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Customer reviews for Generac 8917 GP18000EFI 18,000-Watt Gas-Powered Electric-Start Portable Generator for
Generac 8917 GP18000EFI 18,000-Watt Gas-Powered Electric-Start Portable Generator
4.6 out of 5 stars
stars
1,715 ratings1,715 reviews
  1. 5 stars78% (1,346)
  2. 4 stars15% (250)
  3. 3 stars2% (40)
  4. 2 stars1% (20)
  5. 1 star3% (59)

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Showing 451-460 of 1,715 reviews
Apr 30, 2023
Reviewer name: Drawde94
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

It powered the home for 7 1/2 Days

I bought this generator to power the home during those temporary power outages due to thunder storms. Then Hurricane IAN devastated our part of SW Florida. It was September 30, and I couldn't even go outside to set up and start the generator until 11 PM, when the winds dropped to 50 MPH. I bought the General GP-17500 to make sure, "IF", I ever ran the generator for a couple of days, it would have power capacity to spare. This generator powered the entire home for 7 1/2 days. I shut it down during the afternoon to cool it off, check the oil, and fuel it up for the overnight operation. And yes, I changed the oil and oil filter two times within the 7 1/2 days. Me being me, I even placed/positioned two floor fans to move air across the unit to ensure full cooling of the engine and generator. Like in tornado areas, once IAN caused its damage, the weather in SWFL was incredibility perfect. Low humidity, Low Dew-point, cooler than normal hovering around 75 all day, and cooler at night, for the next 12 days. I had wired this generator to back feed the electrical panel though a mechanical interlock and a 50 amp breaker. The main breaker must be moved to the off position, then the mechanical interlock plate is moved up, allowing the 50 amp breaker to be turned on. And when we needed hot water, we would turn off the home AC, then switch on the electric hot water heater for about 45 minutes, then the hot water heater was switched off again. We did not want to test the full power capacity of the generator, but it powered the two home AC units, the well pump, and when needed, the clothes washer and electric clothes dryer. Here too, we always powered down other high current devices like the AC units, and hot water heater, when washing and drying our clothes. For a "portable generator" bought to power the home for a few hours when a thunderstorm and winds temporarily knocked out the local power company feed, this generator performed well beyond expectations. Our next purchase will be a Generac backup Home standby generator. We now want this style unit so when there is a power disruption, the generator will taker over automatically, and I don't need to send my wife outside with the flashlight, instructions on how to position, connect and start up this unit. (Yea, listen to my big talk here. I do all of this, moving, connection and starting, but now see the wisdom of a built in home standby generator, since we recently moved to SW Florida I will start by getting a propane tank sunk into the ground, our HOA rules require this, and once in, we'll order the Generac unit with transfer switch. And "NO" we will keep the portable generator for a bit as a portable back-up generator to next to be installed backup home generator. I figured it was time to give feedback to those still on the fence.

Review from generac.com
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Sep 7, 2019
Reviewer name: Lifesaver
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Like all the features it offers

Had a hurricane coming our way so decided to purchase a generac because of its reputation. Set it all up and tested it out, but never used it because the storm turned and headed up the coast. We at least have comfort knowing we are covered if another storm heads our way, which is likely because we live in Florida.

Review from generac.com
Helpful?698EZRGTDSV513631905214
Apr 4, 2016
Reviewer name: Guff
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Great Portable Generator

I have supplied the house through 3 power actual outages since 2013 Dec for short duration's under 12-hours. Run the GP1750E every couple months to make sure it works when needed. Starts up on no more than 2=pulls / and right away when using the electric start. Load Test Run with 3-HP LPAC [Low Pressure Air Compressor 150 psig] for the sand blaster and other lights and equipment in pole barn. Also run Simulated Power Outage Load Test to supply the house VITAL LOADS connected to our 100 Amp Sub-Panel Load Center about 4 times a year. [[Main Breaker Panel is 200 Amp --- Sub Panel is 100 Amp for fuel-oil heat, well water, sump pump, electric water heater, freezers/refrigerators, appliances in kitchen, various lighting circuits.]] Have TV, Computers, MODEM-Router, Printers on their own UPS [Uninterrupted Power Supply] to give me time to setup generator to supply electric to house. Can set-up and power house in about 5-10 minutes. Great Generator for the $$$ --- only regret was I didn't get a 15-KW Generac automatic Stand-By unit --- but I live in the rural area without natural gas and didn't want to invest in propane just for a generator.

