Generator help, please! long shot

[BFBOB]

I need a generator to have for emergency use in power outages, but I just can't afford a Generac or Honda. About all I can swing is the Harbor Freight (I know, I know) Predator. The problem is I must have electric start, and the only one they have with it is the big, heavy 7kW. It's about twice the power I need, and too heavy to easily move around.
Here's the question. Is it possible to remove the starter from the 7kW unit and bolt it into the 4kW unit? I looked at the smaller ones in the store, and they appear to have a place the starter would bolt in, with a cover plate bolted on.

If anyone knows, I'd sure appreciate it.

Whether it would be practical to do the swap is another story. It might crush the resale value of the 7kW to the point of insanity.

From what I've heard of parts availability for similar HF equipment, the chances of being able to just buy the starter are very slim.

 

[FullRaceMerc]

Have you looked at Costco? Awhile back they had some Honda clones for pretty reasonable prices. We didn't buy any, but had previously bought a couple of Hondas for a client & were surprised at the similarities. Who knows what they have today, since they are always changing what they stock.

 

[dkitt10]

I use champion generators not electronic sensitive like inverter generators but price is right. Either way install a proper transfer switch

 

[TheEquineFencer]

What is your location?

 

[Richard Cranium]

Will you be using this for just one circuit or your whole house?

 

[checkthisout]

What is your budget and how many watts do you need?

 

[mike93lx]

I use champion generators not electronic sensitive like inverter generators but price is right. Either way install a proper transfer switch

I'll second champion. I bought a 3500 watt unit with electric (and remote) start for my wife's grandparents for around $450 and it has been great for them so far.

that said, it is only 120vac. If you have a well or any other 240vac loads that you want to run, you would have to go with a bigger unit.

 

[dogdog]

I got the Westinghouse 7kw running / 9kw peak one but I have been eyeing on this one and beat myself to why I couldn't wait for a little longer, this one is dual fuel.... nicer if I can convert it to run on NG , so in case of real emergency I wouldn't have to stand in line with the gas can. Both have electric start. both are pretty heavy, probably hard to move it without it's wheel.... I forgot how I did it, just remember it wasn't fun. So if your house runs on NG / Propane might be something to consider.


http://www.costco.com/Champion-7000...tor+dual+fuel&langId=-1&storeId=10301&refine=

 

[theoldwizard1]

I think you are search for a unicorn ! 3kw-4kw with electric start under $500. Good luck !!

 

[nadogail]

Put wheels under the Predator, too much capacity in a small light plant is as improbable as having too much money or too many tools.

 

[dfiler2]

Pull the recoil off and use a cordless drill with a 15/16 socket (or what ever size fits), works great.