Champion 100520 Inverter Generator - Nice Clean Power But Several Issues Too...

The Champion 100520 Inverter Generator offers a nicely priced 7000 watt RMS system to power large loads and sensitive electronics. For around $1000 this generator gets a lot of bang for your buck but do engine starting issues and craftsmanship cast doubt on the reliability of this generator? I am curious to see how this generator performs in the long run. Thanks for watching.
👍 Champion 100520 8750-Watt Open Frame Inverter Generator (amzn.to/3m16NuU)
➤➤ Essential Video Gear I Use to Make Videos:
👍 DJI Mavic 2 Pro with Fly More Combo for Aerial Shots: (amzn.to/3AZ99P0)
👍 PANASONIC LUMIX G9 KIT (No Lense - RITZ BUNDLE (amzn.to/ 2PomwUL)
👍 PANASONIC LUMIX 12-35 (amzn.to/2WSIWT2)
👍 PANASONIC LUMIX 25 MM Lens (amzn.to/2AY2db4)
👍 Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO Lens (amzn.to/2QmylcC)
👍 DJI Ronin S Essentials Gimbal (amzn.to/2Wf1HLC)
👍 Rode Wireless Go - Compact Wireless Microphone System (amzn.to/31SFzM5)
👍 Rode Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote Condenser On-Camera Microphone (amzn.to/3v8upiS)
👍 GoPro Hero 9 Black with Striker 38 Piece Action Camera Accessory Bundle (amzn.to/3bG9hsT
👍 Blue Yeti Microphone (amzn.to/3sbM0WC)
➤➤ As an Amazon Associate & Ebay Partner I earn from qualifying purchases from these Affiliate Links below to help support this KZbin Channel and activities. This links do not increase the purchase price.
➤➤ **Disclaimer** © 2021 by Green Mountain DIY Guy. All rights reserved Do not use any part of this video without my written permission. PLEASE NOTE: These videos are for entertainment purposes only. I assert all copyrights claims for any content, media, comments, subject to the publishing date of this video. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Do not use any part of this video without my expressed written permission. “Fair use” applies to short music examples, pictures and any copyright material for the purposes of criticism, parody, news reporting, research and scholarship, and teaching as allowed by applicable law. As always, please consult professional advice before attempting any project, activity, or event. I will not be responsible for any injury, loss of life, or damage to any property or equipment using any information referenced in this video or any video on my KZbin. Always follow codes and any requirements as set forth by best practice or law. Affiliate/associate links may be listed in the description of this video. Buying through these links helps out my channel a lot and adds no additional costs to the price for any products listed. Lastly, be nice and play nice. Trolling and other attacks on my channel will not be tolerated.

[@richardfuerst5286]

I've had mine for over a year running my welding equipment for my mobile welding business. No issues what so ever. A great generator.

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Good to hear! Great Generator!

[@jmoss99]

Yes, if you don't mind RFI in your house, like tons of it drowning out any hope of AM radio.

[@zone47]

I bought two of the 4500 open frame generators. Both started first pull after adding oil and gas and they run like a Champ. Best bang for the buck IMO.

[@DoyleShadduck]

My Champion still runs like the day I bought it, and that was three years ago. It’s a one pull wonder!

[@applisense]

What a great video! I really enjoyed how in depth you went with the circuit panel

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!!

[@54cronkster]

Very nice informative review. Thanks

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@twinbrookacres]

Overall, seems like a good product. I've heard that Champion generators are good. Thanks for sharing. - Rick

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Thanks for watching. Yes, overally happy with the generator especially after converting to propane.

[@slevinkelevra5901]

if and/or when you install the tri fuel conversion kit for this generator, make a how to video, that would be awesome, as that is what I am wanting to do with mine , thanks

[@icegoale35]

Seems like you didn’t even break it in before giving it a substantial load. Ideally, it’s beneficial to run it a few times without a load for an hour or so and change the oil to get the metal shavings out. Then after the full 5 hour break in period, add synthetic oil and run it on its desired load.

