Harbor Freight Predator 3500 INVERTER Generator!! THIS IS THE GENERATOR YOU WANT

[@gregmartisius3195]

I’ve bought 1 of these in 2022. Trying my best to ensure a long life for this Predator 3500. I have 50-60 hrs on it, and have changed the oil 5-6 times. 1st oil change I noticed a metallic shimmer to the oil during break in, hence many oil changes. I use mine to run refrigerators-freezers, router too when the power goes out. Last thing I do after use, I siphon the gas from the tank, and run the engine till all the fuel is used up. Love the quiet operation, I give this Predator 3500 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@carl2591]

good info.. oil changes are a cheap way to insure long life..

[@gregsmith1116]

Nice. I got one on sale for Fathers day (last weekend HF had a parking lot sale) and this generator was at $634. So I got it with a couple extension cords too so that we can run the freezers and fridges as well as charge our phones/tablets when the power goes out. We have two times of year, ice storms in the winter and severe storms in the spring and fall. We had two outages this Spring. 12hours the first week of May and 8 days when we had a near miss from a tornado. Thank you for this video!

[@1987019870]

About changing the oil....there is a rubber oval plug underneath the oil drain hose. Put the machine on 2x4's , remove the plug, reorient the drain hose out through the hole. ez peazy! No need to fight draining it into a bottle or whatever and no need to tilt it that much! Keep up the good work !!

[@kirknis1479]

I have this inverter for 4 years and 1500 hours. Only changed the oil and kept clean fuel in it. No problems.

[@davidcook8323]

I've only had mine for 3 days, but I'm stoked with it. It is super quiet. Has not shut off once. It has a honda clone engine. For whatever that's worth. For me it's $1,100, that's how much I saved not buying the Honda equivalent.

[@wingrider1004]

Yeah, the plug was welded in mine too. I had to use my automotive spark plug socket and ratchet to get it out ,and I put some anti seize on the threads. The head is aluminum. I have that exact same compressor - it handles it with no problem. I had a little stumble on my first break in runs, but it went away. Always run your generator with a load. Put oil on your air filter and STA BIL in your gas. Run it monthly - especially if your gas has ethanol in it. It's a great generator.

[@user-yb6wg5nm7p]

Got mine in March 2024 it's August 30 I have 1800 hours running my coach just ordered carb from harbor freight 20 min to change cost 23 dollars love this gen .

[@Ianick87]

We need more people with this kind of mindset and knowledge around… thanks for the video!

[@mickgeer7894]

Nice review! I have the first generation of this generator and am very happy with it. These machines ran rich from the factory and would cause carbon build up in the spark arrester, leading to hard starting and engine shut downs. Judging from the looks of your spark plug they have resolved this problem. I replaced the main jet in mine with a #68 and solved that issue. As far as mods, I've done them all, except for drilling holes in the case, and have undone all but the ignition toggel switch. That is the only mod I would recommend. I too have chased the elusive misfire to no avail, deciding to just live with it. Enjoy your generator!!

[@Randooo1966]

I have an Onan on board generator on my Nash trailer which is very loud and shakes the whole trailer. So I decided to buy the predator 5000 and give it a try and absolutely love this. It’s a quarter of the noise with more power five stars

[@rustymac40]

I've been using this generator for the last 4 years RV camping during the summer. I am well over 1000 hours and change the oil once a year lol. I do keep clean gas, run monthly and keep the spark arrestor clean. I can't recommend this gen enough. Great vid!

[@Bryan-zf9jt]

Torch brand plug. Chinese brand. I replaced mine right away with an NGK. After break in I filled with Royal Purple. For fuel, I keep 10 gallons 87 Oct at on hand with over dose of Ethanol Shield from HDepot and add a bottle of octane boost. Been using this combo for years now and even my chainsaw gas lasts almost 2 years. John Deere mower starts right up with a lil choke every spring with last year's fuel. My Polaris ranger also has no pop and ping anymore. I use Gum Out octane booster or sometimes Lucas.

[@1RoadGarage]

Good to know, thanks!

[@lorenperry3726]

I buy ethanol free fuel from the gas station. Works perfectly and no reason to add all that extra stuff.

