From your posts, you sound like you're using circular reasoning regarding this unit.
And from the posts here from others it seems they are also making circular reasoning, they are saying NOT to do it because they heard something repeated by "some guy" on the interwebs.
You seem to have a preconceived theory that rebuilding this generator is a good idea, and you are making justifications to support your theory.
Quite possibly
But that theory is based on
FACTS that a new genny in any brand will cost me at least 7x more than what I
could get this one working for.
You do not know if the generator end is any good.
And you do not know that it is not.
The owner/seller said it is (it was working and churning out 110 before removal).
FP have a lifetime warranty on that end of their product
I would like to think it should be fine
You know the engine is a rust bucket inside.
I do not know that at all.
The very top of the motor is dry of oil and shows signs of surface rust
That does not mean necessarily that the rest of it is a rust bucket, but all that will be revealed when it is pulled down, if it even needs to be.
You believe that you can get a rebuild for $1000 in labor and what, $500 in parts, if I read your post correctly. This is almost guaranteed not to be the case.
Quite possibly
The mechanic did approximate, but the last rebuild he did for me on a small Isuzu came in under his initial estimate.
You believe that you can get a new motor for $2,000. If thats true, then you'd be way better buying new rather than rebuilding, but I dont believe that you'll find a new motor for $2,000, but I could be wrong there.
I based that number on this ad which has expired
Kubota Z482 Engines for Sale
These beautiful Kubota "Super-Mini" 2-cylinder 13.5 HP diesel engines are new and unused. There are four available. A starter and starter mount plate is included, There is no factory warranty as they are "old stock" but we guarantee they are new and unused and that they will run. A testing period of two weeks after receipt is allowed. If the engine fails to run it may be returned at buyer's expense for the full purchase price (not including shipping).
The engines are located in Marrickville, NSW 2204 (suburb of Sydney) and are for local pickup or shipment to Australia addresses only at shipping cost plus $25 for packing. The price is A$1995 per engine.
Kubota Z482-E2B Diesel Engine For Sale
I would assume that I should be able to get one not far off that price - I'll make a call now shall I?
If you were mechanically inclined enough to do this job yourself, and felt like doing the work, then I'd say to go for it. Your labor would be free and you'd learn allot.
Initially, this is exactly what I planned on doing.
But if $1500 gets a result, I wouldn't be bothered.
The fact is that I tried several of them, and found that by the time I paid myself for labor at a profitable shop rate, and bought the parts,I was approaching the price I could pay for a new complete generator, at dealer prices.
And if in America, that would probably be the case
Here, I have a long way to go before it gets anywhere near the cost of new.
So, good luck. Take the advice or not, its your sword to fall on.
Indeed it is and I am prepared to take the punt.
Especially as no one has come out with any reason NOT to do it apart from:
*Several owners on the Internet were not happy with corrosion on early models (but countless thousands have made no comment, happy owners rarely do)
*It may cost more than I think (but still a whole lot less than $16,000)
*A heavier genset will most like last longer.
Was there another reason I missed?