3000W Chinese Gensets Info.

[professor95]

professor95 wrote:
EDIT ADDED 45/5/2013- When this thread started in March of 2005, I never expected to see it survive this long or amass the quantity of information that has been shared here.

In the eight year run of this thread we have amassed almost 10,000 postings and surpassed a million views. This creates somewhat of a dilemma for anyone who has just discovered the forum.

Since the amount of information is virtually overwhelming, I suggest you set your preferences for this thread to read "newest first" and then begin to page backwards.

What you will find in these pages is a wealth of info on virtually any make or model of Chinese manufactured synchronous (non-inverter) generator in the 3,000 watt performance class. Info will include how to rewire series coils to parallel to obtain maximum wattage from a single 120 volt outlet. Tips on further reducing sound levels, how to care for these generators, which ones are "RV ready" and provide the best overall performance for the dollar invested. Which companies NOT to deal with, where the best prices are, how to safely wire the generator into a home or RV, how to check your RV for electrical faults, sources for generator accessories, which 20/30 adapters are safe to use and which are not. How to convert a gasoline generator to propane or NG. This is only the beginning. The forum has a life of its own with the focus sub-topic switching frequently. Still, the main topic of utilizing the amazing, inexpensive Chinese gensets is always there. The amount of creativity and innovation presented in these pages is indicative of the talents shared in the diverse backgrounds of the folks who make up our combined RV community.

Many of the original brands and models of Chinese gensets mentioned in the introduction and early pages of the thread have since disappeared. New EPA and CARB emissions requirements, company bonds assuring the emissions warranty will be honored even if the company goes out of business, and fierce competition in the industry have changed the playing field. Champion Power Equipment has become the apparent "trophy team" providing an ever expanding retail outlet, an ample parts supply, a strong warranty and excellent customer service. CPE has continued to improve their product and now offers a new model (#46538) with exclusive convenience, safety and performance features aimed at the RV market. Big names like Cummins/Onan, Honda and Generac all now have Chinese built open frame synchronous gensets available. Ironically, the prices often found on these gensets has not significantly changed during the past eight years - even with the devaluation of the American Dollar and new EPA/CARB requirements.

I also encourage you to use the search function and even the advanced search options to find information. Key works such as "rewiring", "PowerPro", "Champion", "Onan Homesite", "Duropower", "ETQ", "Jiung Dong or JD", "Tractor Supply", "Costco", "Lowe's" and "Home Depot" are all examples of keywords that will give you specific information on different models being sold by retailers today.

Or, you can fill your glass with your favorite beverage (keep more close by - maybe some munchies as well :D, sit back at your computer, tell your wife (or significant other) that you will see her in the morning and spend the next 10 or so hours reading through the postings.

No one on the forum gets mad if you ask a question that is a repeat. Please do not hesitate to post to the forum. All questions are considered important and those active on the forum will do their best to respond with a valid answer.

Also note we are not out to knock the Honda, Yamaha, Kipor or other brands of high end digital gensets. We recognize the quality of these products and their suitability for quite, efficient RV use. But, there is a flood of reliable, inexpensive and comparatively lower cost gensets coming out of China that are excellent alternative choices for the RVer wanting power to run an air conditioner, microwave, etc. without excessive noise or breaking the budget.

Oh, one last thing. The folks on this forum are true gentlemen. We do not flame one another or the product discussed - period. Ugly contributors usually have their comments and remarks ignored by our masses. It is not a forum to start arguments to obtain a clear win. We do disagree on many issues, but we have all agreed to do that in a respectable manner.

We now have the introduction of more and more inverter gensets. There is a rather extensive thread named "The Official Unofficial Champion 2000i Generator" on this forum. Today, I added info on the new Champion 3100i inverter genset. Discussion on this product may get moved to its own thread at a later date.

Many have looked upon this thread with distain saying Chinese is cheap and doomed to failure. I remember saying exactly the same thing about Japanese products a few decades back. But, over the past eight years the track record for Chinese built generators has shown otherwise.

Please, join us in a fascinating journey down the Chinese built genset road of knowledge.

This is the question I posted that got it all started back in March 2005.......

Randy

For a little over a month now, I have been somewhat intrigued by the availability of a 3000 watt, 6.5 HP generator at Pep Boys and Northern Tool for under $300.00. The engine on this generator looks identical to a Honda 6.5 HP OHV engine. Knowing that the Chinese have become very adept at “cloning” reputable technologies from other manufacturers, I was not surprised at the similarities. Neither store could give me any information on the generator nor did they have a “running” display model.

