WEN 3800-Watt Inverter Generator, Electric Start, RV-Ready, Portable and Super Quiet with Fuel Shut-Off (56380i)

Just spent the first 2 hours run time on my new WEN 56380i enclosed frame generator. Tips I do for trouble free reliability require important engine break-in and electrical protection measures.The manual prepares for the first running... I added prep by removing the spark plug first after unpacking and saving the closed cell foam inside the box for later. Before any attempt to operate, remove the screws and brackets underneath.Don't try start-up until putting oil directly (small amount) into the engine cylinder.... Measure by an inch of a drinking straw into the oil bottle. NOT included is the oil for the crankcase before you can first run the generator! Inch being approximately the oil held up inside the straw trapped by the seal of my thumb covering the opposing end of the straw then moving out of the bottle so transferring into the plug hole by releasing the thumb ... Do so BEFORE even any pull on the cord... to lubricate the piston before it's moved inside the engine so it can slide in the cylinder. Before returning the spark plug it's important to protect the soft metal threads on the engine by smeared anti sieze compound (get the small tube from auto parts store) onto the plug threads first, using only your FINGERS (!!! Do not try starting the plug by using the wrench !!!) - finger started, until several turns assure the threads are started and not "crossed threaded" before the wrench slid over the spark plug finishing by turns until it's all the way down.Remember, it's about a half of the quart bottle of oil that will fill the crankcase. Importantly, go get a quart of conventional 30W oil (running in the last 50 degree December afternoon) as it's not included and also get a $4 bottle of STP treatment (as the least expensive source of Zinc with Phosphates compound (ZDDP) - because modern cars can't tolerate ideal break-in due to have catalitic converters unable doesn't mean we can't extend engine life by this important break-in to extend reliable engine life. This configuration is the same OHV engine type and more capable even than used in Honda and Yamaha generators costing three times what I paid for the Wen... WORTH IT to do this optimal breaking in effort.Start the first running without succumbing to temptation of running the generator to capacity. Started with cool initial runs and by using the additive and conventional oil initially, we achieve the best measures to coat the sliding engine internal parts and avoiding "glazing". Initially, microscopic wear should be controlled. Even more important is to always avoid dry unlubricated internal wearing surfaces cause inordinate and premature wear. To get a future reliable operating generator that is capable of longer life.... - I first started only after Iput about 1 Oz. (two tablespoons) treatment into the dipstick opening (using funnel and extension tube supplied with the generator). Gradually getting the engine temperatures hotter gives the wearing in the lubricated safety for better life expectancy.After the first hour I drained the initial oil filling then to refill the crankcase with the new oil in the second half of the 30W oil bottle .... but mixed the treatment first in the bottle before the second pouring. Emptying the two tablespoons treatment and the remaining half the quart bottle (second filling) of oil into the funnel cleanly then it's getting into the crankcase.I ran the generator after start-up idle for a few minutes then I plugged electric loads (1500W space heater and a heat gun, both using the half power settings first and varrying the load) and switched to eco-mode so that the engine can react and change the mechanicals to "follow the load changes, I was careful never allowing a static load for more than a short time period 1-5 minute's length (beginning with shortest time for up to half loading gradually increasing load and time periods for the first two hours running the generator).Don't just idle and alternate idle cool down periods gradually increasing the load and so increasing the engine temperatures so to run in the moving parts and seating seals and the wearing surfaces properly.The last 30 minutes of the 2 hour break in I let it run continuously for twenty minutes at about 1500W ( not more than 2200W). Between loading periods, I let rpms fall to idle and thus cooling. Running on idle gradually like the heatups gradual for at least several minutes then gradually increasing the load durations and for no more than 20 minutes during the breaking in.After I will reach 5 hours operation, and for future oil changes I will be able to use 5W-30 synthetic oil... Why? Lubrication and overheating problems in the initial running is the biggest reason for failures