Back in the 80's, after being a hot rodder, railroad electrician, and electronics hobbyist, I started working on small engines, and then my employer moved me over to cars and trucks to make better use of my skills. I was the guy who could fix air conditioning, which made me pretty popular. Now, I am a commercial HVAC tech on the verge of starting a channel, and seeing you fix these engines brings back so many memories. Keep up the good work.
i had to laugh when you said "what could go wrong?". whatever i'm working on usually has one or two answers to that question. you handle curve balls much more gracefully than i do, and i appreciate how you practice patience and resolve.
Thank you for explaining how to properly find TDC on the compression stroke. I am 100% self taught, and I was attempting to revive a mower that had been sitting for seven years. The compression was so high that the engine couldn't turn over. The intake and exhaust were both in the same area, so I was not able to figure out which stroke I was on. No one could tell me how to find out on that type of engine, so I finally gave up after several days and set them both at .005. It was within spec for both valves, so I went with it. I got it running though. After several months of fixing other issues, I recently cut grass with it for the first time.
Hey James We’d like to offer you and your family a free trip to Australia but as we can’t even afford to fix our generator, we want to say how much we enjoy and learn from your videos. Hopefully we can find why it won’t work and then fix it. It’s done less than two hours work.
You give Mustie a run for his money. I love watching these types of videos. I have a Powerhorse 4000 that I always run the carb dry and it has ran great for the last 6 years. Also have a Champion 2500 duel fuel inverter generator that runs great.
That’s a nice gen set. Looked ruff but polished up nicely. Your videos are fantastic to watch. I love small engine repair and generators. This is the best channel for learning about them. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge. 👍 😎
Finally a TH-cam channel that has a step by step guide with none of the wannabe TV show and foolish content thank you sir for your information I have subscribed and look forward to your future videos
I enjoy watching your videos. I am a retired maintenance man and the joy of trouble shooting problems stays with you even if watching somebody else doing it. Would you consider converting one of your generators to propane. It would be a great video.
England. Most of the 'engine repair' channels get right up my nose. It's obvious they have not been trained in any way and nor taken the time to learn anything properly. I was an engineer of the old school and I can honestly say I don't know of anyone better than you on TH-cam. I had not thought of the battery not charging - just goes to show you are never too old to learn. Take care James, don't let 'the bug' bite. Regards.
Thanks! It took me a while to realize that not all generators charge their own battery. Seems kind of odd when you think about how much power they produce.
@@jcondon1 I had wondered about the transformer/wall wart/power brick/whatever you wanna call it today on the unit when you got it :) It's also quite funny so many don't charge their own batteries when a 12v charging circuit (for solar battery banks etc) is quite common on them, even models that don't have electric start! Much thanks for your videos BTW, I have enjoyed them. Most of this stuff is well inside my experience (lawn mowers, bikes, boats and cars) but the actual generator side is invaluable. I myself know the proper technique for lapping valves (which is the same as yours, except that horrible video where you used a drill to do it! :) ), but others may like a more detailed explanation of how you're doing it, specifically what you're listening for as you grind them in, why you lift and turn it a little etc. Thanks again from New Zealand!
@@TD-wi1zh I'm pretty happy using a drill for valve seat lapping as I find that the suction cup stays in place on the valve better than the reciprocating "by hand" method. As you say, the sound changes as you work and I have found that lifting the valve every couple of revolutions achieved good results. I guess at the end of the day, whatever floats your boat works for everyone.
This video saved me, i have the same generator. Had some issues and ended up replacing the head and this video really saved me and taught me so much at the same time! Thank you for the amazing videos!
The great tip on finding 'true' TDC by rotating the flywheel begins around 43 mins 40secs [just to save everyone some time as I spent after reading other comments on the subject!]
For your red tacky grease, I put some in a small syringe to apply it in select areas. it makes less of a mess. I also do the same for white lithium grease. I also have disposal acid brushes for applying grease.
Jelly in the carb is from fuel extenders and ethanol in fuel. I run my riding mower, blower and snow blower on premium non-ethanol fuel. Ethanol fuel is fine as long as it is not allowed to sit for extended periods of time. For small engines they can sometimes go weeks without use so I don't even take the chance. Yep you read that right. My car runs regular and my lawn equipment runs premium.
Same here. The only E0 gas I can get locally is premium. Runs fine, but makes my generator harder to start. Used to be 1 or 2 pulls. With E0 premium it's 5-10 pulls to get it started.
Make your own E0. Take a 5 gallon container of fresh E10 with a drain at the bottom, mix in about 16 oz of distilled water, shake it hard, then let it sit for a couple hours. All of the ethanol will be leeched out of it and sink to the bottom. Drain it off until all you have left is E0 gasoline. This will lower the octane but small engines usually don't care too much.
Do you get any problems with the late ignition on the premium fuel? I have a small gardening cultivating machine with B&S 675Exi, it doesn't like the high-octane fuel much. It'll take it, but it runs better on a regular.