[@SoloHiker1]

​​​@@lorenperry3726user manual says, if you do not add a fuel stabilizer, it voids the warranty. It's literally written all over the gas tank. Do you own one?

[@lorenperry3726]

@@SoloHiker1you add stabilizer to mitigate the effects of ethanol. If you buy ethanol free fuel why would you add stabilizer?

[@lorenperry3726]

@@SoloHiker1think about it this way. You bought yourself an extra problem (ethanol) then you buy a solution to fix the problem you bought (stabilizer) why not for go the extra problem and avoid buying the solution?

[@paultice610]

I got my two year ago i did it old school I used regular oil for the first 30 hours but I changed it 4 times in the first 30 hours and after that I went to full synthetic i have been using 5w30 the hole time i have 80 hours on it now and no issues with it running great

[@edeaton5324]

I like mine also. I've had it for 2 years. The only problems I had is the pull start cord broke off at 2500 hrs. and it has never been pull started. It now has 2750 hours on it and i use for powering my RV trailer here in TX. It starts the mach 3 coleman AC with no problems. The AC draws between 400 and 1600 watts. I leave the ESC Throttle on all of the time with no problems.

[@MrTim08]

I was able to use my friends 3500 last week camping with my camper and it was great for what I needed. Definitely going to get one here in the near future.

[@jimthigpen333]

I love the E-3 plugs. Great spark and reliable. Also if used outside, I tape up the carbon monoxide sensor with Gorilla tape. Wind direction change will shut it off.

[@TheStangSlayer]

I have been using this generator for about 4-5 years now and love it. I've had no issues and used it quite a bit. On my generators/small engines, I only use non-ethanol fuel and tend to keep about 20 gallons on hand at any time. Thankfully here in Texas, you can buy non-ethanol fuel in bulk from Buckee's. I fill up my tanks and add some stabilizer to that, this has typically been my key to having small engines that start the first time, everytime.

[@1RoadGarage]

Which stabilizer?

[@TheStangSlayer]

@@1RoadGarage I've been just using the run of the mill Stabil. It worked really well for non-ethanol fuel for me and have had no issues. In general, I've never been able to get typical fuel with ethanol to keep any amount of time without building moisture whether it has ethanol purpose type Stabil in it or not. No matter if I started and ran something every month like clockwork or not, I always ended up getting a gummed up carb. I always kept a spare carb for generators just in case because they always seemed to not work that one time you actually need it, regardless if you got it to run a week or two before. hahaha.

[@bretthibbs6083]

I agree ever since I've started to use non ethanol fuel several years along with stabil I've had no issues with my gas powered equipment and like you mine starts on the first or second pull every time.

[@davemullner7170]

Excellent video. I appreciate the honest review on the 3500. I've been watching a few reviews on this and yours definitely convinced me to buy this one. Despite some minor issues, in my opinion. I just bought a smaller travel trailer and should fill my needs without a problem. Thank you!

[@sampickens1998]

James Condon has a KZbin channel and he works on generators. Contact him about the misfiring. He is really good at fixing your kind of problem . Good video

[@rdpaullin]

Thanks Jimmy. That is a GREAT Tutorial, don't think I have any questions. Although I run ethanol free gas in my PREDATOR 3500 91 OCTANE, and have 185 hrs operating hrs, with absolutely no problems. Also don't worry about draining my carburetor bowl.

[@JohnDoe-hy5ho]

Very good tutorial. I learned alot. I'm in Florida and have gone through the same Tornadoes and hurricanes. I bought some ecoflow delta pros now I want a small gas generator to keep the batteries charged in addition to having solar panels. I'm just starting to learn about the inverter generators, and you have been very helpful. Thanks

[@StevenHernandez-xu1iu]

They updated it since I bought mine. I also bought the 5,000 watt and it’s as portable as the 3500

[@sweetdaddy77]

The 5W-30 burns quicker than I'd like in mine. In the SE Texas heat I ended up moving to 10W-40 for the summer, anyway. Seems to be the sweet spot. This occasional misfire is normal on these without a load, mine does the same and other I know get that, as well. The unit is a beast, overall.

[@tommyteeth5874]

After break in Mobil1 15-50. It will stand up to the high engine temps best.

