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GENERATORS???
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offgrid View Drop Down
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Posts: 5290 		Post Options Post Options   Quote offgrid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: GENERATORS???
    Posted: 14 Sep 2021 at 11:58pm
Originally posted by TheBum

Since I converted my two Honda EU2000i generators to propane operation, I'll probably have to use both of them in parallel to run the AC even with an EasyStart now unless I want to mess with gasoline again (which I don't). I wanted to get away from gasoline due to the mess and smell. Propane tanks are clean enough that they can ride in the passenger compartment of my SUV.



I could start my a/c with Easystart just fine on my one Honda EU2000i with propane conversion. Where I would anticipate problems is running it after startup at high altitudes in hot conditions. You're starting to get close to maximum engine output. I never tried at over about 3500 ft elevation or so. Mixture readjustment with altitude definitely helped as well, not sure it that can be done on all conversion kits. It was easy to do on my Century Fuels one.
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Posts: 333 		Post Options Post Options   Quote pedwards2932 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Sep 2021 at 5:58pm
I am taking what i consider to be a real calculated risk.  I ordered a gen set from Amazon that is returnable (calculated risk).  It is 3300 starting and 2800 running watt and has a 30 amp plug.  I won't say what brand or anything yet, just that it is a Chinese build but from what I have seen most of them are built in China.  Weighs 52 lbs and has a 145 cc OHV engine.  I am going to try it out as soon as I get it and see if it will run my AC.  I know from experience a lot of these type of units are purchased by importers that put whatever name they decide on them.  It could be a gigantic mistake but I can send it back if it doesn't work.
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Posts: 6297 		Post Options Post Options   Quote StephenH Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Sep 2021 at 6:10pm
Okay. I will be looking forward to reading the results of your testing.
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offgrid View Drop Down
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Posts: 5290 		Post Options Post Options   Quote offgrid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Sep 2021 at 8:08pm
Here's my guess: it will run but might not reliably start the a/c. IOW, if you also get an Easystart you will be OK. I'm basing that guess on the light weight. It takes rotating mass, as in a heavy flywheel, to start a compressor motor, or it takes a soft start system. Just a guess, I could be wrong. But my point is that if it doesn't start the a/c you don't necessarily need to return it.p
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pedwards2932 View Drop Down
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Posts: 333 		Post Options Post Options   Quote pedwards2932 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Sep 2021 at 8:25pm
You may be right I was making my guess on the fact that it has 145 cc engine most of the 2000 watts have 80 cc.  The Craftsman 3300 has 149 cc and it weighs 60 lbs and I have talked to several folks that were able to run their AC with it.  I could be wrong like I said calculated risk. Also it does have a 30 amp recepticle.
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Posts: 5290 		Post Options Post Options   Quote offgrid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Sep 2021 at 9:17pm
The engine doesn't have a chance to throttle up during compressor startup, it happens too fast. So you are dependent on energy stored in the flywheel and on the generator inverter section being able to handle the high start currents. The Chinese inverter generators tend to use lower spec FETs and protect them by having their protection circuits cut out earlier than say Honda which uses better transistors with more headroom. So we'll see...

Either way, an Easystart will solve the problem, if it was me Id install one anyway just to keep the currents down and have everything run smoothly. They work great and are well worth the price IMHO.

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Posts: 2631 		Post Options Post Options   Quote GlueGuy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Sep 2021 at 1:23pm
There is another consideration. Years ago, we got a small 2KW generator made by Honeywell. It worked well, was quiet, and we considered it a good value relative to a similar Honda generator. Then something went wrong with it (can't remember the details), but the big problem was that Honeywell have exited the business, and you could not get parts for it.

I've had similar issues with generic gas grills vs Weber gas grills. The former will work for a while, and then you throw them away. The Weber came with a replacement parts booklet, and you can still buy parts for them (although they also last longer).
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Posts: 333 		Post Options Post Options   Quote pedwards2932 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Sep 2021 at 1:32pm
I would wager it was imported by Honeywell that they didn't actually make it.  Same with a Craftsman they have someone else (China) build it).  The company that actually builds the one I am getting has been around since 2010.  I would suspect if I wanted to import enough of them they would put any name I wanted on it......I could call it Bill or George anything but Sue.  They don't build the engines either so you get whatever manufactorer they use.
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Posts: 68 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Colonel Podder Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Sep 2021 at 1:38pm
Sounds promising, but I am assuming this is a gas powered unit only? Not dual fuel?

Thanks.


Originally posted by pedwards2932

I am taking what i consider to be a real calculated risk.  I ordered a gen set from Amazon that is returnable (calculated risk).  It is 3300 starting and 2800 running watt and has a 30 amp plug.  I won't say what brand or anything yet, just that it is a Chinese build but from what I have seen most of them are built in China.  Weighs 52 lbs and has a 145 cc OHV engine.  I am going to try it out as soon as I get it and see if it will run my AC.  I know from experience a lot of these type of units are purchased by importers that put whatever name they decide on them.  It could be a gigantic mistake but I can send it back if it doesn't work.
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Posts: 333 		Post Options Post Options   Quote pedwards2932 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Sep 2021 at 2:04pm
Yes gas powered
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