One of the best or the best engine break in process video I've seen. I'm getting ready for my break in in a recently purchased 10000W generator. I akready have 4 qts of Royal Purple break in oil, magnetic dipstick, magnetic drain plug, just couldn't find time to do that
I did the same type of break in on my Honda 2000 generators. They now have close to 500 hours of operation and never use any oil between changes. I added a Micro-Air EZ Start to the air conditioner on my rv. This allows my Honda twins to easily start the compressor while running on eco mode. The EZ Start isn't really necessary here in North Texas but it really makes a difference when using the AC at 5500 to 6500 feet elevation. I also assembled my own extended run fuel system using a six gallon boat tank. The extra fuel will allow the gens to run for 30 to 36 hours.
Wow Sharon I just learned so much from this video, I had absolutely no idea that this was necessary for a generator. I literally thought you just assembled,added gas and it was good to go. Thanks so much for this ,it's so helpful
I’m not sure you could have done this any more perfect than you did. For about 10-15 dollars and half a day you may have extended the life of it. Just a great well thought out idea.
@@TwoTiredTeachersthis was by far the most entertaining and best generator break in video, I've ever seen on TH-cam. I used shell Rimula R4X 15w40 and performed several break in, but it was every 5 hours until I reached 30 hrs, by that time, engine was already cleaned and I could go for every 30 hours instead of the 100 hours
Helpful tips! Also glad to know I can run my NoBo off that size generator. My buddy swears up and down I have to spend the money on the pure sine generator but I'm not necessarily sold on that.
We've been using our Westinghouse generators for trips that are a month long when we have no hook ups, and with the generators and solar, we're doing fine.
This is such a great video! I’ve watched countless Westinghouse iGen videos and none have shown be a break-in as clearly as this one. I truly appreciate your effort. One question…did you actually switch to the 5w30 synthetic as the manual suggested? And if so, does this apply to the iGen 2200 also?
Hi Two Tired Teachers! You are so informative and helpful. I know this post was a few years ago, but wondering by if I can perform the same steps to break in my new Westinghouse 2550 dual fuel generator. I only want to use propane. I appreciate any insight you have. I have 2 of them and plan to parallel them for more power. 🙏
@@TwoTiredTeachers What is the purpose of Marvel Mystery Oil in the spark plug? I'm going to follow your instructions for mine that is the dual fuel, and want to understand better. Thank you very much.
I just bought two of these. You do the best explanation of how these things work. I'm not a retired teacher yet, but only six more years. You can tell you have an education background based on how you present these videos. They have been so helpful. I noticed you have the magnetic dipstick rather than the cheap plastic one that comes with it. Where did you get this and is there a part number? I want to make sure I buy ones that fit.
Well. . .mine arrived today. I followed your steps and one is working perfectly. The second one started randomly shutting down after the first oil change. Load never got over 50%. I put a call in to tech support and they're supposed to get back to me. Hoping it's something simple.
@@frankhartman5496 When we contacted Westinghouse, the person with whom we spoke was quite knowledgable, and answered all of our questions. We hope you're as pleased as we were after you speak to a technician.
Everything was by the book, the book of good maintenance. Happy to see I am not alone. I have some generators and specially a EX4500 Honda,24 years old, Works better than new.
Engine break-in oils are high in zinc to protect engine parts during the break-in period: I use Royal Purple, the brand doesn't really matter. It's just important to get one that's high and zinc. Purpose: Break-in oils help reduce wear and tear on engine parts like the cylinder walls, drive gears, and oil pump parts. This can help maximize the engine's performance and life expectancy. How it works: Zinc additives create a protective film between engine parts to prevent metal-to-metal contact.
I have a similar generator, this is a great video how to break the engine in. At minute 3:00 i saw the generator smoking oil, I was wondering if its normal since mine does that too, even after break in and further use.