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Actually did all of that. Thanks for watching.

[@yourunclefab]

Got the same genny with zero hours on the board, and at 13 now. Never had the fault startup or any other prob. Wonder why urs had 2hrs, I would have raised a stink! Might have something to do with ur problems. Also I recommend the motor snorkel msk3101 for dual/tri fuel with this generator. Was a super easy install and quality kit. Just finished my iron plumbing for NG after all testing confirmed it will run a 3.5 ton a/c ON NG (5500 watts starting and 4500 running!). Will get the video here shortly covering that whole run-down. I do have an easy start video running on this genny with gasoline.

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Interesting point. My initial thought was they put a couple of hours on it at the factory for testing. Maybe I got a unit that was sent back from someone else?

[@yourunclefab]

@@GreenMountainDIYGuy my thoughts but I hope not. I did do some test starts to see if I got the red light prob and could not get it. But when I start I keep it choked for about 5-7 seconds, then the green light comes on and I unchoke it. Have u tried that? I've also run mine on natural gas with the motor snorkel kit and found the power to be up around 5k watts with natural gas. With a micro Air soft start on my a/c i am able to run my 3.5 ton a/c on natural gas! Will be making an overview this winter about it. Thanks for u channel!

[@mosswareproaudio6328]

I did a test run on my Champion Power Equipment 100520 8750-Watt DH Series Open Frame Inverter today. Number 1 problem is RFI. If you have AM Radios, then forget this generator. The RFI is no where near as low as my 1990 Honda EX4500 which does not interfere with my AM radios. This Champion 100520 will not be replacing my EX4500. It will remain a good higher wattage back up.

[@jimmoss9584]

Clean Power? What a joke. RFI for sure. Turn on your AM radio and see if it is clean.

[@danielcraig9349]

The lifting handle appears to be on backwards, or upside down. You had it placed correctly but then turned it around so that the welded square on the handle would hit the rubber stop The square on the end of the handle should com in contact with the metal frame when lifting at the top. It is placed there to keep the round part of the handle from deforming under load.

[@percyfaith11]

Oops...

[@mosswareproaudio6328]

What are the dimensions of the shipping box. I bought this generator, on Amazon, but have not received it yet. So, I need to know if it will fit in my 1996 4Runner.

[@Atekcs]

Thanks for this informative video. Do you see this error only when you first start it or does it error some even after running for hours?

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Only when starting…

[@ChrisDIYerOklahoma]

Solid video and editing! Too bad on the handle, but looks like they took care of you. Hopefully, it works out on propane. You are right with Honda...but, they come at a steep buy in.

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Thanks buddy. Took a while to do this video between takes and editing. Even got the driveways sealed to completely mess up the continuity of the video. I think the generator will run a lot better on propane, at least my last one did. Thanks for watching!

[@FXNorm]

Handle looks cheap and weak, should have been 2 to take the load of the welds.

[@Honestandtruth]

As we All know that every Company always has A LAZYASS in the Company that Crews everything up... In All Level of Society 👎👎👎

[@simon3173]

Bought mine a year ago, and only rook it out of the box yesterday to use because of power outage... That sucker is loud (maybe because it was on concrete). Also, for some reason, it had a bit of oil in it already...

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Very interesting to hear! This generator worked well in our recent 11 hour power outage! Thanks for watching!

[@dfabeagle718]

I'd check the main jet, it's a little bitty hole. Anything junky at all in there will limit fuel delivery, RPM (which it sounds like it's down a couple hundred when erroring), and power.

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Great suggestion, thank you.

[@leskobrandon538]

I bought the cousin of this generator... The Wen gn875i.. it was $899.00 factory direct.. $965 after taxes and free shipping

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Good deal. I also looked at the Wen. Good Generator all-around!