James ,You have re-ignited my first passion of repairing small engines! I have spent 30 years as an HVAC tech and I'm about to retire. I have spent a lot of time watching your videos. You do a Great job. The amount of depth You take showing the repairs is second to none. What size tip does the Bald Eagle screwdriver that you use to remove the jet have ? Again I really appreciate your work and can't wait to get back into it myself! Keep those video's coming!
Sorry for the trouble on this one James, but you know, your trouble is our gain. If you're not pulling head bolts and lapping valves, we're left wanting for more... :) I just bought a Honda 6500SX and I swear this one has the same gas tank. Keep up the good work as always..
Good tip on how to tell the difference between TDC on the compression stroke vs exhaust stroke. Got a heck of a deal on a nice generator after a little TLC.
I have the 7500e version with electric start of this. I love mine, Always using it - in the woods up here, with lots of power outages. I keep mine tuned up- I am soooo glad you did this for this model!!! Thank you ! edit: I use mine to power my house, especially winter storms. Finding parts for this is hard. even a breather box is hard to find. truly love mine works great-keep it tuned up! Thank you for doing this- i been waiting-and hoping.. i will be saving this video 100%
I love watching these videos. Now I think I may go do the maintenance on my generator. I also want to see if there is a spot for an electric start addon. With a bad back, it would help.
I'm in Houston, 5KW gensets in running, making power condition, with wheel kit and handlebar, are as low as 200, 300 on CL and Marketplace, it's crazy. I just flipped a brand new, half hour use, 6000 watt running Briggs & Stratton, had never been used, picked for 250 (old gas), could only sell for 500 with delivery included after refurbish.
I've run into a few small engines that loose compression.. It is caused by fuel residue on the valve stems.. after sitting up for a while they stick.. the easy fix is remove the sparkplug, insert some nylon rope into the cylinder. You then raise the piston which presses the rope against the valve and closes it.. You will have to work it back and forth a while, but you can free it.
I modified the leakdown tester that I bought. I replaced 2nd gauge which you had to calibrate each time with a regular 0-100 psi gauge. Also got rid of the quick connect since it leaked and gave false reading.
Hi James really enjoyed sitting in your class today mate I am always learning from your videos as for this gene I was just surprised as you that it did not start
James: I think if you spray brake cleaner on the head gasket mating surfaces to make it super dry when tightening the head gasket the chance of sealing seems best. Not putting copper gasket coating on the mating surfaces is probably the best. I do know that lubrication on the head bolts makes a huge difference on how the head bolts tighten. With lubrication the head bolts can produce 1/3 more force at the same torque setting. Stripping the head bolts is the major thing to reduce happening. Running a bottoming tap in the holes is not a bad idea. This process is always done at it's best process. If one has crocus cloth on a very flat surface for the head seems also not a bad idea. Sorry I was probably a preacher in my former life.
Actually Alan, if they are fully-charged, you are better off leaving those batteries outside. The self-discharge rate is a function of temperature (since there is a chemical reaction inside the battery) - a fully-charged battery (with high enough electrolyte specific gravity that it won't freeze) is actually better off in a cold environment, if you are not going to periodically recharge it or have it on a maintainer.
Sometimes aircraft engines get carbon under seat on valves. We “stake” it (bang on rocker with 2x4) while under 80 psi). It usually brings compression back to serviceable readings
I do the same thing when installing valve keepers like that. I was taught that trick when i was in school rebuilding automotive and small engines. The generator i have actually says what the hertz should be at
Good morning James, always look forward to watching your weekly video's. Very informative, no matter the problem with the Gen Set. 👍👍👍👍In my mind that was an easy fix.
I have found that in a lot of instances when torque values are not available for a certain bolt or nut that you can find charts on the internet will give you the numbers you need to tighten your fastener.
Great idea about charging the battery with a small solar. Hope that small solar could be designed so it would not get shorted out, by current surges from the generator and motor.
Great work James ! Started right up after your cleanup and valve job .. I always keep mine on a battery tender and I have a remote start generator so I start it up every once in a while to keep the bowl full of fresh fuel.. ENJOYED..
I have found that if you believe a speck of carbon debris is holding a valve open, I have hooked up an air hose through the spark plug hole and slowly spun the motor by hand. When each valve opens, air from the hose blows out the valve and may remove any debris on the valve seat. A spritz of cleaner inside the cylinder before blowing it out can help also. It's not guaranteed to work, but it's an easier step than removing the heads if you only suspect loose carbon debris on the valve seats.
I see you use WD-40 a lot to clean gunk, and I'm fine with that purpose, but do you ever use Marvel Mystery oil? My dad would always squirt some into the cylinder during his maintenance and crank it through some cycles. He said it would free up any sticky piston rings and was one of the few product allowed in aircraft engines. Great explanation on finding and showing when TDC was found.
