Disappointed with Champion brand generator!

kenmac · Feb 8, 2014

grsthegreat said:
All 3 had "MADE IN CHINA" stamped on the frame.

so what gives

The frames were made in China. the engine and generator made in Japan

BobRip · Feb 8, 2014

grsthegreat said:
i used to run my old coleman 2,000 watt generator about once every 1-2 years......when it was needed. Use only non ethanol fuel. Ive had that generator for 23 years. And still use it.

running something every few weeks would drive me crazy

Yes, it's a pain. I just follow the manufacturers recommendations. One of my friends did not run hers for two years. It ran for two hours after hurricane Isabel and then the generator head shorted out from the corrosion caused by moisture build up. Not running it does not guarantee failure, running it does help.

Industrial Toys · Feb 8, 2014

My friends had a Northern Lites Genset or something like that. Fried after twenty hours. Engine, a Yanmar was still good.

You get what you pay for!

There should be a site where everyone with genset failures could post their experiences. Sure, much of it is neglect. But it might open the eyes of people that are thinking they are buying cheap power failure insurance! The only thing worse then not having a tool when you need it, is having one, that lets you down when you need it.

grsthegreat · Feb 8, 2014

kenmac said:
The frames were made in China. the engine and generator made in Japan

no their not. Honda, Onan,Generac and others now have certain lines made in china. Its a fact. Its also printed on the instruction manual....and no, the manual isnt made in china.

Hondas own website says it produces genersators from 4 production facilities..... Japan, France, India and China. and ship worldwide

s219 · Feb 8, 2014

I bought a small 1400 watt champion when we were building our house, mainly to run shop vac and lights, but it's also enough for a skil saw. Came in handy when building my pier. So far no problems with it. It's only 1.5 years old though. I've probably only put 20-25 hours on it.

BobRip · Feb 8, 2014

grsthegreat said:
no their not. Honda, Onan,Generac and others now have certain lines made in china. Its a fact. Its also printed on the instruction manual....and no, the manual isnt made in china.

Quality varies within China. Reputable companies are probably very careful about their quality even when made in China.

buckeyefarmer · Feb 8, 2014

grsthegreat said:
hate to bresk the news to you all here, but i was looking at 3 different models of Honda generators at the local tool supply store...and guess what. All 3 had "MADE IN CHINA" stamped on the frame.

so what gives

were they honda generators, or generators with honda engines only? I thought honda only sold thru their stores.

grsthegreat · Feb 8, 2014

buckeyefarmer said:
were they honda generators, or generators with honda engines only? I thought honda only sold thru their stores.

that i dont know. they sure had honda written all over them. ill have to go and take another look. Ive never seen a honda store?? cept car lots

Scooby074 · Feb 8, 2014

buckeyefarmer said:
were they honda generators, or generators with honda engines only? I thought honda only sold thru their stores.

Likely right on the money!

Honda Japan engine with china everything else. Ive seen a lot of that, not just generators, but pressure washers etc.. Not sold under the Honda name, in a Honda store. Honda should wise up to this, it damages the brand, even if its not even a product they make, as this thread indicates, People see Honda on the motor and ASSUME that they are responsible for the whole item.

My Eu6500is purrs like a kitten. As does my 928 Snowblower and all my other Honda items.

4shorts · Feb 8, 2014

grsthegreat said:
that i dont know. they sure had honda written all over them. ill have to go and take another look. Ive never seen a honda store?? cept car lots