Predator 3500 Inverter Generator 2 hour oil change LOTS OF METAL IN OIL a look with 250X microscope 

Going to begin breaking mine in today. Thanks for the video. Very helpful.

Thanks for taking the time.

I appreciate this video. I just followed the manual which said to change the oil once after a little time running it. I did that and then ran it a few times for about 2-3 hours each time. This time I was fixing a minor issue with the fuel line and decided to look up some videos about this generator. I'm glad I did because I just went and drained the oil and there were loads of tiny specks of metal in it. I'll probably have to flush it a few more times to get it all out.

Nice Video. I just finishing a break-in period on mine. 3 Changes then Mobile 1 10w-30. I also use a Magnetic Dipstick.

I changed mine at 2, 5 then 10 hrs. Now has mobil 1 in it as I don't use it much. I like to break my motors in with a small load. Great little generators

Very interesting ! Loved your video, Thank you for the demonstration. Sure had a lot of debris that I wasn’t expecting. I’m taking your advice on the 30 min run and change

Great video, very informative. Thanks for the advice!

This is a great video and shows the importance of getting the trash out of the engine. We run Castrol in 2 3rd Gen 4Runners. One has 402,000. One has 376,000. Both have had the oil changed every 15,000 to 20,000 and run great. I am a believer in Castrol but like One commenter said I thinknI may go with the Lucas break in oil. Thanks for such a great video.

Great info! I can see where following your procedure would greatly improve the operting lifetime of the engine. Thanks. Much appreciated!

I am glad to see that someone shares my philosophy of running a new engine only for a short time and changing the oil, I would not have necessarily filtered it nor thought to do it multiple times. but now i will! thank you! also the generator is quiet but does not idle smoothly, also i am slightly dissapointed at the quality of the plastic and the fit and finish, compared to my Honda, BUT what can you expect for 1/3 the cost. all in all i think its a good value so far. (only doing break in runs in the garage.)

"Honey, where's my black scarf that I was planning on wearing to the party tonight? You know.... the one with the HIGH KNIT COUNT?"

Good video and great advise. Thanks!

I did this to break in my 3500 ,never on eco mode- cheap 10-30 Wal Mart oil, drain immediately after shut down while particles are still suspended in the oil, I even tilted the engine temporarily while draining to force particles toward drain plug. I ran the generator with a 1000 watt electric heater for a load. Each cycle I checked the drained oil for particles .- 15 minutes first cycle-.30 minutes second cycle . 1 hour 3rd cycle. 2 hours 4th cycle. I ran a Castrol 10-30 after the 4th cycle until it reached 30 hours,then switched to Mobil 1.(Engines need the load to seat the rings.) I have been inside many new Predator engines ,and there is a LOT of machining trash in the new ones. Be aware that cooling air for this generator comes in from the bottom, grass and dirt, or uneven terrain can reduce air flow.Keep thin a piece of paneling or formica to park it on in questionable parking locations..

This is really helpful. Thanks!

Your video is awesome!!!

Very helpful and informative thank you

My 3500 is 2 years old along with my 2000 portable. Both run great and have never let me down. I keep them serviced with quality oil and NGK spark plugs. Replace the Chinese spark plug with a NGK and it will start much easier and faster. I recommend this generator for its price point and durability. Runs the AC on my camper with no problem. Good on fuel as well. Looking at the remote start system and the propane conversion kits to install next.

Yes sir it is metal, I think for the most part it is aluminum flakes from the rod, piston and possibley some uncleared machining as well. Great video by the way.

Getting mine this week. Planning on breaking it in with Valvoline VR1 due to the high zinc content.

I did a similar oil change interval on a Wen 2250i generator. Their suggestion was 25 hours. Glad I changed mine in the first 2 hours. The magnetic dipstick helps but it only captures ferrous metal. The oil certainly had some sparkle to it. I ran 3 hours on the next oil change and the oil looked much better. There was still a tiny bit of sparkle, but not as bad. I'm at 8 hours now and will probably dump it around 12-15 hours of total run time. After that, 25 hours should be good and let me switch over to synthetic.

