You have no idea how much this video helped me. I have no electricity in my home. My generator broke down. My kids need fans to keep out the mosquitoes and to charge their computers for school. I was struggling in the dark trying to fix this. I watched your video and got the solution. Thank you brother, wherever you are.
I wanted to express my appreciation for your video on diagnosing an ignition module. I followed your suggestions and had to replace the module on a 30 year old Honda lawn mower. It now cranks on the first pull after replacing with a new Chinese module that I ordered on line for a little over $20.00. Regards, Greer
Had a no spark problem with my Predator 3500. After checking the usual no spark issues I found your video. Ordered a ignition control module/lighter from Harbor Freight parts. $25 later and my generator is up and running again. Can't thank you enough!
Thank you for this video. You are the reason I fixed my work generator. Tried everything I could think off and found my ignition module badly misaligned, almost sideways and rubbing crank wheel with other corner. Got a business card and made it right like you said. Now it starts at first pull everytime!.
Just something that is often overlooked - an internally broken plug. Not using a spark tester and just pulling the spark plug, plugging the plug into the plug wire and grounding the plug WILL work - unless the plug has broken inside. The big truth is that spark plugs don't last forever. Really good video, Dony - keep up the great work. 😏
Wish that I had checked out your video before I frustrated myself trying to figure out my issue. Thanks so much! Ordered the part from Amazon ($27), followed your very clear instructions, and lo and behold it started right up. I almost jumped for joy. Keep up the good work! 💪
Great video. I loved the business card gap method and by watching the video, I realized that I had the coil on backwards. Flipped it around, gapped it with my business card and it fired right up.
I failed to place my plug on the engine for a ground so whether that is why I didn't get a spark or it was a bad plug, I got a new one cross matched at car parts store. Grounded it, got a spark, put it together and cranked 2nd pull. Thanks.
Thanks for the video. Following your steps, I was able to get my Troy-Bilt 3550 watt genny with a Briggs & Stratton engine running again, although my coil was still good. The thickness of the business card was apparently too much. On a hunch, I tried setting the gap with the fine sandpaper that I used to clean the rust off the magnet and coil. Reassembled and it fired right up. Thanks again!
That plug connector is actually a resistor. Occasionally they go open causing a no spark scenario. Same thing with resistor spark plugs. You can measure with an ohm meter. Fantastic Video! Thanks for sharing.
This was a great video! Thanks for being so generous with your knowledge! I just purchased a Northern Tool Powerhouse unit that seems to have the same config of every generator on the market. I wanted to make sure I understood how generators work. It is too heavy for me to take it in for service so I need to be the service guy.
Very nice to have someone like you. My Chinese knock-off always started first pull no matter what. But suddenly quit for some reason. The coil showed no signs of failure and the fix-it shop confirmed that it was good. After some head scratching and a new spark plug I found the problem to be a poor connection from the coil wire to the boot. Some twisting and turning gave me a renewed hope. And all is well. Much thanks.
Thank you very much for this video that taught me in an entertaining and simple way the essentials about the operation of the ignition coil of a portable electric generator. After searching a lot this is the most accurate video
thanks so much Dony, I have a Honda HRS 21 GXV 110 1103002 lawnmower that was working fine until it decided this srping to start and then slowly to shut off, I will check now the spark and thanks to others videos I will also check the carburator. Knowledge is truly power thanks again !
I think this is my 3rd time around watching your video on ignition coils. Very interesting troubleshooting technique. I recently had an issue with a bad ignition coil. I mean one day it was working and then oops that has never happened before my Honda didn't start on the 1st pull nor the 2nd and nor the 3rd. It plain out wouldn't start. So thanks for being there for us when we wind up with an instant headache.
Hi Donny Think you should have tried some emery cloth on the coil and magnets before changing the coil,be a lot less expensive for the customer.Good video
Thanks for posting this Donny! I have a Polan leaf blower at home that has no spark. I am hoping that the spark plug is bad or the kill switch is shorted all of the time and not something more serious. I just ran it two weeks ago. Went to run it last Saturday and no spark.
