I own a WEN generator. I changed the oil 4 times when I first got it. I have a magnetic oil dip stick, and I would run it for an hour, and change the oil. Run it for an hour, and change the oil... until I stopped seeing metal shavings on the dip stick. When I store it I let it run completely out of gas so that there is no fuel in the lines or carburetor. I now put about half a cup of fresh fuel in the tank every couple of months and run the tank dry, and store it dry. Once a year I change the oil, now that the motor is broken in; but if I use the generator more than a dozen hours or so in a spurt, I change the oil more frequently. Let's be honest.... A WEN is not a Honda. When you buy a WEN you have to be more vigilant about maintenance and care. I could not afford a Honda when I bought my generator. I am doing everything I can to keep this running well, and I expect that it will. If it fails, and I cannot repair it, I will buy a Honda. My dad owns a Honda, and he treats his like crap. He keeps old gas in it for over a year, never changes the oil, and the damn thing runs like a top. He didn't even do a break in period. I'm not sure if he's even changed the oil in 5 years, and the Honda keeps running. To be fair, I have no idea if the WEN could do that, because I have not tried, and I won't. I have had zero issues with my WEN generator; but I have not had it but a few years, I treat it like it's a princess, and I have not run it for days on end; whereas I know my dad's Honda has run for many days on end regularly; so there is a difference in the sample. I like the WEN. It has given me no problems, and I'm curious how long it will run; but I don't have so much confidence in it that I'm not going to do my part. But to be frank, if I bought a Honda, I would still do what I am doing now. Maintenance is important, even if only to make you feel better. I have very high hopes for the WEN; otherwise I would not have bought it. I have run my square drop camper, power tools, air compressor, and my house fridge when the power was out. I have used it several times, requiring disparate power draws each time. The eco mode is quick, and adjusts itself on the fly. It starts every time, and barely uses any fuel. The features are BETTER than the Honda. It has a fuel gauge. I am happy with my purchase. It will take me several years though before I will be able to call this a slam dunk purchase.

@garypotter5569

Жыл бұрын

That was one of the best reviews of anything I've ever read.

@TedTedness-wu4vb

Жыл бұрын

You are like me, those beginning oil changes are a must. And no way will I run a thimble of oil with no filter system like they say to hour time wise. Cut it is half at least. If not more.

I have the 2250 and very much enjoy having it. Biggest lesson was learning during offseason to run it every 3-4wks for about 15-20min and shutting down with the fuel bowl off setting. When starting be sure to let it sit on choke setting for 45sec to refill the fuel bowl. Great little gen.

@MonkeyWoodworks

2 ай бұрын

That is exactly what I do with mine. I try to run it every month but sometimes i slip up and i go 1.5-2 months between runs but it still runs like a top and starts on the first pull.

I just bought a wen 2000 but I also have a predator 3500, I ran out of gas on the predator and had a heck of a time starting it back up. I finally did and it ran great. I'll make sure I don't run out of gas.

I have a 2018 Wen56200i (49.6hrs) and a 2022 56235i (9.7hrs). What I found resulting in the 235i running terrible after it ran out of fuel on ECO-idle under load is that because the 235i is a single flywheel engine (the 200i has 2 flywheels, engine+alternator) the much lighter rotational mass of the 235i's single alternator flywheel stops so fast (about 1 second) that the throttle stepping motor looses alternator power and can NOT make it to the full throttle stop's "calibration point". On the next restart, the throttle may be at 3/4 throttle, so the ECU cannot control the "out of calibration" throttle properly. I finger pushed the throttle plate to the full throttle stop -and- PRESTO! it started and ran great! BTW, if you see another person complaining about 3, 4 or 5 or more pulls to start the engine, be it the first time or after draining the carb, it is because THEY DID NOT WAIT LONG ENOUGH for the carb float bowl to fill up!! Give it 20 seconds . . . for a ONE PULL start. Also the Choke needs to be moved toward the OFF position ASAP after parking the recoil start handle, delaying the choke movement just long enough so the engine doesn't hesitate/stall for lack of fuel. -You're welcome-

@MonkeyWoodworks

11 ай бұрын

Great feedback and thank you for sharing!

Good video. WEN makes several generators with the 79CC Yamaha clone motor. It seems odd to me that they offer so many different weights and output options from what should be the same setup. The good news is that finding parts and getting service shouldn't be an issue.

customer service is very important to me now days. It’s a big influence on my buying decision. Thanks for the info about Wen’s customer service.

@MonkeyWoodworks

3 жыл бұрын

I have had good luck with their customer service on both this generator and another item I have of theirs. Very easy to work with.

