I'm buying a used 4K watt generator today. What are the "warning signs" that it might not be in good shape?

Question

The woman says that it's been sitting for about a year, but that it's a contractor's heavy duty model. We'll be using it for about a week out at Burning Man, just at night for the most part, but ALL night. Should I be looking for anything in particular that says it's in bad shape?

Answer 1

Offer to bring fuel to get it started. if it doesnt start, then dont buy it.

Basically there is not much that can go wrong with a generator, if its been kept in a dry place, such as a basement or garage. Spark Plug fouling, (bring a wrench for that, and check it and see if its bad)...

Check the gas and oil, before you start it...
(If there is old gas in it, I would be leary that it turned to varnish, if its too old), so start it up with "that gas" in it and see if it will start, then run it a half hour or so...

If it doesnt start, and you need it right away, (dont have time to get it serviced), then dont buy it... Unless you know some one who can work on them.

If it starts, get a volt ohm meter and see if the voltage is correct. (thats the biggest thing, to make SURE its putting out 110, or 220 volts).

put a load on it, like a refridgerator or something to see if it will keep up with the needed load.

I wish you well..

Jesse

Answer 2

Eyeball it for dents and scratches.Also if it has been sitting idle for a year make sure it starts(gas hasn't turned to jelly).Change oil.If it starts and blows out a cloud of grey smoke beware.(black smoke is probably just a carb adj)..

Answer 3

Check for;
- oil leaks.
- rust.
- if it runs.
- if the engine sounds good. Smooth and consistent.
- smoke marks around the outlets.
- leaky gas tank.

See what brand it is. Some trusted high quality brands include;

-Honda
-Briggs and Stratton
-Troy-Bilt
-Craftsman

Answer 4

If it says 'Made in China', run from it....

Answer 5

oil leaking all around it!!!