[thehandyman1957]

This would be a no brainer for me. I would take the first one hands down. First, it has a full oil pump and oil filter. The second and third choices have "full pressure" what ever that means and no oil filter. Also the first one has a 3 year commercial warranty compared to the other two only having a 2 year commercial. That says a lot to me about how they feel this thing will hold up.

 

[thehandyman1957]

Ok, so a little clearing up of this mystery is in order. There are two different "pressure" type oil systems used in generators.

Force Feed
A somewhat more complete pressurization of lubrication is achieved in the force-feed lubrication system. Oil is forced by the oil pump from the crankcase to the main bearings and the camshaft bearings.
Oil passages are drilled in the crankshaft to lead oil to the connecting rodbearings. The passages deliver oil from the main bearing journals to the rod bearing journals. In some engines, these opening are holes that line up once for every crankshaft revolution. In other engines, there are annular grooves in the main bearings through which oil can feed constantly into the hole in the crankshaft.
The pressurized oil that lubricates the connecting-rod bearings goes on to lubricate the pistons and walls by squirting out through strategically drilled holes. This lubrication system is used in virtually all engines that are equipped with semi-floating piston pins.

Full Force Feed
In a full force-feed lubrication system, the main bearings, rod bearings, camshaft bearings, and the complete valve mechanism are lubricated by oil under pressure. In addition, the full force-feed lubrication system provides lubrication under pressure to the pistons and the piston pins. This is accomplished by holes drilled the length of the connecting rod, creating an oil passage from the connecting rod bearing
to the piston pin bearing. This passage not only feeds the piston pin bearings but also provides lubrication for the pistons and cylinder walls. This system is used in virtually all engines that are equipped with full-floating piston pins.


IF you look closely at the images you will see that there is a difference.

And no Handyhiker, the other two do not have oil filters and they also don't use a full pressure oil system. The specs tell the whole story.

This is why the manufacturer is willing to give the first one a better warranty. They know that it will hold up better or they wouldn't take the chance.

So we can see that the gen guys do think it makes a difference.:tango_face_wink:

And good point exmar, about the difference on the oil pressure and oil level shut off. Most folks would not know the difference.:tango_face_glasses:

 

[thehandyman1957]

Me too, I have had three and all have been great generators. Seems the original poster never came back to let us know which one he decided on.