Sportsman Gen1000i - 4 years later - Issues and Checkup Report

[@mwilliamshs]

Have had the same generator 3 years. Runs a 5k BTU window unit A/C anytime the power goes out or I go camping, which is a half dozen times a summer and serves backup in the winter. Mine has been flawless.

[@suppaman12]

800 watts for a 5k btu ac?!?!? Don’t believe that

[@mwilliamshs]

@@suppaman12 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXeUlYKqjaZgpcU

[@mwilliamshs]

@@suppaman12 you don't have to believe it but you can see it for yourself if you want. I posted a link to one video of the Sportsman 800w generator running a 5k btu AC but there are many more.

[@suppaman12]

@@mwilliamshs video shows that any wrong move and overloads comes on🤦🏻‍♂️ also he says anything digital and it will not work. So in other words go “buy” an analog ac and run it at fan because anything in the cool mode it may or will trigger the overload warning... thanks for proving my point

[@mwilliamshs]

@@suppaman12 i bought an analog ac at home depot, 5k btu, and it's never overloaded my Sportsman. The video you watched was a brand new generator and brand new ac. They both improve with a little use but you did see a 5k btu ac running and cooling on a 800w generator.

[@mbburg2149]

Just picked up one of these based on your review. Have the 2200i dual fuel and it has been great. Proper break in and its used on every camping trip. Got this little 1000 for the wife to keep limited electronics going at the camp. Light weight for her is a big plus. Just wish it had a propane option.

[@kev-reviews]

I think there is a dual fuel sportsman the size of this generator now. It’s a pale tan color

[@Gumby1978]

This is a very good review. If you had added the hour meter link I would have bought it from you site. I know it’s not much money but I would like to support any content creator. Thanks

[@ErnestoVergara-qs2vh]

Hello great video I have the same generator, it sat for over a year in my garage without use, I started it up today running fine then I noticed gas leaking from the bottom, then it shut itself off. Any tips on where to begin how ti fix? Thank you,

[@kev-reviews]

Most likely a dry rotted gas line or the primer bulb

[@DaveK84]

I've had mine for a couple of years for camper duty. Its even better when converted to propane as it doesn't smell and no need to worry about filling up gasoline etc. 50hrs and going strong.

[@J_Trask]

Good to know! I’m about to pull the trigger on one for myself.

[@jd7896]

What kit did you use?

[@mwilliamshs]

Propane conversion cuts the power output considerably, like in the neighborhood of 30%

[@DaveK84]

@@mwilliamshs i haven't noticed this but my converter in the camper is 500 watts. I was able to run a small 700w Mr coffee on propane though.

[@mwilliamshs]

@@DaveK84 it's science. In BTUs, 1 gallon of gasoline is equal to 1.25 CCF natural gas or 1.36 gallons propane. One engine running all three fuels will scientifically have the potential to make only about 75% as much power on NG as gasoline and only about 65% as much power on LPG. It's all about fuel energy density and volumetric efficiency. Now, these little Sportsman 1kw generators maybe overpowered sufficiently to allow producing 700w of AC power on propane (I don't know if they are or aren't), but if they were only capable of 1000w on gasoline, they cannot make 1000w on propane. Engine power is rarely the limiting factor in an inverter generator's output.

[@thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259]

I'm currenty testing this generator as a potential alternative to my tailgater 2 stoke generators and so far, it doesn't appear to produce enough power to start my chest freezer compressor whereas the tailgater has worked fine. This generator is only slightly quieter than the tailgater, perhaps quiet enough to use in a campground but I'm unsure most campgrounds will allow this generator. Noise is improved at lower power requirements in comparison with the tailgater, which is always rather noisey. This gen1000i is louder than the Honda 1000W inverter generator, based on my recollection.

[@deansip4360]

Thanks for your information and all the testing you did.

[@gregbarnett9272]

Ever since I sold my pair of Champion 2000 suitcase generators, I've missed having a grab-and-go genset. I've been entertaining the idea of buying another inverter generator in the 1000 watt class and I'm liking the Predator 1400, but HF has it priced above what I paid for a very reliable Predator 2000 3 years ago. A buddy spotted a stack of Sportsman Gen 1000i's on sale for $219 at Atwoods yesterday , so I started searching for reviews and.. well... that brought me here. I'm not sure whether I should thank you or not, but in either case, I guess I'll be heading over to Attwood's. (Thanks for a very watchable and informative video!)

[@kev-reviews]

Thanks, and good luck with the new generator!

[@patricklions9066]

Whats the true wattage on these? I owned one, wouldnt sustain 600 watts. Around 580 watts i think it was, it would start blinking or shutting down. So it wasnt enough for my use, wanted one that would run a little 700 watt rv microwave but it wouldnt even do that, despite being rated for 1,000/800. No ive got 4 larger generators, but theyre all heavy and overkill

[@jimmybrad156]

With wattage, the power factor needs to be included. A way around this is measuring the amperage instead. (The amperage includes the power factor.) Eg. if the load was 580 watts and had a power factor of 0.62 that would be ~935 watts of 'real' power I think it's called, instead of 580 watts 'apparent' power. Let's say 120v, and let's say 950w real power, 950/120= 7.91 amps capacity. If the load has a power factor of 0.5, it's kinda 'pushing back' half of what the generator is giving it, meaning the generator needs to work twice as hard to get the job done, which is why it's more desirable to have loads with a power factor as close to 1 as practical (eg. a resistor like a kettle has a power factor of 1.)

