Generac XT8000 Electronic Fuel Injection Generator

Bob - MI · Jul 19, 2018

I have been wrestling with buying a new generator. I have an old Generac 5000 watt (running) unit with a 10hp Tecumseh engine. I use this only for home backup and it has been ok so far. These old units are a BEAR to pull start since they have no compression release and I can't get it fired easily. My wife will never get it started so last fall I installed electric start on it (got a 12v starter, swapped the flywheel, made a battery tray and start switch mount, added 12v small engine battery, solenoid). Lots better now but my transfer switch will take a higher output unit and I have been looking at this 8000 watt (running) unit at Costco for $999.00

My question here is that this has electronic fuel injection on it and that kind of thing makes me nervous. Yes, an older guy that's stuck in the past but I am a pretty good small engine guy and adding electronics has me concerned.

Anyone out there with experience on these?

We are talking about moving in a handful of years otherwise I would be installing a NG powered backup unit.

Thanks
XT8000 Generac

Russ from MN · Jul 19, 2018

Once going to fuel injection I would never go back, my 2009 Triumph motorcycle is, and it was their first year, and it starts and runs flawless, with any kind of gas.

David G · Jul 19, 2018

I agree, once you have injection, you will want nothing else.

Billy Shafer · Jul 19, 2018

I think you should do a little research first. Find out the problems others have had. With Generac. I have delt with them since 1980. Not in a good way.

Geo-TH,In · Jul 19, 2018

Bob,
I had a 13 hp honda on a pressure washer. I couldn't pull start it. Went on ebay and bought a starter kit. It came with starter, flywheel with starter teeth, a coil to install under flywheel to charge battery, and the switch. All was around $150. I used a 12v mower battery. Then I discovered I couldn't hang on to a 13 hp pressure. My son liked to borrow it. I had to deliver it to Plainfield each time he wanted and another trip to pick it up. Last time I told him it his. I'm not picking it up and he didn't have a truck to return it.

Check to see if there is a starter kit for your engine. The honda had a holes for the starter.

Geo-TH,In · Jul 19, 2018

No starter kits on ebay. They do show two different 12v starters. If your flywheel has starter teeth you could easily turn it into electric start. It might be hard to find a flywheel for an engine that I don't think is manufactured anymore.
ebay.

Steve@Advance · Jul 19, 2018

Not too fond of the Generac brand, their reputation is less than favorable.

But, I think going with EFI is a step in the right direction. My thoughts are by going to EFI, the fuel system will be more compatible with ethanol.

The mechanical components will be resistant to degrading, and the fully pressurized system will not be effected by residue left behind when the gas evaporates, as there will be little to no evaporation.

Granted, when it does need service, it can be more involved to diagnose and parts expensive. But there is a good chance the fuel system will never need service for the life of the engine. Another plus is no start up procedure, no choke to operate. Easier for a novice to just flip the switch and go.

Goose · Jul 19, 2018

Shop around.

I have a Generac 10K unit I bought from Menards on sale for $840 a year and a half ago. I don't know if it has EFI, but it always starts right up and runs great, although I've never had to use it for real.

WGM · Jul 19, 2018

Perfectly happy with my 16 kw Generac

tomNE · Jul 19, 2018

I'd buy propane as the gas nowadays will mess anything up after it sits a couple months.

gregww · Jul 19, 2018

I have seen a lot of talk on this forum about Gererac generators. My wife and I have recently been thinking about a whole house generator. Those of you against Generac seem to be REALLY down on them. If not Generac, what brand would you recommend? Thanks Greg

Billy Shafer · Jul 20, 2018

I have 50 years working on generators. Working on Generac's since 1980. I know some people have had good luck with them. But the bad
outweighs the good. I wouldn't have one if you gave it to me.There is a reason we call them Genajunk.

I was installing one. Called the factory for some parts I needed to complete the job. Was told that unit is obsolete no longer
supported. I told them it is new has never been installed. They hung up on me.

At this time. They are having rotor problems and false warning problems. You should check out the complaint sections that are posted.

Kohler,Onan,PowerTech are the three I would check out.There is a company called Champion. They seem to have a good support system and
a good product.