My 56200i has 175 hours on it no issues other than ethanol fuel destroyed the seals in the fuel shutoff & they were out of stock for a few months. I run mine once a week & change the oil every 15 to 20 hours. My dad always told me growing up "oil is cheaper than metal" Have cleaned the carb 2 times as preventative maintenance. Have not cleaned or changed the plug. Adjusted valve lash 1 time. Run 2 cap full of marvel mystery oil every tank. On a very light load while camping 17 hours on a tank is normal. Looking at the 56125i now for camping as the 56200i is overkill for most of what I do.

@MonkeyWoodworks

2 жыл бұрын

That's awesome! So far I have used nothing but ethanol free fuel in mine in hopes to keep it as clean as I can. That advice your dad gave you is something everyone should know!

@TedTedness-wu4vb

Жыл бұрын

I agree with adding MMO or 2 a micro stroke oil in to help the fuel lubricity. IE valve guides.

From my experience Honda and Yamaha inverters do the same thing have carb issues. Have family with both and they all have experienced the same issue. I been using WEN gennys and I'm very pleased with them. Great video and testament to Wen CS if I ever need them.

Good advice, thank you. I'm researching if I Want to get one of these.

@MonkeyWoodworks

7 ай бұрын

So far I'm still loving my wen. No issues after that first one.

Good advice 👍

@MonkeyWoodworks

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

I have an old wen contractor generator that I have put thru hell for over 10 years. Yeah it is about beat to death but 10 years so.....I am sticking with WEN. These inverter generators look pretty good to me.

@MonkeyWoodworks

3 жыл бұрын

That definitely makes me feel good about my decision to purchase a WEN

I use the heck out of my Wen 5623i. I own a small scamp and use it pretty much every weekend, and with the cold temps I run the gene for about 40 hours per trip. The biggest problem is the spark arrestor screen clogging up. When I first started running it I ran it for a hundred or so hours before it clogged. Now it will do so pretty much every trip. I just take it out and use a toothbrush to brush it clean which it does quite well. The screens are available from the wen site for about $6 each so I just ordered 4 so I have spares to keep available for a quick change.

@MonkeyWoodworks

4 ай бұрын

Glad to hear it's treating you well! Thanks for the tip on the spark arrestor !

Great helpful video!

Thank you for the video. Just bought this model. Can you please tell me the name brand spark plug replacement? I'm having a heckuva time even finding what the company is recommending almost like NGK doesn't make it anymore or something. Any recommendations?

@MonkeyWoodworks

2 жыл бұрын

Great question. I too wondered that. So I gave their customer service a call. Per WEN customer service here is a list of compatible plugs for this model generator (Ill also add to the video description). NGK BPR5HS Champion 929 Champion RL12Y Champion STK312 Motorcraft AE22C Bosch W6BC Bosch WR7BC Autolite 4123

@relentlessfpv1822

2 жыл бұрын

@@MonkeyWoodworks perfect. Thank you very much for your time and help!

@MonkeyWoodworks

2 жыл бұрын

@@relentlessfpv1822 hope it helps! Let me know which one you go with. I still haven't purchased a replacement plug yet

@jasonf9460

2 жыл бұрын

I switched to the NGK BP5HS and it works well. Although the original torch plug worked fine for the first 15 hours; I wanted to get something a little better and now I have a spare

Read your instructions guys! I did not do a break in run. Started working it right away evwry day, didn't change the oil after 2 years yes I'm horrible but ran it about less than 2 hrs a day so more hours some days not at all. Changed oil and spark plug and wont crank, I'll be looking into the oil sensor and swap it but if it does not start probably take it in or just buy another one and properly maintain it. Sticking with it because its never had a hiccup other than it not running all my things at once but again i got the 2350 so of course.

@MonkeyWoodworks

4 ай бұрын

Oh man! Maintenance is so important on these little engines.

@edwinmedina4338

4 ай бұрын

@@MonkeyWoodworks My mistake, but for how long it lasted without the break in period it never let me down. I'm getting the 3600W one this time

@MonkeyWoodworks

4 ай бұрын

@@edwinmedina4338 nice!

I'm thinking of getting this to operate my deep freezer (300 w) and an ice crusher also (300 w) although I won't have the ice crusher constantly running so I don't know 100% of this will be feasible or not, but I do need a reliable generator

@MonkeyWoodworks

2 жыл бұрын

I think you would definitely be OK with that setup. A few days ago, we had a power outage for 5 hours. During that time I ran it for 3 hrs. I ran a full size refrigerator/freezer in our home, a slightly smaller refrigerator/freezer in our garage, and a chest style deep freeze also in the garage all at the same time. Even with all of that and it still had avilable power because it stayed in eco mode and never throttled up all the way up. This unit can supply a constant 1900 watts and spike up to 2350 in short bursts.