[@Honestandtruth]

Champion generator is better quality than WEN generator. Champion inverter Generator 8750 is now $922 at Amazon and Wen is a bit more expensive. So I bought Champion inverter 8750 this week.

[@TheWilferch]

@@Honestandtruth ...how can you state so absolutely "better quality" when they come from the same Chinese factory?.....look real close....even the actual Loncin generator unit within.

[@wildncrazyguytv]

I just got mine this week. What size breaker did you install in your panel? Thank you for the video!

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Nice purchase! I have a 30 amp double pole breaker installed on my panel. I also use an interlock kit.

[@wildncrazyguytv]

@Pilot81 Hi! How do you do that?

[@spacecoastz4026]

How hard is this to crank if the battery is dead? Trying to decide between the Lowes 5250 watt model which is manual start vs this one which is manual/electric. For me odds are good that when I need it the battery will be too weak to crank the unit.

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

If the generator is cold, you will be cranking for a while. I went to this ekectronic starting generator partly due to my shoulder wearing out and not being so young. The battery will last a long time between using. I just exercised the generator and it started right and it had been six months since I used it last!

[@frankjones2521]

Did Champion say anything about that fault at start up? Did you change the neutral bonding from factory by chance? Mine only does that when I truly overload it. Great video.

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Yes, I did recently rewire and change the neutral bonding.

[@davecarlson9350]

@@GreenMountainDIYGuy Hello and thanks for the video! Did changing the neutral from bonded to floating solve the issue of the red warning light coming on?

[@TOURMANBOB]

I own four Champion generators (3 of the 2000 Watt units and one 3400 inverter) and they are superb units for reasonable cost.. I also own the Honda EU6500is for home backup and it too is superb except for the outrageous price. For my money, I personally consider the Champion line of gennies the best value for the money you can find, especially with their parts support and customer service. And no, I am not a Champion fan boy....lots of great gennies on the market...but stick with a known brand

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Good Advice all-around!

[@anthonymarino4260]

great customer service FABULOUS@@GreenMountainDIYGuy

[@Jgiamportone023]

Once you find out what the issue is post a update. I’m getting ready to order one.

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Converting to propane this weekend, will have a new video next week and an update. Thanks for watching!

[@WhoDat1976]

Bought this same generator. I get thr error sometimes. No clue why. I turn it off start it again and it's green. Let me ask you a question, do u have to choke it every time u start? I can have mine run for an hour. Turn it off and try to start it again right away and it won't start unless I choke it. I find that odd.

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Very interesting to hear! Must be some kind of larger issue with these generators. I never use chock because I only run off propane now. Thanks for watching!

[@PeterLawton]

It may not matter now, but I did notice that during the error start, your IntelliGauge did not start up at all. But when the generator started fine, that IntelliGauge did start up in 2 to 3 seconds.

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Yes, I noticed that too! Good eyes!

[@gumbob007]

I received this same generator from Amazon a few days ago, and it has the same issue. First start up worked perfectly but the second start it ran only at low rpm, next start worked normal again. Sent an email to Champion customer support a day ago but haven't received a response yet.

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Good to know that I'm not the only one with the same issue. Great generator except for this startup problem. I converted to Tri-fuel and the generator runs like a champ on Propane. No starting issues whatsoever. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIuzh2p5pL6glZY

[@gumbob007]

@@GreenMountainDIYGuy I did the 5 hour break in without a problem. May covert to natural gas later. Generally it will lose about 20% of its output compared to gasoline. Checking on whole house standby generator first. I have reliable power except when a hurricane hits

[@poobank]

@@GreenMountainDIYGuy did you find a solution to this issue or did this issue fix itself?

[@Liledgy100]

Is it considerably quieter than a regular generator?

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

It is about 30% more quiet. It you are around generators alot you will notice a difference but it is still loud since it is open frame.

[@FXNorm]

Should have bought the Predator (same price) with the "no questions asked warrantee". that's unbeatable!

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Maybe...thanks for watching!

