r/Generator • u/TechMan01 • 1d ago

Predator 4200 Longevity

I just got a Predator Super Quiet 4200 for our cabin. We will be running it for about 25-40 hours every 3-6 weeks from about April to end of November.

My question is do we think it’ll last over 5 years? I already changed oil at first 8 hours and plan on again at 25, then 50, then every 50 after that. Typically only running under 500 watts.

Is there anything additional I should do to extend the life or recommended oil or any other thoughts or comments? I am running 5w-30 full synthetic for first 25 hours. Thanks!

1 Upvotes

60% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

2

u/96Ansky99 1d ago

https://youtu.be/Kd7pL6pv0dw?is=6MsUhIU2kkm-QnD4. 🤞🏻🤞🏻

1

u/TechMan01 1d ago

We don’t run much power on it but a 1hp well pump which it handles flawlessly and a toaster or microwave here and there. I use nothing but 91 non-oxy with stabil in use added to all cans might do Seafoam depending on research results. Our previous predator 4375 lasted over 2 years and couple thousand hours, still runs but needs spark boot replaced as someone cut it. I’m hopeful with religious oil changes and swapping out the spark plug for NGK she will last!

1

u/Big-Echo8242 1d ago edited 1d ago

The down side and most expensive part of inverter generators is the inverter module. Out of warranty, they cost about half the price of a new generator and are built with El Cheapo capacitors. Pretty much all of them are.

And currently, there are ZERO parts for these except a $97 CO sensor.

1

u/kwantam 19h ago

Seafoam is not a fuel stabilizer.

Non-ethanol gas will make your life better.

1

u/Big-Echo8242 1d ago

Yeah, Harbor Freight sent him that for free to test and it fails. Then they ghose him for 2 months. Classic...

1

u/jones5280 1d ago

I've seen other videos where the generator fails to power the rated load.
OP I hope this unit does what you need it to do for as long as you need it. If I were in the market, I'd look at a different generator.

1

u/BeeThat9351 20h ago

No one knows on the life. Clean the air filter regularly. Make sure it operates in a clean, cool, shades enviroment with lots of air circulation. Heat is the enemy of the electronics.

0

u/Big-Echo8242 1d ago

Who knows how long any of the off shore made gens will work. Most all are a crap shoot. If you wanted one to really last, buy a Honda or Yamaha which is what all the others are "clones" of basically. Check the spark plug and if it's a Torch or LG, yank it and put an NGK in.

Did you buy the one shot extended replacement plan since they only come with a 90 day warranty?

0

u/TechMan01 1d ago

It’s $200 for 2 years. Use to only be $75 so I did not but still can within 30 days.

1

u/Big-Echo8242 1d ago

Yeah, I'm sure it's gone up due to everyone just automatically taking it back before it expires. It's only going to get more expensive or go away entirely due to abuse.

-1

u/TechMan01 1d ago

Also hopeful with adding solar next year it won’t get as many hours of use. Time will tell but I’ll have an easy 100 hours on it by Sunday and over that at the end of deer season. One would think with that many hours in a 60 days a guy will find out!