I have done a little research. This is what I have discovered:

Many of these generators are imported by ELIM International (www.eliminternational.com) out of Buffalo, New York from Jiung Manufacturing in China. (The unit at Northern is identical but carries the JIUNG name.)

The engines are indeed a Chinese knockoff of the popular 6.5 HP 196cc Honda Engine. “Supposedly” Honda has licensed the engine technology to the Chinese manufacturer of the product.

The Chinese company that makes the ELM3000 generators is a rather large, diverse, long-standing company with a reputation for “above average quality” Chinese made products (Jiung Manufacturing). There are many more Chinese companies making almost identical gensets.

The generators at PepBoys do have a six month limited warranty. But, it is only on the engine (not the generator) and requires paying for shipping to and from Buffalo. Probably not a very practical thing to do if you have warranty issues.

ELIM does supply replacement parts (a PDF parts manual is available on the ELIM web site). No prices are given for replacement parts nor is there an “availability listing”.

The generator head itself is a brushless design. The only really significant wear parts in the generator are the bearings – most likely universally available.

The published dB rating is 67 at 23 feet. This is “reasonably” quite for a generator of this size as most comparabl.... The 67 dB rating is the same as Honda gives their 3000 watt CycloInverter with a “look alike” eng...

[blkfe]

I purchased mine without a box. It was a display model. I seem to be missing the arrestor.
I'll look again though...
Thanks,
Brad

[ddav15]

My spark arrestor was in the little plastic bag with the other accessories. If it isnt packed then you should call Champion. Mine is quiter with the arrestor installed so I just leave it in there all time. The arrestor fits inside the flange so it may be already installed and you just didnt see it because it doesnt stick outside.

[blkfe]

Purchased a C46540 Champion generator this weekend. My question is the exhaust has what appears to be a flange on the exit with two nuts welded to the back side. Am I missing the spark arrestor or what?
Do I need to purchase the spark arrestor separate?
Other than that, generator runs great!! Starts and runs my 2hp air compressor just fine.
Brad

[byates]

professor95 wrote:

byates wrote:
The Onan Homesite 6500 that I own is manufactured by Chongqing Loncin General-Purpose Engine Co., LTD. I can attest to the quality of this genset, having mine in use for over two years now. It has the 120/240 voltage selector switch. I have not experienced any problems (manufacturing or shipping) with the unit. It is the only chinese made generator that I have found advertised with a heavy duty cast iron cylinder sleeve. As far as price is concerned, the Homesite is a bit more expensive than other chinese made gensets, but Costco.com (where I bought mine for $679) regularly has these gensets at a more affordable price than other online vendors

The 6500 is an entirely different animal than the 3500. $679 would be a good price for the 6500 with the 13 HP engine.

Glad to have a name of the builder. Was that in the manual or how did you identify it? I wonder if Chongqing Loncin also builds the 3500? Since they built the larger unit, I would expect them to also build the smaller models as well.

I do not know of any Chinese gensets in the 3,000 watt and up range using a Honda GX clone that does not have a cast iron cylinder sleeve. Virtually all the 6.5 HP engines on the look-alike-models are built on the GX200 design. I believe your genset has a Honda GX390 clone. I also own a Champion 6,500 in addition to several 3,000 and 3,500 watt makes and models. My Champ 6500 has the GX390 clone engine with a cast iron sleeve. It also has forged rocker arms vs. stamped on other models. I got caught with mud on my face over this several months back and decided to do some serious checking on the issue. The Honda GL engines (and clones) are the models that do not have a cast iron sleeve.

Thanks for sharing about your experiences with the 6500. User reports have been rare on the Homesite line.

The engine is tagged as Chongqing Loncin General-Purpose Engine Co., LTD, and it is a Honda GX390 clone. While virtually unknown in the US, Loncin generators are sold worldwide and have a reputation for reliability. In addition to having a need for this size genset, one of the reasons I purchased the Onan 6500 Homesite is due to the fact that it is rated at 5000 continuous wattage with a 13 HP engine. I believe the common standard for 5000 continuous watts calls for a 10 hp engine. When Onan labeled these generators as Homesite, they hit the nail on the head. Incidentally, the $679 included shipping and wheel kit.

b yates

[blkfe]

For those of us in the midwest, Tractor Supply Company has the new Champion
Genset in stock and on sale for $289.00.
Brad

[AZJIM1]

ol Bombero-JC wrote:
AZJIM1 - sorry to jump in here . . .
["DD smelled gas in the garage . . . . "]
suggest for everyone -
don't store your gasoline supply - or generator with gravity feed
gas tank - in your garage . . . . unless it's a DEtached
garage. [Think: "Murphy"]

A small vented lockable storage shed/building in a remote location of your
yard is a good plan. Also, a handy place to store your bug spray, etc.

