Predator 8,700 Watt Generator Electric Start Switch Replacement

[@thomasgarcia7392]

I have a Predator 9000. Thanks to your video I ordered a new start switch. It asked for the quantity and I put in 1 (one). When I go to check out it displays a 2 in the quantity box that can't be changed. So They sent me 2 but I'll keep it just in case. I opened up the case to get to the switch. Finally got it out. There are 5 wires plugged in to the old switch. Before doing this it's wise to take off the negative terminal on the battery. I plugged in the wires one by one to the new switch to get the old switch out so not to loose my place where they went. Took the old one out and plugged the wires back in to the old switch so not to get them mixed up. Installed the new switch and transferred the wires one by one to the new switch. Got everything back together and it worked. Thanks again for the video.

[@tomintheshop]

YW. Glad it worked

[@AD-iw4vy]

Westinghouse customer support referred me to this link to fix my own switch as the factory installed it upside down lol. Good job Westinghouse customer support!

[@donv6039]

I had exact same issue. I should have removed the panel but opted for the “remove from the front” method which pulled all my wires off the switch. And one of my wire colors is different from yours. Diff year I guess. Found a schematic online but one color diff as well. Really put me in a pickle. Went from 15 min job to science project in 1.3 sec. 😬. Finally resolved using your vid as a reference. Thanks.

[@rickkrik]

Thank you for very much for this video. I purchased the same switch that you did from V Power in Massachusetts and paid $23 (includes shipping). It was for my Westinghouse wGen6000 Generator. After I finished the repair, I found what appears to be the identical switch on Amazon for only $11.98 and purchased it as a spare to have on hand. The title of the Amazon listing is "Gardens Replace Start On Off Switch for Harbor Freight Predator 7000/8750 Watt 63086 63085 63087".

[@jbhobbyist9372]

I just finished mine. You don't have to loosen the boots just push the wires through. If you pull the control panel out you will see why there are six nuts holding it in place. Because of all the electrical that is mounted to the control panel it needs to be secured. The glue and zip ties on the switch is definitely over kill. Hopefully if there's a next time the replacement switch will just pop out and there won't be any need to take the panel off again. My Predator is 8750 Max with 7000 running watts. Good simple reliable machine. I have had it since 2014 has never given me any problems. Also have a Motor Snorkel kit connected to it. With that I ran propane a couple times for a short period. But most always run gasoline and turn the fuel valve to let carburetor run dry when shutting down. I haven't tried natural gas yet, not sure if it's ok for the generator. I think NG runs hot and might burn up valves.

[@QUIET151311]

Nice job, I appreciate you posting this.

[@tomintheshop]

You're welcome

[@frankbugaj3404]

Thanks for the demo...I've got the same issue with my Generac....and yes, it's hot glued in....ordered the replacement switch, hopefully it will snap in like yours did....thanks again....

[@4tsixer]

Just started the replacement today. It seems each of these 8750's was built differently. To get to my switch required the front 4 panel screws removed, it drops down a bit and then 6 small nuts have to be removed from studs that are attached to the front panel. This frees the front panel from the black housing for access to the switch and everything else on the front panel. The switch is friction fit and then glued with the glue also attached to the wiring harness, the glue has to be removed, then the 2 pieces of friction material to free up the switch. I also had a clear cover over the switch that popped off. New switch comes in tomorrow and it will be installed much simpler. I now see why the price was so low.

[@jimj3031]

THANS MAN! You have been more helpful than anyone at Harbor Freight or the their customer service! I have the same problem! The only issue I have is why replace it with the same part that will probably fail again? I would prefer to use a key start type of starter switch.

[@tomintheshop]

Good point. But I'm hoping that this part from VPowerequipment isn't made by Harbor Freight

[@jimj3031]

@@tomintheshop I guess we are learning. There is a reason why their prices are a little lower. You get what you pay for I guess

[@MrRsagetx1]

My Investor gen 9500 just started doing it. Having to use pull chord. I'll have to see if I can find a new engine switch for mine a V Power, thanks for info on where to look.

[@rgarizonahomestead2729]

great information and please have a great day

[@tommy28hhpr]

How did you determine the switch was bad versus the electric starter?

[@tomintheshop]

I figured that it would be the switch because it seemed logical to me that it would fail before anything else.

[@kev897]

How do you connect the battery? I have got a generator like this. It has the remote start key. But the instructions do not show where you connect a battery so the electric start can be made to function can you help?

[@tomintheshop]

Mine has a tray where the battery sits with 2 terminals. I show the battery in the video.

[@mitch5077]

Is it a double pole single throw switch? Mine is shot

[@ricardoruelas2012]

I need the starter for mine by change do you know part number for it. I have same size generator just can’t figure out with what I could replace the starter I did replace the switch already. But come to find out I need starter Can you please help ?

[@tomintheshop]

Check this list. If it isn't there, contact them generatorguru.com/68530/

[@MrMikepili]

What is the part number?

[@tomintheshop]

www.vpowerequipment.com/starter-switch-fits-the-predator-7000-8750-watt-generator/

[@DearHenryA]

Good job.

[@tomintheshop]

Thanks!

[@michaelmalone6858]

It is all metric, 8 & 10mm

[@RoderickGomez-gn3zn]

Like to see all wiring

[@imac1960]

they do that with everything now days they even use that Hot Melt glue they don't expect you to fix it just buy a new one they make it like everything is disposable

[@davidtownsend7854]

5 wires or 6 wires on switch

[@mitch5077]

Did you find out? Looks like 5 but guess I'll have to take mine apart.

[@RoderickGomez-gn3zn]

Predator 4000 generator wiring