Thanks for the info! We wound up getting the generator tent, so we can move it further away from the house if we need to.
Home generator thread
59,323 Views |
549 Replies |
Last: 11 days ago by barnacle bob
I have decided to install a Generac 26KW generator at my house using Generator Supercenter through Costco. Before placing the order, I wanted to check if anyone has done this and could share any tips or potential pitfalls to watch out for. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Only comment I have is generator superstore sucked during beryl. Thousands of people had issues and they were severely overwhelmed
The Sun said:
Genny arrived this morning. Wheels and lift hook installed.Now I need to find some help getting this thing off the pallet. My goto buddy just had an appendectomy so he's out for a bit lol.
Was able to get the sawzall in there, cut the retainer blocks out and slid it down.
It's perty.
It was crated up and secured better than some expensive equipment I've seen shipped in the corporate world.
Had a couple wrenches thrown at me that I didn't know until set up.
Exhaust on this huge 713cc V-twin engine is 1 1/2" so I had to order a new Exhaust extension and through wall kit as the previous generator was 1". Also had to order high temp silicone from Amazon to isolate it through the wall as Lowes, home depot, and Walmart only had fire block and fire barrier.
Natural Gas connection on the generator was already set up for a quick connect and I didn't have one in my old line. So I had to order that. Using the old 15' line I had because the 25' line that came with it is too long for my application.
So after all that, I synced the remote start and fired it up this morning to test it out. I plan to avoid gasoline unless it's an emergency so I plugged in the NG line and it fired up third time (purging the air in the line I'm sure). Purred like a loud kitten. Transfered the house load to test it out and it powered everything quite easily.
Pretty happy about everything so far. I'll guess we'll see after it's needed.
Only issue seemes to be Westinghouse is slow to roll out this launch. Including not having the replacement/ maintenance parts for this unit up on their website. So I'm not sure how to buy spare oil, fuel, and air filters.
I ran mine through a five hour break-in today. It runs like a top. I love how easy oil changes are on it.
I agree about the packing. Unless it fell off the truck nothing was going to damage it. I am very pleased with this purchase so far.
I agree about the packing. Unless it fell off the truck nothing was going to damage it. I am very pleased with this purchase so far.
Nvm. Misread
If you see where to get consumables, let me know.
So my manual doesn't list the oil filter part number. I found the following Reddit thread:AgLA06 said:
If you see where to get consumables, let me know.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Generator/comments/1fe9dz0/comment/lmn10or/
Looks like the filter in this one from Westinghouse (180738). It says to order 751-12690 from Amazon if not in stock. Home Depot has them for Cub Cadet motors.
I ordered one off Amazon to compare them. Will update when I get it. The pictures look the same as what is on mine.
I guess for the spark plug I'll have to pull it and see what is installed. Westinghouse doesn't list 97108 on their parts site at all which is what is listed in the manual.
I don't know if the air filter will ever be in stock. Manual says you can clean it by hitting it with compressed air.
I can't find a part number for the fuel filter. Thinking about it, you can probably use any generic in-line filter that fits the fuels lines.
I don't know if the air filter will ever be in stock. Manual says you can clean it by hitting it with compressed air.
I can't find a part number for the fuel filter. Thinking about it, you can probably use any generic in-line filter that fits the fuels lines.
I bought my generator from Home Depot and had it delivered. Home Depot will put it in your garage. It was delivered on time with no delays. Took about a week from ordering to delivery. I used Holbrook Electric (Kyle Holbrook) for the install. He is a Generac certified Installer and will do it right. His number is 936-222-7320. He had a wait time of about 1.5 months.BL426 said:
I have decided to install a Generac 26KW generator at my house using Generator Supercenter through Costco. Before placing the order, I wanted to check if anyone has done this and could share any tips or potential pitfalls to watch out for. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Check to see where your gas line and electric breaker panel are on your house. If they are on the same side you should save some money. We had to run the electric through the attic to the panel and it did add cost but was not too bad. The generator also has to be installed with decent space around it and you need to look at where it is to avoid carbon monoxide getting into the house. Total cost for the generator and install was about $12k.
I looked at going through COSTCO also but did not see the savings worth it. I did get a 26kw generator also. Powers everything in my 3k square foot house.
nm...misread
I have heard the same thing . Generacs change their parts every 5 years,drumboy said:Generacs are the standard, but I'd look at Briggs & Kohler too. I've heard Generacs called 'Chinese junk' but that was possibly someone invested in another brand.Gus88 said:
I have a question regarding the reliability of a whole house generator. It seems to me these should be items that do not fail. You spend a lot of money for something you will probably only need a handful of days in your lifetime - so if it does not work that seems to be a bit of an issue.
Is unreliability a thing?
My mom put one in after my father ('61) passed away. This was the first time she needed. She purchased from the Generator Supercenter in Tomball, and had a service contract. It kicked on, but the tranfer to the house did not happen. She could not get a hold of the Generator Supercenter. Apparently they were inundated with calls - suggesting to me that these things are not working left and right.
She finally got someone out today. Dead battery and lose wire. Seems sort of fragile.
Any experiences?