There are lots of garage fires - many started by gasoline leaks/spills, etc.
JC

Thanks for the reminder!! I actually have plans to move it to an outside shed as soon as I get it built!

[AZJIM1]

professor95 wrote:

All of the Chinese 3,000 watt gensets with 4 gallon stamped steel gas tanks use nearly identical tanks. The petcock should NOT be at an angle. The angle is suggestive of the engine hitting the petcock during shipment. The force of hitting the petcock often will cause a crack in the metal tank around the petcock. The crack seeps gas.

There is a gasket, and Teflon tape works too. But you need to examine the damage carefully for a source of additional leaks.

Actually it is not at an angle as if it got hit by the engine . . . it is just screwed in a little so that it is rotated a little past being straight . . . sorry for my explanation problems!

The good news is by tightening up the petcock it has not leaked anymore!

Thanks!

[Old___Slow]

Wgeorge11 wrote:
Welcome aboard N9WOS. You are one fast reader! It took me days to cover this link, probably because I make wires smoke and can't put it back. Whatever, this forum has given me some understanding of available portable power, however skewed and convoluted it may be, and issues others have confronted in applying the machine to serve their needs. It's not about Honda, Champion et al, although each has its cheering crowd. It's about learning what's out there, what works, and what doesn't. It's about making a noisy machine quieter, retrofitting exhausts, and solving problems why mine won't do what yours does.
I hope for two things;
The moderators recognize the value of this very long thread to novices like me, and
That you continue interacting with those of us less knowledgeable about the mysteries of power generators.
Happy camping.

Wgeorge11:

I have been smitten at my old age by the subject of "The mysteries of power generators" (Chinese) Your above comments fit this thread well and the value of the contributors shareing their knowledge is of great value.

Wgeorge11, I'm not to sure about your statement of "a novice like me"
May not fit for you.

I must say Professor95 and MrWizard plus other have also offered and shared a World of Knowledge in power generation. Thanks to all.

[professor95]

byates wrote:
The Onan Homesite 6500 that I own is manufactured by Chongqing Loncin General-Purpose Engine Co., LTD. I can attest to the quality of this genset, having mine in use for over two years now. It has the 120/240 voltage selector switch. I have not experienced any problems (manufacturing or shipping) with the unit. It is the only chinese made generator that I have found advertised with a heavy duty cast iron cylinder sleeve. As far as price is concerned, the Homesite is a bit more expensive than other chinese made gensets, but Costco.com (where I bought mine for $679) regularly has these gensets at a more affordable price than other online vendors

The 6500 is an entirely different animal than the 3500. $679 would be a good price for the 6500 with the 13 HP engine.

Glad to have a name of the builder. Was that in the manual or how did you identify it? I wonder if Chongqing Loncin also builds the 3500? Since they built the larger unit, I would expect them to also build the smaller models as well.

I do not know of any Chinese gensets in the 3,000 watt and up range using a Honda GX clone that does not have a cast iron cylinder sleeve. Virtually all the 6.5 HP engines on the look-alike-models are built on the GX200 design. I believe your genset has a Honda GX390 clone. I also own a Champion 6,500 in addition to several 3,000 and 3,500 watt makes and models. My Champ 6500 has the GX390 clone engine with a cast iron sleeve. It also has forged rocker arms vs. stamped on other models. I got caught with mud on my face over this several months back and decided to do some serious checking on the issue. The Honda GL engines (and clones) are the models that do not have a cast iron sleeve.

Thanks for sharing about your experiences with the 6500. User reports have been rare on the Homesite line.

[blkfe]

Old & Slow wrote:

blkfe wrote:

Old & Slow wrote:
My ears are to the ground. Can't wait until my new Electric start Duropower DP3500E arrives so that I may follow your lead if that will be ok. Built a new work bench for just this project. Hope to reach no more that 170 degrees in side the box and as low as 60/62 DbA/7

Floyd
O&S

Just need to know, why did you not order the Duropower which was already enclosed and has a db rating of 63 to start with?

Good question:

Duropower has several models in the 3500w class. The model you speak of is no doubt Model DP3500RES that is 63db. I believe this unit is quite special on sale @499.99. It has the enclosed case you mention. Also with a remote control. My purpose in ordering model DP3500E is to do some special work to lower the DbA to less than 60DbA and at the price of $329.99 This is a vary nice price for a Electric Start model.

Floyd
O&S

Awsome!!! Best of luck with your project.
Please post your results.
Brad

[byates]

professor95 wrote:

blulaker wrote:
I would like to ask you some questions about how to choose the correct genset for a 3 KW home back up unit (I know you talked about markings on the motor to show manufacture somewhere but I cant find it!). It seems like you guys have a favorite (JD?) manufacture from China and it is sold under many different names and outlets. I am a bit overwhelmed by all the info....if you could give me some guidance on what to look for on these units to ensure I get the one you guys feel is the best I would apreciate it.

