On Sat, 8 Oct 2005 08:22:21 -0400, "Waynemak"
wrote:

I would not say all $500 gens are bad, I rented a pump with the Robin engine
that ran excellent.
(snip)

The Subaru Robin engine (Japanese) is probably OK, but I'd be leery
of the made-in-China alternator. A good alternator is made with
good magnetic steel, copper windings and good bearings, and
preferably has brushless excitation. These are all areas where
cost-cutting will result in poor performance and/or longevity.

Induction motors are a particular concern. Contractor generators,as
the vaunted Honda, typically run lighting and power tools with
series-wound universal motors. Critical loads in a residence,
fridge, freezer and furnace, are all induction motor loads, albeit
small ones. If the genny droops a lot with load the motor will have
difficulty starting and will eventually overheat -- if the genny's
breaker doesn't trip or the genny doesn't overheat first.

I have heard (from a guy that repairs gennies) that the Honda
contractor gennies have trouble with even small induction motors,
sometimes frying the electronic voltage regulator board. $300, and
you're powerless until you can get one.