I used coffee filters to collect FOD and dried filter with break cleaner. Lots.of metal.

On instructions manual say do not start when you put oil first time. You had to slow pull cord 3-4 time get all gear oil and no problem and make sure good oil. Then won't had a problem I had 4000 watt predator 212cc still work perfectly

I have a 2200w generac and the oil wasn't bad after 3 changes. Just bought a champion and did the same three changes in the first hour and then ran it for 5.5 hours and the oil looked really metallic still. They are both Chinese Yamaha mz80 clones but the generac is made by Ducar and THINK the champion is senci. The generac has valve cover bolts while the champion has studs and nuts, and has a fan and cast aluminum duct at the rear where the dc generator is. I've left it at work running for the night. Not sure if it will be running in the morning. It seems to use some oil as well. If it's blown up ill jury rig the propane carb onto the generac :) I paid less than what the unit normally goes for and can't get warranty. I'll be pissed if it fails but if it can't run 12 hours straight it's no good to me anyway

Dave the free lights from harbor freight and use the magnets I'm or on the. Drain plug

I purchased a predator 9500, filled it with oil, didn't start or run it, pulled the cord to circulate the oil then drained it. I found large aluminum machining chips and particular matter while draining. This only purged out the aluminum in the oil sump. Ferrous metal came out after break-in oil. Quality control is lacking but with a little effort I believe the serviceable life can be extended.

I did exactly like you said, I poured oil through my wife's new knit sweater. When she came home from work, she said what the hell is this? She started hitting me with some 2 x 4s and other sticks and branches that were laying around.

Next time use a coffee filter. It’s much finer then that cloth and it’s white so you’ll be able to see the particles much better

A little less noise and it’s heavier than expected

I switched to the amsoil also on my yamaha and the oil turns black before I find any metal in it, very good oil in my experience

Owners manual says to “break-in” by running below 75% load for the first 30 hours then change the oil. Based on several videos showing excess metal I changed my oil after only 3 hours run time and found virtually no metal particles. What I find interesting is the metal particles you pointed-out are magnetically attracted to the metal probe, the magnesium case material of the generator engine is non-magnetic so it’s hard to imagine what that metal is, especially the round ball-like particle? I can’t imagine where in the manufacturing process those larger metal fragments would be created? The smaller suspended particles appear to be machining residue which I wouldn’t worry about, but those larger ones are curious.. makes me wonder if it’s leftover tumbling material used to smooth out the finished part.

Yes, amsoil after a break in period and that engine will last you for years with minimal engine wear.

Good explanation, a question when I put the gas in it ⛽️ I have to put something else or just gas in it, thanks and blessings, good job.

Use a couple paint filters from Auto parts store. Those catch small micron debris much better. I personally (on my generator)take brake cleaner and a ⅛" hose put up in crankcase at a slight tilt and use the whole can then let it drain out for couple hrs. Take compressed air and blow thru ⅛" line up in crankcase to evaporate the rest. U won't believe the amount of debris that comes out !!

They’re decent generators for the price point. With that in mind, a good break in at least for the first 25 hours worked out for me. I did mine at 2, 8, 16, and 24 hour interval running on a 1/3 load. Since their standard warranty is 90 days, I figure if I buy it on a Friday, ride it hard and put it away wet on Sunday without any issues I’d be pretty much good. Before I start the break in process, I did verify the valve clearance to see if they’re in spec first. After the break in period, I just check on the oil before using it and changed it around the 100 hour mark and 100 hour intervals from there. So far I am now at the 239 hour mark and no oil consumption at all. I did change from the stock #76 main carburetor jet to a #72 due to it running rich at the 2000 ft elevation and I get less fouling of the spark arrester. Plus, I did a valve adjustment on it earlier in the week and it starts up on the first pull without any hesitation. Definitely a good break in and route maintenance go a long way.

I have this same generator, and I broke it in using the "AMSOIL BREAK-IN SAE-30 OIL", after which I use the AMSOIL 5W-30 Small Engine oil. I love the Generator, and I have had a Honda 1000 as well as two Yamaha 2000 generators. I am not saying the Honda or Yamaha is not any good, but the Predator is a lot less Money, and it too is quiet running.