If only a company put a Honda engine in a whole home generator....
stick to a Briggs and Stratton or a Kohler. They have been around for decades and parts remain the same. You can still buy parts for a 20yr old generator with those companies
Dumb question I've been rolling around in my mind.
If I'm not using gasoline and only using NG and Propane, do I need a replacement fuel filter? Seems like that would only be for gasoline.
If I'm not using gasoline and only using NG and Propane, do I need a replacement fuel filter? Seems like that would only be for gasoline.
I don't see why you would need to replace the fuel filter if you aren't....filtering anything. If anything, you can take it off and check it every ~year to make sure the filter element isn't deteriorated or something.
I have had the same thought and agree with Flaith. Probably no need to worry about it although I will probably try and find a replacement at some point just in case I ever need/want to run gasoline through it. I currently have no intentions of doing so though so not a high priority. Like I said earlier, probably any cheap inline fuel filter will work fine.AgLA06 said:
Dumb question I've been rolling around in my mind.
If I'm not using gasoline and only using NG and Propane, do I need a replacement fuel filter? Seems like that would only be for gasoline.
For an update...
Confirmed the 751-12690 works fine as a replacement. I ordered this one from Amazon and just installed it and filled up with Mobil 1. To make life even easier since the motor takes 1.6L of oil I also got this measuring pitcher off Amazon. Easy peasy.Quote:
Looks like the filter in this one from Westinghouse (180738). It says to order 751-12690 from Amazon if not in stock. Home Depot has them for Cub Cadet motors.
So FYI. I called Westinghouse and asked about the oil amount as it contradicts itself in the manual. This is what I was told.
"You only need 1.6q on the first fill and only 1q after."
Now I'm not saying that makes sense, but I asked them to repeat it.
My generator was on the low end of okay with 1.6q per the dipstick. I have a feeling it will take 2q in reality. Might want to double check yours.
"You only need 1.6q on the first fill and only 1q after."
Now I'm not saying that makes sense, but I asked them to repeat it.
My generator was on the low end of okay with 1.6q per the dipstick. I have a feeling it will take 2q in reality. Might want to double check yours.
AgLA06 said:
So FYI. I called Westinghouse and asked about the oil amount as it contradicts itself in the manual. This is what I was told.
"You only need 1.6q on the first fill and only 1q after."
Now I'm not saying that makes sense, but I asked them to repeat it.
My generator was on the low end of okay with 1.6q per the dipstick. I have a feeling it will take 2q in reality. Might want to double check yours.
Mine took 1.6L on the nose. My manual, the fill sticker and the bottle it came with were all 1.6L (note, not quarts).
I have the 14500TFC. Which do you have?
Now, 1.6L is actually 1.69Q not 1.17Q. I suspect you were on the low end of the stick from that missing 0.1Q (you were 86 mL short). I'm sticking with 1.6 L.
Oops
Same. That contradiction you show was why I called.
I meant L, not q.
The oil they sent was the 1.6L and that's what I put in. Still a bit low.
I meant L, not q.
The oil they sent was the 1.6L and that's what I put in. Still a bit low.
AgLA06 said:
Same. That contradiction you show was why I called.
I meant L, not q.
The oil they sent was the 1.6L and that's what I put in. Still a bit low.
Gotcha. Not sure then. I measured out 1600 mL and mine was right on the money.
Their answer about taking less oil after break in is just dumb. Doesn't surprise me though with call center personnel.
Bought and installed the same oil filter after a 5 hour break in (4 hour no load, 1 hour full load).
This thread has been a great resource as I moved through my prep plan.
Decided on a whole home for a variety of reasons. Went with a Champion unit, and happy so far. I like the gull wing design for ease of maintenance. My installer offered a custom stand which I had not seen on previous installs and opted to add. My thoughts this will help with maintenance and additional air flow for cooling.
Decided on a whole home for a variety of reasons. Went with a Champion unit, and happy so far. I like the gull wing design for ease of maintenance. My installer offered a custom stand which I had not seen on previous installs and opted to add. My thoughts this will help with maintenance and additional air flow for cooling.
Mind sharing all in costs on that set up? If not no worries!
Original quote was right at 13k. I had some incidental findings that needed repair and I had some additional circuits and conduit ran for future use while the yard was tore up, so final cost was higher than that.
I could have done this a lot more affordably, but I opted to have the unit about 80' away from the service panel. That drove the price up a couple thousand, I would say it almost doubled my install cost. Also, the stand was an additional 600ish that was in the original quote.
I could have done this a lot more affordably, but I opted to have the unit about 80' away from the service panel. That drove the price up a couple thousand, I would say it almost doubled my install cost. Also, the stand was an additional 600ish that was in the original quote.
Featured Stories
See All
55:57
1d ago
5.9k
Texas A&M adds former Florida DE T.J. Searcy via transfer portal
by Cade Draughon
Texas A&M adds former Georgia DE Sam M'Pemba via transfer portal
by Cade Draughon
63:43
1d ago
1.8k
FTM, Ep. 70: Belichick at UNC, uncertainty creating change & more
by FollowTheMoney
Presenting Texas Aggies United's 'Battle At Reed' Sweepstakes!
by Texas Aggies United