[@bubbatime]

The Predator is $1300 currently and has a 90 day warranty. If you want the added two year warranty, you are paying about $200 for it. So $1500 plus tax, for the generator, with a 2 year warranty. I bought this Champion for under $900. Almost $600 less than the Predator+warranty AND comes with a longer 3 year warranty. You can buy the same exact Wen generator even cheaper, usually $100 cheaper or so.

[@jenks9413]

@@bubbatime The WEN manual says to change the oil every 20 hrs. Engine bore must be junk. It is strange that they look so similar but have no affiliation?

[@dngendron]

I just returned the predator after running it 30hrs straight. The display would only indicate 120v and I had gotten that same error on it once and also couldn’t start it off the battery but would start on the cord. After reading all the one star reviews with the same voltage display issues I had I decided to return it and now I’m looking at the Champion reviews.

[@TheWilferch]

@@jenks9413 ...all these gensets seem to come from the same 1 or 2 Chinese factories.... build architecture is very much identical to each. Different paint scheme and voila !..... a Westinghouse unit, or Champion or Wen or Generac.....etc. The generator part itself is almost always Loncin brand.

[@SoutheastOhioSolarHaven]

To bad it has those error problems on start up . I wonder if it does it on pull starting also. Still works great it seems.

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Running like a dream on propane now!

[@beforebefore]

This was my thought as well. It could have something to do with the 12V battery voltage sag during electric start, which would not happen on manual start.

[@MikeMike-is2hl]

If its a bonded ground, when connected to your house, should you not unbind the neutral ?

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

The generator is a floating neutral.

[@ballsdeep9648]

@@GreenMountainDIYGuy are you sure about that? Looking at the image on Amazon under the AC breaker reset, it says “neutral bonded to frame”.

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

@@ballsdeep9648 Yes, floating neutral generators are required to have at least the ground bonded to the frame. Here's a good article on it. www.forconstructionpros.com/rental/article/11359425/proper-grounding-and-bonding-of-generators

[@TheWilferch]

@@GreenMountainDIYGuy ...no...bonded neutral and Champion even has a short video how to unbond and make it floating. Odd....the same size Wen units ( vs Champion) come from the factory as floating.

[@Jim-iq6bx]

Pretty sure it is a bonded neutral generator. Says so right on the generator. Champion does show how to make it a floating neutral for connection to the house.

[@mosswareproaudio6328]

Are there handle holes on the box. I mean, how do you grab it? It is 155 lbs.

[@jmoss99]

🙂 That was a long time ago.

[@taeyu5636]

I never used generator before. I need to know the order of operation. 1- wire connect b/t generator and house. 2- start the generator. 3- turn off all circuits. 4- turn off main circuit. 5- connect generator circuit to house. 6- turn on desired circuits. Also when turn off generator: 1- turn off circuits. 2- turn off generator. ???

[@ourtexasfamilyvideos62]

Mine sometimes throws that error on startup. Just push the red AC reset button and then your good to go.

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Great tip thanks!

[@danrascal4045]

Bad start could be due to a faulty oil level sensor, may be?

[@PeterLawton]

The error LED he sees is the middle of 3. The oil LED is to the right of that.

[@machaf]

See that red button that says "AC RESET" along with the same triangle icon thats with the flashing red light..... Press it.

[@MikeMike-is2hl]

Is this unit a bonded ground or is it floating neutral ?

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Floating Neutral.

[@ballsdeep9648]

It says bonded to frame on the front panel under AC breaker reset.

[@TheWilferch]

@@GreenMountainDIYGuy ...no....it's bonded. You can check easily with an ohm/continuity meter. When "off"....simply put one probe in a 120V long-edge socket and the other to ground.....or if looking at the 240 socket, use either hot-edge socket, and also to ground. If you have continuity..... its bonded. Champion even has a short video how to unbond and make it floating. Odd....the same size Wen units ( vs Champion) come from the factory as floating.