Id run regular oil for at least the first 30 hours so the rings have a chance to seat better .. changing it every 10. then use synthetic.

Good video. Just purchased one of these units yesterday, haven't touched it yet. Read through the manual last night, and there is no mention of doing all this break-in flushing. I fully intend to, I'm just surprised that it isn't mentioned in the manual at all. Also reading mixed reviews on doing the initial flushes with the generator loaded or unloaded. Your thoughts?

I bought my Predator 3500i over two year ago. I salvage a magnet from a broken microwave oven and it does not help with aluminum particles.

More metal came out of that than my 600 horsepower drag car after 150 passes.

So you do it with eco mode on?

what is the upc/sku number of this unit? I noticed there are clear rubber cover over most of the buttons, the ones in the store today don't have them; there are supposed to be several different manufactures of these supplying HF

Enjoyed the video. I have a Honda eg2800i with the gc series engine. The break in oil looked like I could pour it right back in the bottle. I've heard good things about the Predator (Lifan) engines. I just doubt the quality,longevity is as good as a Honda.

The problem I have is: 1. A Lifan 7000 does not have a carburetor and is fuel injected And fuel is not waste as in a carbonator generator. But wither the Predator 3500 or the Lifan 7000 cannot be placed inside the cavity for the generator of my 1985 California Dolphin 21 foot RV. The current generator is Onan 4000 with 3400 running watts (It accelerates up and down in RPMs without my intervention)and my judgement is it is not enough to run the AC with the microwave oven.

Just buy the Honda, bought the Honda 2000 and 3000 exactly 10 years ago, now with 1000's of hours, both still perfect condition you get what you pay for

Where do you get parts

champion vs predator and why did you put oil stabilizer in spark plug also did you get the warranty I want to but this so much but want more feedback thank you

YOUNG MAN , U WILL HAVE METAL IN ANY THING U BETTER BE GLAD METAL WENT TO THE BOTTOM / WANT HURT ANY THING ! .

I started mine with full synthetic oil right away.. will it be fine? It only has 1.5 hours on it

Question for you Pm Tips....do you ever "thin" the oil for cleaning using transmission fluid? as I have always been told transmission fluid is highly detergent/cleaning. I know on an engine i didn't care much about I ran 50/50 motor oil and transmission fluid.....the motor hadn't had its oil changed...in like 100000 miles yes 100000. there was literally sludge inside the motor. I did that and it came out sludge-free after about 3 changes and slow driving and idling.

Even happens in a honda its normal

I broke in a cheap sportsman inverter. My first run was 5min, next I did a brake clean spray out of the crank case. Then 30min run, 1hr run and lastly a 3hr run. The amount of metal I got out at the 5min and brake clean flush was ungodly.

Great advice how is it running now?

I have astara koria witch best oil for it can I use 10w40

I have never heard that you need to cahnge oil after a few hours on a new generator.

are oil changes this frequent common for new generators?

I poor more oil back into it and pull the plug again, Helps flush it out

Wish you'd have shown the level on the dip stick. Mine reads full on one side and at the bottom of the stick on the other. Not a great design.

Whats the size of the oil plug thread???

whats the best fuel to run , just 87+ Unleaded ?

has anyone done this with a honda brand new out of the box too?

Be interesting to see how long the Pedator lasts. 🤔👍👍

Where is there an awl in the generator? There is no letter "R" in the word wash.

Do I need to use a special small engine oil that has more zddp in it?

Would ADDING 10 COFFEE FILTERS used as filters and reusing the used oil work?

How many hours do you do your first oil change?

My Honda 2200 didn’t have any metal 🤔

I see the metal flakes

Normal

Most people return them before 30 hrs

YOUNG MAN , ALL OF MY EQUIPMENT , I USE SHELL 15W - 40 YEAR AROUND

So I should just kiss my $900 goodbye then?

I can not believe people are buying these cheap things after seeing that much metal in the oil. A little bit is normal but that is crazy. My honda did not have any in during break in running full synthetic mobile 1. No way these generators are lasting over 500 hours. Get what you pay for.