Was it explained why the carburetor worked for the first tank of gas and not the second? I'm just curious what was the cause of what specific failure. Was the carburetor clogged? I am just trying to understand how it fed enough fuel in the beginning and not later. Thank you for the video!

@MonkeyWoodworks

9 ай бұрын

No they did not unfortunately. I suspect since it was a warranty issue, it was cheaper for them to send a new carb than have the technician dig into it and troubleshoot it. I can say however that I have had no issues with it since then and I still run it every month or two (sometimes i forget) and it starts up on the first pull.

I own a 2350 as well from brand new. It's been good. But the only little issue I have is there is no carburetor adjustment for sea level... I know they have high altitude kits (2 different ones , different main jets ). But it should run very smooth at sea level. But I'm not seeing any kind of adjustment... For mixture. Or am I just blind?

@MonkeyWoodworks

Ай бұрын

I am not sure either. I have not seen anything on that as well. Mine runs smooth straight from Amazon and I am really close to sea level.

That's why you spend the extra money and buy the Honda. Also, with the Honda I can get the factory service manual and troubleshoot/repair it myself, plus the Honda parts for it can be gotten from any Honda dealer. Where the "WEN" parts come from, who knows, but I think we all know.

@MonkeyWoodworks

2 ай бұрын

I do agree that Honda is the goat when it comes to small generators. However, we purchased what we could afford. Also, ever since that first hiccup, this generator has been running strong ever since.

@BillySBC

2 ай бұрын

@@MonkeyWoodworks Well alternatively, you could buy two of them for about 2/3rds the cost of the Honda generator and have all the spare parts you'll ever need.

I recently purchased the 56203i 2000W super quiet model generator and I have a question about it. What is the proper procedure to employ the fuel cut-off? I had my generator running for about 40 minutes to break it in and when I was done I turned the knob to "Fuel off" but nothing happened. I moved it slightly further and still nothing happened. It wasn't until I rotated the knob to "off" that the generator actually powered down. How much time is expected to elapse after cutting the fuel to the generator powering down?

@MonkeyWoodworks

2 жыл бұрын

Great question! I also struggled with that at 1st. On my model, I have 3 positions of that knob: off, fuel shut off, and on. When I am finished running it, I turn eco mode off and unplug all devices. I then rotate the knob towards fuel shutoff. As soon as I feel resistance, I stop rotating the knob. It then takes what feels like forever but eventually it shuts off. I am guessing it's 2-3 min more. I believe it takes so long because it has to empty the entire carburetor bowl. Since the generator sips gas. It takes some time to empty it. Once it finally dies, I turn the knob to off.

@jasonf9460

2 жыл бұрын

I noticed mine taking quite a while so I started timing it - most times it takes 4-6 minutes.

@MonkeyWoodworks

2 жыл бұрын

I just timed mine yesterday after performing my monthly 30-min test run on it. After my 30min, i turned eco mode off and switched it to the fuel shut off position. It took right at 2 minutes to power down. Once it turned off, I switched it to off and put it away.

One other question, does this generator have an inline fuel filter? Probably a good idea to add one.

@MonkeyWoodworks

3 жыл бұрын

That's a great idea, I definitely need to look into that. Hopefully there is enough space to insert one. It's a compact space under the covers.

@Mumwaldee

3 жыл бұрын

@@MonkeyWoodworks Yeah, there's too much crap in pump gas. I had an old rural king generator do the same thing you described. Put on a fuel filter and it never gave me another problem. Finding a good filter that won't leak, but still fits will be the problem.

@MonkeyWoodworks

3 жыл бұрын

@@Mumwaldee I tore into it today prepping to pull the fuel line and size an inline filter. Come to find out it actually DOES come with a fuel filter. Its literally inside the fuel line going into the tank. Its the size of a coffee stir straw. It blocks the fuel line behind it forcing all fuel through the filter so we are all set filter wise.

@atlas3863

2 жыл бұрын

@@MonkeyWoodworks I have the 2000 and 2350 they both have the same Fuel filter. the issue i was having when fuel tank dropped just under a 1/4 tank it would spit and sputter under a good load Like it was starving for fuel and the lower they got on fuel the harder they were to start because they were in fact starving for fuel once the fuel level dropped below a certain point. i removed the stock in tank cone fuel filters on both generators and installed a mesh style cleanable fuel filter on each unit. they are used on motorcycles and the problem was solved. i tried the stone and paper Element filters but they didn’t work. still had the same problem only the mesh style worked. it also solved my other problem with the tank not running completely empty.other than that the WEN generators have been awesome! did the break in with conventional oil. then i switched over to Amsoil small engine oil and I run non-ethanol fuel with fuel stabilizer in all my equipment to keep the carb gremlins away. WEN has awesome customer service they also have all the parts for these generators on hand dirt cheap. been using mine for a little over 2 years now with no issues. each have just over 100hrs on them and they run like champs. its a well thought out design, their Customer Service is top notch. Easy to obtain parts and reasonably cheap to buy plus The generators themselves are reasonable to buy.

