3000W Chinese Gensets Info.

skyzoomer wrote:
QUESTIONS:

1. For folks who own the C46540, have you found that the unpainted metal rusts? If so, which parts?

2. Anyone know of a "brush-on" paint that is gas and heat resistant? Brand and model? (I bought a heat resistant spray paint from Checkers thinking I would spray it in a small can and brush it on the generator. Luckily happened to paint a gas can first and when I filled the gas can after 2 days of drying, the paint dissolved like butter on a hot knife.)

The paint you bought is an acrylic enamel. Yes, gasoline will easily dissolve the paint film. After acrylic enamel has cured for at least 30 days, it will become more gas resistant.

An acrylic lacquer will be more gas resistant. DupliColor markets acrylic lacquer as a "Truck and Van" paint in large spray cans. Krylon brand spray enamel is also a lacquer based finish. Lacquer applied over "green"(uncured) enamels will lift the enamel surface. I do not advise brushing lacquer as it makes a real mess due to it's fast dry time.

Tractor Supply stores carry an enamel hardener under the Valspar name for use in alkaloid enamels (oil base). It is an Aliphatic Polyisocyanate additive (sort of kin to super glue). If you use the Valspar Tractor and Implement enamels with the hardener, you can brush it on. It will take at least two weeks of cure time to develop good resistance to gasoline.

Your best bet if you want to repaint is a true two stage polyurethane or epoxy paint. Check marine supply and auto paint stores, but expect to pay a really high price.

BTW, the OEM finish on the gas tanks and engine shrouds of the Chinese generators appears to be a thermoset acrylic with application similarities to powder coating. It is really tuff stuff! There is nothing special about the black paint on the metal frame.

Rusting will occur inside the gas tank, especially if it is not filled. Some folks add a few ounces of outboard motor oil to their gas to retard this rust formation. You can also expect rust on the lip where the gas cap attaches as it is unpainted.

Anywhere bolts or screws go through the frame can be a rust point as the finish is often "scratched" off. Welds are often not well sealed with paint and can become a point for rust to form.

If you do not have a wheel kit, inspect the bottom of the tubular frame for exposed metal due to scraping on the ground.

The inside of the engine shroud "may" not be well painted, or not painted at all. Same is true of the alternator end cap. Take it off and paint the inside if bare metal is suspected.

The alternator is wrapped in a galvanized piece of steel. It can rust inside and out if the zinc coating is broken. It can be painted.

Inside of the alternator all the steel parts that the windings are wrapped around "may" not be well sealed. This is normal and rust can form out of sight. Usually, problems do not show up here due to the mass of metal involved unless the generator goes unused for long periods of time.

The aluminum used to cast the engine and alternator housing are also subject to corrosion. They will turn grayish white.

So, what is my advice? Do not try to paint the gas tank - period. Wax it with a good paste wax, frequently, to protect it from rust.

Paint any shinny black parts you want with any kind of paint you choose. The .97 cent a spray can Wal-Mart paint is as good as any (surprised?).

Paint the exhaust with high temperature black grill and bar-b-que paint (can be brushed).

If aluminum shows signs of corrosion, spray it with white vinegar (acetic acid), let sit, brush and rinse.

I store my outboard motors over the winter months with a coating of "fogging oil". If your generator sits for long periods with no care, there is no reason you could not give it the same treatment. Fogging oil is available in spray cans at most auto supply stores and, naturally, marine supply stores. The oil is easily removed with a spray down of "Simple Green" and a rinse with the garden hose. Immediately start the engine after rinsing so it will dry.

My knowledge in the area of corrosion prevention and paint coatings comes from a life-long hobby of restoring and modifying old cars and boats. Even the fiberglass ones have steel frames that can rust away quickly if not cared for.