Review from generac.com
Helpful?698EZRGTDSV513631905214
Jul 8, 2012
Reviewer name: Doc
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Used first time during recent 7 day power outage..worked perfectly..thank god we had this devide! Dr.G

First time used for a severe week long (for us...worse for others) outage. Generator worked perfectly, ran for a week, 12 to 18 hours per day, big enough to allow neighbor to add extension cord to run refrigerator and fan. Without this dependable power we would havelost all our perishables, been unable to cook, unable to make ice. I would recommend this machine to anyone who wants a dependable, rugged, power sorce ready when needed...alife saver.........................................................Doc

Review from generac.com
Helpful?698EZRGTDSV513631905214
Jan 25, 2013
Reviewer name: JOHN
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

GREAT PRODUCT

OK LET ME START OUT WITH MY DISCLAIMER, I JUST GOT THIS AND RAN IT FOR A LITTLE WHILE AFTER SETTING IT UP SO I CANT SAY MUCH ON THE LONG HAUL. FIRST IF YOU BUY THIS BEAST, DRIVE DOWN TO HARBOR FREIGHT AND PICK UP A CHEAP SHOP CRANE, I PAID $129 FOR MINE. THE UNIT HAS A LIFTING EYE ON TOP AND WITH THE SHOP CRANE I CAN EASILY PUT IT IN MY TRUCK OR ON A TRAILER. AND I ALSO LET IT HANG WHILE I INSTALLED THE WHEEL KIT AND FOOT. THIS THING IS PUT TOGETHER NICELY AND ALSO COMES WITH THE MAINTENANCE KIT FOR YOUR NEXT AIRFILTER AND OILFILTER CHANGE AND THE INITIAL OIL IS INCLUDED ALONG WITH CHARGING CABLES FOR THE BATTERY. I BOUGHT THIS AS A BACK UP FOR MY HOME HOWEVER IF ANY FRIENDS OR RELATIVES NEED IT AFTER MY POWER IS BACK ON IT WILL BE OFF TO THERE HOUSE. MY HOME HAS A WELL PUMP, ELECTRIC RANGE, HOT WATER, SEWAGE EJECTION PUMP, ETC, ITS ALL ELECTRIC, SO IF THE POWER GOES OUT WE HAVE NOTHING.

Review from generac.com
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Dec 26, 2022
Reviewer name: Jim
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Weak spots

Governor rod wore hole out in carburetor. Replacement carb still has plastic throttle lever. Governor spring tends to break. I am a heavy duty user. I run this generator about 4 - 14 hours per day. Every day. They last about 1.5 to 2 years under this demand. Excellent generator. Just bought a third one.

Review from generac.com
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Sep 16, 2017
Reviewer name: aquamarine5551
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Post Hurricane Irma life saver

My brother in law let us use his generator for a few days after we lost power during Hurricane Irma. After 5 days without power, I bought this Generac unit at home depot and it has made living without power palatable. I was very impressed with the features provided -- the hour meter and service schedule by hours; the electronic start; the 8 gallon tank; and a bunch of other benefits not found on the other units on my street.

Review from generac.com
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Nov 2, 2015
Reviewer name: Speednik58
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Quality machine

After a 3 day outage this summer, I upgraded from a 5000 watt generator to the 6500 watt Generac and installed a larger transfer switch so I could power more items during our frequent power outages. The machine is obviously well built. It has a small footprint and it's easy to move and started on the first pull. Based on other reviews I thought it might be a little noisy. But it actually seems quieter than my old one.

Review from generac.com
Helpful?698EZRGTDSV513631905214
Oct 1, 2018
Reviewer name: Brittany29
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Awesome product

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I’ve been wanting one of these for awhile now! Living in Ohio and having your electric go out during the winter is horrible! Now if it goes out I am able to keep my kiddos warm! I highly recommend this! I used it on my friends RV over the weekend and it works amazing! Love it.

Review from generac.com
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Dec 23, 2013
Reviewer name: Burke94
4 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5 stars review

The Product has what I need

I have only owned this product for a short time but it powers my furnace, sump, fridge & freezer. I have not pushed it any further but that's the coverage I need if I get in trouble. However; I would like to have some one tell me how to replace the muffler. I want a very portable & quiet power source!!!

Review from generac.com
Helpful?698EZRGTDSV513631905214