HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS PREDATOR 4000 WATT GENERATOR - Modifications, Oil Change And Review

#Generator #Modification #Harborfreight
EASY PREDATOR 3200/4000 WATT GENERATOR MODIFICATIONS, OIL CHANGE AND QUICK REVIEW. This is a great generator that provides ample power during an outage. Watch to see what I modified on mine. Also, learn how to perform a simple oil change. Take a look below at the links I provided to see what tools and parts I used for this generator.
Harbor Freight also does sell a wheel kit for an additional cost. However, this wheel kit still requires you to lift the unit up a bit to move it. These caster wheels move the unit much easier.
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CONTACT INFO:
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Instagram - Garagegearjb
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PRODUCT LINKS:
Caster Wheel Set Link:
amzn.to/3c2v0JO
Rubber Impeller Flap for Vibration Dampening Link:
amzn.to/2ul0A4A
Nuts, Bolts, Washers Assortment Set Link:
amzn.to/2HK5ds4
Hour Meter Link:
amzn.to/38Pm1ty
Socket Set with Extensions Link:
amzn.to/2SQcHA0
Oil Catch Pans - Baking pans Link:
amzn.to/38RSZts
Form-A-Funnel Link
amzn.to/2SPMfqf
5W-30 Full Synthetic Oil Link:
amzn.to/2SSS2LY
Measuring Cup in Liters Link:
amzn.to/2vWfRJA
Funnel with Long Spout Link:
amzn.to/2SQWVVO
4000 Watt Generator Link:
amzn.to/2vSbvTP
Check out my other videos for other helpful Garage Gear Tips and Tricks.
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Questions?
Comments?
Leave them below!

[@tomtravis3077]

I love this generator. I bought it in 2013. I never have had problems. I put mine on a professional moving 4 wheel dolly. That has rubber skid resistance on the load-bearing surface. Thanks for the video.

[@GarageGear]

Good idea my friend!

[@charger19691]

I have this same generator and it’s fantastic! Doesn’t skip a beat! The “Form-a-Funnel” is the best thing since sliced bread! I run my generator out of gas by shutting of the fuel valve and let the engine run till it stops. I also use Startron fuel enzyme in all the gas I buy and it eliminates any ethanol problems. I’ve been using it for about 10 years now.

[@GarageGear]

Danny J. Rumbles Awesome! They’re a great buy! And yes the form a funnel is the best thing since sliced bread! Thanks for watching!

[@tonisam962]

Generator safety is very important for everyone to know kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2LNhWZ3g6qBrKs I’m not trying to force you. I just want to make sure you stay safe.

[@wtfhandcrafted.williamt.fi9361]

Uobjb B bb B B biuknjibiñ no neiinoo

[@67spankadelik]

This was informative. I actually have this very generator I bought some five years ago and never took it out of the box. I do recall it was a super deal. I like the mods. The hour meter was a great idea. I like the caster wheels but I will probably end up buying the wheel kit for more portability. Just in case I have to roll it through some grass or sand or rough asphalt. Thanks for posting.

[@GarageGear]

Wow you never had to use it yet? I bet it was a super deal. They were definitely cheaper back then. I think they are about $100 dollars more now. The wheels are a good option too. I just liked the swivel casters to roll it exactly where I want it. Thanks for watching black magic!

[@mrsjokerstout]

I just bought one of these from a pawn shop, and it didn't come with an owner's manual. Thank you for the video, it is so informative!

[@GarageGear]

ThatOneChick great! Glad you found this video helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@tonisam962]

I hope you stay safe using your portable generator kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2LNhWZ3g6qBrKs so please watch this video about generator safety. This is what everyone really needs to know about. I hope you enjoy this video and thank you all of you.

[@USARAY1947]

I use a trough made of aluminum foil which I just throw away when done. Excellent review.

[@GarageGear]

USARAY1947 saves on clean up time 👍 Good idea! Thanks for watching!

[@tonisam962]

@@GarageGear watch this amazing video kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3XVXnytjqx5nZY it’s so cool and I’m sure you’ll love it. Thank you

[@flash521]

I have owned a Predator for TEN YEARS with no problems. AND - you don’t have to start it every month. I can leave for MONTHS and it more often than not crank starts on the first pull. Great generator. I place the Predator on a Harbor Freight set of four caster wheels on a wooden frame. You can get it at Harbor Freight for about $8 when on sale. Or you can buy a $5K plus Generac - LOL

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing flash! These are great generators with plenty of power!