[@Bryan-Hensley]

It depends on the clearance of the rod and main journals. If it's machined for 5w-30 and you run 10w 40 the oil flow of the journals slows down, which can cause higher heat. Faster flowing oil will carry away heat faster.

[@sweetdaddy77]

@@Bryan-Hensley Right, that is a concern but I bet the tolerances aren't that close. Ha!

[@Chainsnsprockets402]

I must be the unlucky guy that got the lemon. Mine ran great from the start. Did the NGK spark plug mod and the charcoal filter delete. Removed the spark arrestor disc from the exhaust and left the screen in. Ran even better but slightly louder. Ran the unit for 20+ minutes every 2 months for the next 6 months. Then we had a blackout. Pulled it out, filled it with fresh gas and was ready to go. Pushed the start button and the motor didn’t even turnover once. Dead battery. No problem. One pull on the cord and it fired right up. Hooked up a 25ft. extension cord to my fridge and lamp and waited for the power to come back on. After just one hour(3 hours total on the unit) the unit stopped making power while still running fine. It would make power on and off for the next 15 minutes until I shut it down to avoid damage to my fridge. After calling tech support and explaining the problem they said they couldn’t help me and connected my to HF corporate. I was able to replicate the problem the following day and get it on video. I sent the video to HF and after a week they finally did respond. Even though the unit was well out of the 90 day warranty, they agreed to send me a new inverter board $397 for free. I will have to install it myself but I’m totally capable of handling that. I hope that’s the end of my problem. I still have a dead battery but I’m fine with using the pull cord.

[@1RoadGarage]

@@Chainsnsprockets402 thanks for that info!

[@jamesdean80]

Tip.... Extra spark plug, air filter, and carb kit. Nothing left to chance. Don't let harma bite you.

[@simon0721]

That's not really a misfire, it's surging cause it's running a little lean with no load. Nothing to worry about though. Using a non ethanol type gas could help

[@davekewing1]

Hmm, I always change my oils on a hot engine so the fines don’t settle out , never more to flow out at the bottom in the cold oil! As well, the oil showed running rich with the nano fine carbon particles in suspension. One way to lessen this effect would be to keep your hand on the choke dial. Let the engine just turn a few a few times and then flip to run to start likely in not cold weather it will then start without further ado . Running for a bit super rich will really load things up with soot. Still getting the dark oil especially at some altitude may indicate changing main jet and of course running rich could be the cause for misfire too.

[@ICEGOD68]

Buy yourself a cheap water bottle an measure out 20oz. For the oil. No quessing an easy transportation for extra oil if needed.

[@SoloHiker1]

The 4550 gets the same run time as the 3500. It is also thirty pounds lighter. Only four or five decibels louder, and that's imperceptible. Being $200 cheaper. When on sale, there's also a plus. You can get them crazy. Cheap from Harbor freight. When you buy a used one.

[@tommyteeth5874]

3db increase is TWICE as LOUD. Keep that in mind.

[@chuckmckee2741]

Glad you picked synthetic, easier to start in cold weather or small periods where it’s stored.

[@reyrrz]

Just bought mine. Helpful vid.

[@j.p.1576]

Assembly lube came out in your initial oil change. You seem to have installed the “lock” washers. It is common belief that they work to keep your fasteners tight. This is incorrect. They work to prematurely loosen fasteners in vibrating applications. Immediately remove and discard them.

[@cowetaok]

Is there a opening in the bottom of the pan to open and run the oil drain tube out before that tube it just drained out a port in the floor that removed.

[@chuckmckee2741]

Thank you really good information. I’m have been considering to get one , this month. Great demo. T

[@GrandPrix46]

Can't really judge oil by the color, but it's only 20 ounces so changing it for no reason isn't exactly expensive.

[@BOB12349307]

my open frame generator runs 3 computers modem wifi fans furnace fridge and all lights inside and out with no problem..3250 watts

[@michaelcox7025]

Non ethanol fuel is best in small engines,if you can find it. I use it in all of my small engines and have a lot less problems with carburetors!