These old wives tales of all the different penetrating solvents are kinda silly. I’ve been fixing engines and wrenching for 35 years and WD40 is as good as anything else. Marvel is thicker and has a different intent completely. It doesn’t flash off the same. Not even close to the same thing.
Fantastic fix as usual. The fuel filter looked good and to keep it that way, you may want to disconnect the fuel line before the filter for draining the tank so as not to contaminate the filter with questionable fuel. Evidently, you might be living in a very affluent area where people just want to get rid of derelict generators and buy a new one. Nearly all the nonworking generators on my local CraigsList are way overpriced. Keep up the good work keeping this material out of landfills.
@@jcondon1 The blessings and curse of living near affluence (but not *being* affluent): people throw away stuff that is easily fixed, but for the same reasons they can afford to buy a new genny rather than your refurbished one.
Another great video of diagnosing and repairing a generator. Liked the explanation of valves and timing. Should save some time and energy. Great job. Thanks for the video.
36:55 You have doc hands. That is allright. I enjoy your projects. ASMR for me. In the Netherlands generators are not very common as our powergrid is quite stable. Shorter distances I guess. Having watched many of your videos, I could fix a broken generator now 😊 Thanks 👍🏻🤝🏻🇳🇱
In the US we lose power for 2 main reasons: 1. Most powerlines are above ground and not buried and 2. We have crazy weather - intense storms will pop up and take down powerlines. Ice storms will take down powerlines. Hurricanes, tornadoes, derechos, you name it, we've got it. Also you are talking about a vast area - NY to Los Angeles is like Amsterdam to Tehran. Somewhere in that zone there is a storm every day.
@@throwbo Thank you for your reply. I am aware of the differences 😊 And have been to the US several times. Just wanted to note that we hardly have generators here in the Netherlands. Or snowblowers 😊 Cheers
I enjoy all of your videos James, but this one really stands out to me. I learned a few new things and loved every minute of it. Thank you very much for your work. God bless. Rev. D.
What I do with old gas is fill a plastic container with cat litter then pour the gas into the container letting the cat litter soak it all up. Then I put the container in the sun and let it evaporate. You can reuse the cat litter many times before you have to toss it out.
I have several of those classic Coleman camping stoves and lanterns, which utilize ColemanFuel or… gasoline. Old fuel such as this works perfectly well, and I have never had any trouble starting or maintaining a consistent burner output using old fuel. Also, I once had a car with a carbureted v-8, and the stock fuel filter within the carburetor. It too ran just fine on old fuel.
Learned something from you today about finding TDC!!!! Thanks for that tip....Always look forward to your video's and I am a subscriber...Thanks for all that you do.
Jim.... another great find. Alot of great tips and advice on the reassemble regarding top dead center in relation to moving the fly wheel. I love learning new things from you. Thank you.👍👍👍What was were the stats on that genny as far as surge and running watts,?. I think the surge was 7500? Great job as always.
Enjoy your videos on finding and fixing the machine problems. Since carbs are so often the problem, can you give yours recommendations on fuels and storage practices to avoid carb issues? Thanks
a gen, that dont charge its own battery, hummmmmm, add one a simple automatic battery charger, wire it in the back of one of the outlets, job done. great video, as always. merry xmas.
That's a nice unit man, for the time and effort you put into it, I'd say that's a keeper or for friends and family, that should be an easy $800 flip ($100 per KW roughly) In Houston I'd only be able to get around 600 or so. For me it wouldn't be worth it to sell for flip, we're only getting like 40 or 50 per kw.
As always, great video! It makes me wonder if those generators aren't working better after you looked into them then they were at the exit of the factory assembly line! Would buy one used from you over a new one anytime!
awesome as alway's thanks keep them coming p.s l did mange to fix 17 generrator's over 3 day's for are category 3 storm that just hit and yes l'm tired 16 hr day's
That is the reason right there why I run my generator twice a month for 20 minutes I also use fuel stabilizer but I never leave the fuel on I always run the carburetor dry after every use so that I’m not doing this kind of work in the middle of a black out great to see there’s someone out there that saves these machines from going in the garbage
Unless your burning all that old fuel 20min run time doesn’t really do anything since the fuel in the tank is going bad. What’s best is to have an empty tank and carb so there’s no fuel to go bad at all. That way next time you need it all it needs it’s fresh gas and your good to go.
@@paultice610 how much fuel do you keep in the tank? Also do you use non ethanol? I know fuel can keep a bit longer then they say it does. My generator holds around 6-8 gallons so 20min a month would mean I would get around 30 months of startups and after that long the fuel would be for sure bad.