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Sorry, I converted to floating neutral recently. I may do a video on that in the future.

[@TheVaga9]

Needs floating neutral to hook to a house circuit adnauseam!

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Yes, I remove the neutral to ground on the L14-30 inside the generator.

[@Jim-iq6bx]

Previous comments from you said it was a floating neutral. But, out of the box it’s a bonded neutral generator.

[@Lucky4wd4840]

HF warranty and parts availably are bad. Yes you get a complete parts list but many of the parts are not available.

[@bubbatime]

The Predator , Champion, and Wen are all identical, all made in the same Chinese factory. The Predator has a larger fuel tank with 6 gallons vs the 4 gallons of the Champion and Wen, so should have substantial longer run times. The Predator has a 90 day warranty, the Wen 2 years, and the Champion 3 years.

[@paulschab8152]

Champion is definitely different. It's American designed but made in China. It does not look like a generic one with a brand name slapped on it.

[@paulschab8152]

I know they all use some china clone engine such as Rato.

[@jameskikuoka4863]

@@paulschab8152 , actually it is a Honda clone. An EXACT copy. How do I know? There is another channel under James Condon that repairs generators. He put a Honda carburetor on a Champion generator engine. It FITS EXACTLY. I bought a WEN and it works very well. No fuel injection to deal with.

[@jameskikuoka4863]

@@paulschab8152 , actually it is a Honda clone. An EXACT copy. How do I know? There is another channel under James Condon that repairs generators. He put an old Honda carburetor on a Champion generator engine. It FITS EXACTLY. I bought a WEN and it works very well. No complicated fuel injection to deal with.

[@nicks8806]

Start it not on eco mode then switch to eco after

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

It wasn't on ECO Mode.

[@Hondacber]

That is a big RED FLAG. Mine never has errors on any start. You need to return that unit for another one. There is a problem with that one.

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Yep, I normally would, but since converting to propane, all is good!

[@chrystalruperto6840]

The price went up to $1097.99

[@semlohde1]

I just ordered mine at 1099. Walmart has the same 1099. Should be here in a week.

[@BOB12349307]

its not champion its amazon warehouse

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Yep, that certainly may be the case...

[@will_ren]

Today is $1499.00 !!!!

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

WTF?????

[@masterofnonephotography]

$2400-3500 now.... crazy!!!!

[@armandmessier2075]

@@masterofnonephotography That is nuts!!!!

[@FXNorm]

Predator 8750 under $1000 with 20% coupon plus no questions asked warrantee. Champion was a wrong choice even without the fault.

[@bubbatime]

@@FXNorm Cant use 20% off coupons on generators. Not to mention, they did away with coupons earlier this year. The Champion has a far better warranty, and is essentially $300 to $500 cheaper than the Predator for the same exact generator. Harbor Freight is ripping people off.

[@slimdawgwoof]

Rut roh

[@gumbob007]

Thanks for the video. Ordered one on Amazon a couple of days ago to replace my 19 year old Porter Cable 5500 watt contractor generator. Still starts on first pull, but wanted the inverter type and more watts. Price dropped to $985 on Amazon. If the Honda was 7000 continuous I would have bought it instead. Of course the price would go up as well. Really like my Honda EU 2000.

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

Great price!!! Thanks for watching. I converted to propane and it is running like a dream. Check out my other video.

[@raymcdonald731]

@@GreenMountainDIYGuy what's the gas millage on propane

[@GreenMountainDIYGuy]

@@raymcdonald731 Pretty Similar for the amount of time you will get out of a 20lb vs. a tank of gas. Propane does have less BTU's than gasoline so de-rate the generator by 10% when running on propane. Check out my Tri-Fuel conversion video the the 100520 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIuzh2p5pL6glZY

[@briancarl224]

@@GreenMountainDIYGuy ​ if it makes you feel better it's currently well above $2k on Amazon! It's available around $1300 elsewhere with long lead/delivery times so I think you did well getting it for $1k.