[@MrMattMohler]

My 3500 is mainly for back up power to my home via suicide cable... But I use it to power an RV a couple times a year while on the road as to not run up hours on the provided gen (I rent RVs...) Do your maintenance, I do oil 1x a year....

[@1RoadGarage]

Oil is key. Especially with no filter.

[@MrMattMohler]

@1RoadGarage I sprung for the magnetic dipstick, (not necessary...) I've had a few hickups with mine but Facebook has some good support groups that got me running again... Spark arrester... Charcoal canister... The pages I'm on gave me heads up and got me back in action on the side of the road a couple times...

[@gerardramirez6320]

Great info 👍

[@rsuto]

this is the newer version 3500 in the video - You can tell bc battery and oil access are on opposite sides of older gen. Why does this matter? The new units have the Co2 cutoff sensor that will cause some problems when running. The sensor although sounds like it makes sense, it really doesn't. You shouldn't be running this thing indoors. There are videos on YT on how to disable the sensor. Other mods that make sense are adding a magnetic oil dip stick (you will see lots of metal shavings from the engine when doing the break in period oil changes), adding battery maintainer, pvc "drag" handle, wheel mods (the wheels on the 3500 suck) and fuel cutoff so gas runs out of the carb. The best mod of all tho, is dual or tri fuel mod by grenergy. This is a kit that will allow you to run the 3500 on propane or nat gas. They (grenergy) sell a 3500 package which includes the dual/tri fuel mod, the fuel cutoff and light bar. Well worth it.

[@christiangonzalez1868]

Thanks a lot bro , for the all information about this generator is really help ful for me bro thanks a lot .

[@jamesdean80]

Also, when you do your oil change. Pull the plug and lightly brush it with a brass brush.

[@mikejamison4520]

You should run non ethanol fuel in small engines

[@mattb.9572]

Hi Jimmy. I also have a predator 3500 from 2020 and my drain plug is complete different. Mine is a 8mm (I believe) built that drains through a hole in the bottom of a machine. Just have to put the wheels in some blocks to slide the oil pan under. It’s weird they changed the design

[@1RoadGarage]

That sounds better.

[@ChrisD-kl3ty]

Between me and family we have 2 of these gens. Mine is same as the video. The other one has a 10mm drain plug with a ramp for oil and a tethered rubber plug on the bottom of the machine. I much prefer the simple plug and ramp. Maybe the "newer design" is for a tool less (only a flatblade screwdriver) oil change. Personally I'm a little scared of the yellow cap vibrating loose.

[@Pablo-cp9nc]

There is a version 1 and version 2. Battery on the left is version 2, battery on the right is version 1.

[@rsuto]

@@Pablo-cp9nc , oil doors on the opposite side as well

[@JPPerez-tn8xe]

Great vid!! Answered a lot of my questions.

[@surgepro322able]

What about oiling the air filter?

[@TheNovaraRandoneeRider1]

Honestly the 5000 is a better option

[@keithfreeman7886]

Manuel says 20 oz why not find a 20 oz bottle and put fresh oil in the 20 oz bottle to refill the crankcase then you'll know you have 20 oz just a thought

[@dontderockmerizz3211]

I only use conventional oil in small engines. I used to run synthetic in my lawn mower & it runs better, doesn’t get as dark & cooler with regular old Castrol GTX 10w30. High amounts of additives in synthetic could be the reason? But I’m no pro. Also, I only use shell or BP 93 octane in those small engines, they run better. You should try that.

[@tommyteeth5874]

The 93 makes no difference if you educate yourself on octane... and you are using sales jargon words "better", "as dark", "cooler". All which have zero factual advantage. Break the motor in with dino oil and switch to a full synthetic on the 3rd change. I like a 15-50 myself. Peace.

[@mountainhopper9573]

I have the same gen. Batt won't hold charge well even using a batt tender. batt is really cheap so I went to AutoZone and bought an AGM batt for it and I hook up a batt tender to it when not using it keeps batt charged. AGM batt is way better quality than what comes in it.

[@AJ-qn6gd]

The oil will be dark at the first change due to being contaminated with assembly grease used during assembly at the factory to keep the internals lubricated during shipping and storage.

