said, I too have been guilty of letting mine sit for months between uses or such starts too. But I hope to get better (and for critical systems, like my genie, I actually have a backup generator as well as 2 short term "solar battery" systems too).
Small engines like these are splash lubricated and without a PCV valve - direct vent. There is zero extra pressure. Just some extra oil in case they consume a little between runs. And your dad was right! Should start every few months at least, once a month even better. More for the carbs sake if not drained (should be drained of fuel with any nap) Oil and such is fully drained down rather quickly since there is no oil really in the head. Cam and crank are in the bottom of the engine (pushrod motor). Oil gets super hot in these so even 15w40 turns to water at high temps. Moment it shuts down - drains fast. Thanks for watching!
I use Schaeffer's Micron Moly 30wt oil in mine. Also the Neutra fuel additive. Mine will run 14 to 15 hours on a tank. Also do 150 hour oil changes. No problems.
I brought my predator 3500 generator at a pawn shop I didn't know exactly what I was buying at the time I knew it was a inverter and that's what I was looking for it had 14 hours on it when I bought it I actually stole it because I only paid $350 for it at the pawn shop it has a 160 hours on it right now and it runs flawlessly I have not did any mods to it except put the bigger wheels on it so I can get it around much easier
I just want to say I know I love my generator I take very good care of it but the point is I picked it up at a pawn shop it had 25 hours on it I paid $400 for it at this current moment it has a 165 hours and I've had it for about coin on maybe 5 years now.
You may want to rethink drilling holes in the case. These things are air cooled with the engine powering a fan that draws cool air from the front of the case, across both the engine and inverter and expels the hot air out the back. By drilling the holes you've created a vacuum leak that will allow the fan to draw air through those holes rather than from the front of the case. Thus, the cooling air is bypassing the engine and inverter causing them to run much hotter. Just sayin.
Nope, a gentleman on the predator group did a before and after thermal scan of the inverter which is air cooled. A few holes in the case does nothing to affect cooling of the inverter. On the flip side to this, there is no need to drill the case or vent the door of the gen is jetted properly without the one size fits all jet it comes with. I have another video for that.
Jon doe is correct. I was curious how air gets into the generator so I removed the front cover. The air intake is to the left of the wheel locking lever on the bottom. Directly above the air intake is a large heat sink with fins and a baffle built in to the front cover for cooling the electronics. When the generator is running you can feel suction in this area. Adding cooling holes to the side panels bypasses the primary air intake so now your electronic components are getting less cooling air. Maybe this doesn’t make a significant difference if the electronics don’t get that hot and/or they don’t need much cooling, but it looks like a lot of design effort went into the flow of cooling air around the electronics, generator coil, and engine.
You do not bypass by drilling holes in the case. You can leave the oil access door totally off and still have enough flow to cool the inverter as the motor can move a substantial amount of air. As stated, thermal scans have proven this / there is plenty of flow. And per my previous comment "there is no need to drill the case or vent the door of the gen is jetted properly without the one size fits all jet it comes with". This fixes any rich running conditions without any other modification as long as you do not overfill the gas tank constantly which is a whole different issue and set of symptoms.
Well no Genny yet. I found out I could not use the coupon which would have saved me $160, bringing the price down to $640. So the best sale price I have seen was $699. So I will just wait till the next sale. Darn it. The money I am saving will be used to buy your kits. ;)
Excellent video! Subscribed. I just added all the pieces/parts to my Amazon cart. After this hunting season now I’ll know how to prep my Predator generator for storage thru the winter.
similar set up on my snowblower.i just suck out oil through the dipstick hole with (syphon pump,one hose in oil bucket and one in snowblower,). less mess. i know i dont get all oil out but its not a car and i do it every other year..
I have both a Yamaha inverter and was given a Predator 3500 for free. (Bad gas) The highest hour generator I ever saw was 18,000 hrs from a friend who "lives off the grid" it is a Yamaha.
Yessir, need to get it into the carb. I talk with many that think just dumping it in the tank is all that is needed. And as I mentioned - best to always put stabilizer in your storage tanks at home. So no matter what you fill - it will already be there.
Thank you! I have the exact generator and haven't started it in several months. I unfortunately, didn't put the Stabil-izer i the gas, and now it won't start. I just ordered the battery thing - hoping it will start up after that! When I charge up the battery, I'll add some stabil-izer to the gas and cross my fingers! LOL THEN, do an oil change!