and shortened engine life. Poor starting problems that many small engines suffer from are characteristic of engine abuse arising unfortunately but certainly from dry unlubricated operations resulting in cylinder scoring making compression and loss of compression leaking inside the engine makes startups difficult and power efficiencies lost. Wear and infrequent oil changes are the thing to avoid.Back to the breaking-in, I'm finishing coincidentally after the gas running dry and the generator exhausting the tank carbureator without needing to drain... Be sure to turn off the electric loads before the tank is completely empty, because of the possibility of losing the "residual magnetic" that enables the electric ⚡ energy to move in current it's a risk whenever running to completely empty the tank.I bought 8 Oz bottle of gas additive Sta-bil planning to splash it into the tank (minimal gasoline leftover is unavoidable and the manual instructs you can drain the tank and the carburetor but I find it easier to be there when the engine gets rough and I can take off the electrical loads before the engine stops and then move the dial to shutdown running without load until the engine exhausts the remaining fuel in the carburetor... after the dial cuts off the carburetor, the small remainder of the gas in the tank can be preserved by the Sta-bil with only a splash in the tank preserving against future startup difficulty or corrosion problems from storage for to use gasoline up to 10 percent ethanol like printed on the gas-cap.STORAGE - Besides frequent recommend oil changes to interval recommended, I keep mine up off the pavement on two by fours and a tarp over leaving breathing room gap between tarp and the floor.So, I have ordered from Amazon, both a 10 and 12 guage copper extension cord. One has tt30 plug and the other uses standard plug terminated ability. Only using the 20 amp breaker protected standard double outlet means accessing only 2/3 of the Wen56380i capability.For safety and distribution to the indoor locations for power needs before the utility company makes the outage repairs, I importantly purchased a "squid" pigtail cord with integral overload 15 amp overload breaker integral to the outlets... Fire safe from a short or overload hot enough to melt or even catch fire. It's not enough when 20/30 amps the generator breakers needed to get interrupt can result in unprotected unsafe overloaded cords inside the house. Got the 10 Guage extensions safe enough to route between the squid and the generator. Either of the 50 foot length cords are safe especially too because the length allows placing the generator at least 20 foot away from the house (can go through basement window or kitchen storm window with the opening stuffed by a blanket) outside.Outside, be sure to get the 56380i perfectly level wherever you plan to run it because before running it's important to ensure the"splash" oil system works uniformly for evenly lubricating all internal engine parts. I'm also on order with Amazon for a "Pool Spa" canvas fitted 38x28x30 inch oversize (-cover sized for open frame up to 10,000W generators allowing airflow around the top and sides of my smaller 56380i WEN while running - see my description below for modest fabrication to support the cover ) safely assured running it outside and under the weather resistant fabric dry even while operating being in the 🌧️ rain too!...Be careful to use a ground 12 guage wire to a copper coated steel rod driven into the soil nearby the generator (lightning and shock protection should it start raining!For support of the oversized canvas cover, I cut out a 24"x27" wafer plywood 1/4 inch thick panel for horizontal "flat roof" support under the canvas that rests on 3 separate 13" 4x4 inch square white pvc "legs" (that I drill 1.25 inch twin opposing holes then sawn to be slotted making secure snap fitting supports over the generator lifting bars (two on the one bar wheels end and one for the one bar closest to the electrical end) supporting the board allowing the cover over the top. Air entering underneath with the exhaust end canvas flap up while running, opened for escaping fumes and access to the generator while still under the cover. I got *pool spa" canvas on Amazon for $20+, and the fabrication materials were few and added were another $10 plus a couple hours time... Better! I have it all year round protecting the generator from weather in storage and it's useful against unexpected rains while running outside.Unbeatable! To refuel, just lift up the cover from the opened exhaust end canvas where you have access even while running, tipping the whole cover with the slide over the "legs" toward the electrical panel end lets you fuel... Replace the gas cap and pull the canvas cover back into place before restarting.