Awesome, thanks, did learn. Editing my comment decided to share just what I've learned I learned I can unclip that wire From the Magneto Making that 1 less connection I have to make when changing the panel On my 4375 predator I have discovered a problem in my panel I was hesitant to change the panel Having to make so many electrical connections not worried about it anymore have a great day
Thank you for a great video. Nice and clear instruction and communicating the steps. Was having an issue similar until I read a comment below about the " little brass thingy" (low oil shutoff). I unplugged my low oil shutoff and got spark so thank you. It had me stumped until I read that.
I had same problem , I checked the coil by multimeter and found OK. Then I closed the gap between the flywheel and the coil as small as possible and dinaly i got the spark, thank you for the video
My generator is not bringing power and the AVR IS over heating. I cleaned the spark plug which was coated but didn't open the flywheel compartment. What could be the problem? Meanwhile, YOU ARE A GREAT TEACHER👍😎 Good job!!
big thanks for the video, helped me diagnose a non start (no/weak spark) issue on a Clarke PG6500dves here in Wales, the unit looks almost identical, other than having a key start and 240/110 uk plugs, unplugging the small coil wire got it started so I presume the ignition switch is at fault, will investigate further soon!
Really enjoying your videos. You explain things really well and show great close ups of the things you're doing. I'm fully confident doing the things you've demonstrated. Great work!
That flywheel and magnet were so rusty, I wonder if cleaning it all up with sandpaper along with cleaning the ignition coil if that would have fixed it. Great video as usual Don. Thanks.
Thank you for that tip! I sanded both down and re-gapped my coil, genny works well now after sitting for over a year. Though rust can't inhibit a magnetic field-- perhaps it bridges and gives a path to ground or the rust erodes the metal enough to widen the gap and make it not generate a spark.
Thank you dony boy73 for all of your video’s .You have save me from many problems with my shop tools.Great educational video,thanks again.👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻
Very good thanks for Showing. I have a generator and it is fine. However, my Father in Law is having issues with his. You have a new subscriber. Oh, I always like seeing other peoples shop's. You have some good easy organization things going on in there. I probably will adopt a more than a few of those. Again, thanks. Will from Akron, Ohio
Thanks for sharing. I just replaced mine and still no spark. I sanded the rust off the flywheel/parts and may have actually caused more damage. I sprayed some wD-40 on it on a rag then thin layer on there after lightly sanding. Set to correct gap and no spark.
Another nice one Donny. I have the no spark problem with my old Honda G200 which has not been used for the last three years and is a bit-very-- neglected. I've just been through the first procedures and will now go on to the final regarding the coil. I hope I can get a spare coil if necessary. The local engine supply shop here in Thailand is like Alladin's cave. I have high hopes. Thanks again for the very clear instructions.
the video was really helpful but found one more test to do before tearing down to coil, unscrew the coil wire to spark plug boot and reattach the boot back to coil wire, this gave me back my spark. i must have pulled it when replacing spark plug and the wire came loose enough to cause no spark. runs great now.
Hi donyboy. First I like to thank you for the excellent information you are sharing so unselfish. You have saved me much trouble and $ with it. Thank you!! I like to share the same problem I had, but it wasn't Chinese one, it was an Briggs & Stratton motor, and there is a difference. I had the very same problem with my mower's engine, no spark whatsoever. But instead of replacing the coil as the first option, I took it of the engine, with sand paper and a wire brush cleaned primarily the area where the credit card goes to gape it, then I did the same to the flywheel or magneto, (whichever applies). Reinstalled it the same way you did yours, and cranked it to test for spark, and o boy, did I had a spark! The rest is history.
Thanks man, i have the same type of chinese motor in my generator and this helped me get it started. in my case just removing and putting the spark plug back in seemed to work so i guess the wire was loose.
donyboy73 Thanks bro 🌹 I have question it's about the amount of engine oil how many I have put there ? 1/2 liter ? Or less, it's the same size of that generator in video
I have been learned a lot from you by watching your videos. Recently i bought a Honda generator from CL. Owner said that generator need to replace ignition coil which i order OEM part, i did exactly like you did on the video but i don't see any spark some reasons. I want to make sure it spark before closing up. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance
very thorough and helpful...I was waiting to see if you were going to shine up the flywheel to get some rust off but it looks like there was no need..😁
Thoroughly enjoyable. Good information and as always well explained. You sure have a wonderful gift and I can imagine the wonderful sense of achievement that must come with every little challenge as well as helping people. Thanks a lot for sharing.
