Generator break in procedure

I just run them and use them as I normally would. Try to be reasonable and don't run it maxed out for the first 5 hours or so. Change the oil early, 5 hours max.
Maybe do the 2nd change a bit early, say 10 hours, then consider it broken in.
Obviously if the manufacturer has any special break in procedure, follow that.

The following is from my new Champ 2K model 100565 owner's manual.

The first 5 hours of run time are the break-in period for the
unit. During the break in period stay at or below 50% of the
running watt rating and vary the load occasionally to allow
stator windings to heat and cool. Adjusting the load will also
cause engine speed to vary and help seat piston rings. After
the 5 hour break-in period, change the oil.

The owners manual also describes preparation for short term, and long term storage. I see no mention of exercising the generator, every 30 days or so, like some folks do. Is this exercising done, due to not preparing for storage?

Jerry

Dirtclods wrote:
As mentioned change the oil and I would add the filter too! This helps with the longevity of any motor.

Quite a few small engines do not have an oil filter. Obviously it's hard to change one that doesn't exist.

If you have an oil filter, then changing it as a part of the oil change process generally makes sense to me. You also likely don't need to change the oil as frequently as you would otherwise (though initial break-in is somewhat of a special case).

YES they do need a "Break in" I'd put a load on 'em. oh 1/3 or 1/2 or there abouts (IE I put a 300 watt lamp on a 1000 watt generator) and if it's a portable run one tank of gas (8 hours). Change oil and... if any... Filter as per manual instructions..


The 1000 watt Genrac I had... This is a traditional "Enclosed" generator. other than 1000 watts the ratings (noise fuel consumption weight size) approximate a Honda EU-2000i. Nice unit I still own it but if I ever find the legs that walked off with it.....

When new an APC UPS plugged into it indicated bad power (Bad waveform I'm guessing.. actually not a guess) but after the first tank of gas with a resistive load (The floodlight) it made teh APC very happy (Scope confirmed why).. Some parts just needed to be "Conditioned"

This should NOT be the case with inverter models like the aforementioned Honda.. But... Key word SHOULD (not).

As mentioned change the oil and I would add the filter too! This helps with the longevity of any motor.

Wow, I never gave it any thought other than changing the oil early. I just loaded it up and let her rip!
Seems to be fine.

My 2100 powerhouse has a 125cc engine.

This one is an 80. Same as a Ford and the others made there. Check Amazon for lots of pictures of 2000w portables and note which ones have the same build. Can compare engine specs from that.

https://powermaxconverters.com/product/inverter-generator/

BFL13 wrote:
Honda 2200 has a 120CC, my 2200 has 111 CC. They go bigger to get more watts. They are not all the same.

Several different brand gens are made by the same company. (eg, Ford, Westinghouse, PowerMax, etc is one bunch)

This is because of the limited number of different engine makers.

I meant to have said "Non-Honda) generators. I know honda makes their own engines. Just curious about all the other 79cc engines.

Honda 2200 has a 120CC, my 2200 has 111 CC. They go bigger to get more watts. They are not all the same.

Several different brand (but identical except for the paint job) gens are made by the same company. (eg, Ford, Westinghouse, PowerMax, etc is one bunch)

This is because of the limited number of different engine makers.