Here’s one for you: Bought the generator this week, and ran it with no load for 20 hours (on and off) and checked the oil at 8. She was still full, and clean as a whistle. I just started her up again, and connected my large chest freezer. I then added my full size refrigerator. And the display says she’s only drawing 1.2 amps and 148W. Is this possible!?
Mr. Garage It eventually went to 2.5 amps and 250 watts. I tried to monitor the display for compressors on/off, but this is the highest it drew. Turns out, this huge freezer (brand-new Frigidaire) only draws 1.2 amps, but the refrigerator’s label says 6! I don’t get it. And the 3500 didn’t miss a beat...didn’t power up, power down, stall...for even a split second. I think I want one or two of those little wattage meters that you plug your device into, to double check the 3500’s readout. Changed the oil yesterday to synthetic (broke it in with regular), and today, my spark plug and magnetic oil dip stick arrives. And here’s a question for you: Can you parallel this with the 2000?
I stopped at a Harbor Freight today, and purchased this generator after watching you video. Unfortunately, after opening it the front end of it was smashed in like it was dropped during shipping. oddly the box was not damaged at all. I am hoping they have another generator in stock tomorrow when I return it. I've already purchased the mentioned items you listed (but using 5w40 instead) and I'm hoping this will be a reliable generator for my needs.
Hey there I noticed in your video the spark plug you were using was a NGK BPR7EIX but the link you used was for the BR7EIX and didn’t know the difference between the two..I went out and bought the BPR7EIX but didn’t want to install it without checking. Great video thanks for the help.
Good catch Jay, oddly it was showing the correct link and even in the search bar when clicked, but displayed the wrong plug. I generated a new link to make sure the right plug would show.
Hello! The 30A twist lock L5-30R outlet is for larger loads and generally used for RV, Travel Trailer type use. Or anything needing more than 20A. The other two outlets are what they call a 5-20R. They support both 15A or 20A.
I love the video and thank you for being so thorough. I recently purchased one of these and have been breaking it in, but noticed some minor surging at idle. Following advice from another video, I pulled and cleaned the pilot jet and re-installed it, but do you think I was smart enough to count how many rotations the idle set screw was from the carb? No. How many turns do you usually set yours at to run smoothly?
In my opinion the only item worth the money is the spark plug. You can turn the existing dip stick into a magnetic one and I just use a big horse syringe to add oil.
Great video thank you for all the information. I just did pretty much everything in this video. And now for some reason when I have the knob on the start position and use the electric start it will not turn over. But when I put it in the start position it turns over perfectly with the electric start. I also live in Arizona so I am low elevation. I know higher elevation Requires you to put the knob and run and start it. Let me know what advice you can give me.
Who makes the extra thin walled socket? I really like my new predator generator starts easy hood for a women and very quit I live off grid and owned about every brand of generators even many Honda’s but this 1 is the best!
Fabulous video!! hardly ever use my Predator, but I just started it up and noticed it is running rough. I came in, turned on the computer and found this video. What an amazing resource. I think I have some cleaning work to do. Just like you mentioned, my battery went bad in the first year and I hardly used it. Battery guy at store suggested not leaving it hooked up to generator. Does the battery tender work when battery is hooked up to generator? Does leaving the battery unhooked solve the problem or is the battery tender a better idea? If I'm using the battery tender, can I then leave my battery hooked up to the generator. Thanks for your help.
The generator charges and maintains the battery when running. When not running, if the battery tender is plugged in, it will maintain the battery. Anytime it is not in use - keep it on the tender :)
Have you had any surging issues? I fired mine up this week for it’s monthly run and found it to be surging real bad, and with esc on it almost dies. From what I can see, plug is good, gas is tested and fresh, spark arrestor is clean, air filter is clean. I’m kinda stumped. Nice to see another AZ RVer out there using the same setup! I find it powered everything we need as well.
Hey Jim, Not at all. Surging usually occurs when jet has a blockage. Does not take much to clog it up. Something in the gas, container or just old gas. I would take off the carb and clean. Also, does it run better with the oil door removed in this situation? If so, fuel tank was overfilled and charcoal emissions canister was soaked in fuel starving the gen of air.