[@owen6017]

Thanks for the form a funnel tip. I've had this generator since 2017 and it's gotten my family through winter and summer multi day outages without any issues. This last storm in NJ was 5 days and the only time I turned it off was a nightly oil change and to gas it up. Funnel with a hose attached is key

[@GarageGear]

Ryan Oconnell that form a funnel is super handy! I use it for everything nowadays! Worth every penny! And yes a funnel with a hose is key! Totally agree! Thanks for watching!

[@brantleytrace8118]

instablaster...

[@waltershoults8803]

Ok , 2 years later JB ! I got it and I’m about to mod it and I’m thrilled because I got mine unopened and unboxed from a friend who needed the extra cash and basically I paid about half the price. Great video of your mods and I’m gonna copycat. 👍🙏

[@GarageGear]

That’s awesome Walter! What a deal! Have fun with all those mods! Let me know how it turns out for you!👍

[@LeFraudHasChokedInSIXFinals]

To make refilling the oil easier, attach a 2-foot-long clear vinyl tube onto the end of your funnel as a flexible extension. Then you can hold the funnel upright over the top and pour the oil with ease. Also, always run non-ethanol fuel in your small engines that see only sporadic use.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this lef!

[@J.R.F.23]

Thanks for the tips and tricks! I just picked up the PREDATOR 4550 "Open Frame" Inverter Generator. Mainly just for emergencies! Hoping it will do My oil based home heat, my fridge and my lights. (just enough to get by).

[@GarageGear]

That should do the job! Glad you found the video useful and thanks for watching!

[@mt0969]

Just want to point out that the manual calls for 0.6 QUARTS of oil, NOT liters. However, these two volumes are almost identical, so it makes no real world difference. This kind of error in larger quantities could make for disastrously catastrophic consequences. Nonetheless, excellent and concise video on some simple upgrades and taking the mystery out of the oil change. I'm ordering a run time meter now. The manual neglects, strangely, to point out where exactly the oil drain plug is!!!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing Michael! Thanks for your kind words! 👍

[@stevesmith9221]

Mine had 3 drains, 2 plugs.

[@TedBishop1]

Adding casters is a great idea. My Champion has a wheel kit but it is only 2 wheels I have to lift the other end. I might add some casters to the other corners. Thanks for posting !

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching Ted! And be sure to check out my other videos too!

[@SeaCatFl]

Great video and some great ideas. I really like the Hours Timer. I'll be doing that one. I picked up one of these Generators this Spring and have it set up with the Wheel Kit. (It resides in my back Room.) I wheel it out to the Patio, chain it to an Eye Bolt and run it for half an hour every Month while hoping I won't need to use it here in south Florida. (It will be moving north with me soon.)

[@GarageGear]

Ed Cook glad you found this video helpful! It’s a great little unit! Does a good job and didn’t break the bank! Good luck with your move! Thanks for watching!

[@ButterNoToast]

Have you seen that they sell an extension tube for the oil drain? I seen them on eBay but I can’t find a review on them.

[@GarageGear]

I have them on other machines. They’re called drainzit! I believe they’re the 10mm. Biggest problem I have is the angle of the pour in spout. Just a bad angle to get it in. Thanks for watching

[@michaelweber3369]

I love to see you put your locking wheels on and have it run on your garage driveway without being in the crack which is holding it from bouncing all around

[@GarageGear]

Michael Weber those licking wheels are definitely handy to have! Thanks for watching!

[@tonyaction5284]

Great video, very informative. Thank you sir🤙🏼

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for the positive feedback William! I appreciate it! 👍

[@00SirSativa00]

Thanks JB, I just got the same generator as a hand me down. Doesn’t look as shiny as your though haha. Was about to do an oil change. Luckily they already put on wheels for me!

[@GarageGear]

Awesome Alan! You could spray it down with some protectant and that would shine it right up! Thanks for watching!

[@briancnc]

Great video, nice tips on the hour meter and flexible funnel. The oil drain plugs are on these generators and even my JD lawn tractor are in such terrible locations! Great work.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks a lot! Not sure who designed these but they clearly didn’t have regular maintenance in mind. Thanks for watching!

[@briancnc]

@@GarageGear Bad engineers as always. Service should always be in mind, there are no excuses. Everything I design we consider future service/repair and ease on operator for equipment.

[@GarageGear]

BrianCNC not many like you around anymore lol! Got another video coming up soon on a power washer oil change. It’s impossible to change without an oil Extractor pump or else you’ll just make a huge mess! Stay tuned

[@johnt8986]

I have same unit. Bought a flexible funnel from local farm store for filling the oil. it was 3 dollars. Thanx for other tips.