@@TwoTiredTeachers Thanks, im thinking mine could have a problem with the valve stem seals or the piston ring itself. I measured compression and got around 130 psi, so its really odd it smokes so much oil. lol
@@TwoTiredTeachers I would not add two tablespoons of oil in any engine's cylinder, maybe a few drops then pulling thru several times WITHOUT THE SPARK PLUG INSTALLED, but, this added oil greatly increases the compression to the point of possible/probable damage....
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08SPZZ8LX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 That particular one isn't currently available on Amazon, but that's the one we ordered.
This is the generator that I’m hoping will run our 13,500 BTU RV air conditioner and maybe the refrigerator and a lightbulb or two….That is probably pushing the limit, but as a senior citizen I am trying to avoid having to lift a heavier generator.🙂
That's a little over 1 ton a/c and will run at 6 to 7 amps and on start up 9 or 10 amps for a split second. 10 amps at 230 v is 2300 watts. 7 amps at 230v is 1610 watts. The actual run amps will be less that 2500 watts maybe 2100 watts? I would say you would be better off with 3500 watt gen. It can work possible but not good to run a gen over 60% of it's max output for long. When I was at Iraq and Afghanistan everything was ran with generators and they had generator mechanics they went with 60% usage to get the generator running optimal. I don't like running a new generator for 1 hour with no load. First hour is crucial to set the piston rings and with no load it will take longer to set the rings and I feel it would be better to put a load on the gen earlier to set rings and valves. I will . I'm getting a larger gen myself will change oil first time at 5 hours. Non synthetic oil for first oil and non synthetic for first oil change at 5 hours. The first hour I will run it with a light load at maybe 25 % second hour up to 50% vari the load to set piston rings Early and up to the 5 hours will run at less than 50% changing loads at 5 hours I will use the non synthetic oil and run it for a total of 25 to 35 hours before I change to full 5w -30 full synthetic oil. Than 50 hour oil changes from there on out. Marvel mystery oil is not a bad idea to add 1 or 2 teaspoons to spark plug hole if engine is dry then put spark plug back in and pull the cord slowly with switch off 6 to 10 light pulls and before you pull the chord add the motor oil to crankcase first.
Fantastic video, I was looking over several different break in methods and yours seems to be the best way to ensure a long lasting generator. I was wondering if the magnetic dip stick fits the igen2200, if so do you have a link to where you found it as I'm hoping to find one that will work with my model.
I'm not sure where Sharon bought our magnetic dip stick. She told me she thought the one we bought will fit both the igen2500 and the igen 2200. I have spent some time looking for a dip stick that would work. I've found several on ebay, but I don't know that we paid as much as they are asking -- around $22.
Westinghouse pre runs the generators before shipping them . Splash lube means oil only lubes the engine while its running . Simply pulling the rope dose not do lube anything .
I don't know how I missed your comment, but I am truly sorry. Unless we are traveling, we try to respond within two or three days. Thank you for your encouraging words about the generator. We do appreciate your comment.
@@TwoTiredTeachers I just got the 2500. Ready to break it in and I like your procedure. Thanks for the info. I'll toggle back and forth for the whole breakin.
As a automotive engine designer and Builder and Machinist. never EVER make the mistake of putting gasoline or oil directly into the cylinder of a piston reciprocating engine! Cuz you are literally asking to destroy that engine.. .
When we bought our generators, we didn't have enough solar to power much. Now, we don't want to drain a lot of the solar by running the AC. We have 8 100 watt panels on the roof, and the batteries to store all the solar we get.
Two things. The factory runs these so just fill with oil and run it. 2nd, do not run a generator for any period of time without a load. You are not breaking in an engine without a load on it and if you are going to let it just run you need to put some kind of load from the start.
This doesn’t make sense to me… these generators have all been started at the factory… so why are you adding oil to the cylinder before start… it has already been ran. I would think this step could be skipped.
These are great generators. I followed the owner's manual for break in on mine. Running great so far.
We like having a good generator.
Smart, follow manufacturers instructions.