Well, pulling the carb may be next then. As for over filing, it’s usually only got about 1 or so gallons when not in use but if it did get overfilled it would’ve been last summer sometime. I’d think it would be cleared up by now unless it gelled in there or something.
I have heard good things. I always just used gear oil, but recently have been using maxima FAB-1. Same color as our GYTR Yamaha filter oil (blue). PJ and Maximum have the same quality reviews - good stuff!
About the air filter - what did you say you put on the air filter when you put it back after you clean it off? Also did you mention that you clean it with water? Thanks
Odd, I could have sworn I responded to this, apologies! These days after I wash a filter (dawn dishsoap and hot water - then let dry) I just use a little gear oil. A little bit goes a long ways. I stopped using canned filter oil.
Excellent video and thank you for all of the details, even the minutes of your life lost to discuss dipsticks!! (just ordered one!!), I have one quick question, the manual says 10w-30 for the motor oil but I noticed you use 15w-40, is there something I missed about 15-40 being better for these motors?
Hey Robert, Oil weights are not set in stone for any given engine. It has to do with temp range the unit is expected to operate in and most manufacturers will give those ranges in a manual unless they just want to make it easy and blanket a value that works for most conditions. Your 3500 will even state (use 10w30 for general use) as it is a simple and reliable statement. For my super warm to hot climate, I prefer a 15w40 in all my small air cooled engines. Has never let me down. If I was to use the generator in say freezing conditions or super cold weather, I would be putting in a 5w40 for better startup protection. These are my choices. For most climates and conditions, a good 10w30 is perfectly fine. Regular maintenance always outweighs brand names or personal preferences with oil weight (unless conditions dictate choice) so do your research on oil weight ranges, what they actually mean and make the decision you are OK with.
@@MR_Garage excellent info, thank you! I actually live up in North Phoenix with you but we travel to a property up in seligman around 5,000 ft so I might stay in the middle then, very much appreciate your reply
We just bought ours in February. We just unboxed it and have it in the back of our truck for use with our new Scamp 5th wheel. Instructions recommend grounding it first. Should we? Or Not? If so, how do you do that? My husband and I are the blind leading the blind. Neither one of us are electricians.
Mine just turned off on me before it was doing that it would fire back when I turned it off, I changed the spark plug and cleaned the exhaust and still nothing took out the spark collector it was filled with oil
when i get one of these i'm using the autolite racing plug i use in all my other predators. i can't recall the part number . about 5 bucks. i use them in everything , lawn mower etc...
If you guys have the smaller 2000W Predator generator, check this video, it will directly apply as the predator 2000 is a Ducar internal built gen! czcams.com/video/oQcy6dLkK6s/video.html
Just ran mine for 167 hours straight (with break for an oil change) due to hurricane Beryl. LOVE my P3500, it ran flawlessly and did everything I needed.
Boom! One search and I found the BEST video on CZcams for p3500 maintenance! Thanks Brother
Glad it helped!
This is one of the most thorough, in-depth descriptive videos I have ever watched. Great info for the newbie or old-time who needs more tricks. Thank you for taking the time to explain the procedures in such great detail including part numbers, etc., while explaining the reasons behind why these things are important. Bravo!!
Much Appreciated! I enjoy working on this and helping others. CZcams has made a good outlet for that.
Good info. No BS. No unneeded commentary. Thank you.
My predator would not keep running. Mission critical as I am off grid and it runs my well pump. Watched this video and am now pumping water again. Thank you so much!
Awesome! So happy this helps, that is what it is all about :)
This was by far the best video I have seen on the predator or any generator. You get to the point, no needless commentary, and extremely helpful. WELL DONE!!!!
Thanks Boss!
I will hire this guy to work on my equipment any day
When you pay $750 for something that others paid $3,000+ you definitely have something to smile about..... oh, THANK YOU for the battery tender suggestion
....
yes...that tender recommendation is awesome. I need to get one of those for my atv too.
I just sold my Honda EU2000 today and went right down and bout one one of these (rv on the way so needed more power). I am BLOWN away at the quality and how quiet it is. Hope it lasts because Im impressed.
Great video! I run both of mine 4-5 days a week for 8-10 hours each day to power my food truck. I have two Predator 3500s and just ordered the Firman 1201 Parallel kit so I can truly split the load between them. Now I know how to actually maintain them properly. Good job!
Appreciated - your food truck sounds awesome!