Thank you for the video, new to the channel but have been addicted trying to get caught up.... Wife has even given me a hard time about watching too many TH-cam videos. Thank you for showing how you determine what was wrong, I find that to be the most difficult part for a weekend worrier like myself. Thanks again Sir.
Pretty sweet... a nice tutorial, the only problem with those chinese clone engines used to be finding parts for them. Guess there is enough of them out there now and enough parts that it isn't so much a problem anymore!
Hey man, your a god send, I've just changed the ignition coil on my generator, reassembled it but it wouldn't start, I didn't know there needed to be a certain gap between the coil and the flywheel, I nearly threw the damn thing away, but I'm now gonna try again with your advice... Thanks a million buddy and good day to you from England :-)
It didn't work Donny, mines a kipor ig2600, it's different I don't think the gap is important on theses, I've just took it apart again, and noticed, I've still got no spark, im now at a complete loss :-(
Instead of using a business card, try something thinner. I used a business card to gap the coil and wasn't getting consistent spark. Instead, I gapped with the thin piece of sandpaper that I was using to clean the magnet and coil. The more narrow gap did the trick. Give it a go.
You have no idea how much this video helped me. I have no electricity in my home. My generator broke down. My kids need fans to keep out the mosquitoes and to charge their computers for school. I was struggling in the dark trying to fix this. I watched your video and got the solution. Thank you brother, wherever you are.
Five hundred and eighty-three thousand videos later I found this video well explained and with a good solution.
Thanks.
As a gen owner I appreciate your diy fixes. Very well presented for us willing to do the work.
This video should be given 5 star. It exactly describes my problem
I wanted to express my appreciation for your video on diagnosing an ignition module. I followed your suggestions and had to replace the module on a 30 year old Honda lawn mower. It now cranks on the first pull after replacing with a new Chinese module that I ordered on line for a little over $20.00. Regards, Greer
Had a no spark problem with my Predator 3500. After checking the usual no spark issues I found your video. Ordered a ignition control module/lighter from Harbor Freight parts. $25 later and my generator is up and running again. Can't thank you enough!
Thank you for this video. You are the reason I fixed my work generator. Tried everything I could think off and found my ignition module badly misaligned, almost sideways and rubbing crank wheel with other corner. Got a business card and made it right like you said. Now it starts at first pull everytime!.
Just something that is often overlooked - an internally broken plug. Not using a spark tester and just pulling the spark plug, plugging the plug into the plug wire and grounding the plug WILL work - unless the plug has broken inside. The big truth is that spark plugs don't last forever. Really good video, Dony - keep up the great work. 😏
This man knows his stuff, take note and you won't go wrong kind regards colin from croydon surrey England 👍 👏 love his videos
This is EXACTLY what I needed to see. Thank you soooo much!!!
Two thumbs up. You are a brilliant teacher, I wish I had a great teacher like you, when I went to school.
this is the most easy way to teach in practical , welldone . your method in simple helped me lot to learn repairing of generator at home .
Wish that I had checked out your video before I frustrated myself trying to figure out my issue. Thanks so much! Ordered the part from Amazon ($27), followed your very clear instructions, and lo and behold it started right up. I almost jumped for joy. Keep up the good work! 💪
10 year old video and yet still solved my issue thanks brother 👊
Thanks!
Thanks Shawn!
Great video. I loved the business card gap method and by watching the video, I realized that I had the coil on backwards. Flipped it around, gapped it with my business card and it fired right up.
OUTSTANDING, THANKS. I have a 10 year old Champion generator with no spark. Your info gives me the next step and hope I can find parts.
I failed to place my plug on the engine for a ground so whether that is why I didn't get a spark or it was a bad plug, I got a new one cross matched at car parts store. Grounded it, got a spark, put it together and cranked 2nd pull. Thanks.
That's is a EXTRAORDINARY VIDEO teacher doniboy73!!!