I do not have any stations close to me that have non-ethanol fuel that’s why I run a fuel stabilizer and I run it twice a month so it gets 40 minutes of run time each month and I put a load on it about 50% so it will use some fuel so I can keep adding pressure fuel every couple monthsMy generator holds I think 6 gallons or it’s 6 1/2 it is 8750 non-inverter predator with a 420 engine
Keeping the carb dry and running it once in a while is the best thing you can do. I also swap out the fuel twice a year from the tank. If your fuel has ethanol, then it will go bad usually between the 1 and 2 year mark. If no ethanol, then you can get 2-3 years out of it without to much issue.
You can get a Torques chart which will match the bolts diameter and hardness on line you can print it out it should cover USA standard and Metric as well.
They quit putting battery chargers on most generators and lawn tractors too! I've had two craftsman that didn't charge the battery and I had to use a charger to charge them up to start. One was Briggs and other Tecumseh.
As James notes, generators often sit for months and the battery will go dead if you don't leave them on a trickle charger. Lead acid batteries don't like to be fully discharged and a few cycles of dead and they won't take a charge anymore.
Pro tip. Paint stripper in a spray can eats stubborn carbon deposits. It has to be used on bare metal only. Just spray, walk away for 5 minutes and wipe off.
I'm waiting for the day you build a portable test bench with multiple dummy loads, voltage and frequency tester, and a fuel tank on a little trolley. Make a great video! :)
@@FishFind3000 Large AC load banks can be quite expensive. Maybe an ex military one could be cheaper. We used to use them for testing when I was in the RAF.
I worked at a used lift truck place. The trucks with Mazda engine the carbon on valves would loosen up when sitting for months. Then would not start when carbon fell off. And hold valve open.
Imma waiting for a "best & worst of James (click-click) Condon generator channel". Broken exhaust bolts. Flying valve springs. Wheels buried in the mud.. AND the infamous, puppy land mines. Love the vijayos. K
Hi James - Greetings from Idaho, just as I was getting ready to ask, you showed the solution used in the ultrasonic cleaner; thanks a bunch! I enjoy your videos and watch all.
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 88 | คู่เอก "ป้อมเพชร vs อัสลามจอน"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1ZqTVVbMgbo/mqdefault.jpg)
Back in the 80's, after being a hot rodder, railroad electrician, and electronics hobbyist, I started working on small engines, and then my employer moved me over to cars and trucks to make better use of my skills. I was the guy who could fix air conditioning, which made me pretty popular. Now, I am a commercial HVAC tech on the verge of starting a channel, and seeing you fix these engines brings back so many memories. Keep up the good work.
i had to laugh when you said "what could go wrong?". whatever i'm working on usually has one or two answers to that question. you handle curve balls much more gracefully than i do, and i appreciate how you practice patience and resolve.
Thank you for explaining how to properly find TDC on the compression stroke. I am 100% self taught, and I was attempting to revive a mower that had been sitting for seven years. The compression was so high that the engine couldn't turn over. The intake and exhaust were both in the same area, so I was not able to figure out which stroke I was on. No one could tell me how to find out on that type of engine, so I finally gave up after several days and set them both at .005. It was within spec for both valves, so I went with it. I got it running though. After several months of fixing other issues, I recently cut grass with it for the first time.
Hey James
We’d like to offer you and your family a free trip to Australia but as we can’t even afford to fix our generator, we want to say how much we enjoy and learn from your videos. Hopefully we can find why it won’t work and then fix it. It’s done less than two hours work.
Would love to visit someday. Hope you are able to figure it out. Let me know if I can help.
You give Mustie a run for his money. I love watching these types of videos. I have a Powerhorse 4000 that I always run the carb dry and it has ran great for the last 6 years. Also have a Champion 2500 duel fuel inverter generator that runs great.
That’s a nice gen set. Looked ruff but polished up nicely. Your videos are fantastic to watch. I love small engine repair and generators. This is the best channel for learning about them. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge. 👍 😎
Yes!
Finally a TH-cam channel that has a step by step guide with none of the wannabe TV show and foolish content thank you sir for your information I have subscribed and look forward to your future videos
Thanks
I enjoy watching your videos. I am a retired maintenance man and the joy of trouble shooting problems stays with you even if watching somebody else doing it. Would you consider converting one of your generators to propane. It would be a great video.
Thanks. I would convert one to propane. Just waiting to get one with a really bad fuel tank.
England. Most of the 'engine repair' channels get right up my nose. It's obvious they have not been trained in any way and nor taken the time to learn anything properly. I was an engineer of the old school and I can honestly say I don't know of anyone better than you on TH-cam. I had not thought of the battery not charging - just goes to show you are never too old to learn. Take care James, don't let 'the bug' bite. Regards.
Thanks! It took me a while to realize that not all generators charge their own battery. Seems kind of odd when you think about how much power they produce.
@@jcondon1 I had wondered about the transformer/wall wart/power brick/whatever you wanna call it today on the unit when you got it :)
It's also quite funny so many don't charge their own batteries when a 12v charging circuit (for solar battery banks etc) is quite common on them, even models that don't have electric start!
