Purchased generator because electric start feature, unfortunately any time the generator is cold or has cooled off, it will not start. I have to go out and push the prime bulb several times and crank with the starter motor and hope the battery will last long enough for it to start, but usually it won't. I end up having to pull on the rope starter 20, 30, 40 times before it will start. Once the generator is warmed up, it works as "advertised". I am well into my 60's and can't be pulling on a rope this much. If the manufacturer does not have a "fix" for this problem, I will be returning the unit.
After returning unit to service department for repairs still had starting issues. I replaced the start switch (twice) and battery (once), it continued to have the cold start issue.
Powerhouse has worked with me in trying to resolve the problem and decided to replace the unit with a new one. The new one is working as advertised.
My friend owns a Honda portable generator and I wanted to buy one based on his recommendation, but could not afford it! Anyway, I picked up this little baby for about $500 less than the Honda and truly love it despite the other review that says it's hard to start. We had no problem starting it at the RV dealership that I bought it from and I have never had a hard time starting it since. It basically starts like a lawnmower...you have to push that little button to prim the gas, but you need to use common sense here folks...don't push it too much! Anyway, it's very quiet, not as much as the Honda, but it's so hard to tell the difference, it's marginal at best. I use it at RV camp locations and it's great! Love this thing! I even use it to power my paint sprayer in my back yard when my extension cord won't reach the house! You won't regret buying it! I don't!
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Only ran the generator for about 5 hours total so far, and it runs fine. It does seem to be stubborn to start when cold. It takes about 4-5 attempts before it will run on its own.
Don't even try to think about starting it in economy mode. It must be in full rpm mode to warm up. It will start remotely when it is finally warm. Worked great at a campground with no hookupsfor 3 days. Not loud at all I watched a movie while it was running right next to the camper.
I did the: oil change after getting home. Hopefully it lasts a long time.
EDIT 1-31-2013:
Well , the generator is VERY hard to get started if it has been sitting. Fresh gas, properly stored, battery charged. Prime like crazy. It just takes a dozen or more attempts to turn over. It tries when there's a lot of gas primed into it, but just for a couple seconds, then stalls. Try again.... Eventually (10 or so minutes of trying ) it will start and warm up and work correctly, but really, it's BRAND NEW!! I will be taking it to a a small engine repair place to see if they can fix it so it starts correctly.
Based on my experience with it I would NOT buy another Powerhouse generator. I will pay the premium for Yamaha or Honda because I WANT IT TO START!!!
EDIT 2-7-2013:
So after paying $56 to a True Value Rental store, they claim that the hard satrting problems were simply caused some "debris" , water and varnish gumming up the carburetor jets and the bowl. I am not convinced, as the gas is always stabilized in my 2.5 gallon fuel can. My lawnmower starts with the same gas with one pull (Honda), and my 15 year old snow blower also starts right up first time using the very same stabilized gas... So in conclusion I think the Powerhouse Generator probably arrived with contamination already from the factory, and they didn't do a good job of cleaningit before shipping. It may have been in a warehouse for who knows how long before I purchased it in September 2011. Anyway, it started right up first try after getting it home, although it was still warm. I will let it sit a week and try again to see what happens.
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I've had this generator for a few months now, and I love it. I was looking at a Honda eu2000i as well, but this one has more bang for the buck for me. It starts up right away, it's quiet, and I like that it includes several accessories out of the box that you would have to buy separately for the Honda. I have no trouble running things like power tools, my refrigerator, or powering my popup camper. I have not tried running the 13,500 BTU air conditioner on my camper with it though, I suspect the startup current might be a little too much for it. One thing that surprised me about the Honda was that it has a rubber timing belt that's not easily replaced, and they have been known to break. This one has a steel timing chain. I also like that the manuals are well written, and if you're technically inclined, you can download the service manual from Powerhouse for free. That manual is also well written with plenty of photos.
Pros:
Good value for the price
Electric start
Quiet
Includes 12 volt charging cable, extra spark plug, screwdriver and spark plug wrench for routine service, and oil filler bottle
Clean sine wave output and good voltage regulation under load
Cons:
About the only thing I didn't like was the plastic strainer in the fuel tank. Once the fuel level gets below the strainer, you can't see how much fuel is left in the tank. Turns out there's a lot you don't see. The strainer is easily removed though.
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I wanted to rate this generator because there is not much out there in regards to reviews or other info. I am sure you are considering this generator because you are looking for an alternative to the expensive Honda and Yamaha generator. I was did the same thing and as of right now I am impressed.
This generator compared to the honda is a little louder but not so loud that it will keep you awake or upset you neighbors. The unit is heavier also by about 10-15 pounds, but the trade off for that is the higher output. The honda is a 2000 watt start up and a 1600 watt continious, where as this unit is 2000 watt continious with a 2100 watt start up.
The other upside to this unit over their competitors is the key start and wireless remote start. Both of these function performed flawlessly out of the box. The wireless function will work with the key in the off position as long as the remote switch is enabled. The ability to hook two of these units together to double the output was another feature that I liked, even thought the Honda offers the same thing.
The only semi negative thing I noticed about this unit so far, is the same thing another reviewer stated about the throttle. I noticed while in eco mode that the throttle seemed to surge a bit. Now to be fair with this review, the generator has only about 30 minutes on it and maybe a few ounces of gas burned. I did manage to get the throttle to stabilize by adjusting the mixture screw on the side of the unit. I will readjust after I do the first oil change at 20 hours.
Over all this is a great generator and provides the post bang for your buck. I do not regret my purchase and I will re review if anything changes. I plan on using the unit to power my camper this weekend.
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This supplier really impressed me. When I first got the order neither AC charger worked. So I just trashed them and left a one star review. I figured for the price it was not worth the effort to complain or seek a refund.
