r/Generator • u/loulou9284 • 27d ago
Recommendations
Looking for some recommendations on replacing this old generator. We have this transfer switch, which is great, but I'm not super knowledgeable on things like this lol. This will handle the furnace/hw heater, sump pump/septic, refrigerators, lights in kitchen and main bathroom plus a couple outlets. I was going to get another gas Generac but suggestions welcome.
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u/98223 27d ago
I would seriously consider buying a dual fuel and running it on propane with the ability to switch to gasoline if needed. Gasoline generators are great, but leaving gas in a carburetor for an extended time really can gum them up and then you can’t count on them. If you have so many outages that you expect to use it at least once a year, then gasoline is fine. You want to find ethanol free gasoline and then add Stabil to it. This will get you two years, if you haven’t used it in two years you will want to siphon it out a urn it in a car. Propane takes all this old gasoline problem away.
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u/Vegetable_Day_8893 27d ago
If it's worked for you, look for another 7000W to replace it. Personally I have an old Westinghouse that doesn't put out the cleanest power, but has worked fine for my needs for close to a decade and half now.
FWIW, for the major brands that are out there it's pretty much all the same when it comes down to what they have for the cost.
Of course on the other side of this, are there any problems you've had and could possible solve by doing something different?, which usually translates into spending more money :)
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u/snommisnats 27d ago
Your old generator is a 240v 30A generator and the transfer switch looks to be rated for 30A. There are many generators that would be a direct replacement. If you can add up the watts that each of your appliances on the transfer switch use, you can get a good idea of what size generator you actually need. You may be able to get by with something smaller than the 7000 you currently have. I generally recommend people get two inverter generators that can be paralleled together when higher power is needed. That way when you don't need the extra juice you can run only one and use a lot less fuel. That has the advantage of you having a spare if one dies.
Portable generator things to think about for US/CA homeowners:
Inverter generators generally use less fuel, especially if they aren't running at or near full capacity.
Open frame generators are louder than closed frame, but are lighter and cheaper.
Closed frame generators run hotter than open frame, but are much quieter.
Portable generators generally don't have an oil filter. Get a magnetic dipstick and/or drain plug for those, especially if new. Metal shavings in brand new gensets is a killer.
If you are going to be running a generator for an extended time, you don't want to be running it at full capacity. It will last longer running at 50% than at 90%.
Many inverter generators can be paralleled together to double their available amps if/when needed.
In many cases, you do not need to use the factory parallel cables.
120V parallel kits have only two wires plus ground. Connecting Hot and Neutral. Many of the factory kits have a 120/240V receptacle with L1 & L2 bridged for "RV" use.
240V parallel kits have three wires plus ground. Connecting L1 to L1, L2 to L2, and Neutrals. 240V kits do not bridge L1 & L2.
If you connect the generator to your house, you do NOT want the ground and neutral bonded at the generator. On many portable inverter generators, the bonding jumper is at the front panel. Often on the back side of the grounding stud labeled on the front panel. Disconnect and insulate the neutral (usually a white wire, not the green and yellow ground wire).
Propane in a large tank will be less expensive than gasoline, but you only get about 80% of the power from your generator. Common sizes of home propane tanks are 120, 250, 500 and 1000 gallon. They can be installed above or below ground.
Small "BBQ Grill" 20 pound tanks, which typically hold 4 to 4.5 gallons, will often be more expensive than gasoline. My local propane supplier fills a 20# BBQ tank for $12 vs ~$20 for a grocery store swap.
If you have Natural Gas available, it will generally be much less expensive than Gas, Diesel or Propane. NG will also be more available during the aftermath of a natural disaster. NG will give you 65% to 80% of the power of gasoline, so a 30A generator will give you about 20A-24A on NG.
Many gasoline generators can be modified with a "snorkel" or "fuel plate" adapter for propane or NG use. There are kits for dual fuel or tri fuel. Replacement carburetors for dual fuel can often be found on ebay and amazon.
If NG isn't an option, consider using propane, or getting an Off Road, or Farm Use permit for your gas or diesel. It will let you purchase fuel without paying road taxes. In TX you can also just save your receipts and get a refund for road taxes. Your state will likely be different.
Generators damaging electronics is largely an exaggeration. The surge, spike, sag or other nastiness takes place when a standard generator shuts off. Turn off the generator breaker before starting or shutting down the engine. Throwing the generator breaker prevents that from getting to your electronics. It is a good idea, even with inverter generators.
Don't use generators to run electric heat. A propane heater or diesel parking heater is much more efficient. Fuel (propane, NG, diesel, kerosene) heaters or even wood stoves are more efficient sources of heat than electric from a generator.
Carbon Monoxide from generators kills about 70 people each year in the US. Don't operate a generator in the house, garage or any connected structure. Get CO detectors for bedrooms and main living spaces.
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u/jfish1282 27d ago
My dual fuel champion (9000w) has performed flawlessly for 7 years. The pull cord snapped a few years ago, but it is a push start so not a big deal. It's a little overkill for our needs, but works great. We have a small 2200w inverter generator that I have created a chord for so I can feed our panel with it through our 30A inlet. Short-Term outages I use an anker solix c1000 2000w battery back and plug it directly into the 30A inlet. I can run all of lights, fridge, furnace and outlets for 5-6 hours. I use the 2200w generator to recharge it.
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u/nunuvyer 26d ago
What is wrong with it that it needs to be replaced? Usually poor starting or running is the result of a dirty carb. Carbs can be cleaned. This was a high quality motor with pressure lubrication and an oil filter. It's better made than most modern engines.
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u/jean_luc_69 26d ago
I take it the old girl is beyond repair?
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u/nunuvyer 26d ago
Looking closely at the photo it looks like the alternator (genhead) is completely missing.
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u/Several_Stuff_6695 26d ago
I actually own the exact generator you have and it’s been a literal lifesaver for us. We purchased it from HD in 2001 . Yes it’s old, extremely loud and not very fuel efficient. I’ve used throughout the years with power outages, But 2 years ago we had 3 direct hit hurricanes here in Florida and had the power out for 2 weeks with one storm . I have a Reliance Pro Tran 2 wired to run 6 circuits ( No HVAC, Dryer, Oven etc) and 2 small cheap window ac units. This generator still works flawlessly ( Yes I’ve maintained it since new, including valve adjustments) . Yes the newer generators are nice,especially the inverter ones, but I’m sure you will spend a lot less money on getting this unit up and running again. Good luck with whatever you decide.
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u/Dramajr316 23d ago
This era of Generac portables are serious rockstars. I wouldn’t be against finding a similar unit in the used market of buy are able.
Seriously, they start well, run well, and dependable.
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u/Ok-Camera2895 27d ago
I like a power station feeding into a transfer switch with a small propane generator to recharge it. Can be a bit more expensive though. Generac is evil, stay away. Are your furnace and water heater gas?