Dean · Jul 20, 2018

I have a 20 KW Kohler whole house back up genset.

No issues since installation in 2014.

Dean

Dusty MI · Jul 20, 2018

How does Nat/LP compare with fuel injected gas?

Dusty

Den N Ms · Jul 20, 2018

George,Read his first post he said that he put a starter on his old 5000 Generac and the new 8000 Generac he is looking at has a starter already on it.

jeffcat · Jul 20, 2018

Two neighbors have whole house NG units. I have a little 3300
portable. All work perfectly. Had my portable stored with a full tank
of HI-test and a run dry carb. Started FIST pull. Other neighbor has a
Kohler unit. One time he ran it something like 46hr. straight.

jeffcat · Jul 20, 2018

My unit.

Mule Meat · Jul 20, 2018

Bob
US Carburetion based out of Summersville here in WV offers kits to convert just about any generator to NG, Propane, or Tri- Fuel (gasoline, NG Propane) for less than $200.00.

The company has grown so much that they opened a new place in Oregon.

They do a lot of conversions on generators used by the Military.

I live a short distance from them recommend them to anyone that may be looking at adding the capability of running their gas only generator on NG, LP or be able to run all three.

https://www.motorsnorkel.com

Bob - MI · Jul 20, 2018

To answer some questions:

I already installed electric start on my existing 5000 watt Generac. It works great and my wife can start it now. It was a fun project and I would do it again. If anyone has questions about how to do it I would be glad to help.

I am looking to upgrade with a newer and larger output unit that has electric start on it. I have been thinking about a stationary unit fed with natural gas. I can get a 17kw with a SE rated 200 amp transfer switch from Costco for $3200.00 Honeywell brand made by Generac. Yes I know on NG it's only around 16kw but I don't use propane.

We might move and I don't want to leave the $3200.00 generator behind so a portable makes more sense.

The XT800 portable is a new model and there's little information on it and Generac's website has almost nothing on it so I am looking for the opinions I trust here if anyone has experience with this unit.

I am also very concerned about the volume of Generac horror stories and it makes me think about another brand altogether.

I thank you all for the comments and input.

WGM · Jul 20, 2018

My two Generacs, one a 16 kw propane the other an 8 kw gasoline, they both run perfectly. Aren? t champion generators made in China?

Phil9N3667 · Jul 20, 2018

I've got a Craftsman branded 4200 watt I believe is a Generac. We got it for Mama when Floyd came into Va in '99. Knock wood, it's been a good one!!

rfridy73 · Jul 20, 2018

I?getting a 20 kw Briggs&Stratton pretty soon. Got two portable gens . But on oxygen 24/7 not able to mess with the portable ones anymore.

Billy Shafer · Jul 20, 2018

US Carb is a very fine company to deal with. They have always been helpful. When I have sent someone to them.

The main problem I have had with Generac. Is with the factory. They are unwilling to help. Will make up reasons not to help you. They have a very poor support system. If you are not a dealer they will not talk to you. They sometimes will not even talk to there dealers They may send you to a dealer. Then tell you he is only a sales dealer not a servicing dealer. So you are stuck with a broken generator and no help. If you have a Generac and it works. Count yourself lucky.

To be fair they do have some very fine units. I recall one 60 kw diesel unit. Nissan powered that was a workhorse. Had very little problems with it. It is a shame to see a fine unit. Treated so poorly by a company.

Billy Shafer · Jul 21, 2018

Yes from what I know. The Champion is made in China. But they have a better support group. The Generac is also made in China.

Geo-TH,In · Jul 21, 2018

Guess I can't read.

Mule Meat · Jul 21, 2018

(quoted from post at 04:03:41 07/21/18) ... The Champion is made in China. But they have a better support group...

If I needed a new whole house generator. I would not think twice about buying a Champion.. They gave me a brand new portable unit when a 120v breaker reset button failed on one of mine under warranty..

Generac went down hill fast after 2009 when they were taken over by that New York holdings company.. Just like Harley Davidson.. They are only glued together in the US using parts from China and other countries.

Generac XT8000 Electronic Fuel Injection Generator

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