It may need more than that, especially if the generator puts out a modified sine wave. At some point it makes more sense to replace the pump with one a smaller generator can handle rather than the brute-force method of buying a large enough generator (and the larger fuel consumption that entails) to run the pump. Most of our water pumps were designed to pull water from under ground and are thusly over powered.
While we are on the topic of generators, I tried to start mine on gas yesterday, no dice. Even though I did the usual things to protect it (fresh alcohol free gas with fuel stabilizer, run the gas tank completely dry until generator dies, close fuel line, etc) it just wouldn't start. And YES, like most people, I let it sit far too long in between runs against the manufacturer advice. I tried all the normal things like changing spark plug etc.
Fortunately, it is a dual-fuel model and it did start and run fine off of propane. I'm guessing the carb needs service and it's probably one of those situations where it's cheaper to replace the entire unit than repair it- or in my case, buy an additional propane tank for the generator. It was actually the first time I ever ran it off of propane, I was just glad it ran at all. When I bought the generator for Iselle, propane was way more expensive than gas. Not the case any more.
I was able to get it to start on gas, but only after the engine was hot from running on propane, and only if I used "quick start" spray on the air filter and running it on half choke. Even then it ran rough, and I'm not sure it could handle a large electrical load.
The moral of the story is, buy a dual-fuel generator.
While we are on the topic of generators, I tried to start mine on gas yesterday, no dice. Even though I did the usual things to protect it (fresh alcohol free gas with fuel stabilizer, run the gas tank completely dry until generator dies, close fuel line, etc) it just wouldn't start. And YES, like most people, I let it sit far too long in between runs against the manufacturer advice. I tried all the normal things like changing spark plug etc.
Fortunately, it is a dual-fuel model and it did start and run fine off of propane. I'm guessing the carb needs service and it's probably one of those situations where it's cheaper to replace the entire unit than repair it- or in my case, buy an additional propane tank for the generator. It was actually the first time I ever ran it off of propane, I was just glad it ran at all. When I bought the generator for Iselle, propane was way more expensive than gas. Not the case any more.
I was able to get it to start on gas, but only after the engine was hot from running on propane, and only if I used "quick start" spray on the air filter and running it on half choke. Even then it ran rough, and I'm not sure it could handle a large electrical load.
The moral of the story is, buy a dual-fuel generator.