Harbor Freight Tools Predator 62523

The Predator 2000 Watt Inverter Generator is a portable power source designed to provide electrical power for various applications. It generates both AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) power. Its inverter technology ensures a stable and clean power output, suitable for sensitive electronics. The generator is powered by a gasoline engine and features an "Economy (ESC) Switch" to optimize fuel consumption and reduce noise for lighter loads. It also has parallel kit terminals, allowing two identical inverter generators to be connected for increased power output.

Important Technical Specifications

Generator Output:
- 120VAC, 60Hz, 13.3A, 1 Phase
- 12VDC, 8A (nominal)
- 1600 Running Watts
- 2000 Maximum Starting Watts
Receptacles:
- 2x NEMA #5-20 (3-prong, 120VAC)
- 1x 12VDC Two Prong Outlet
Engine:
- Displacement: 79.7 cc
- Compression Ratio: 8.7:1
- Type: Horizontal Single Cylinder, 4-stroke, OHV
- Cooling System: Forced air cooled
- Fuel Type: 87+ octane, stabilizer-treated unleaded gasoline (Note: Do not use gasoline containing more than 10% ethanol (E10) or E85 ethanol. Warranty is void if not followed.)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 1 Gallon
- Engine Oil Type: 10W-30
- Engine Oil Capacity: 13 fl. oz.
- Run Time @ 25% Load with full tank: 12 hr.
- Bore x Stroke: 48.6mm x 43mm
- Spark Plug Type: A5RTC (Torch) or equivalent
- Spark Plug Gap: 0.023"-0.027"
- Valve Clearance (Intake/Exhaust): 0.004"-0.006"
- Engine Speed: 4600 RPM

Usage Features

Safety First: Emphasizes operating outdoors, away from windows, doors, and vents, due to carbon monoxide hazard. Users are warned against using it indoors, even with open doors/windows, as carbon monoxide can be fatal in minutes.
Grounding: Requires proper grounding in accordance with electrical codes and standards before operation. A #6 AWG grounding wire and an earth-driven copper or brass rod (electrode) are recommended.
Pre-Start Checks: Before starting, users must inspect for damaged/missing parts, ensure the engine oil is at the proper level (engine will not start with low oil), and fill the fuel tank completely with stabilizer-treated unleaded gasoline.
Manual Start: Involves opening the vent on the gas cap, moving the Economy (ESC) Switch to OFF, turning the Combination Switch to START, and then pulling the Starter Handle.
Break-in Period: A break-in period of about 30 hours is recommended, during which the generator's running wattage should not exceed 75%. Engine oil should be changed after this period.
120VAC Output: Appliances are plugged into the 120VAC outlets. Users are advised to plug in appliances from largest to smallest load and not to exceed the generator's running wattage. The OVERLOAD light indicates an overload, requiring disconnection of devices and pressing the Overload Reset button.
12VDC Output: The 12VDC receptacle is for charging 12-volt lead-acid batteries using an appropriate charge controller (not included). The 12VDC output is not regulated, and devices drawing more than 8 amps should not be connected. A reset button is available for the 12VDC circuit protection.
Economy (ESC) Switch: This switch can be turned ON to limit noise and fuel consumption for lighter loads. It should be OFF when starting, applying a heavy load, or using the 12VDC output.
Stopping the Engine: For emergency shut-off, turn the Combination Switch to OFF. For normal shutdown, turn off and unplug all electrical loads, then turn the Combination Switch off, and finally close the vent on the gas cap.
Parallel Kit: Allows two identical inverter generators to be connected using an approved Predator Parallel Kit (sold separately) for increased power. Instructions for the Parallel Kit must be followed, and it should not be connected or removed while the generator is running.

Maintenance Features

The manual provides a detailed maintenance schedule with procedures to be performed at various intervals (Before Each Use, Monthly/Every 8 hr, Every 3 mo./50 hr, Every 6 mo./100 hr, Yearly/Every 300 hr, Every 2 Years).

General Maintenance:
- Brush off outside of engine.
- Check engine oil level.
- Check/clean/replace air filter.
- Change engine oil.
- Check and clean spark plug.
- Check/adjust idle speed (serviced by qualified technician).
- Check/adjust valve clearance (serviced by qualified technician).
- Clean fuel tank, strainer, and carburetor (serviced by qualified technician).
- Clean carbon build-up from combustion chamber (serviced by qualified technician).
- Replace fuel line (serviced by qualified technician).
Engine Oil Change:
- Ensure the engine is stopped and level.
- Close the vent on the gas cap.
- Remove the Access Panel and Oil Fill Plug.
- Tilt the generator over an oil drain pan to drain completely.
- Refill with SAE 10W-30 oil to the proper level.
- Replace the Oil Fill Plug and Access Panel.
Air Filter Element Maintenance:
- Remove the Access Panel and Air Filter Cover.
- Clean "paper" filter elements by blowing dust out with pressurized air (wearing safety goggles, dust mask/respirator, and heavy-duty gloves).
- Clean "foam" filter elements by washing in warm water and mild detergent, rinsing, squeezing out excess water, allowing to dry, soaking in lightweight oil, and squeezing out excess oil.
- Install the cleaned filter and replace covers.
Spark Plug Maintenance:
- Remove the Access Panel and Spark Plug Access Cover.
- Disconnect the spark plug cap.
- Remove the spark plug using a wrench.
- Inspect the spark plug for oiliness, deposits, or cracks. Clean or replace as needed.
- Adjust the gap of a new spark plug to specifications.
- Apply anti-seize material to threads, install the spark plug, and tighten appropriately (gasket-style: 1/2-2/3 turn more after finger-tight; non-gasket-style: 1/16 turn more after finger-tight).
- Apply dielectric spark plug boot protector and reattach the cap.
- Replace Spark Plug Access Cover and Access Panel.
Storage:
- For storage longer than 20 days, clean the engine with a dry cloth (avoid water).
- Fill the fuel tank with stabilizer-treated gasoline.
- Change engine oil.
- Clean around the spark plug, remove it, pour one tablespoon of engine oil into the cylinder, replace the spark plug (leaving cap disconnected), and pull the starter handle a few times to distribute oil.
- Store in a dry, level, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources.
- During extended storage, the engine must be started every 3 months for 15-20 minutes, or the warranty is void.
- Before starting after storage, drain untreated gasoline if it's been sitting for a month, or treated gasoline if it's beyond its recommended time.