One of the best or the best engine break in process video I've seen. I'm getting ready for my break in in a recently purchased 10000W generator. I akready have 4 qts of Royal Purple break in oil, magnetic dipstick, magnetic drain plug, just couldn't find time to do that
Hope everything goes smoothly with the break in process.
I did the same type of break in on my Honda 2000 generators. They now have close to 500 hours of operation and never use any oil between changes.
I added a Micro-Air EZ Start to the air conditioner on my rv. This allows my Honda twins to easily start the compressor while running on eco mode. The EZ Start isn't really necessary here in North Texas but it really makes a difference when using the AC at 5500 to 6500 feet elevation.
I also assembled my own extended run fuel system using a six gallon boat tank. The extra fuel will allow the gens to run for 30 to 36 hours.
We also have an EZ start on the AC. Thanks for the tip.
Wow Sharon I just learned so much from this video, I had absolutely no idea that this was necessary for a generator. I literally thought you just assembled,added gas and it was good to go. Thanks so much for this ,it's so helpful
Glad it was helpful!
I’m not sure you could have done this any more perfect than you did. For about 10-15 dollars and half a day you may have extended the life of it. Just a great well thought out idea.
Thank you. We hope it lasts for a long time.
@@TwoTiredTeachersthis was by far the most entertaining and best generator break in video, I've ever seen on TH-cam. I used shell Rimula R4X 15w40 and performed several break in, but it was every 5 hours until I reached 30 hrs, by that time, engine was already cleaned and I could go for every 30 hours instead of the 100 hours
@@danteerskine7678 Thank you so much.
That was a great video! Thank you for sharing.
You are most welcome.
Helpful tips! Also glad to know I can run my NoBo off that size generator. My buddy swears up and down I have to spend the money on the pure sine generator but I'm not necessarily sold on that.
We've been using our Westinghouse generators for trips that are a month long when we have no hook ups, and with the generators and solar, we're doing fine.
This is such a great video! I’ve watched countless Westinghouse iGen videos and none have shown be a break-in as clearly as this one. I truly appreciate your effort. One question…did you actually switch to the 5w30 synthetic as the manual suggested? And if so, does this apply to the iGen 2200 also?
Thanks for watching and your kind comments. Yes, I am using 5w30 synthetic oil in both generators now and they are running great.
The engine preparation/breakin shown in this video should be followed for ANY small engine that you want to help have a long life....
Great job! On the generator AND the video.
Thank you.
I think you did a great job with the multiple oil changes
Thank you!
🤙 Very informative!
Thank you.
Hi Two Tired Teachers! You are so informative and helpful.
I know this post was a few years ago, but wondering by if I can perform the same steps to break in my new Westinghouse 2550 dual fuel generator. I only want to use propane.
I appreciate any insight you have. I have 2 of them and plan to parallel them for more power. 🙏
@@cindiwilliams4035 Sorry, but we don't know enough about dual fuel to give any suggestions. Wish we could have been more helpful.
@@TwoTiredTeachers That is so kind of you to reply. Thank you.
@@TwoTiredTeachers What is the purpose of Marvel Mystery Oil in the spark plug? I'm going to follow your instructions for mine that is the dual fuel, and want to understand better. Thank you very much.
I just bought two of these. You do the best explanation of how these things work. I'm not a retired teacher yet, but only six more years. You can tell you have an education background based on how you present these videos. They have been so helpful. I noticed you have the magnetic dipstick rather than the cheap plastic one that comes with it. Where did you get this and is there a part number? I want to make sure I buy ones that fit.
First, thank you for saying Sharon's explanation is clear. I'm sorry, but we don't remember which magnetic dip stick we got.
Well. . .mine arrived today. I followed your steps and one is working perfectly. The second one started randomly shutting down after the first oil change. Load never got over 50%. I put a call in to tech support and they're supposed to get back to me. Hoping it's something simple.