Got the battery connector yesterday and used snippers to cut trim of the Predator cousin, the Powerhorse. This is a fantastic modification. Got the unit at the home of the Predator. One issue I noted is that when the charger block is plugged into my covered patio outlet the outlet cover of the socket doesn’t fold back far enough to accommodate the charger base. I had to use a plug extension that I use for my Christmas lights (for the same reason, to allow for a timer) to allow for the charger base. I have the excess cabling attaching to the battery curled up and tucked between the battery and the outside wall of the generator.
BTW, I stopped by the retailer for my Powerhorse and spoke to the service tech and he confirmed that the Powerhorse has only one drain tube from the carburetor and that he has to siphon fuel from the tank to drain the tank itself. I’m just going to stick with TruFuel and continue my monthly run for about 30”, only this time remembering to clean the spark arrestor. Since it stays on my patio at home it probably wouldn’t hurt to remove the spark arrestor if I wanted to avoid needing to clean it, even though it isn’t difficult to remove and brush.
Excellent video! Really appreciate it. Did all that to mine today.
Should be in good shape for the rolling blackouts this summer in Texas...
I use the Battery Tender on my ATV battery. It's 8 years old and always works
My uncle just changed the battery in his 2005 Suzuki Eiger for the 1st time this year... Has it on a tender anytime he isn't riding it
I have 2553 hours on my 1 1/2 yo Predator 3500 from HF, and I'm thinking about changing the spark plug for the first time. It's starting to surge a little bit, but when it's warm out sometimes it just shuts down and refuses to start again for a few hours. Guess I'll clean up the spark arrestor, haven't done that yet either.I have never had a battery problem w it and I don't use a tender. We just sit out in the Arizona desert in our 35 foot RV year around! Gotta keep that air filter clean. Awesome machine for the $699 I paid for it. I bought 2 at the same time, sold 1 with about 1500 hrs just because I didn't need it that bad and he wanted it pretty badly.
Awesome stuff! At bare minimum, check and adjust valve clearance at those hours. If a gen is in use constantly like yours, you never will have battery issues, that is for long term storage, usually 30 days or greater to extend the life of the battery when a tender becomes a must.
Best way to clean the spark arrestor on any small engine is a propane torch. Burns off all the carbon build up in seconds. Can also do the exhaust manifold as well. Great vid.
Thanks for the propane tip. Never will clean it again with parts cleaner.
Thank you
Those battery tenders work great. Going on 5 years on my yuasa. Generator battery and it fires right up. Highly recommend getting one.
Yes sir - only way to keep a battery is maintained... unless you enjoy replacing them often :)
@@MR_Garage thank you..
I put the wheel kit on mine getting to old to lift on back of truck..2 ramps goes up very nicely...Also nice for oil changes too.looks like a off road generator
@@TC-tw5zk I dig the wheel kits. I place my gen in my trailer when I travel and the wheel kit makes it too wide. Thinking of a custom platform someday for it.
This is one of the best instructional videos I have ever seen! Excellent job! Thank you for taking the time to make and post it!
Glad it was helpful!
Nice hack with the ramps! Well played sir....Thanks for such a well articulated intersectional video!
I'm planning to get the Powerhorse 4500 which is almost identical to this Predator model. Glad I found this video which will help me maintain it!
Thanks for this video 👍💯 we just picked up the 4550 yesterday for mobile detailing/home backup. Your maintenance list should help us out a lot! 👍😎
Damn dude, I have watched a lot of how to videos on here and that is about as good sit gets. Thank you it was really helpful for an engine novice like myself.
Great video. Unit wouldn’t start with battery after a year of storage. Have it on battery minder now hoping it will condition and recharge it to a useful one. It looks like I will need to replace it and leave it on the minder. I like the upgrade suggestions and the handy tools that you mentioned. Will go and buy them this week for my unit. Thanks for all the tips.
Worst thing for a battery is to let it die over time. I would replace the battery. We have a video with the part number for the battery. After that, keep it on the battery tender / minder and it will give a really long service life!
This is a fantastic video. Thank you. Did want to mention that there was one thing I was curious about. I’ve let mine sit too long and want to drain the fuel but am not sure how to do it. I think if your video included that extra perk, it would be next level.
Keep up the good work!
