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: OK - This is not intended to pick on anybody or start some bickering just to irritate somebody. A couple of days ago I asked for opinions on gas generators for backup power in an emergency. I got some real good comments and advice (see postings). But during my shopping around and studying various features of the different generators, I found basically four different gas engines powering the different generators, Briggs, Techumseh, Generac, and Honda. I'd really like some opinions on the gas engines. What's it like to pull start the different engines to get them started in the dead of winter? Or what's the opinion of how long any of them will last after they've been screaming at 3600 rpm for any length of time. Some good honest experiences or opinions whould be greatly appreciated. Thanks for all the past help and for any offered here. Knobshine Based on personal experience operating and repairing many small generators, I'd rank engines for longevity and reliability as follows:
1 - Honda
2 - B&S
3 - Tecumseh
(Cannot comment on Generac engines - haven't seen one yet.) If you intend to use the generator strictly for emergency use (accumulating 10 or 20 hrs of run time a year) a Tecumseh or B&S powered unit will probably last a lifetime if properly cared for. Parts for these engines are readily available at any mower shop and are reasonably priced. However if the generator's gonna run more than that, I'd spend the extra and get the Honda-powered unit. Or consider an Onan-powered, 2-cyl 1,800 RPM RV-type generator. They'll run for thousands of hours, and are delightfully quiet. But they also cost about 4 times a comparably-rated 3,600 RPM unit. For what it's worth, my personal emergency generator is a 4 KW unit with a Tecumseh motor. I've had it 8 years and it works great. Bob
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