[@turnandburnroadtripssouthe8432]

Didnt trust the sparkplug but trusted battery charge

[@carl2591]

would only go like 1 hr then change oil,, go 2 hrs than change oil.. then 5 hrs and change oil.. by then you have gotten most of the break in oil and material out of the engine.. I would then go 10-15 hrs and change again then go to normal change schedule. on the drain cap,,I would twist the hose to stand up right behind the cover so the end is higher than the level.. more security to prevent oil drain.

[@monoshock57]

I'm going to buy a Nissan LEAF and pull a small trailer with that generator on it to charge the car. What do ya think?

[@1RoadGarage]

Might work

[@picklerix6162]

LOL! There’s a funny picture of an EV with a generator hanging off the bumper.

[@chriskopecky995]

How much run time on tank of fuel ?? Nice video !!

[@satin227]

you might check the jetting on the carb those clone engines tend to be jetted lean

[@st6795]

Tennesse is the place to be!!

[@st6795]

Actually I would change the oil after two hours max., on a brand new engine.

[@whiskeyfamily6717]

Did the same thing after a ice storm last year just fill my freezer with meat also lol this is a work horse and my friend has one same misfire and not a problem yet and I beleave brake in is at 30hr with no heavy load

[@1RoadGarage]

You and your friend both have the same machine and only his has the same misfire? Interesting. I’m starting to wonder if I should swap it out.

[@whiskeyfamily6717]

@@1RoadGarage if u payed for there warranty i would not worry about it and exchange it right before its up it might just take a bit to brake in and go away like it says 30hr brake in

[@laberry07]

My husband opend the gas lid while running and it spit the gas everywhere and stalled the generator. Now it won't start. Any tips on what to do?

[@keithfreeman7886]

Set it up on a bench to drain the oil

[@2NDLTUSMC]

use a magnitic dip stick which I use.

[@harrystewart9674]

My starter stopped running ,still runs with the pull cord but no starter , any ideas ?

[@LMarsS]

Bat Tree

[@sweetdaddy77]

Starter solenoid can go bad on those. May have to call HF for the part.

[@harrystewart9674]

@@sweetdaddy77 i bought the 200 dallor extra plan when i bought it so i should be able to take it in and just get another for it right ?

[@sweetdaddy77]

Yes. They’ll probably replace the whole unit

[@mark98070]

Fuel capacity? What is the real life run time on a full gas tank? I have the Champion 3500 which is a dual fuel generator and it doesn't have some of the features of the predator such as the hour meter and the other gauge which shows power draw. I almost bought the Predator but wanted the ability to run it on propane.

[@1RoadGarage]

2.3gal 11hrs @ 25% load. I’m finding it’s very fuel efficient.

[@c0pyimitati0n]

Only downside I noticed is that outlets were not GFCI. I plan on using this with my skoolie but I'm worried about those outlets. They don't have covers either so could I store my generator on my trailer safely?

[@Bryan-Hensley]

Generators are floating ground. Unless the generator is connected to a ground rod, the earth ground is isolated from the circuit. Our power grid should have been designed with floating ground. Electrocutions would barely even exist. Lightning wouldn't be attracted to the power grid either. The only way you can get shocked is if you touch both wires at the same time.

[@TheMickeymental]

I hope you purchased the extended warranty and after researching I could not find an authorized service center. These units have a high failure rate. Why are you using synthetic oil on a new machine? Synthetic does not allow the rings to seat properly.

[@tansuturdag3927]

Champion manual said change the oil after the first 5 hours. Then the next one is after 50 hours.

[@wingrider1004]

This is so weird. I just bought one (and love it) but it is not the same layout as this one. My oil access door requires no screwdriver to opn and does not have the tube coming off the oil drain. And the tool kit is different.

[@1RoadGarage]

I’ve seen the same model and slightly different designs. May just be made in a different factory. 🤷‍♂️

[@michaelbachman5575]

The mis fire is. Probly caused smallish carburetor Using fuel misally

[@pathslesstrampled9906]

Inverter? I barely know her! 😂 (sorry)

[@AceupEnergy]

Excellent and detailed video. Is there a chance to collaborate with you?