[@Bukinbronco88]

I have the same generator with just over 300 hours on it and 2 years old. And I like those gas cans . I use them they work great

[@tarstarkusz]

Do you have a kill-o-watt? Because I am wondering what happens to the frequency when you put it on eco mode Usually the frequency of the sine wave is based on the RPM of the motor which is usually matched to the peak in BSFC..

[@kev-reviews]

I do. I believe I have shown all that in the previous reviews on KevCentral of this generator

[@drevilatwork]

All the inverter generators make high voltage DC that the inverter in them converts to 110V AC. More exactly the AC from the coils gets rectified and filtered 8n DC then the inverter turns it into a relatively clean 120V AC

[@tarstarkusz]

@@kev-reviews So what happens to the voltage and the frequency when you put it in eco mode?

[@tarstarkusz]

@@drevilatwork No they don't. At least not that I know of. Every one I have ever seen generates AC power and is fixed (through a governor) at 3600 RPM If you speed it up (by bending the governor) it raises the frequency and if you slow it down, it lowers the frequency.

[@J_Trask]

@@tarstarkusz that’s the difference between a regular generator, and an inverter generator. The inverter generator has a DC inverter built in.

[@TheGreatCanines]

I overloaded my sportsman 1000 generator on eco mode, and now the engine will not restart. What could be wrong? Just bought this brand new 5 days ago. thanks

[@kev-reviews]

Assuming the power toggle is in the on position, it has gas with the valve turned to flow, and has enough oil (low oil can cause auto shutdown,) I would suspect the overload triggered the DC circuit breaker. It’s a button in the front that needs to be reset with a press.

[@brentwinkelman1990]

Whats your finding for Max running watts? Do they actually put out the full 800 watts constantly?

[@keithalexander36]

750 continuous is what i got when tested. anymore motor starts bogging then kicks overload light on and shuts down.

[@OzySteiner]

Less then 600w on mine.

[@joeziahbabb]

I've had two of these fail now. First time, I thought maybe I accidentally over filled the oil, when I drained it the oil had lots of sparkles in it and it was gray coloration. I had never over filled it before and had always double checked, also only took out 6 ounces but whatever, got a good 150 hours and 4 years out of it. However, I purchased a new one and did the initial break in and went to drain the oil and again, gray colored sparkly oil and it can't operate anything over 350 watts or it will kill it. I think it detonated or something like my old one but this one did it within 4 hours of the break in.... Just got unlucky on the second one I think but maybe there is a design flaw here...

[@Jamesk6941]

Can I add a scooter muffler to 😊this generator for noise reduction?

[@tomherron4334]

Craftsman needs to hire you as their spokesperson. You would look great as a friend cardboard cutout in the aisles of Lowes.

[@kev-reviews]

😂

[@lordnetsplits3192]

How does it run cool being fully enclosed and relying on air cooling?

[@kev-reviews]

Proper venting/ducting like on an old VW beetle

[@Montblanc1986]

No spill makes great gas cans. Best I've tried!

[@MrSGL21]

the clear strip on the side is not UV stablized. mine cracked in a year or so of being outside. junk. replaced with a steel can.

[@somwrtlftur2367]

Does anyone know where the idle screw is on the carb on this unit? I have a 4 year old one like this one in the video and it has been flawless. I just bought another one in the Sandstorm color and when i first cranked it and for several hours it idles up and down. When i put a 450 watt load on it the idle stabilized. Kind of weird.

[@arriagada1957]

Where is the fuel filter location to replace...

[@OcRefrig]

Good video ! Project farm did a video on super tech oil & i believe it came out very well. does it still work ? Ftv - subbed. liked.

[@SekritKomrade]

Thanks for the content. I enjoy your videos.

[@215cyclone]

whats a good hour meter to add to this generator ?

[@kev-reviews]

I just buy the cheap ones off Amazon. I’ve never had a problem with them

[@jwills6883]

I'm new at using generators. I have a teardrop camper with a 5000btu A/C and a small TV. How do I hook up my 30amp camper to this? Do I get an adapter for my 30amp cord or do I just use an extension cord and plug into my outside outlet (like a house plug in - I don't know what you call it...110v?)

[@kev-reviews]

This small generator won’t power that

[@JimiMarvin]

Iv had mine for about 3 months use it lot I have probably 60 hrs on it. Ran great till the other day. It runs for a couple min then dies but fires right back up. Tried changing the oil again and cleaning the plug hoping it would help but still dies very frustrated. I thought running ethanol was my problem but others have said it's ok.

[@Prj7762]

Is your gas cap vent open?

[@3Dsjk]

Does your power go out often enough that you need a generator, or do you bring this on outings where you need power?