Thanks for the video. Following your steps, I was able to get my Troy-Bilt 3550 watt genny with a Briggs & Stratton engine running again, although my coil was still good. The thickness of the business card was apparently too much. On a hunch, I tried setting the gap with the fine sandpaper that I used to clean the rust off the magnet and coil. Reassembled and it fired right up. Thanks again!
Excellent video, Dony. Really good audio and lighting, and your editing to avoid wasting our time is superb.
Great work as always. I'm gonna try doing this to my generac 5000 this weekend
That plug connector is actually a resistor. Occasionally they go open causing a no spark scenario. Same thing with resistor spark plugs. You can measure with an ohm meter. Fantastic Video! Thanks for sharing.
This was a great video! Thanks for being so generous with your knowledge! I just purchased a Northern Tool Powerhouse unit that seems to have the same config of every generator on the market. I wanted to make sure I understood how generators work. It is too heavy for me to take it in for service so I need to be the service guy.
Great videos! Very helpful for anyone just starting out with small engine repair.
Very nice to have someone like you. My Chinese knock-off always started first pull no matter what. But suddenly quit for some reason. The coil showed no signs of failure and the fix-it shop confirmed that it was good. After some head scratching and a new spark plug I found the problem to be a poor connection from the coil wire to the boot. Some twisting and turning gave me a renewed hope. And all is well. Much thanks.
Thank you very much for this video that taught me in an entertaining and simple way the essentials about the operation of the ignition coil of a portable electric generator. After searching a lot this is the most accurate video
Excellent demonstration! Very helpful!
thanks so much Dony, I have a Honda HRS 21 GXV 110 1103002 lawnmower that was working fine until it decided this srping to start and then slowly to shut off, I will check now the spark and thanks to others videos I will also check the carburator.
Knowledge is truly power thanks again !
Watching your videos have save me a fortune Many thanks Barry ( England ) top tips
Thank you so much! I have cleaned the carburetor, checked oil, changed gas.
I think this is my 3rd time around watching your video on ignition coils. Very interesting troubleshooting technique. I recently had an issue with a bad ignition coil. I mean one day it was working and then oops that has never happened before my Honda didn't start on the 1st pull nor the 2nd and nor the 3rd. It plain out wouldn't start. So thanks for being there for us when we wind up with an instant headache.
Thank u for the video it really helped me, we live way out in the boon dogs, one trip to town once a month for supplys, thank u again 👍
Fantastic! Glad I saw this before giving it away at a garage sale!
What an exceptional presentation! Very easy to follow instructions about repairing the generator and not all about the presenter !
Hi Donny Think you should have tried some emery cloth on the coil and magnets before changing the coil,be a lot less expensive for the customer.Good video
You help me diagnose my problem, it was just the switch. thank you. Saved me time and money.
Thank you for the lesson brother, I really liked it. Thank you.
Great demonstration.
I've right now fixed my generator with no spark with the help of your video.
That ignition module cost me 5$
Thanks for posting this Donny! I have a Polan leaf blower at home that has no spark. I am hoping that the spark plug is bad or the kill switch is shorted all of the time and not something more serious. I just ran it two weeks ago. Went to run it last Saturday and no spark.
Thanks so much for this video! Generator wouldn't start and storm was starting! Worked like a charm!
+Donna Wanamaker that's great!
Thank you very much. Got a generator not starting rt now. This isn't the issue but i was able to cross this off the list.
Awesome, thanks, did learn. Editing my comment decided to share just what I've learned I learned I can unclip that wire From the Magneto Making that 1 less connection I have to make when changing the panel On my 4375 predator I have discovered a problem in my panel I was hesitant to change the panel Having to make so many electrical connections not worried about it anymore have a great day
Thank you for simplifying the process. It helped
Thank you for a great video. Nice and clear instruction and communicating the steps. Was having an issue similar until I read a comment below about the " little brass thingy" (low oil shutoff). I unplugged my low oil shutoff and got spark so thank you. It had me stumped until I read that.
Awesome tips!