Oh boy.... you sure know how to put a guy on the spot.

I could NOT even begin to tell you which brand is best. But, I can share that I am personally partial to Champion Power Equipment due to their practice of building and selling only under their own name, excellent tech support and warranty along with their positive response to the needs of the RV community. The 120 volt only units like my 40008, sold by UltraFab, and the new Home Depot models have the cleanest output of any Chinese genset I have had the pleasure to examine. I can't give you the technical reason (maybe Mr. Wizard can?) but these two models have an alternator that is wound differently from the others.

The WEN Power Pro sold by Pep Boys Auto is also an excellent, well built unit. Tech support and parts are a little harder to come by.

DuroPower carries a ton of different genset models. Check them out at their web site. Most any type and model is available on-line. They also have an extensive parts catalog on their web site. Negative comments about DuroPower have been minimal.

Jiang Dong perhaps builds more gensets under an assortment of labels than any other Chinese company. Look at the engine serial number. If it begins with the letter "J" stamped into the block (NOT dot matrix numbers) chances are it is a Jiang Dong unit.

BTW, I had the opportunity to spend a few hours with an Onan Homesite genset a few weeks ago. I liked the GFCI on the 120 volt outlet, but that was about all that impressed me more than other Chinese built brands. The engine serial number began with a "J", so Jiang Dong is a good possibility for the builder. There is no voltage selector switch, so the power is split between two outlets. I did not have a chance to "scope" the output. Funny thing, the owner did not realize he had bought a Chinese built genset. All he looked at was the emerald green color and the Onan name. He was kinda POed when he discovered he had paid $600 for pretty much the same thing he could have bought in a different color for half that amount.

Hope this helps. Just be reminded these are OPINIONS not necessarily facts. I guess you know the saying about opinions? Everyone has one just like an ............

The Onan Homesite 6500 that I own is manufactured by Chongqing Loncin General-Purpose Engine Co., LTD. I can attest to the quality of this genset, having mine in use for over two years now. It has the 120/240 voltage selector switch. I have not experienced any problems (manufacturing or shipping) with the unit. It is the only chinese made generator that I have found advertised with a heavy duty cast iron cylinder sleeve. As far as price is concerned, the Homesite is a bit more expensive than other chinese made gensets, but Costco.com (where I bought mine for $679) regularly has these gensets at a more affordable price than other online vendors.

byates

[professor95]

AZJIM1 wrote:
Once I tightened it up a little, now it is at an angle, turned slightly away from the carburator, which is fine except I am afraid if it gets bumped, it will loosen again and start leaking again.

All of the Chinese 3,000 watt gensets with 4 gallon stamped steel gas tanks use nearly identical tanks. The petcock should NOT be at an angle. The angle is suggestive of the engine hitting the petcock during shipment. The force of hitting the petcock often will cause a crack in the metal tank around the petcock. The crack seeps gas.

There is a gasket, and Teflon tape works too. But you need to examine the damage carefully for a source of additional leaks.

[ol_Bombero-JC]

AZJIM1 - sorry to jump in here . . .
["DD smelled gas in the garage . . . . "]
suggest for everyone -
don't store your gasoline supply - or generator with gravity feed
gas tank - in your garage . . . . unless it's a DEtached
garage. [Think: "Murphy"]

A small vented lockable storage shed/building in a remote location of your
yard is a good plan. Also, a handy place to store your bug spray, etc.

There are lots of garage fires - many started by gasoline leaks/spills, etc.
JC

[AZJIM1]

DD smelled gas in the garage the last couple of days when she came home from school, so tonight I went out expecting to find an overturned gas can or the bottom of the fuel tank rusting out on my 65 pickup I have stored out there but NOOOOO . . . it was my beloved generator!!

It looks like it leaks where the fuel shut-off screws into the tank and the shut-off seemed a little loose so I tightened it up and it seemed to stop leaking . . . I will have to check it tomorrow.

So, if that is indeed the leak is there supposed to be a gasket or washer where the shut-off screws in? Or should I remove it and put on something like teflon tape? Once I tightened it up a little, now it is at an angle, turned slightly away from the carburator, which is fine except I am afraid if it gets bumped, it will loosen again and start leaking again.

Any suggestions?

[berniealvey]

Just to jump in on the propane on rear carrier. I would worry about being rear ended. Saw a MH rear ended a few days ago and his rear carrier was smashed against the rear of the MH.