[@europana7]

Top tier ethanol free fuel

[@Powerpickle68]

Don't leave the battery connected, it will die. Super easy pull start though

[@joenuncio9247]

I have this generator. It cuts off too much because of the C0 sensor. I've had it out open on the beach or where ever I'm fishing at and it cuts off all the time.

[@williamward3433]

Try to get a manuel or parts! Good luck

[@jimthigpen333]

Why would anyone not change the oil on a regular basis? That’s stupid not too. Oil is cheap and the life of the rotating assembly.

[@georgegould667]

A more pure power , check THD % in spec’s

[@brianharrington5176]

I would change it after looking at that oil at 50 hours

[@richardleduc7823]

It doesn’t mention synthetic oil,so I would use regular oil,right?

[@1RoadGarage]

Hmm. 🤔 I don’t think I will ever use non-synthetic oil in anything. Ever. That’s just me though. 100% synthetic all the way.

[@richardleduc7823]

And I would of bounced a quart of 10W30 conventional oil.

[@richardleduc7823]

Bought?

[@Gamebit450]

Spark plug should be a BPR7ES Not BPR6ES the 6ES runs 200 degrees hotter then stock plug!!

[@jamesray3920]

Junk wait till start motor fails and cherry on top and string breaks you will need to take many things off just to restring pulley, open frame are 100% more easy to service and replace string/ rope when it breaks its not if but when , champion open frame with remote start is cheaper just as quite for 499.00 and champion stands behind it products right here in usa 🇺🇸 need I saw more

[@jdargonaut]

In case you didn’t realize it, there are a few HUGE reasons open frame generators are CHEAP.

[@jamesray3920]

@@jdargonaut it the same dam unit only open framed easy to work on wow some people are just stupid no common sense 🙄

[@SomeTechGuy666]

An inverter doesn't necessarily produce cleaner power than a rotating generator. In fact, a poorly designed inverter will have much dirtier power than a rotating generator. The generator in an inverter/generator can be AC or DC. It appears that your generator makes 12VDC. The main reason to use an inverter generator is because the engine runs quieter when not at max load also uses way less fuel. You should always change oil while it is hot, not cold. There is a reason why manufacturers state the viscosity of oil. 5W won't have proper thickness when cold. W does not stand for winter.

[@1RoadGarage]

I plan on getting 10w but for now, with 80° days this is fine for me.

[@treepop1550]

Please explain how an inverter generator does not produce cleaner electricity???

[@boomblab23]

Computers have smp's tho...

[@Hotdaddy536]

Looks like you needed a pressure washer..🤪🤪🤪

[@Bryan-Hensley]

You are totally wrong about the reasoning of an inverter generator. And also wrong about the clean power. A regular generator has a pure natural full curve sine wave and is exactly 60 hz as long as it maintains exactly 3,600 rpms (60 rounds per second). The inverter lets the generator rpms vary while maintaining 60 hz output. In other words, it can idle. A regular generator cannot.

[@TheNovaraRandoneeRider1]

They aren’t made that way anymore

[@robertmailhos8159]

It has lower t.h.d

[@thatRBX]

I also prefer inverter generators because the quite as F*ck

[@Peter_Riis_DK]

Yeah... Sorry man, but I’m going to need proof that your inverter can deliver a cleaner sinusoid voltage than a normal generator does. I'm going to assume that you're parroting the sales guy since your statement is claims only.

[@1RoadGarage]

No sales guy. Look it up.

[@Peter_Riis_DK]

@@1RoadGarage Look it up? I'm not the one with the claim - as an electronics engineer I know better. So, no thanks.

[@danhambrick6331]

@@Peter_Riis_DK You are no engineer,you are just a troll....

[@Peter_Riis_DK]

@@danhambrick6331 Whatever rocks your boat, Ham. 😄

[@sweetdaddy77]

@@1RoadGarage It's a pure sine wave. Lots of trolls in your comments section...

[@jackhandyy]

An inverter generator has nothing to do with being 'clean' power, it's about efficiency. Please know what you are talking about before making a video on it. Under sudden high loads inverter generators drop voltage pretty bad

[@sweetdaddy77]

It has everything to do with a pure sine wave being produced. Yes, efficiency is a part of that but a traditional generator puts out more of a modified square wave, not as clean. Nothing he indicated was wrong?!?