[@GarageGear]

John Thompson great idea with the flexible funnel. Thanks for watching!

[@brady72.]

Hey JB! I recently bought a generator, and it has a big 8-gallon metal gas tank. I live in the superhumid Deep South, so I was wondering if you have any tips on preventing rust on the inside of the tank.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Brady if you’re concerned about the tank rusting you could consider keeping some ethanol free gas in the tank. It takes A LOT longer to go bad and if you run the engine once a month for about 5 minutes you’ll keep the carburetor from clogging up. Fill the tank up about 1/8 of the way. Just enough.👍

[@totalnoobfishing1753]

.6 liters = 2 and 1/2 cups .. don't panic people, surely wifey has measuring cups if you cannot find a liters cup. Great video for those of us here in NY hit hard by Storm Isaias

[@GarageGear]

TotalNoobFishing thanks for watching!!!

[@totalnoobfishing1753]

@@GarageGear Great channel!!!... SUB'd .. will binge watch your vids once power and internet restored.

[@GarageGear]

TotalNoobFishing sounds good my friend! I think I got a few gems on here you may like lol! Stay safe!

[@jcarter2575]

Im needing one of those fom a funnels. I use a large syringe with a tube on it to fill the oil. You can get the perfect amount with no mess every time.

[@GarageGear]

Sounds like a pretty cool tool. I have a form a funnel link in the description. Thanks for watching Cooter! 👍

[@cherylslate2328]

I was told to turn off the fuel first before turning off the generator. Or, let it run out of fuel. Is this correct? I plan to start it once a month as well.

[@GarageGear]

Yes that is a good plan. Shutting the fuel off allows the engine to use up any remaining fuel in the carburetor keeping it clean of any bad gas!

[@timothysmith7436]

You need to keep the tank full. If the power goes out, you won’t be able to pump gas at the gas station.

[@michaelpond6386]

Should have added an oil filler tube as an option

[@GarageGear]

That’s a good idea! 👍

[@Carlos-en1ws]

How often do u change oil?

[@GarageGear]

I believe the manual states every 6 months or 100 hours. This could depend on your use. I typically change it once a year. Thanks for watching!

[@bruceglick1752]

Is it ok to turn the gas petcock off with no load on my predator 7000/8750 generator and let it starve out of fuel when shutting it down?

[@GarageGear]

Perfectly fine! Do it all the time. Thanks for watching Bruce!

[@julierehoric3856]

You can buy a separate kit with the handle and wheels on it but only two wheels sideways

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing Julie! I noticed they had one of those kits but I wanted my generator to roll in any direction and lock in place. Thanks for watching! 👍

[@peshinski]

it comes with casters and the tuck away-bar for like 15$ from Harbor Freight my man..the hour meter for 5% on Amazon,form a funnel can also be a piece of foil, Ladies and Gents

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching!

[@paulcampbell6791]

Where are the links? Good tips.

[@GarageGear]

Paul Campbell down below in the description! Thank you!

[@jessedoyle6759]

Great review thanks a ton

[@GarageGear]

No problem! This generator definitely has a lot of value! Thanks for watching!

[@julierehoric3856]

$275 ???? they are $600. Oil drain is obnoxious, with a craftsman you just tip and drain out the fill hole

[@julierehoric3856]

But ty so much for the great info

[@White000Crow]

I keep mine full of fuel with stabilizer. Moisture is the enemy of fuel so I don’t like air in my tank. Mine gets tan several times a year when the power goes out.

[@GarageGear]

Good idea! Thanks for sharing

[@CTG711]

Hey Man, I'm hoping you can help me with mine. I bought this thing 2 years ago and never used it. Power went out tonight and it kept tripping the breaker while only trying to run my refrigerator! What's the deal? I looked up the specs on my fridge and it only pulls 6.5 amps. Fridge would turn on but when the compressors kicked on it would trip the generator. Same thing while trying to run a window air conditioner. Any ideas? Thank you!

[@GarageGear]

Hey CTG! Do you have the exact same generator?

[@CTG711]

@@GarageGear yes exact same one.

[@CTG711]

@@GarageGear So for whatever reason, this unit will only power my refrigerator while using a 240v dongle. It can power my refrigerator + large window A/C using the 240v dongle. Otherwise it keeps tripping while trying to use the GFCI outlets. I can however us the GFCI outlets for things like fans, phone chargers, and TV.

[@GarageGear]

@@CTG711 interesting! Not sure why it’s doing that for you! Perhaps you can have some electrician check it out for you?

[@krdcard]

You could get a bendable funnel so you wouldn't have to block up the generator when adding or changing oil.

