Harbor Freight Predator 8750 Watt Open-Frame Inverter Generator Troubleshooting ideas

[bcs001]

My son bought this new about 8 months ago for his fencing business and went to start it the other day but either the engine or generator has tightened up to the point it won't start. We removed the spark plug but that didn't help at all so its not compression related. it is electric start with manual pull and there is definitely something that has caused either the engine or generator to really tighten up. The electric start engages and sounds like it disengages. Manual pull start assembly looks to be connected to the generator end and is definitely harder than normal to pull. There are not many hours on it and I'm thinking it may be something easy to resolve once identified. We will drain the oil next and see if that shows anything.

Looking for some ideas before really digging in deep to separate the generator from the engine.

Thanks.

 

[Tinhack]

Sounds like the compression release took a holiday. It could be a mechanical release as part of the cam or the cam itself broke. Check to see if the valves move up and down when you turn the engine (by hand). Also make sure the push rods are on/in the rocker pockets.

 

[bcs001]

Would a problem with compression release affect the complete cycle including when the spark plug was removed? If it’s something broken on the cam or rockers I can see it possibly affecting a full engine rotation.

 

[Mendonsy]

Isn't it under warranty?? Take it back to HF and complaint loudly.

 

[bcs001]

Warrantee was only 90 days. Not buying extended protection was a mistake.

 

[LittleBill21]

is there oil in it?

 

[bcs001]

Draining and inspecting oil is one of the next steps.

 

[BleedingOrange]

Is there an hour meter on it ? Does it still look like new ? Like others suggested, even thou the 90 days have expired, I would still take to one of the managers in the store for that area and see if they will offer some goodwill kind of warranty.

 

[nyone]

Let me guess theres 100-150hrs on it?

 

[bcs001]

Let me guess theres 100-150hrs on it?

Sounds like someone who has a little experience with Harbor Freight equipment.

He did initially contact them about it but being young, probably didn't press the issue. I'll do a little more evaluating then try making another call myself.

After a little more research online it does look like the compression release on the cam can be the problem on the compression stroke but I'm still not sure how it would make the engine tight over the intake or exhaust stroke.

 

[nyone]

You should adjust your valves. Had a similar issue with a champion and sportsman unit. the sportsman one actualy showed up as knocking and blowing blue smoke.

 

[bcs001]

You should adjust your valves. Had a similar issue with a champion and sportsman unit. the sportsman one actualy showed up as knocking and blowing blue smoke.

All good suggestions and will definitely be checked but how would that affect the tightness of the engine IF the spark plug was removed. There would be no compression and only valve spring pressure and overall friction of pistons and bearing journals.

 

[Mike1955]

Isn't it under warranty?? Take it back to HF and complaint loudly.

Good advice. I had an almost New predator engine that I could not pull the crank rope. Just seized up setting for maybe two weeks. I chunked it.

 

[grsthegreat]

Im surprised it lasted that long. I repair generators for a living, and you would not believe the number of these chepo Chinese generators i see. There also the only small portable units ive encountered that tend to blast houses with uneven power out of outlets. Like 200 volts on one phase and 40 on the other. Nearly every service call ive had involving this kind of damage was due to a predator generatorr.

Mine you , Generac has its issues with high power also. Older 2004-2008 era stabdbys will produce something like 370 volts when the voltage regulator fails. Newer units (2008+) will auto shut down if this happens. The older ones just keep running frying everything in their path. But at least each phase is balanced

I dont know how predators get the uneven phase issues, but ive seen it multiple times over the years.

 

[Mike1955]

Im surprised it lasted that long. I repair generators for a living, and you would not believe the number of these chepo Chinese generators i see. There also the only small portable units ive encountered that tend to blast houses with uneven power out of outlets. Like 200 volts on one phase and 40 on the other. Nearly every service call ive had involving this kind of damage was due to a predator generatorr.

Mine you , Generac has its issues with high power also. Older 2004-2008 era stabdbys will produce something like 370 volts when the voltage regulator fails. Newer units (2008+) will auto shut down if this happens. The older ones just keep running frying everything in their path. But at least each phase is balanced

I dont know how predators get the uneven phase issues, but ive seen it multiple times over the years.

Gas thank you for that information. I don’t necessarily want any unpredictable voltage on my high priced Chinese appliances. Very useful information

 

[walnutman]

I have a small Chicom log splitter. After a few months, sitting for a while, I went to start it. Felt locked up. Little by little I got it to turn... eventually got it started and I think I saw liquid spit out. Sits under an overhang.
Been fine since. Almost thought the engine was toast. Maybe fuel seeped in? Oil from the head? Who knows.

 

[BryceSteiner]

My Predator 2000 and 5000 are/were fantastic machines. I still have the 2000 and it's been extremely reliable for many hours and easy to start.
I had a brand new engine (Kohler on a mower) have a problem not too long ago and it was because the needle stuck open and filled the entire engine with gasoline. It could not turn and everything had to be drained and flushed. The company then installed an in-line fuel shutoff valve. If it won't turn over, maybe this could be it.

 

[bowenskye]

I have a small Chicom log splitter. After a few months, sitting for a while, I went to start it. Felt locked up. Little by little I got it to turn... eventually got it started and I think I saw liquid spit out. Sits under an overhang.
Been fine since. Almost thought the engine was toast. Maybe fuel seeped in? Oil from the head? Who knows.

Seems to be a common problem with the chinese engines.
I've taken to shutting them down by just turning the fuel off, and leaving the ignition on to drain the carb of fuel, and prevent a crankcase full of gasoline

 

[aircommuter]

Try putting oil in through the spark plug hole, fogging oil if you have it. Then start with the spark plug out and try pulling it over and see if it gets any better.

 

[Shady oak]

Harbor Freight! Take those two words and work backwards from there!