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...

[PrivatePilot]

So long as you never put fuel in it I'd say it could sit for years with no problems so long as it's in a dry location where things won't rust.

Once you put fuel in it, however, the clock starts ticking. The manual on the Champion 3000 I just bought recommends running the generator at least once every 14 days, which seems excessive IMHO, but it says it none the less.

I generally run my generator once a month at least, making sure it comes up to operating temperature, and then I turn off the fuel tap and let it run dry to limit the amount of fuel sitting stagnant in the float bowl. This also helps prevent any fuel in the bowl from flooding the engine if you move the generator before starting it again.

[bobandcat]

kausin komotion wrote:
I want buy another champion Generator at these prices with the idea of leaving it sit in the box until something happens to my current champion 46540,will leaving one sit that long cause any problems? Maybe with the generator windings?I know it shouldn't hurt the engine at all.

I'm sure that many of these sit in their boxes for a year or more between shipping from China, sitting in a distribution center, retailer's warehouse and finally in a retail store's back room.

In my opinion, storing it for a long period should be ok as long as you exercise it once a year to lubricate the seals and then drain the fuel tank, carb bowl and crankcase.

[kausin_komotion]

I want buy another champion Generator at these prices with the idea of leaving it sit in the box until something happens to my current champion 46540,will leaving one sit that long cause any problems? Maybe with the generator windings?I know it shouldn't hurt the engine at all.

[Old___Slow]

Sorry, was a posting error, double post.

[CosmicVagabond]

That would make sense since the rebate doesn't include online orders, just in store purchases.

[Oldfordman]

bobandcat wrote:
The checker/schucks/kragen/murray's $150 rebate on the Champion C46540 RV model may indicate that it is at the end of its product life cycle and they want to deplete the remaining stock. For those who don't care if they have the latest model, it should be a good deal at $200 after the rebate.

I work for CSK (one of their Stores)as one of their part-time retiree's and it may just be something like the fact we have 30 units in stock that have been there since November. When companys run big rebates like this it is often to reduce stocks, not necessarily because the product is now obsolete.

BTW, FWIW, CSK (Parent Co to Checker, Schuck's, Kragen, and Murray's Auto Parts) is currently targeted for a hostile takeover by O'Reilly Auto Parts. Draw whatever conclusion you wish.

[LittleBill]

tvman44 wrote:
Go to the Champion website and there you will find all the service information you can use on this ginny.

http://www.championpowerequipment.com/tb/CPETB1020001%20Valve%20Adjustment.pdf

HTH.
Wish all manufacturers were this generous with their information.
🙂

Different valve clearance in this bulletin


word to the wise, valve clearance numbers are different between the two bulletins. i have a 1st generation rocker assembly elim3000. my generator was sitting at the valve clearances listed in this document. i of course tried to adjust them breaking the stud bolt on the intake valve. hopefully i can get a replacement bolt.

notice they say to run 2 plates for durability i only have 1 plate maybe i will get another

watch the clearances and decide for yourself

[Acampingwewillg]

I finally got my reply from PartsAmerica also...in a nutshell, if you wish to use the 25% in store discount mentioned in one thread and also receive the 150.00 mail in rebate, you have to pay the 349.00 price...in effect your actual cost would be, if my math is correct, 112.50 plus tax..etc etc. If your interested in the e-mail sent to me....I can try to figure out how to post it or I can forward it to you.

[bobandcat]

bobandcat wrote:

jchernyb wrote:
Where on the internet do you get the rebate?

1. Go to: www.partsamerica.com
2. Click on 'REBATE CENTER' tab in left hand column
3. Click on 'FIND REBATE FORMS' tab
4. Click on 'LIST ALL REBATES' tab
5. Click on '4000 Peak Watt Generator $150 MIR'

Its not clear whether you can take advantage of the online price or whether you have to pay the store price to use the rebate.

Checker is now advertising the $150 price on their website. I would think that you should be able to get the rebate for an online purchase. That would be $299-$150 rebate=$149. Shipping is also free or get an additional $5 off for in-store pickup.

[bobandcat]

Info from the Champion techline:

Should I use a surge protector? (All generators)

Electronic devices, including computers and many programmable appliances use components that are designed to operate within a narrow voltage range and may be affected by momentary voltage fluctuations. While there is no way to prevent voltage fluctuations, you can take steps to protect sensitive electronic equipment.

Install UL1449, CSA-listed, plug-in surge suppressors on the outlets feeding your sensitive equipment. Surge suppressors come in single- or multi-outlet styles. They're designed to protect against virtually all short-duration voltage fluctuations.

or:
Obtain an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) device. Most UPS devices come with a rechargeable battery between the electronic equipment and power supply source. The device buffers the voltage and protects against virtually all short-duration voltage fluctuations.

[PrivatePilot]

HedoTravelers wrote:
I am seeking surge protection from the genny to protect my laptop, HDTV, etc in the trailer in the event of a failure of the genny's regulation. Is this unnecessary?

I don't know if it's been mentioned anywhere in this thread (and looking through it in it's entirety to find out most certainly isn't reasonable) but if you pickup a UPS (uninterruptible Power supply) that has an AVR (automatic voltage regulation) feature you will benefit so far as protecting your sensitive electronics plugged into it.

Most decent UPS's with AVR features will do a spectacularly good job at not only filtering the power coming from your genny (it will kick into self-powered mode if voltage surges or drops) but it will also provide some limited runtime of devices plugged into it even when the genny isn't running at all.

You can pickup a decent entry level UPS with AVR for about $50/$75 nowadays.

[jchernyb]

Well, since I dont live any where near those western states, I sure hope I can purchase one online.....have you ever heard of the All Power 2000-watt portable generator? It is supposedly like the Honda or Yamaha inverter....but for a fraction of the cost......I was wondering if anyone could provide feedback on this All Power unit?

[bobandcat]

jchernyb wrote:
Where on the internet do you get the rebate?

1. Go to: www.partsamerica.com
2. Click on 'REBATE CENTER' tab in left hand column
3. Click on 'FIND REBATE FORMS' tab
4. Click on 'LIST ALL REBATES' tab
5. Click on '4000 Peak Watt Generator $150 MIR'

Its not clear whether you can take advantage of the online price or whether you have to pay the store price to use the rebate.

[jchernyb]

Where on the internet do you get the rebate?

[bobandcat]

I stopped in at Checker's Automotive this afternoon. They had the new design Champion with electric start in a higher wattage model.

The 64,000 dollar question is "when will they have the electric start 3500 watt model?"

Also, the store had a $50 rebate form. You must get the $150 rebate form off the internet. The clerk didn't know anything about the higher rebate. Also, the online price is lower than the store price.