@@frankhartman5496 When we contacted Westinghouse, the person with whom we spoke was quite knowledgable, and answered all of our questions. We hope you're as pleased as we were after you speak to a technician.
Everything was by the book, the book of good maintenance. Happy to see I am not alone. I have some generators and specially a EX4500 Honda,24 years old, Works better than new.
WOW! You must keep them in the very best shape!
Nothing but the best for my kids, good synthetic oil, and love.@@TwoTiredTeachers
@@JesusRamos-1224 It shows by the age of your Honda.
Excellent information!
Thanks.
You gave me the confidence to do this by myself.
Good for you!
Engine break-in oils are high in zinc to protect engine parts during the break-in period:
I use Royal Purple, the brand doesn't really matter. It's just important to get one that's high and zinc.
Purpose:
Break-in oils help reduce wear and tear on engine parts like the cylinder walls, drive gears, and oil pump parts. This can help maximize the engine's performance and life expectancy.
How it works:
Zinc additives create a protective film between engine parts to prevent metal-to-metal contact.
Thank you so much for the info.
I have a similar generator, this is a great video how to break the engine in. At minute 3:00 i saw the generator smoking oil, I was wondering if its normal since mine does that too, even after break in and further use.
Let me ask Sharon tomorrow, and I'll get back to you.
It shouldn't do it all the time. The smoke you saw on the video was part of the breaking in.
@@TwoTiredTeachers Thanks, im thinking mine could have a problem with the valve stem seals or the piston ring itself. I measured compression and got around 130 psi, so its really odd it smokes so much oil. lol
@@hugocamacaro5280 Try calling Westinghouse. The number was on our generator. A real person answered any questions we had.
@@TwoTiredTeachers I would not add two tablespoons of oil in any engine's cylinder, maybe a few drops then pulling thru several times WITHOUT THE SPARK PLUG INSTALLED, but, this added oil greatly increases the compression to the point of possible/probable damage....
Question........Can you give me the link to the magnetic dipstick and hour meter you used? Thank you.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08SPZZ8LX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
That particular one isn't currently available on Amazon, but that's the one we ordered.
@@TwoTiredTeachers what about the magnetic dipstick?
@@TheGregWallace Sorry. I was thinking hour meter. We didn't order it on Amazon, and I don't know what kind or where we got it.
@@TwoTiredTeachers Thank you.....I will look for something.
@@TheGregWallace hope you find what you need.
This is the generator that I’m hoping will run our 13,500 BTU RV air conditioner and maybe the refrigerator and a lightbulb or two….That is probably pushing the limit, but as a senior citizen I am trying to avoid having to lift a heavier generator.🙂
I can't guarantee that it will run it all, but it might. We didn't want one any heavier either.
That's a little over 1 ton a/c and will run at 6 to 7 amps and on start up 9 or 10 amps for a split second. 10 amps at 230 v is 2300 watts. 7 amps at 230v is 1610 watts. The actual run amps will be less that 2500 watts maybe 2100 watts? I would say you would be better off with 3500 watt gen. It can work possible but not good to run a gen over 60% of it's max output for long. When I was at Iraq and Afghanistan everything was ran with generators and they had generator mechanics they went with 60% usage to get the generator running optimal. I don't like running a new generator for 1 hour with no load. First hour is crucial to set the piston rings and with no load it will take longer to set the rings and I feel it would be better to put a load on the gen earlier to set rings and valves. I will . I'm getting a larger gen myself will change oil first time at 5 hours. Non synthetic oil for first oil and non synthetic for first oil change at 5 hours. The first hour I will run it with a light load at maybe 25 % second hour up to 50% vari the load to set piston rings Early and up to the 5 hours will run at less than 50% changing loads at 5 hours I will use the non synthetic oil and run it for a total of 25 to 35 hours before I change to full 5w -30 full synthetic oil. Than 50 hour oil changes from there on out. Marvel mystery oil is not a bad idea to add 1 or 2 teaspoons to spark plug hole if engine is dry then put spark plug back in and pull the cord slowly with switch off 6 to 10 light pulls and before you pull the chord add the motor oil to crankcase first.
