If buying used a Honda generator...what should I check?
What would you check if you were buying a used Honda generator? Thanks
Forum Discussion
I would look at the overall condition of the outside to see how many scuffs and bruises it has. I'd check the oil level and color but this really tells you nothing if it's just been changed. If it has that swirly metal gray look run away. I may pop the cover to look at the air filter. I'd try to look closely at what you can see of the engine to see if there are any signs of it having been disassembled. look at the fasteners and look for signs of sloppy gasket sealers. Look for oil leaks. Look at the drain screw on the carb. It's very unlikely that a Honda has been popped open.
Some Hondas will flash an led light on the control panel when you first fire it up to indicate hours. It will flash very quickly and each flash indicates 100 hours of run time. Search "hour meter" or hour logging for the model you are looking at. My 3000 has it and it flashes real fast. Run it for a while and apply a load that approximates it's running load. You might use a hair dryer, flood light, space heater etc. It should be able to carry that load and you aren't going to hurt it. Look for any smoke and listen closely for any rattle sounds. It's no guarantee but I feel you are at lower risk when looking for a Honda.
Some Hondas will flash an led light on the control panel when you first fire it up to indicate hours. It will flash very quickly and each flash indicates 100 hours of run time. Search "hour meter" or hour logging for the model you are looking at. My 3000 has it and it flashes real fast. Run it for a while and apply a load that approximates it's running load. You might use a hair dryer, flood light, space heater etc. It should be able to carry that load and you aren't going to hurt it. Look for any smoke and listen closely for any rattle sounds. It's no guarantee but I feel you are at lower risk when looking for a Honda.