Much thanks for your videos BTW, I have enjoyed them. Most of this stuff is well inside my experience (lawn mowers, bikes, boats and cars) but the actual generator side is invaluable.
I myself know the proper technique for lapping valves (which is the same as yours, except that horrible video where you used a drill to do it! :) ), but others may like a more detailed explanation of how you're doing it, specifically what you're listening for as you grind them in, why you lift and turn it a little etc.
Thanks again from New Zealand!
@@TD-wi1zh I'm pretty happy using a drill for valve seat lapping as I find that the suction cup stays in place on the valve better than the reciprocating "by hand" method. As you say, the sound changes as you work and I have found that lifting the valve every couple of revolutions achieved good results. I guess at the end of the day, whatever floats your boat works for everyone.
Why don’t mice take better care of their generators? Mice are probably spoiled and rich.
This video saved me, i have the same generator. Had some issues and ended up replacing the head and this video really saved me and taught me so much at the same time! Thank you for the amazing videos!
Glad it helped
The great tip on finding 'true' TDC by rotating the flywheel begins around 43 mins 40secs [just to save everyone some time as I spent after reading other comments on the subject!]
For your red tacky grease, I put some in a small syringe to apply it in select areas. it makes less of a mess. I also do the same for white lithium grease. I also have disposal acid brushes for applying grease.
I really have learned a lot about generators watching this channel.
Great tip using an Allen key to press an emulsion tube out. Thanks!
Jelly in the carb is from fuel extenders and ethanol in fuel. I run my riding mower, blower and snow blower on premium non-ethanol fuel. Ethanol fuel is fine as long as it is not allowed to sit for extended periods of time. For small engines they can sometimes go weeks without use so I don't even take the chance.
Yep you read that right. My car runs regular and my lawn equipment runs premium.
Same here. The only E0 gas I can get locally is premium. Runs fine, but makes my generator harder to start. Used to be 1 or 2 pulls. With E0 premium it's 5-10 pulls to get it started.
Make your own E0. Take a 5 gallon container of fresh E10 with a drain at the bottom, mix in about 16 oz of distilled water, shake it hard, then let it sit for a couple hours. All of the ethanol will be leeched out of it and sink to the bottom. Drain it off until all you have left is E0 gasoline. This will lower the octane but small engines usually don't care too much.
@@PabloDiablo682 That was TarylFixesAll
Do you get any problems with the late ignition on the premium fuel? I have a small gardening cultivating machine with B&S 675Exi, it doesn't like the high-octane fuel much. It'll take it, but it runs better on a regular.
James ,You have re-ignited my first passion of repairing small engines! I have spent 30 years as an HVAC tech and I'm about to retire. I have spent a lot of time watching your videos. You do a Great job. The amount of depth You take showing the repairs is second to none. What size tip does the Bald Eagle screwdriver that you use to remove the jet have ? Again I really appreciate your work and can't wait to get back into it myself! Keep those video's coming!
I was thinking the same thing when I was watching.
Sorry for the trouble on this one James, but you know, your trouble is our gain. If you're not pulling head bolts and lapping valves, we're left wanting for more... :) I just bought a Honda 6500SX and I swear this one has the same gas tank. Keep up the good work as always..
It is a Honda clone. The hard ones always make the best videos. Would be nice to get an easy one though.
Good tip on how to tell the difference between TDC on the compression stroke vs exhaust stroke.
Got a heck of a deal on a nice generator after a little TLC.
After the intake valve closes and the piston rises back to the top, you will always be on TDC
Nice job, I knew the unit rocking on the bad foot was bothering you as much as it was bothering me
Your comment about the gas is the same thing I would do. I do the same with last years 2-stroke gas.
scariest part is torqueing bolts on chinese cast aluminium. super quality videos.👍👍👍
Another great job. To fix the generator, you must be the generator. or something to that effect.
I have the 7500e version with electric start of this. I love mine, Always using it - in the woods up here, with lots of power outages. I keep mine tuned up- I am soooo glad you did this for this model!!! Thank you !
edit: I use mine to power my house, especially winter storms. Finding parts for this is hard. even a breather box is hard to find. truly love mine works great-keep it tuned up! Thank you for doing this- i been waiting-and hoping.. i will be saving this video 100%
After hurricane Ida I put True Fuel in my generator and that works very well in between uses.
I love watching these videos. Now I think I may go do the maintenance on my generator. I also want to see if there is a spot for an electric start addon. With a bad back, it would help.
Check to see if you have a toothed flywheel first.
I use a maintainer and have never had an issue. Thanks for the info.
Been using a maintainer on my generator battery now for almost 10 years. Same battery.
You got a deal on that generator, it only needed some minor work except for the loss of compression issue, nice work James!