If you want to drain the tank too, set the gen to run and open the bowl drain screw. You will of course need a container for the old fuel to run into. You can see how to drain the bowl in my jetting video on the 3500. Only extra step is to set the gen to run (switch is also a fuel cut)
@@MR_Garage Thanks for the reply. I have since learned that there is a little screw on the side of the bowl that allows fuel to drain through a tube when the setting on run which makes it a little easier to catch. 👍
We just purchased the 3500 watt generator. Love your tips, and we purchased the spark plug, grease and the dip stick, and also an hour meter.
Thank you, finally someone that knows what they're doing.
Put a Drainzit HON1010 oil drain tube in place of the factory drain plug and it makes oil changes easy as pie, with no messes or leaks.
Great video. Great Tips. I just got one of these and am super happy with how easy it is to operate, maintain and how quiet it operates. (We're neighbors-I think.)
Right on! Very good gen. And we could be - I am in Laveen. Several TT owners in our community.
Close! I'm in Tempe. Headed to cooler country this weekend. Another thing that Predator has added to their operators manual regarding fuel-they insist on using fuel stabilizer-always.
In Tempe now, small world. And I agree with them, it goes in all my fuel canisters to ensure it is in every small engine of mine ALWAYS and in the carbs prior to storage.
Thanks Man. Mine wound only run with choke(start) on. I cleaned the exhaust screens like you said and it is good to go.
Right on!
If it helps anyone, the replacement battery model is YTX7L-BS892 and sells for about $25. It can be found just about anywhere online - I bought mine at Home Depot.
Yessir :) czcams.com/video/BsR8ql6a1-o/video.html
Great site just found you. My predator had the same problem with fuel thanks for the tip on where to buy leaner jets.
Overall the best & most complete maintenance video I've seen for the Predator 3500. Thank you! My only 2 critiques are when you say, "I know engines..." and my mind immediately says, then why do you intentionally overfill the crankcase with oil (which leads to unnecessary increased pressure and wear) & then say to your viewers not to worry about it? The other thing I am also guilty of, and that is leaving the generator sitting unused for a, "few months nap." My father was a master mechanic and always told me an engine - any and all - should be started at least 1x/mo minimum to keep everything lubricated including seals etc (and to ensure it will work in emergencies -given it's an emergency tool and all). But like I said, I too have been guilty of letting mine sit for months between uses or such starts too. But I hope to get better (and for critical systems, like my genie, I actually have a backup generator as well as 2 short term "solar battery" systems too).
Small engines like these are splash lubricated and without a PCV valve - direct vent. There is zero extra pressure. Just some extra oil in case they consume a little between runs.
And your dad was right! Should start every few months at least, once a month even better. More for the carbs sake if not drained (should be drained of fuel with any nap) Oil and such is fully drained down rather quickly since there is no oil really in the head. Cam and crank are in the bottom of the engine (pushrod motor). Oil gets super hot in these so even 15w40 turns to water at high temps. Moment it shuts down - drains fast.
Thanks for watching!
@@MR_Garage Thanks for the clarifying info! Awesome!
Try putting a little grease inside the socket and that will help it release. Great video! Thank you for all the info!
I just want to say: "I just love your channel. " Great stuff and very informative on the generator info.👍👋
I appreciate that!
I use Schaeffer's Micron Moly 30wt oil in mine. Also the Neutra fuel additive. Mine will run 14 to 15 hours on a tank. Also do 150 hour oil changes. No problems.
I brought my predator 3500 generator at a pawn shop I didn't know exactly what I was buying at the time I knew it was a inverter and that's what I was looking for it had 14 hours on it when I bought it I actually stole it because I only paid $350 for it at the pawn shop it has a 160 hours on it right now and it runs flawlessly I have not did any mods to it except put the bigger wheels on it so I can get it around much easier
I just want to say I know I love my generator I take very good care of it but the point is I picked it up at a pawn shop it had 25 hours on it I paid $400 for it at this current moment it has a 165 hours and I've had it for about coin on maybe 5 years now.
Great generator!
You may want to rethink drilling holes in the case. These things are air cooled with the engine powering a fan that draws cool air from the front of the case, across both the engine and inverter and expels the hot air out the back. By drilling the holes you've created a vacuum leak that will allow the fan to draw air through those holes rather than from the front of the case. Thus, the cooling air is bypassing the engine and inverter causing them to run much hotter. Just sayin.