Where did you get the magnet plug??? Thanks
We got the magnetic dip stick from Amazon.
Dang...I wish I had that funnel for my Honda generators.
It does come in handy.
Great job !!
Thank you.
thank you!
@@psychurch You are most welcome.
Good advice thank you
You are certainly welcome.
Fantastic video, I was looking over several different break in methods and yours seems to be the best way to ensure a long lasting generator. I was wondering if the magnetic dip stick fits the igen2200, if so do you have a link to where you found it as I'm hoping to find one that will work with my model.
I'm not sure where Sharon bought our magnetic dip stick. She told me she thought the one we bought will fit both the igen2500 and the igen 2200. I have spent some time looking for a dip stick that would work. I've found several on ebay, but I don't know that we paid as much as they are asking -- around $22.
@@TwoTiredTeachers thank you so much, I'll keep an eye out for a deal on one.
@@justinr9987 We hope you find exactly what you need.
I purchased a magnetic oil dip stick on Amazon for I think eleven dollars. They tell which gen set it will fit.
@@waynesargent5299 Good information. Thanks.
Do you have a link for that magnetic oil plug? Tia
No, and I don't remember the brand of magnetic dip stick we bought. Sorry.
Westinghouse pre runs the generators before shipping them . Splash lube means oil only lubes the engine while its running . Simply pulling the rope dose not do lube anything .
Great break in your generator will last a long time
I don't know how I missed your comment, but I am truly sorry. Unless we are traveling, we try to respond within two or three days.
Thank you for your encouraging words about the generator. We do appreciate your comment.
Do use seafoam and fuel stabilizer in the fuel..follow directions.
I use ethanol free gas with stabilizer. At the end of the season I store with a can of seafoam
Did you run on eco mode when you were breaking it in or all at normal mode?
I ran eco, but toggling some would have been a good idea
@@TwoTiredTeachers I just got the 2500. Ready to break it in and I like your procedure. Thanks for the info. I'll toggle back and forth for the whole breakin.
@@whosnext2005 Hope it works as well for yours as it has with ours.
@@TwoTiredTeachers how many hours do you have on your 2500 now?
@@whosnext2005 We have 43 hours.
What spark plug do you use? Because they don’t have the one they say in the manual. “RL12Y”
When I replaced it on our 2200 I took the old one to Auto Zone and they matched it. It's been working for over a year.
@@TwoTiredTeachers I have a question, when should I add the additive into the spark plug socket again?
@@ryan36226 No need to after the first time.
NGK (7022) BPR6HS
As a automotive engine designer and Builder and Machinist.
never EVER make the mistake of putting gasoline or oil directly into the cylinder of a piston reciprocating engine! Cuz you are literally asking to destroy that engine.. .
Thanks for your perspective.
MAYBE a few DROPS then pulling through WITHOUT the plug would be my recommendation. TWO TABLESPOONS - hell NO....
Why not solar?
When we bought our generators, we didn't have enough solar to power much. Now, we don't want to drain a lot of the solar by running the AC. We have 8 100 watt panels on the roof, and the batteries to store all the solar we get.
Two things. The factory runs these so just fill with oil and run it. 2nd, do not run a generator for any period of time without a load. You are not breaking in an engine without a load on it and if you are going to let it just run you need to put some kind of load from the start.
@@jdskycaster3576 Thanks for the tip.
Another example of a lay person trying to out think the engineers and manufacturers of a product!
Thanks for the video, I'm not going to buy this product. Oil should not look like that after all those oil changes. #Metal shavings...
This doesn’t make sense to me… these generators have all been started at the factory… so why are you adding oil to the cylinder before start… it has already been ran. I would think this step could be skipped.
@@MMasedog It's worked well for us.