Accessories

The usual problems apparently, but with a bad new twist
I too received a generator with shttered mounts in an otherwise un-damaged box. Oddly, I am told becuse the generator is hazardous I cannot return it through normal routes, and Amazon will contact me with a resolution. For now, until they get this issue resolved, I would suggest waiting on this. It seems to be a constant issue that would be EASILY preventable by the insertion of styrofoam blocks inside to support the generator while its in transit. The shear weight of the motor and dynamo overwhelm the mounts and in my case, the actual motor itself cracked and tore free. This is a simple case of trying to save 4$ on foam, and I guarantee that more than that has been wasted on return postage.

Dont buy until I post an update that Amazon has remedied its "you cant return this, its hazardous material" issue.

My First Generator
The Blue Max 4000 arrived in what I would describe as rough condition; however, I accepted it. There were no obvious defects once I opened the package. Upon more careful inspection, however, I found a defect that appeared to have originated at the factory, and Amazon was fair in making it right.

There were no problems preparing the BM4000 for running in. The instructions were fine. I put a half gallon of gas in the tank, turned on the gas, and choked; but it didn't start. Why? I forgot to turn on the switch. After that procedural defect was corrected, BM has started on the first pull every time. The electrical production was excellent.

I have no problems with the quality of workmanship, none whatsoever. It was a good buy, and I'm ready for the next hurricane. I elected not to buy the handle/wheels accessory. I use furniture slides, and they work just fine.

Amazon's handling of the shipping, etc. was excellent.

Good...When it works
I purchased two of these, one I got two days before Hurricane Ike hit the Houston area where I live. Filled it up with oil and gas and it started and ran after a few pulls. Worked great for about 14 hours after the storm when the power was out. Bought the second one for my in laws who live closer to the coast. They took mine and I received a call telling me that my generator just quit in action, with some black smoke puffing out of the muffler. I figured that it was low on oil, I went and got it and dropped off the new on to them. Filled it with oil, it cranked for about 10 seconds and then quit again. Changed gas, oil, cleaned spark plug and one more time it started but quit after a few seconds. It never started again.

We called Amazon and they refused to return it citing their policy. Never mind that it only ran for less than 20 hours. They referred us the the distributor to use the 1 year warranty. Horrible service in my opinion. I could have easily have drained the gas and oil and sent it back but they refused. Be aware of this if you buy.

We called Amazon again several days later and they transferred us to the special relations department and now we were told that we can take it to a local repair shop and they will credit us the amount of the bill. If the repair costs exceed the paid cost of the generator they will ship one to us for free. Hmmmm, why didn't they tell us that the first time??

I took it to a local repair shop yesterday and dropped it off. They had there several other generators of this same brand. Might be the old saying you get what you pay for. I will update when I find out what is wrong with it.

The generator worked fine for a short amount of time, Amazon's customer service and return policy is less than impressive...

15 days of flawless service after Hurricane Ike
I live on the coastal side of Houston, and ordered this generator as Tropical Storm Eduard approached. I am an Amazon Prime member so I opted for the $3.99 next day delivery! Sure enough as the storm hit and the 40 mph wind blew rain sideways, the ol' UPS truck delivered the little genny to my door! The power never went out with Eduard, so I simply filled it with oil and gas and cranked it up and checked it with an electric drill, then put it away.

Next came Hurricane Ike. I loaned the Blue Max to my son and his family (son + wife + 2 small children) the day after the storm, since they had no power. They ran it 16 to 24 hours a day for 15 days, running a 9000 BTU window unit air conditioner, a freezer, TV, and various other small loads. It has performed flawlessly. It starts on the first pull and runs like a champ. It is relatively quiet, too. Probably too noisy for a campground, but for emergency power failure use, it is not even noticable if you are indoors and it is outside. Even outdoors, it is not objectionable if your are 20' to 30' away.

It used enough oil during the first couple of days for the low-oil shutdown to work (good thing it had a low-oil shutdown!), but I reckon that was the piston ring break-in period, as it has not used any detectable amount since.

I was a little leary of a Chinese lo-buck piece of equipment, but I can't argue with the performance! The value of this little sucker over the last 2 weeks alone has exceeded the price I paid for it!

Nice generator, good price, GREAT AMAZON & UPS service
Right after Hurricane Ike hit we were told to expect to be without power for 2-4 weeks. I knew we would need a generator to survive this Houston heat but all the stores from Houston to Dallas were sold out (of course). So, while still in Fort Worth at my sister's house, I hopped online and ordered this unit with next day delivery from Amazon (BTW this order alone made my Prime purchase worth it). Called UPS and explained that I needed the generator ASAP so I could return to Houston to start the cleanup process. They dropped it off in the morning instead of the usual afternoon time and we were on our way.

* Pros
- CHEAP! even with a separate wheel kit it was cheaper than the cheapest I could have bought at a home store. BTW BUY the wheel kit as this is a heavy thing.
- It works! We have a frig, A/C and TV!
- starts first pull every time

* Cons
- It is a noisy - this ain't no Honda but then it doesn't cost nearly what a Honda generator does.
- Overall quality is poor
> voltmeter is not close to accurate
> the A/C power produced is a dirty
> the gas gauge stopped working after a single fill-up
> starter has a long pull and only engages towards the end of the spool (but that little bit is enough to start the engine)
> fuel valve doesn't work (thankfully it is always open)
> total poor fit and finish
- Instructions leave a LOT to be desired.

Overall I still recommend it but wish they would work on the details and make this a much better unit.