Nope, a gentleman on the predator group did a before and after thermal scan of the inverter which is air cooled. A few holes in the case does nothing to affect cooling of the inverter. On the flip side to this, there is no need to drill the case or vent the door of the gen is jetted properly without the one size fits all jet it comes with. I have another video for that.
Jon doe is correct. I was curious how air gets into the generator so I removed the front cover. The air intake is to the left of the wheel locking lever on the bottom. Directly above the air intake is a large heat sink with fins and a baffle built in to the front cover for cooling the electronics. When the generator is running you can feel suction in this area. Adding cooling holes to the side panels bypasses the primary air intake so now your electronic components are getting less cooling air. Maybe this doesn’t make a significant difference if the electronics don’t get that hot and/or they don’t need much cooling, but it looks like a lot of design effort went into the flow of cooling air around the electronics, generator coil, and engine.
You do not bypass by drilling holes in the case. You can leave the oil access door totally off and still have enough flow to cool the inverter as the motor can move a substantial amount of air. As stated, thermal scans have proven this / there is plenty of flow. And per my previous comment "there is no need to drill the case or vent the door of the gen is jetted properly without the one size fits all jet it comes with". This fixes any rich running conditions without any other modification as long as you do not overfill the gas tank constantly which is a whole different issue and set of symptoms.
Awesome video! Thanks for such a thorough maintenance video. Had to buy this for a recent power outage and for future use with our TT and I love it!
Very welcome!
Thank you video is the most insuring trust worthy I've seen
Should fuel be drained after use to store away
excellent video, well explained and the part number was a great addition.
thank you
Glad it was helpful!
All I can really say is ... outstanding. Thanks for a great video.
Thank you very much!
Great, informative video. Just bought this today and looking forward to your tips and tricks. Thanks!
Outstanding. Going to buy one tonight for my camper. Thank you
Well no Genny yet. I found out I could not use the coupon which would have saved me $160, bringing the price down to $640. So the best sale price I have seen was $699. So I will just wait till the next sale. Darn it.
The money I am saving will be used to buy your kits. ;)
My kits? Amp gear? :D
Excellent video! Subscribed. I just added all the pieces/parts to my Amazon cart. After this hunting season now I’ll know how to prep my Predator generator for storage thru the winter.
Glad it helped you out! Good stuff man :)
Put 350 hours on it in 3.5 weeks. And it still works.
similar set up on my snowblower.i just suck out oil through the dipstick hole with (syphon pump,one hose in oil bucket and one in snowblower,). less mess. i know i dont get all oil out but its not a car and i do it every other year..
The smart guys get it :) And even with a car, you end up leaving 1/2qt or more in the engine when you do a change.
I have both a Yamaha inverter and was given a Predator 3500 for free. (Bad gas)
The highest hour generator I ever saw was 18,000 hrs from a friend who "lives off the grid"
it is a Yamaha.
Run the engine with the stabilizer. Why did I not think about that. So obvious now that I think about it. This guy is smartt with 2 t's.
Yessir, need to get it into the carb. I talk with many that think just dumping it in the tank is all that is needed. And as I mentioned - best to always put stabilizer in your storage tanks at home. So no matter what you fill - it will already be there.
Predator 3500s out there with 3000-5000 hrs on them. Might be the best thing HF sells.
Thank you! I have the exact generator and haven't started it in several months. I unfortunately, didn't put the Stabil-izer i the gas, and now it won't start. I just ordered the battery thing - hoping it will start up after that! When I charge up the battery, I'll add some stabil-izer to the gas and cross my fingers! LOL THEN, do an oil change!
Thanks for the video! Love my predator. I’m definitely not a engine guy but find this generator very easy to maintain.
Indeed ! Easy to work on for sure. Has been a great gen for us.
Mr. Garage yes love mine!
EXCELLENT VIDEO!!! One question, every how many hours of use does this service have to be done?
I go way overkill and change oil about every 10 hours of use.
I use this generator for detailing. Thank you so much for this video!!
Great video! New Subscriber... Please keep the good maintenance videos coming...
Thanks! Will do!
Took my spark arrestor off because it was bogging out with it on when running my AC, the first time I had it out.
Enjoyed this very much! Thanks for all of the info!
Great thanks for your recommendations, MARANATHA 👍
Welcome!
Here’s one for you:
Bought the generator this week, and ran it with no load for 20 hours (on and off) and checked the oil at 8. She was still full, and clean as a whistle.