For those looking for the quick bottom line review:I am extremely happy with this generator. It has more than enough power to keep my family of 6, with 4 tech dependent children, relatively calm and comfortable for days without power. It is also reasonable sound level wise to run through the night, living in a housing community with neighbors very close. No, I would not attempt to power an air conditioner.Power output: 5/5Noise: 5/5Portability: 4/5Easy of use: 5/5Easy of care/maintenance: 5/5Overall look: 5/5The only 2 cons I can come up with:- It's heavy - I can lift it myself to get it into my SUV, but I could not carry it far. It does however have wheels and a pull out handle to make rolling it around quite easy.- after using for about a day an a half, it began leaking a VERY small amount of oil from around the oil drainage tube. No noticeable amount when checking the dipstick---------------------------------------------------------For those looking for an in-depth review with details (like I was) to help make a purchase decision... here ya go..Background:I am a mid thirties computer programmer, living with my girlfriend and our 4 kids (ages 8-17). We live in a townhouse that's part of a very stereotypical upper middle class housing community. Our 4 kids are very technology and internet dependent, spreading across streaming services, gaming, and social media. Additionally, I work from home and am dependent on my full setup (monitors, laptop, switches, etc..) for my job.I purchased this generator after losing power for 5 days as a result of a bad thunderstorm with lots of downed trees (and wires) in the area. At the time, I didn't have one at all, but borrowed an uncle's 3400 watt portable generator for the last few days. It was a typical, cheap, "camping" style generator with an open caged design. It was incredibly loud, resulting in countless mean looks and nasty comments from neighbors. It also produced "dirty" power, so we were only able to use it for the freezers and fridge, not any of the electronics. It was also notably lacking in information output, like power consumption, fuel level, etc..After that experience, I did a bunch of research and landed on this Wen Inverter Generator.I purchased in mid May 2020, and got my first full usage in July 2020 when another storm knocked out power for 3 days. Used the generator basically non-stop for 3 days without issue.Power:Most importantly, this produces "clean" power that is safe to use for whatever, electronics or other. While using this generator, I never used even 50% of its available output. Much of the time using less than 25%, depending on freezer/fridge compressors being on/off. With that, I was able to power the following (at least): 2 deep chest freezers, a standard refrigerator/freezer combo, sump pump, dehumidifier, cable modem, 3 routers, several laptops, a 24" monitor, 8 large stand/box fans, 6 lamps, as many as 10 phones/tablets, plus a toaster and coffee pot as needed. I also successfully ran a 65" TV without issue, but did not keep that on, just because. Overall, plenty of power.Noise:This is the big one everyone is worried about. Being honest, I was rather shocked and pleased at how quietly this runs. To be clear, this is not silent! It's a generator. If you're expecting no noise, or similar to a small fan, you're kidding yourself. However, my general assessment from walking around my neighborhood in the evenings (something I do regularly, power or no) is that it produces slightly less noise than a typical outdoor central air unit. Standing directly next to it, you can hold a conversation without yelling. At 15+ ft away, it's background noise and overall "not irritating". Standing about 10ft away from it, I could hear my neighbor's generator (about 100 ft away) overtop of my own. At one point when coming back from a walk, I was convinced it had shut off for some reason because I couldn't hear it until I was quite close. I had no reservations about noise level when running this all night.Fuel Consumption:The tank is admittedly smaller than I was thinking I'd like when I bought it. However, it has turned out to not be an issue. I was refueling about every 12 hours, without ever running out. I expect (with the load noted above) it would last about 14-15 hrs on a full tank. And a 5 gallon gas can is perfect for two fillings (plus a little extra).Look/Feel:This generator looks gorgeous (as far a generators are concerned). It's has a modern, clean look, especially compared to it's competitors. It feels very solid, sturdy, and well built. It also feels very intelligently designed, with easy of use/care in mind. It has a fuel level and power consumption gauge, presented as LED bars at 25% intervals. Doesn't give exact values in the display, but enough to be helpful, and more than many others.Starting:Since this generator contains a battery, after the first start (once the battery has power), it will start electronically by simply turning the dial. On the first start, the pull cord starts it with ease, requiring very little pulling effort/energy. It is NOT like starting a lawn mower or weed wacker that takes a very quick, strong pull.Care/Maintenance:This is where I was quite pleasantly surprised. This generator is clearly built with ease of maintenance in mind. Which stands out compared to other generators I have interacted with. Most notably, when you are done using your generator and ready to store it longer term, you need to drain the gasoline from it to keep it in good working order. I have taken screenshots of me doing this process to showcase just how easy it is. Remove 2 screws to take the side panel off. Pull the pre-attached tube out to the side and direct towards gasoline container. Loosen a single screw and let drain. Then turn the starting dial to "run" and let drain again. That's it...The oil dipstick and access is not fantastic, but equal to any others I've seen. I also note that there is an easy drainage tube for the oil as well, when changing the oil is necessary. There is also easy access to change a sparkplug.Also worth noting that I purchased a 10 gauge RV cord (pictured) that converts to a 3-way standard 3 prong plug. I also purchased several long 12 gauge three way extension cords to plug into that RV cord. That is how I connected everything. No cords were even warm to the touch.Overall, I would strongly recommend this generator to anyone, including my own family (which I have already done). I would definitely buy another one myself, if I needed it for some reason. Hope this proves informative to someone else.