[@kev-reviews]

Neither. It’s my emergency backup if I need a fan or to charge a phone

[@tomallen6073]

Is it a true sine wave output or just a modified?

[@kev-reviews]

I’ve never tested it, but plenty of people have hooked them to an oscilloscope and report a smooth signature

[@warehousemobsquad5922]

What type of fuel do you use

[@kev-reviews]

Non-éthanol

[@huseinabdul1]

Wonder if we can run ethanol fuel can we put something in it to help. Just want to make sure if in a power outage I can use standard fuel. Only one place 30 miles away sells non ethanol fuel in my area. Wonder if anyone tried making a natural gas conversation kit for this. It would be awesome Also the seafoam is this something you put in as an extra protection?

[@kev-reviews]

I use seafoam as a fuel stabilizer. Seems to help as I haven’t had any problems with stored gas. Yes, 10% ethanol fuel will run in this generator. I wouldn’t store it with ethanol in it, but it will work just fine with the commonly available fuel.

[@huseinabdul1]

@@kev-reviews thank you I will certainly use the non ethanol fuel for now but if I ever in a pinch I know I can use standard fuel. Will keep the seafoam in stock as well. Thank you for the great videos!

[@cobymela]

What a timely video! I just went to Tractor Supply and ordered me one at the sale they are having now based on your videos and Hobothech’s as well. Are there any recommendations regarding spark plugs, gas, tricks, or advise to keep this running well? I run a Champion exclusively on propane and this will be my first gasoline one. Thanks!

[@kev-reviews]

Congrats. Just change the oil as specified and I always use non-ethanol gas

[@David_Vander_Vliet]

I just got mine yesterday!

[@ronb8052]

My experience with two units has been disastrous....puts out nowhere near 1000 watts...can't even start a window a/c that has a hard start capacitor....both eventually stopped starting....warranty paid for both. I guess some are lucky, some aren't.

[@rolandwells6215]

My rpm goes high and won't comes back down what causing the problem

[@kev-reviews]

Does it happen the instant you crank the generator?

[@sanabibimtb]

Nice video and very informative thank you dude!👍

[@KennethT32505]

Have you tried to run a full size fridge? I heard someone said the ran a full size fridge with this generator for 6 hrs without problem.

[@kev-reviews]

I have not

[@gllipp6104]

I had the same generator the motor blew and the company wouldn’t help me and didn’t have parts to fix I was told to search around very disappointing wouldn’t recommend

[@eugene44569]

Hey Kevin the vitus neucleus 27 is in stock im a medium. Will you pick that up for review

[@SekritKomrade]

I mean, its a 971$ Bike. That doesn't really fit the channel theme, nor does it suit to be upgraded much, as it comes decently kitted in comparison to the other KevCentral builds. Just my 2 cents.

[@eugene44569]

@@SekritKomrade I'm talking about the 600 euro model

[@tomr6558]

2 on/off switches, one on the side & one on the panel. Turn on BOTH. It will start with fresh gas and follow the video.

[@geofrancis2001]

the only weak point on the generator is the fuel prime builb, i have had 2 burst.

[@williamdeguffroy2887]

What about a shed review?

[@kev-reviews]

That’s an old Rubbermaid I don’t think they even make anymore

[@willardbuchanan9122]

Nice generator

[@MattMohsOutdoors]

Mine bent a push rod at 43 hrs

[@kev-reviews]

Thanks for sharing

[@J_Trask]

You can get a great warranty buying this generator at Tractor Supply.

[@MattMohsOutdoors]

@@kev-reviews just put new/used pushrods in it. Currently running it as I type

[@tarstarkusz]

You probably could have gotten a clone carb for dirt cheap. But really, even $200 is well worth it if you can do the carb yourself. The 3500i is listed at $812. Well worth a $200 carb considering the replacement cost. But the clones can sell for as little as $20!!

[@kev-reviews]

I paid $349 for the generator I believe. The aftermarket carbs being sold for this model were still $150+ and didn’t fit the engine.

[@improvisedsurvival5967]

Ran mine in on the cheap synthetic.

[@kev-reviews]

I use Walmart Super Tech synthetic in mine 👍🏼

[@Nunyabusiness539]

They are hit and miss, i have one 3 or 4 years old and it still starts right ul and runs great, bought a new one recently qnd one day jt would start one pull then couldnt get it to start the next, then the next it would start again, inconsistent so returned jt, gonna get the honda eu1000, i have the eu3000 and it is quitier with a 1500 watt load than the sportsman 1000 on eco mode with no load

[@kev-reviews]

Those little Hondas are great

[@BOB12349307]

what the hell 3 years on a generator? i have one thats 12 years old in mint condition

[@J_Trask]

It’s a cheap generator. What brand and type is yours?

[@BOB12349307]

@@J_Trask duromax 440 duel fuel

[@jackd8216]

this has no carb bowl. its like a weedeater carb

[@randyab9go188]

I HATE those gas cans. Leak more than the conventional types they replaced.

[@kev-reviews]

I’m multiple years into using the same 3 cans and mine don’t leak 🤷🏻

[@d3s810]

First

[@jameswarman8077]

I can't hear it run you talk too much 😆