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3000W Chinese Gensets Info.

professor95
Explorer
Explorer
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 โ€œcloningโ€ 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 โ€œrunningโ€ 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. โ€œSupposedlyโ€ 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 โ€œabove average qualityโ€ 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 โ€œavailability listingโ€.

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

The published dB rating is 67 at 23 feet. This is โ€œreasonablyโ€ 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 โ€œlook alikeโ€ eng...






















Professor Randy T. Agee & Nancy Agee. Also Oscar, the totally ruined Dachshund.
2009 Cedar Creek 5th Wheel - 2004 Volvo VNL670 class 8 MotorHome conversion as toter.
Turbocharged, 12L, 465 HP and 1,800 ft. Lbs. of torque.
10,029 REPLIES 10,029

Fishreed
Explorer
Explorer
Dubman wrote:
The Duropower DP3000 advertises idle control and looks the same as the ELIM3000. Does anyone know if it is true??? Or what they mean by that??


That generator is way too tall also for an average Class C generator compartment door. .

TravelMaster 1986 23ft, Chevy G30 5.7 TH400 Tranny. 350M V-8

295hp and 360 ft lbs torque, Mobil One Synthetic, Tru-Cool Tranny(4490) and Engine Coolers (M7B), Bilsteins shocks on the front. Monroe 555 HDs on the rear.

Fishreed
Explorer
Explorer
Clark W. Griswold wrote:
professor95 wrote:
If you have not picked up on it from information provided by another contributor, the Powerwise Generator, model #03800, being sold by Parts America (Kragen Auto, etc. I believe) is made by Jiang Dong (same as ELM3000) and is almost identical to the ELM3000 in features (it does not have 220 volt output, which the ELM3000 does).

At this point, it appears that it is an excellent substitute for the ELM3000 for RV use, even if its $299.00 price is higher than Pep-Boys "normal" price of $279.00 ($249.00 on sale - sale expired) for the ELM3000.


The advantage to this unit is the wheel kit. This feature is worth a little extra money.


The only problem is that that generator will NOT fit the hatch of most Class C MHs at least it won't fir mine because it is too tall as is the Honda 3000. Way TOO tall.

TravelMaster 1986 23ft, Chevy G30 5.7 TH400 Tranny. 350M V-8

295hp and 360 ft lbs torque, Mobil One Synthetic, Tru-Cool Tranny(4490) and Engine Coolers (M7B), Bilsteins shocks on the front. Monroe 555 HDs on the rear.

TeamSlacker
Explorer
Explorer
PandP wrote:
Is anyone running a 15,000 AC on this along with the microwave??? Please, don't make me read all of the pages to find out...


I thru everything at my 'powerwise' in my trailer, 15k AC, 900w micro, all lights, etc.. gen kept humming and didn't break a sweat.
'02 Dodge 2500 CTD QC SB 4x4
'05 Forest River Work and Play 18lt toy hauler

Scruffy5
Explorer
Explorer
I opted for the Champion,I looked at the Powerwise,but figured i better go with the 220v for emergency backup.It likes to get ugly here in the winter in Minnesota sometimes the summer too.
Scruffy 1977 25'Allegro

Clark_W__Griswo
Explorer
Explorer
professor95 wrote:
If you have not picked up on it from information provided by another contributor, the Powerwise Generator, model #03800, being sold by Parts America (Kragen Auto, etc. I believe) is made by Jiang Dong (same as ELM3000) and is almost identical to the ELM3000 in features (it does not have 220 volt output, which the ELM3000 does).

At this point, it appears that it is an excellent substitute for the ELM3000 for RV use, even if its $299.00 price is higher than Pep-Boys "normal" price of $279.00 ($249.00 on sale - sale expired) for the ELM3000.


The advantage to this unit is the wheel kit. This feature is worth a little extra money.
Jeff

Camping along the Ohio River
2006 Forest River Wildcat 31 QBH 5ver
2004 Chevrolet 2500 HD Crew
2 youngins and a Beagle

professor95
Explorer
Explorer
If you have not picked up on it from information provided by another contributor, the Powerwise Generator, model #03800, being sold by Parts America (Kragen Auto, etc. I believe) is made by Jiang Dong (same as ELM3000) and is almost identical to the ELM3000 in features (it does not have 220 volt output, which the ELM3000 does).

At this point, it appears that it is an excellent substitute for the ELM3000 for RV use, even if its $299.00 price is higher than Pep-Boys "normal" price of $279.00 ($249.00 on sale - sale expired) for the ELM3000.
You can view the Powerwise here: http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?categorycode=3483C&mfrcode=AMS&mfrpartnumber=03800
Professor Randy T. Agee & Nancy Agee. Also Oscar, the totally ruined Dachshund.
2009 Cedar Creek 5th Wheel - 2004 Volvo VNL670 class 8 MotorHome conversion as toter.
Turbocharged, 12L, 465 HP and 1,800 ft. Lbs. of torque.

hgarraway
Explorer
Explorer
Is anyone running a 15,000 AC on this along with the microwave??? Please, don't make me read all of the pages to find out...