I just started her up again, and connected my large chest freezer. I then added my full size refrigerator. And the display says she’s only drawing 1.2 amps and 148W.
Is this possible!?
Does not sound normal at all unless the compressors on both were not on at the time.
Mr. Garage It eventually went to 2.5 amps and 250 watts. I tried to monitor the display for compressors on/off, but this is the highest it drew.
Turns out, this huge freezer (brand-new Frigidaire) only draws 1.2 amps, but the refrigerator’s label says 6! I don’t get it. And the 3500 didn’t miss a beat...didn’t power up, power down, stall...for even a split second.
I think I want one or two of those little wattage meters that you plug your device into, to double check the 3500’s readout.
Changed the oil yesterday to synthetic (broke it in with regular), and today, my spark plug and magnetic oil dip stick arrives. And here’s a question for you:
Can you parallel this with the 2000?
@@Ira88881 That is amazingly efficient - good to know on the freezer!
@@Ira88881 I believe you can parallel with any generator. I've connected a 3500 to the predetor 2000 and they worked great together.
Excellent video. Thanks !
I stopped at a Harbor Freight today, and purchased this generator after watching you video. Unfortunately, after opening it the front end of it was smashed in like it was dropped during shipping. oddly the box was not damaged at all. I am hoping they have another generator in stock tomorrow when I return it. I've already purchased the mentioned items you listed (but using 5w40 instead) and I'm hoping this will be a reliable generator for my needs.
Bummer boss! Best of luck on your next unit
@@MR_Garage what are your thoughts on the PJ1 Aerosol foam filter oil? Instead of using engine oil/gear oil?
@@JonathanCarl It will work fine. You can also use Maxima Fab1
Hey there I noticed in your video the spark plug you were using was a NGK BPR7EIX but the link you used was for the BR7EIX and didn’t know the difference between the two..I went out and bought the BPR7EIX but didn’t want to install it without checking.
Great video thanks for the help.
Good catch Jay, oddly it was showing the correct link and even in the search bar when clicked, but displayed the wrong plug. I generated a new link to make sure the right plug would show.
Thanks for the great video. Can you explain the difference between the power outlets. Is there any particular usage difference ?
Hello! The 30A twist lock L5-30R outlet is for larger loads and generally used for RV, Travel Trailer type use. Or anything needing more than 20A. The other two outlets are what they call a 5-20R. They support both 15A or 20A.
I love my Predator 3500!
Awesome video! God bless from Colorado
Thanks for watching!
Great video,love my 3500.
Thank you. Great video
Thank you that's an excellent video you are on point Thank you again
Thank you very well done. I was looking at buying this generator. Thank you.
Great video! thanks for the tips
thank you for this, my man!
You bet!
You are amazing! Thanks for such a great tutorial.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks, great video
You're welcome!
I use the 12v solar charger from HF.
Thank you so much best one I've seen, this helps will do every step 😃
Great video! Thanks!
Well done
I love the video and thank you for being so thorough. I recently purchased one of these and have been breaking it in, but noticed some minor surging at idle. Following advice from another video, I pulled and cleaned the pilot jet and re-installed it, but do you think I was smart enough to count how many rotations the idle set screw was from the carb? No. How many turns do you usually set yours at to run smoothly?
I set by RPM and use a little inductive hour meter / tach to monitor RPM or you can do it by ear.
Great video just what I needed
Glad I could help
Great job thinking of bying one thx
In my opinion the only item worth the money is the spark plug. You can turn the existing dip stick into a magnetic one and I just use a big horse syringe to add oil.
Would it possible to remove and attach better wheels than the cheap stock ones ?
They make large tire kits for this generator if you already have one.
Great video thank you for all the information. I just did pretty much everything in this video. And now for some reason when I have the knob on the start position and use the electric start it will not turn over. But when I put it in the start position it turns over perfectly with the electric start. I also live in Arizona so I am low elevation. I know higher elevation Requires you to put the knob and run and start it. Let me know what advice you can give me.
Great video!
Who makes the extra thin walled socket?
I really like my new predator generator starts easy hood for a women and very quit I live off grid and owned about every brand of generators even many Honda’s but this 1 is the best!