I'm in Houston, 5KW gensets in running, making power condition, with wheel kit and handlebar, are as low as 200, 300 on CL and Marketplace, it's crazy. I just flipped a brand new, half hour use, 6000 watt running Briggs & Stratton, had never been used, picked for 250 (old gas), could only sell for 500 with delivery included after refurbish.
Love the big muffler, can't wait for end of video to hear it run
Something else you can do is if you have a window nearby hook up a small solar panel with a charge controller that will keep your battery charged.
I've run into a few small engines that loose compression.. It is caused by fuel residue on the valve stems.. after sitting up for a while they stick.. the easy fix is remove the sparkplug, insert some nylon rope into the cylinder. You then raise the piston which presses the rope against the valve and closes it.. You will have to work it back and forth a while, but you can free it.
Hopefully sales were good after the recent storm. Thanks for sharing
Do not have many left.
I modified the leakdown tester that I bought. I replaced 2nd gauge which you had to calibrate each time with a regular 0-100 psi gauge. Also got rid of the quick connect since it leaked and gave false reading.
easy fix today James ,hope you get a good price
Haven't seen one of these Honeywell units in ages awesome find @James Condon
Hi James really enjoyed sitting in your class today mate I am always learning from your videos as for this gene I was just surprised as you that it did not start
James: I think if you spray brake cleaner on the head gasket mating surfaces to make it super dry when tightening the head gasket the chance of sealing seems best. Not putting copper gasket coating on the mating surfaces is probably the best. I do know that lubrication on the head bolts makes a huge difference on how the head bolts tighten. With lubrication the head bolts can produce 1/3 more force at the same torque setting. Stripping the head bolts is the major thing to reduce happening. Running a bottoming tap in the holes is not a bad idea. This process is always done at it's best process. If one has crocus cloth on a very flat surface for the head seems also not a bad idea. Sorry I was probably a preacher in my former life.
Fall again this year .I took out all summer equipment batteries and brought them inside for next spring.
Actually Alan, if they are fully-charged, you are better off leaving those batteries outside. The self-discharge rate is a function of temperature (since there is a chemical reaction inside the battery) - a fully-charged battery (with high enough electrolyte specific gravity that it won't freeze) is actually better off in a cold environment, if you are not going to periodically recharge it or have it on a maintainer.
It’s. Hard to believe. Some one with that knowledge to fix a problem such as this Great job love your show keep it up
Great job. Thanks for the video.
Sometimes aircraft engines get carbon under seat on valves. We “stake” it (bang on rocker with 2x4) while under 80 psi). It usually brings compression back to serviceable readings
Hi James from Canada. You did a great job aĺl it needed was a little TLC. The gas tank was in good shape. Thank you for another awesome video. 😀👍🇨🇦
I do the same thing when installing valve keepers like that. I was taught that trick when i was in school rebuilding automotive and small engines. The generator i have actually says what the hertz should be at
Good morning James, always look forward to watching your weekly video's. Very informative, no matter the problem with the Gen Set. 👍👍👍👍In my mind that was an easy fix.
I have found that in a lot of instances when torque values are not available for a certain bolt or nut that you can find charts on the internet will give you the numbers you need to tighten your fastener.
Great idea about charging the battery with a small solar. Hope that small solar could be designed so it would not get shorted out, by current surges from the generator and motor.
Nice job James.that warning decal on the blower housing blocking off 25% of the cooling needs to vacate yesterday, peace.
Great work James ! Started right up after your cleanup and valve job .. I always keep mine on a battery tender and I have a remote start generator so I start it up every once in a while to keep the bowl full of fresh fuel.. ENJOYED..
Thanks Shawn
Do you find that even on a Battery Tender, that the charger will dry out the battery cells within a few months? I'm having that issue. Cheers
What a great and informative production you have made.
Thank you for your practical teaching
100 bucks, what a bargain! Nice vid, ty. Just don't know where that critter is going to crash now...
Nice repair James. That machine just needed a little TLC. You got very lucky with that gas tank not being a big rusty mess! 👍🇺🇸Roger
Thanks. The tank did not have much time left before rusting up.
Number 1 videos alway a good morning when you release a new video thank you for all the hard work and teaching us how too take care of our equipment.
I have the same Chinese Ebay valve spring compressor, a dab of grease on the threads helps a lot.
I have found that if you believe a speck of carbon debris is holding a valve open, I have hooked up an air hose through the spark plug hole and slowly spun the motor by hand. When each valve opens, air from the hose blows out the valve and may remove any debris on the valve seat. A spritz of cleaner inside the cylinder before blowing it out can help also. It's not guaranteed to work, but it's an easier step than removing the heads if you only suspect loose carbon debris on the valve seats.
That would have been easier for sure.
You may know this. The jell in the carb bowl is from a gas stabilizing product. Usually begins in about 10 months.
Good comment about valve lash and tightening nut preloading adjustment stud.
