I have been shopping for a used generator and all the signals seem to say that the robin (subaru) is superior. How does the Honda engine stack up? And are there any other preferable engines?
Small motor durability (generator)
- Thread starter dickwells
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Both Honda and Subaru(Robin) engines are really, really good, IMHO.
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JHZR2
Staff member
Robin Subaru engines are the best, IMO. Id say that Honda GX engines are very similar in longevity - GX engines are iron bore, instead of aluminum construction as in the GC engine.
To me, I find it hard to spend big dollars on a Honda GC engine for what you get compared to the relatively robust B&S flathead designs... there is an efficiency advantage, I suppose, but the flathead is less sensitive to [censored] fuel, etc., and that is a plus.
Id look at both GX and robin subaru engines, and pick the best deal. Id also look at diesels if youre talking used, the efficiency will be superior, as will longevity.
JMH
To me, I find it hard to spend big dollars on a Honda GC engine for what you get compared to the relatively robust B&S flathead designs... there is an efficiency advantage, I suppose, but the flathead is less sensitive to [censored] fuel, etc., and that is a plus.
Id look at both GX and robin subaru engines, and pick the best deal. Id also look at diesels if youre talking used, the efficiency will be superior, as will longevity.
JMH
I only have experience with the Subaru-Robin EX series and Honda GX engines on generators. Both are tops. One of our local tool rental businesses has been repowering equipment with EX series Subaru-Robins and has no complaints. As far as the bigger V twins, Robins seem popular on the portable welders everyone seems to have on their trucks here in S TX.
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
Yep, Robin's are probably the best as is reflected by their price. Anything OHV will get you better fuel economy and will be somewhat smoother and quieter, all important things for a portable generator. You also can't beat the copied Honduh GX powered gens.
Joel
Joel
I have a Subaru 11HP portable generator. It has well north of 1000 hours run time. 3 major hurricanes, 4 major power outages, home construction and I even use it at the airport to power a second air compressor (I only have 60A service there).
I take good care of it, and use M1 15-50 every 50 hours. It runs perfectly and consumes no oil. Even the oil is clean after 50 hours. I even repowered my wood chipper with a Robin/Subaru engine.
I do not have any Honda powered gensets to compare.
However, I had 2 Honda water pumps (to dry my property) and they both failed well within the warranty period. However, I did not use M1 oil in them (if I remember correctly).
I would never say that the Robin is better, as I don't know. There are many different levels of quality of Robin engines, or at least there were. Certainly, my Briggs and Tecumseh powered stuff falls short in a number of ways.
I take good care of it, and use M1 15-50 every 50 hours. It runs perfectly and consumes no oil. Even the oil is clean after 50 hours. I even repowered my wood chipper with a Robin/Subaru engine.
I do not have any Honda powered gensets to compare.
However, I had 2 Honda water pumps (to dry my property) and they both failed well within the warranty period. However, I did not use M1 oil in them (if I remember correctly).
I would never say that the Robin is better, as I don't know. There are many different levels of quality of Robin engines, or at least there were. Certainly, my Briggs and Tecumseh powered stuff falls short in a number of ways.
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
I have the Subaru-Robin EX30 engine in my Coleman generator and it has so far been a pleasure to use. It starts with half a pull of the cord and is not obnoxiously loud. I use synthetic oil, stabil in the gas, and store it as directed in the manual. I usually take it out and run it with a load for about 30 minutes every 3 mo. I expect it to last as long as the best of them out there. It gets cold around here so it is nice to know we can run electric heaters when the power goes out.
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