Read BOTH of Professor95's posts on page 18 of this thread.
2000 GMC Sierra 2500 4X4
2001 Cedar Creek 33RLBS
Elm 3000

Dubman
Explorer
Explorer
&c wrote:
The duropower is pretty loud. Your camping neighbors might start throwing things.


This is true.. At 72db it is approaching migraine level :E, but I have never seen one of these type Chinese gensets with idle control before..(like honda's and kipor's)

_c
Explorer
Explorer
The duropower is pretty loud. Your camping neighbors might start throwing things. For the price it would be great at the track, or Glamis.

Even an RV only park might not be too bad.
Eric

2001 Ford F-250 Crew Cab V10 4x4 Short Bed 4.30ls
1973 19' Ideal
Prodigy

PandP
Explorer
Explorer
Is anyone running a 15,000 AC on this along with the microwave??? Please, don't make me read all of the pages to find out...

Dubman
Explorer
Explorer
The Duropower DP3000 advertises idle control and looks the same as the ELIM3000. Does anyone know if it is true??? Or what they mean by that??

ZEKEDAWG
Explorer
Explorer
I walked into a kragen here in chico and they had two in stock. I just couldn't see paying the money for the honda or the yamaha.
2002 Chevy Silverado 2500HD with the big motor and the allison.
Not a diesel.
2005 Fun Runner 18"
Lots of toys.

mustangman
Explorer
Explorer
mkmathis wrote:
Bought my Powerwise 3500(JiangDong) at Kragens(also known as checker or Schucks I believe) It was $299 and its says 65-68dba, 3500 surge with 3000 continuous. It is a 6.5hp with 200cc engine. It weighs 99lbs. And it starts evertime with one pull! I started it and asked my neighbor what he thought(he is big time RV guy and he replied that it was Honda!)

I am very happy with mine and since mine I know of 3-4 that went and got one for themselves as well!!! Get one while you still can!

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?categorycode=3483C&mfrcode=AMS&mfrpartnumber=03800



just went to the site today and tried ordering one,,they're out of stock
they sell like pancakes

mkmathis
Explorer
Explorer
Bought my Powerwise 3500(JiangDong) at Kragens(also known as checker or Schucks I believe) It was $299 and its says 65-68dba, 3500 surge with 3000 continuous. It is a 6.5hp with 200cc engine. It weighs 99lbs. And it starts evertime with one pull! I started it and asked my neighbor what he thought(he is big time RV guy and he replied that it was Honda!)

I am very happy with mine and since mine I know of 3-4 that went and got one for themselves as well!!! Get one while you still can!

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?categorycode=3483C&mfrcode=AMS&mfrpartnumber=03800
2002 Lariat F-250 PSD, 8" Lift,36" tires, Quad Cab, Long Bed
2002 Aljo 242LT
2004 Honda CRF450
2004 Honda CRF230
2002 Honda XR80

padgett
Explorer
Explorer
A lot depends on how you define "horsepower" whether talking SAE or NET or DIN. I remember some ratings that were more marketting than real (wind it tight, throw in the clutch, see how far the Toledo needle swings).

That said I wonder a bit if the Tecumseh (I know but not many posts on the other thread) is fudging a bit. For one thing it and the Chinese motors are both OHV, 3600 rpm, and the same displacement. An old saw in racing is "an engine does not care whose name is on the valve cover".

The other interesting thing I found was that there are no differences in specification published between any of the OH195EA engines whether 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, or 6.5 hp.

Third, both the 5.5 and the 6.0 have the same manufacturer's rating: 4.1KW. Assuming 30% loss this means 2.9KW continuous and a temporary surge (short enough so the flywheel effect is in force) to 3500 is reasonable.

Now without a lot of other specs (compression ratio, carb size, cam profile, valve size, exhaust restriction) but all are designed as fixed speed, long endurance engines so would not expect a lot of difference. All appear to be splash lubed, iron cyl linered aluminum engines so that is not a factor. All run on 87 PON gas so compression is not going to be high. I doubt that there is much difference in the generator IHP since all seem to be direct drive brushless.

In fact the only real difference I see is in the muffler and am working on that.

So before we talk about HP we need to know how it is being measured and by what standard. What I see is that all are the same displacement, same construction, same speed, and run on the same fuel so would expect the output to be about the same. I have not seen any mention of ball or roller bearing cranks, lifters, or high ringed hypereutectic pistons which would make a difference.