I see you use WD-40 a lot to clean gunk, and I'm fine with that purpose, but do you ever use Marvel Mystery oil? My dad would always squirt some into the cylinder during his maintenance and crank it through some cycles. He said it would free up any sticky piston rings and was one of the few product allowed in aircraft engines. Great explanation on finding and showing when TDC was found.
I have heard a lot of good things about Marvel Mystery oil. Have not tried it though. Might need to. WD-40 also works many wonders.
These old wives tales of all the different penetrating solvents are kinda silly. I’ve been fixing engines and wrenching for 35 years and WD40 is as good as anything else. Marvel is thicker and has a different intent completely. It doesn’t flash off the same. Not even close to the same thing.
Well, you've done it again, Jim. Great job...!!!
Thanks
Fantastic fix as usual. The fuel filter looked good and to keep it that way, you may want to disconnect the fuel line before the filter for draining the tank so as not to contaminate the filter with questionable fuel.
Evidently, you might be living in a very affluent area where people just want to get rid of derelict generators and buy a new one. Nearly all the nonworking generators on my local CraigsList are way overpriced. Keep up the good work keeping this material out of landfills.
I live near NYC, so plenty affluent areas. Its good for getting stuff cheap, but even fixed up and working they sell for less then most other areas.
@@jcondon1 The blessings and curse of living near affluence (but not *being* affluent): people throw away stuff that is easily fixed, but for the same reasons they can afford to buy a new genny rather than your refurbished one.
Always entertaining, don't go in dry, is always a good tip......
Nice fix James, and cleaned up nicely 😊
Another great video of diagnosing and repairing a generator. Liked the explanation of valves and timing. Should save some time and energy. Great job. Thanks for the video.
Technical ASMR at its finest James. A no fuss and appreciated upload in this often chaotic mytopia.
36:55 You have doc hands. That is allright.
I enjoy your projects. ASMR for me.
In the Netherlands generators are not very common as our powergrid is quite stable. Shorter distances I guess. Having watched many of your videos, I could fix a broken generator now 😊
Thanks 👍🏻🤝🏻🇳🇱
Thanks. I love the Netherlands. Spent a few months in Rotterdam.
In the US we lose power for 2 main reasons: 1. Most powerlines are above ground and not buried and 2. We have crazy weather - intense storms will pop up and take down powerlines. Ice storms will take down powerlines. Hurricanes, tornadoes, derechos, you name it, we've got it. Also you are talking about a vast area - NY to Los Angeles is like Amsterdam to Tehran. Somewhere in that zone there is a storm every day.
@@throwbo Thank you for your reply.
I am aware of the differences 😊 And have been to the US several times.
Just wanted to note that we hardly have generators here in the Netherlands. Or snowblowers 😊
Cheers
I enjoy all of your videos James, but this one really stands out to me. I learned a few new things and loved every minute of it. Thank you very much for your work. God bless. Rev. D.
Like Pat Travers said "getting better, better all the time"!
Well.. another nice work from the king of generators...you made it looks like a new one.. thanks a lot for the all the explanations in this video👍
What I do with old gas is fill a plastic container with cat litter then pour the gas into the container letting the cat litter soak it all up. Then I put the container in the sun and let it evaporate. You can reuse the cat litter many times before you have to toss it out.
I have several of those classic Coleman camping stoves and lanterns, which utilize ColemanFuel or… gasoline. Old fuel such as this works perfectly well, and I have never had any trouble starting or maintaining a consistent burner output using old fuel. Also, I once had a car with a carbureted v-8, and the stock fuel filter within the carburetor. It too ran just fine on old fuel.
It boggles me when people complain about old gas. It evaporates like nothing. Leave it outside on a hot day, your problem vanishes quite literally.
Another use for old gas is as a solvent and cleaner.
That's a great idea!
30:50 probably casting marks. I saw some of those on the outside of my Briggs block and thought it was cracked.
Learned something from you today about finding TDC!!!! Thanks for that tip....Always look forward to your video's and I am a subscriber...Thanks for all that you do.
great job. looks brand new.
Thanks
Jim.... another great find. Alot of great tips and advice on the reassemble regarding top dead center in relation to moving the fly wheel. I love learning new things from you. Thank you.👍👍👍What was were the stats on that genny as far as surge and running watts,?. I think the surge was 7500? Great job as always.
7500 running watts, 9375 surge watts.
@@jcondon1 Nice size genny. That should command a good selling price for you.
As always, magnificent! Thank-you!
It’s like watching a world famous brain surgeon operate. Each time a genius performance 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Enjoy your videos on finding and fixing the machine problems. Since carbs are so often the problem, can you give yours recommendations on fuels and storage practices to avoid carb issues? Thanks
a gen, that dont charge its own battery, hummmmmm, add one a simple automatic battery charger, wire it in the back of one of the outlets, job done. great video, as always. merry xmas.