Now i'm ready to fix my wife's old 1999 Honda EM5000 for this 2021 huricane season🌀. Thank you.🤝 🤗👌
I had same problem , I checked the coil by multimeter and found OK. Then I closed the gap between the flywheel and the coil as small as possible and dinaly i got the spark, thank you for the video
Thank you for showing us all these videos, you have saved me a lot of money!
My generator is not bringing power and the AVR IS over heating. I cleaned the spark plug which was coated but didn't open the flywheel compartment. What could be the problem? Meanwhile, YOU ARE A GREAT TEACHER👍😎 Good job!!
big thanks for the video, helped me diagnose a non start (no/weak spark) issue on a Clarke PG6500dves here in Wales, the unit looks almost identical, other than having a key start and 240/110 uk plugs, unplugging the small coil wire got it started so I presume the ignition switch is at fault, will investigate further soon!
Really enjoying your videos. You explain things really well and show great close ups of the things you're doing. I'm fully confident doing the things you've demonstrated. Great work!
That flywheel and magnet were so rusty, I wonder if cleaning it all up with sandpaper along with cleaning the ignition coil if that would have fixed it. Great video as usual Don. Thanks.
Excellent video saved me a headache. Thankyou 🏴
Nice. You may have helped me solve an issue with a Honda GX390. I was thinking it was the ignition coil.
that job was awesome I tend to sand off the flywheel and the coil first before replacing it because sometimes the rust stop's the current great job
Thank you for that tip! I sanded both down and re-gapped my coil, genny works well now after sitting for over a year.
Though rust can't inhibit a magnetic field-- perhaps it bridges and gives a path to ground or the rust erodes the metal enough to widen the gap and make it not generate a spark.
Excellent video and easy to follow, thanks for sharing.
Thank you! You saved me so much money in shop repairs!
I like how you show every detail. Great job.
Thank you dony boy73 for all of your video’s .You have save me from many problems with my shop tools.Great educational video,thanks again.👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻
Very good thanks for Showing. I have a generator and it is fine. However, my Father in Law is having issues with his.
You have a new subscriber. Oh, I always like seeing other peoples shop's. You have some good easy organization things going on in there. I probably will adopt a more than a few of those.
Again, thanks.
Will from Akron, Ohio
thanks William
Great video for troubleshooting Thanks Donyboy73
Thanks for sharing. I just replaced mine and still no spark. I sanded the rust off the flywheel/parts and may have actually caused more damage. I sprayed some wD-40 on it on a rag then thin layer on there after lightly sanding. Set to correct gap and no spark.
Another nice one Donny. I have the no spark problem with my old Honda G200 which has not been used for the last three years and is a bit-very-- neglected. I've just been through the first procedures and will now go on to the final regarding the coil. I hope I can get a spare coil if necessary. The local engine supply shop here in Thailand is like Alladin's cave. I have high hopes. Thanks again for the very clear instructions.
you can find a Chinese coil very cheap on ebay
Thanks for your video, and showing how do diagnose and repairs without having so much tools
Glad it was helpful!
Very well set up video and easy to follow. Way better then most of the other how to videos I have seen. Thx
Thanks for the easy to follow procedure on a no start no spark condition.
your videos are awesome. Your videos helped me repair my old generator. Thanks man.
Best explanation so far!...congrats!...
Just did my first valve adjustment on my Honda GC 135 pressure washer. Is running and starting great. Thanks donyboy.
the video was really helpful but found one more test to do before tearing down to coil, unscrew the coil wire to spark plug boot and reattach the boot back to coil wire, this gave me back my spark. i must have pulled it when replacing spark plug and the wire came loose enough to cause no spark. runs great now.
Hi donyboy.
First I like to thank you for the excellent information you are sharing so unselfish.
You have saved me much trouble and $ with it. Thank you!!
I like to share the same problem I had, but it wasn't Chinese one, it was an Briggs & Stratton motor, and there is a difference. I had the very same problem with my mower's engine, no spark whatsoever. But instead of replacing the coil as the first option, I took it of the engine, with sand paper and a wire brush cleaned primarily the area where the credit card goes to gape it, then I did the same to the flywheel or magneto, (whichever applies). Reinstalled it the same way you did yours, and cranked it to test for spark, and o boy, did I had a spark! The rest is history.