Fabulous video!! hardly ever use my Predator, but I just started it up and noticed it is running rough. I came in, turned on the computer and found this video. What an amazing resource. I think I have some cleaning work to do. Just like you mentioned, my battery went bad in the first year and I hardly used it. Battery guy at store suggested not leaving it hooked up to generator. Does the battery tender work when battery is hooked up to generator? Does leaving the battery unhooked solve the problem or is the battery tender a better idea? If I'm using the battery tender, can I then leave my battery hooked up to the generator. Thanks for your help.
The generator charges and maintains the battery when running. When not running, if the battery tender is plugged in, it will maintain the battery. Anytime it is not in use - keep it on the tender :)
Have you had any surging issues? I fired mine up this week for it’s monthly run and found it to be surging real bad, and with esc on it almost dies. From what I can see, plug is good, gas is tested and fresh, spark arrestor is clean, air filter is clean. I’m kinda stumped.
Nice to see another AZ RVer out there using the same setup! I find it powered everything we need as well.
Hey Jim, Not at all. Surging usually occurs when jet has a blockage. Does not take much to clog it up. Something in the gas, container or just old gas. I would take off the carb and clean.
Also, does it run better with the oil door removed in this situation? If so, fuel tank was overfilled and charcoal emissions canister was soaked in fuel starving the gen of air.
Well, pulling the carb may be next then.
As for over filing, it’s usually only got about 1 or so gallons when not in use but if it did get overfilled it would’ve been last summer sometime. I’d think it would be cleared up by now unless it gelled in there or something.
@@jimwarden6419 One thing to check before pulling the carb, remove the idle screw. Blast some carb cleaner into it to flush it. See if it runs better.
Try some PJ-oil made for filters
I have heard good things. I always just used gear oil, but recently have been using maxima FAB-1. Same color as our GYTR Yamaha filter oil (blue). PJ and Maximum have the same quality reviews - good stuff!
Very informative and much appreciated...
Glad it was helpful!
About the air filter - what did you say you put on the air filter when you put it back after you clean it off? Also did you mention that you clean it with water? Thanks
Odd, I could have sworn I responded to this, apologies! These days after I wash a filter (dawn dishsoap and hot water - then let dry) I just use a little gear oil. A little bit goes a long ways. I stopped using canned filter oil.
Excellent video and thank you for all of the details, even the minutes of your life lost to discuss dipsticks!! (just ordered one!!), I have one quick question, the manual says 10w-30 for the motor oil but I noticed you use 15w-40, is there something I missed about 15-40 being better for these motors?
Hey Robert, Oil weights are not set in stone for any given engine. It has to do with temp range the unit is expected to operate in and most manufacturers will give those ranges in a manual unless they just want to make it easy and blanket a value that works for most conditions. Your 3500 will even state (use 10w30 for general use) as it is a simple and reliable statement. For my super warm to hot climate, I prefer a 15w40 in all my small air cooled engines. Has never let me down. If I was to use the generator in say freezing conditions or super cold weather, I would be putting in a 5w40 for better startup protection. These are my choices. For most climates and conditions, a good 10w30 is perfectly fine. Regular maintenance always outweighs brand names or personal preferences with oil weight (unless conditions dictate choice) so do your research on oil weight ranges, what they actually mean and make the decision you are OK with.
@@MR_Garage excellent info, thank you! I actually live up in North Phoenix with you but we travel to a property up in seligman around 5,000 ft so I might stay in the middle then, very much appreciate your reply
Great job!
Thanks!
We just bought ours in February. We just unboxed it and have it in the back of our truck for use with our new Scamp 5th wheel. Instructions recommend grounding it first. Should we? Or Not? If so, how do you do that? My husband and I are the blind leading the blind. Neither one of us are electricians.
I have never ground a gen for mobile use. Never had a need.
Mine just turned off on me before it was doing that it would fire back when I turned it off, I changed the spark plug and cleaned the exhaust and still nothing took out the spark collector it was filled with oil
20 oz. Is the factory recommended oil amount.
Thank you for this video
the funnel supplied with the generator actually works well too, just saying
It does while it lasts, it is PAPER 😅
Thank you.
You're welcome!
Awesome video. Thank You.
You are welcome!
when i get one of these i'm using the autolite racing plug i use in all my other predators. i can't recall the part number . about 5 bucks. i use them in everything , lawn mower etc...
Well...go look at that part number and let us know which one of those Autolite racing plugs works for this genny.