@slickjimmy76

Жыл бұрын

Mine had 2 very small finger screen filters one in the fuel tank outlet 1 in the carb inlet

My wen did the not run thing, I found the oil was a little low, it does have low oil protection, this could have been your problem? Other than that a great inverter generator, remember you can buy three of these for the price of a comparable Honda

@MonkeyWoodworks

Ай бұрын

Mine was not low on oil but that is very good to know. So far, mine has been great for me with no issues at all and starts on the first pull.

I think they sell thousands of those things I would highly recommend you getting the extended warranty Because they’re bound to have a hiccup with one or another

@MonkeyWoodworks

Жыл бұрын

I picked up the longest one I could get from Amazon.

What type of fuel does it take?

@MonkeyWoodworks

5 ай бұрын

It runs on regular gasoline however to keep the carb clean, I have been using ethanol free gas. I also use Sta-bil Storage fuel stabilizer in my gas cans.

@cutlasssupreme508

5 ай бұрын

@@MonkeyWoodworks I just ordered one online and just was wondering.... I think I will add Lucas fully synthetic stabilizer to each oil change. Not too sure about adding a fuel additive like sea foam but maybe it will add longevity to the carb...

@MonkeyWoodworks

5 ай бұрын

That is not a bad idea. I do not treat my oil. Sta-bil Storage is the only thing I use on mine because I will keep a 5gallon gas can full of ethanol free gas for over a year for emergency purposes. Sta-bil keeps it fresh and usable.

Were you using ethanol free gas?

@MonkeyWoodworks

3 жыл бұрын

The only station near me was out and has been for a while now. I opted to use 87 octane pump gas. When talking to WEN, I told them what gas I was using and they said it should be fine especially with how few hours it had on it. I am however looking for alternative pump stations for ethanol free fuel. I really dont want to go with the fuel in a can from the box stores because that is just way too expensive.

@Mumwaldee

3 жыл бұрын

@@MonkeyWoodworks I think most of that stuff is 2 cycle mix, but I understand. If you don't want to run ethanol free or expensive mix all the time it's a good idea to make sure the last tankful of the season is good stuff.

Did You said the generator only last 2000 hours?

@MonkeyWoodworks

2 жыл бұрын

If I said only, I definitely meant to say at least. That is basically what I read when I was doing some research before buying this one

Gee I hope it would last more than 2000 hours. Lol

@MonkeyWoodworks

2 жыл бұрын

Me too!! I should have chose a much larger number in my comment of that video trying to explain that running it when you firs get it to make sure it will be reliable will not make an impact at all on the longevity of it. =/

I have a Wen . wished I didn't. Wen will not return and repair or exchange unless the repair is over half the price. They do not send parts out very fast. There parts that are inside and gets hot and blows and will stop the generator. They do not help like they should . mine is brand new .. 4 months and doesn't run. Still waiting for parts. Please people do not buy Wen.

@MonkeyWoodworks

3 жыл бұрын

That's interesting. WEN repaired mine with no problem when I had an issue. The fix was replacing the carburetor. I believe the part came from China so it did take a bit longer to arrive but it wasn't too bad. Maybe I got lucky? I wish you luck getting it fixed!

@tomtee4442

2 жыл бұрын

I burned up a non wen cheap Chinese 80cc inverter generator. Inverter board burned up after 6 months. Generator engine runs fine but over load light comes on immediately and no electrical power at all.

Thank you.

@MonkeyWoodworks

Жыл бұрын

You are welcome.

WEN not WIN.

I have 3 2350 each one is junk 1. No spark 2 broken valve .3 recoil broke and there out of stock can't get one .and I have a 4000 Watt sarge and it's locked up and will not turn over. And my 9500watt westinghouse just blow out the bottom of the case yesterday and this is my 2nd one.first one the genarater it self shorted out and cott fire.there all less then 1 year old I am pissed over$2000 spent and I have nothing that works . save your money don't buy any of them .

@MonkeyWoodworks

Жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear that. So far this has been there every time we need it. I usually run 2 refrigerators a deep freeze and a light off of it when I use it. I can also run a window AC unit as well if needed.

@jamesderr1344

Жыл бұрын

Just out of curiosity, why did you keep buying them? If the first one is junk, I don't buy a second, unless you bought 3 at once, but I would try one and see how it works.