Paul Castro yes that works sometimes
That is fantastic! Thanks so much, I'm going to work on my Coleman 1850 and see if I can get it going... thanks for the tips!
Thanks for the video. Helpful to the point and not long winded.
I agree, first thing I do is remove the rust completely, have never sealed it though. How long can you expect the sealing to last?
Very good explanation and easy to follow.
Great video, I picked up one brand new not working. Found out it had no spark. Looks like the coil. Thanks so much!
Nice job. I just lost spark on my Harbor Freight 4000W Predator generator. I will check it out tomorrow.
Thanks man, i have the same type of chinese motor in my generator and this helped me get it started. in my case just removing and putting the spark plug back in seemed to work so i guess the wire was loose.
Watched the video . 15min fix.
Your awesome
Well put together video. Very easy to follow and understand.
Thank you Donyboy you are the Man ! Fixed my problem...
Aging from Iraq I send you my appreciate. You are very nice smart man . Bless you always bro
greetings from canada
donyboy73
Thanks bro 🌹 I have question it's about the amount of engine oil how many I have put there ? 1/2 liter ? Or less, it's the same size of that generator in video
yes about 1/2 liter, check on dipstick
donyboy73
Thanks a lot
I hope you are in a safe place in Iraq
Thank you so much for the video. I was able to repair my Harbor Freight generator just in time for our next hurricane in Florida. Moman :)
is the hurricane still there?
Mathew past and left its wake on the east coast but there is talk of Nicole. I'm located inland central Florida.
Mo Man j
nice video, it was as advertised so many videos say no spark then they clean the carb.
Great, clear instructions. Thank you! Time to get to work on it...
Thanks for video,
Watching from 🇵🇬🇵🇬
Thanks so much for posting these videos -- I'm addicted to them! So informative! Keep up the good work!
I own a portable generator so if i ever need to trouble shoot the spark, i'll know what to do.
Thanks Donyboy, for the this video.
I have been learned a lot from you by watching your videos. Recently i bought a Honda generator from CL. Owner said that generator need to replace ignition coil which i order OEM part, i did exactly like you did on the video but i don't see any spark some reasons. I want to make sure it spark before closing up. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance
Your videos are very very good . I got my generator fixed. Thank you very much
Thank you donyboy 73. I learned alot.
Glad to hear it
Thank you so much. I find exactelly what i search thank you men
Wow! Thank you so much! Your advice has helped me so much!
very thorough and helpful...I was waiting to see if you were going to shine up the flywheel to get some rust off but it looks like there was no need..😁
Thoroughly enjoyable. Good information and as always well explained. You sure have a wonderful gift and I can imagine the wonderful sense of achievement that must come with every little challenge as well as helping people. Thanks a lot for sharing.
Great video, definitely helped me understand what's going on!
Thank you for the video, new to the channel but have been addicted trying to get caught up.... Wife has even given me a hard time about watching too many TH-cam videos.
Thank you for showing how you determine what was wrong, I find that to be the most difficult part for a weekend worrier like myself.
Thanks again Sir.
Pretty sweet... a nice tutorial, the only problem with those chinese clone engines used to be finding parts for them. Guess there is enough of them out there now and enough parts that it isn't so much a problem anymore!
Hey man, your a god send, I've just changed the ignition coil on my generator, reassembled it but it wouldn't start, I didn't know there needed to be a certain gap between the coil and the flywheel, I nearly threw the damn thing away, but I'm now gonna try again with your advice... Thanks a million buddy and good day to you from England :-)
It didn't work Donny, mines a kipor ig2600, it's different I don't think the gap is important on theses, I've just took it apart again, and noticed, I've still got no spark, im now at a complete loss :-(
Instead of using a business card, try something thinner. I used a business card to gap the coil and wasn't getting consistent spark. Instead, I gapped with the thin piece of sandpaper that I was using to clean the magnet and coil. The more narrow gap did the trick. Give it a go.
Easy to watch and listen and learn....Thanks.
Love your videos. Thanks for doing them. You are my go to guy when I'm wanting to learn how to fix my equipment.