Thanks for showing the degreaser bottle :)
Thanks for this video James. I too enjoy watching your videos, have learned a bit, like that you explain what you're doing.
Excellent work James as always.. love your videos and please keep up the excellent work and video editing.
Thanks
That's a nice unit man, for the time and effort you put into it, I'd say that's a keeper or for friends and family, that should be an easy $800 flip ($100 per KW roughly) In Houston I'd only be able to get around 600 or so. For me it wouldn't be worth it to sell for flip, we're only getting like 40 or 50 per kw.
At most I get $80 per kw.
As always, great video! It makes me wonder if those generators aren't working better after you looked into them then they were at the exit of the factory assembly line! Would buy one used from you over a new one anytime!
in my area the harbor freight degreaser is $10.49 gal and that ultrasonic also from harbor freight is $85.00
Good find for 100 bucks and looks like a reliable machine @James Condon
These generators are awesome I have had one for about 15years and love it would not trade it for any other brand!!! Wish I could find another!!!
awesome as alway's thanks keep them coming p.s l did mange to fix 17 generrator's over 3 day's for are category 3 storm that just hit and yes l'm tired 16 hr day's
Excellent video James 👌
That is the reason right there why I run my generator twice a month for 20 minutes I also use fuel stabilizer but I never leave the fuel on I always run the carburetor dry after every use so that I’m not doing this kind of work in the middle of a black out great to see there’s someone out there that saves these machines from going in the garbage
Unless your burning all that old fuel 20min run time doesn’t really do anything since the fuel in the tank is going bad. What’s best is to have an empty tank and carb so there’s no fuel to go bad at all. That way next time you need it all it needs it’s fresh gas and your good to go.
I’ve been doing it this way since 2014 and it starts every time on the first try thanks for your input
@@paultice610 how much fuel do you keep in the tank? Also do you use non ethanol? I know fuel can keep a bit longer then they say it does. My generator holds around 6-8 gallons so 20min a month would mean I would get around 30 months of startups and after that long the fuel would be for sure bad.
I do not have any stations close to me that have non-ethanol fuel that’s why I run a fuel stabilizer and I run it twice a month so it gets 40 minutes of run time each month and I put a load on it about 50% so it will use some fuel so I can keep adding pressure fuel every couple monthsMy generator holds I think 6 gallons or it’s 6 1/2 it is 8750 non-inverter predator with a 420 engine
Keeping the carb dry and running it once in a while is the best thing you can do. I also swap out the fuel twice a year from the tank. If your fuel has ethanol, then it will go bad usually between the 1 and 2 year mark. If no ethanol, then you can get 2-3 years out of it without to much issue.
Thank you for the information
And yet another great save James! Great video and explanations👍👍👍👍
Excellent James!
You can get a Torques chart which will match the bolts diameter and hardness on line you can print it out it should cover USA standard and Metric as well.
They quit putting battery chargers on most generators and lawn tractors too! I've had two craftsman that didn't charge the battery and I had to use a charger to charge them up to start. One was Briggs and other Tecumseh.
Most riding mowers have a stator and regulator/rectifier to charge the battery at around 13.5 plus volts.
Theoretically you could plug a wall charger in on the 120 vac receptacle and let it charge the battery while the genset is running.
As James notes, generators often sit for months and the battery will go dead if you don't leave them on a trickle charger. Lead acid batteries don't like to be fully discharged and a few cycles of dead and they won't take a charge anymore.
Pro tip. Paint stripper in a spray can eats stubborn carbon deposits. It has to be used on bare metal only. Just spray, walk away for 5 minutes and wipe off.
It came out great. Nice episode. Thanks.
I'm waiting for the day you build a portable test bench with multiple dummy loads, voltage and frequency tester, and a fuel tank on a little trolley. Make a great video! :)
I’m surprised he hasn’t bought a proper load tester or some used ex military testing equipment.
Thinking about making some changes. Been eyeing this. Will run at 3000, 4000 or 5000 watts. amzn.to/3nC32LH
Go full homebuild. 10 x 1kw radiant heater bars on a rig with some big ass switches. Great drama as you crank up the load 1kw at a time!
@@jcondon1 Brilliant idea! Use it to heat the shop when not used as a load tester!
@@FishFind3000 Large AC load banks can be quite expensive. Maybe an ex military one could be cheaper. We used to use them for testing when I was in the RAF.
Love your videos, there is always something to learn.
I worked at a used lift truck place. The trucks with Mazda engine the carbon on valves would loosen up when sitting for months. Then would not start when carbon fell off. And hold valve open.
Imma waiting for a "best & worst of James (click-click) Condon generator channel". Broken exhaust bolts. Flying valve springs. Wheels buried in the mud.. AND the infamous, puppy land mines. Love the vijayos. K
Hi James - Greetings from Idaho, just as I was getting ready to ask, you showed the solution used in the ultrasonic cleaner; thanks a bunch! I enjoy your videos and watch all.