[@GarageGear]

krdcard would a bendable funnel fit underneath? Reason I ask is because the engine is only a few inches from the ground without caster wheels. Thanks for watching!

[@krdcard]

No that wouldn't work underneath & that was my mistake for saying "change". I'm really talking about "adding" oil because you said that was the most difficult operation. The moldable funnel's fine for underneath of course.

[@GarageGear]

krdcard ahhh I see what you’re saying! Sorry I was confused. Yes, a better funnel for the refill would definitely help.

[@drunkingsailor2359]

Longer transmission funnel that can bend works better. A tip for ya change out that Chinese spark plug with them predators have a very high fail rate,,NGK has a replacement plug that very happy in them predators

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for the tip Tim! Any chance you know the model spark plug number? Thanks for watching!

[@White000Crow]

I like to use a 16oz sauce squeeze bottle. A hose can be put on the nozzle end if needed.

[@jamesknox2041]

Thanks for the great video.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching James

[@joevuzekaz2030]

Very nice 👍 thanks

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching Joe! Thanks for checking out my channel!👍

[@jbwx]

so im having a problem with mine. it will run for 10-15 mins but then it will shut itself off. any clue what could be the problem?

[@GarageGear]

I believe these units have a low oil indicator on them and shut the unit off when it’s low. Did you check the oil perhaps? Thanks for watching?

[@larryguevara3350]

Just use a small oil bottle pump to pump out the old a replace with new .

[@GarageGear]

I’ve purchased one of those since I posted this video. Thanks for checking out my channel Larry!

[@kenmandu4499]

The manual says DO NOT thread the dipstick in when checking the oil level.

[@GarageGear]

@@kenmandu4499 thanks for sharing

[@KatJaguar1122]

Wheels are great these things are heavy.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching Kathy !

[@billmcvoy3217]

I have the Harbor Freight 4000, I want to install the watt meter on the 240 side and can't find one. What meter are they using and how would I wire it (not technical) I prefer something that has case I can attached to the frame for low cost.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Bill, great question! Unfortunately I don’t know if I have a good answer for you. I put a basic hour meter on my machine and I believe I have that linked in the description below. As far as a watt meter goes that may attach differently. My guess is that it would attach to some output wire. (Not an electrician) have you tried researching this on google?

[@kennylavay8492]

Easier than a meter. just add up the appliance you want to use with how much start wattage they pull and there you have it. my main concern is a gas furnace and the frig, plus a few lights.

[@tonyaction5284]

Have yo ever owed rec-90 gas on it?

[@GarageGear]

They sell ethanol free gas at a gas station near me. It great fuel to use in these small engines. Thanks for watching!

[@KatJaguar1122]

So normally this generator takes 10w30.

[@GarageGear]

It does but in the manual it states you can also use 5w30 depending on which temperature zone your in. Either one works fine. Thanks for watching

[@michaelfox2989]

Killer video... HAGD

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching Michael!

[@fowsimohamed3201]

How to change fuel filter

[@GarageGear]

Hey fow I don’t believe there is a fuel filter on this model. Might be on other brands. I’ll have to check this one.

[@Mr.Schitzengigglez]

Other than the form a funnel, I just learned nothing. When I change my oil, I just tip the generator on its side, and eyeball just over half a quarter of cheap 5w-30, and, guess what? It's full. Amazing.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@josemendez-fy7km]

What would happen if it over fills

[@GarageGear]

Are you talking about the gas or the oil?

[@josemendez-fy7km]

@@GarageGear the oil

[@GarageGear]

@@josemendez-fy7km ok I would drain the oil out and refill it to the correct amount!👍

[@davidbivens2246]

When checking the oil you shouldn’t screw in the dipstick. You check it by sticking it in and pulling it out. DO NOT SCREW IN TO CHECK!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@KatJaguar1122]

Oil amount is 20 oz.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@austincarrowraces9080]

ladies and gentlemen

[@GarageGear]

👍 thanks for watching!

[@austincarrowraces9080]

@@GarageGear it was a great video I was just messin with ya 😂

[@GarageGear]

@@austincarrowraces9080 haha I know! A lot of people have actually sent me messages saying that they like hearing me say that because it’s not really said all that much anymore. I do have a small bunch of female subscribers here so I like be polite to everyone!

[@walterseeba7639]

Air tag it

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching Walter!

[@timothywebb9801]

No gas going to carb

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching

[@KatJaguar1122]

Wheels are great these things are heavy.

[@GarageGear]

Sure are! I like these casters better than the wheel kits they sell because it pivots better., thanks for checking out the channel Kathy!