I used to run a retail battery store. People in general *WAY* underestimate how long it will take to fully charge a battery. I'd have left that on the charger for as much as 2 or 3 days. Those J-hooks are also commonly available at any good auto parts store. I use 'em for battery holddown in my truck. Good on you for insisting on having a holddown there, too many people think that it's not important, when it is.
Rance here Jim, I remember those as new generators and back when they were new (sold at Yamaha motorcycle dealers) they were very expensive $1000.00 + . I think that one is a keeper. Very enjoyable video.
I love your son's use of "the sun's power" as a father of 4 boys I totally get it. Cherish those moments as they disappear when they get older. Great job on the generator that one is a keeper, way better than a Briggs.
Excellent repair on this generator. I don't think I have see a double emulsion tube before. Man, for 50 bucks that was a great buy but you had to fix it first so fantastic job. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks. Always a gamble buying something that does not work. Thankfully this one was able to come back without much effort. Working on one now that I think is a $200, 300 lb paper weight :( Good for parts.
@@jcondon1 Not being mean, but I'd like to see your struggle with this one and where you get to the point of deciding it's time to throw in the towel. So far I've seen you fix everything you've started on. And some were ridiculously messed up! (the Generac 10000EXL with stupid wiring changes!). Watching you is teaching me patience and perseverance... don't give up, keep thinking it thru to find "why"! I'd love to know what your primary job is. Somehow I suspect engineering or a similar field where you apply logic to problems. Thanks for posting your videos, they do help!
Woolval52 Woolval thanks. I am a project manager and software engineer by day. I did recently do a video where I got everything working but did not like the sound (knock) the engine was making. I called it on that one. Not worth fixing. Will release that one soon.
@@jcondon1 Hello James. I have the same generator but have a low voltage problem. It will put out around 102 volts, and sometimes drop to 72volts and back again. Engine runs smooth and I changed out the avr with one out of a parts machine made no difference. Any idea what it could be? Thanks.
I love watching your videos and I agree with Paul, there is some therapeutic value to watching them. There's only one thing that bugs me, and I'm sure it's just a glitch in myself, but I'd kinda like to see one of these generators given a good solid cleaning, not a full blown restoration, just re-painted and cleaned up a little more. No worries though, I'm hooked on watching what you're doing with these busted-up old generators. Keep it up!
I think you would be proud, found a beat up Predator 4000 Generator that looks like it was sunk in a lake (they stored it under a wooden porch). Paid $40 for it. Already got it running,would not kick on starting fluid. Pulled the plug and was getting spark off the side. So I threw on old plug I had laying around in it and she fired up !!! Even ran off the gas in the tank (I thought I had it turned off, whoops)... she is a little hunty with her idle but your videos show me how to fix that. Already tested for power and she is good on both legs (which I did not even know was a thing until I started watching your videos).. thanks for the help !!!
This vid really helped me crack into an old Yamaha 3500. Similar outlet panel and decals but no e-start. My uncle ran it for 10 years at his off grid cabin until carb finally choked out. The Yamaha purr is exactly the same! Thanks for this vid, really appreciate it!
Just having a binge watch of your vids :D Honestly, There is something about the older machinery, that just looks awesome.. More character to their design..
@@jcondon1 It did look very nicely put together, and agree with RGD it's a beautiful style with the panel let into the tank & the chrome frame. Only niggle for me was the battery tray looking like an afterthought but then again that was probably the whole point, make it obvious that this isn't just a generator but a generator with ELECTRIC START!!! Honestly if I could make do with 6KVa this would be the one to keep. (Also binge watching the last week or so when I get a chance!)
I have a tiny suitcase looking EF600. Runs about 4-5 hours on a 1/4 gallon tank of gas. Awesome little quiet generator. It also has the 12v battery charger port. It has a control on the back for adjusting the voltage too.
This is a personal questions, so I understand perfectly if you choose not to answer it. What do you do for a living? The reason I ask is because you think like an engineer and it shows in how methodical you are in your thinking and analyzing process.
Nice job. Those are really good machines. I might have changed the vacuum lines and put a vacuum test on the servo's. Also when I take a carb out of my ultra sonic cleaner, I usually blow the water solution out with compressed air and then a squirt of carb spray to make sure all the tiny passages are clear of the any remaining water solution. You are a great and patient mechanic. Thanks for the video's.
Those lines seemed really in good shape. Not cracked or petrified so ran with them (for now). Did not show it but I always clean off the solution with water and and blow compressed air to dry. Sometime run carb cleaner through depending on how bad it looks.
Picked up a 5550 watt troy bilt generator for 50 bucks today, thinking I'd fix it after watching nearly all of your videos. Turned out to be nothing wrong with it other than needing a pull cord assembly. I'm almost disappointed.
The J-bolts where they were cut off always leaves a sharp edge -- so I cut a piece of fuel line and slip it over the threads to cover the sharp edges. Great video.
With a little bit of maintenance - that is the key word. They are often left out in the rain, full of ethanol gas and folks wonder why they won’t run when they need them. Mine is in my shop and it goes through an op test every month and it is filled with PNE gas, stabilizer and synthetic oil. I won’t say it will last, forever, but I like its chances better than most.
James it really sucks here in Australia. We have standards that are fucking restrictive and costly to imports. You get so many right to repair options. Here we get limited options It's fucked
I have not read all of the coments, but that white u-shaped is a bi-metal strip. It functions much as the heater/AC thermostat in your home. When electricity goes through it it heats up and the bi-metal strip applies a force on the rod which it's touching.
I ran a smaller Yamaha 2800i for quite a while, after 8 years and minimal work the inverter failed and not worth repairing, I've reverted to the older generation of AVR gensets, although not suited to sensetive electronics, heavier and a little noisier are I feel far more reliable, an EF1000 that would have to be 25 yrs old give or take ($300 second hand) takes care of battery charging on my Camper trailer if the sun fails to shine for several days and basic power needs at home if the grid fails. It's just awesome!
@@jcondon1 You showed a picture of the replacement carb that had a wire coming off the bi-metallic loop - missing on yours. Presume it uses a 12v feed from a running generator.
@@jcondon1 The vacuum servo pulls the choke part way open when the engine starts while the bi metal spring prevents the choke from opening all the way until the engine has had time to fully warm up.
@James Condon Theres a heating element (on that bi-metal spring) which is supplied with 12v when the generator is running. Initially the choke is closed. But as the bimetal being heated up slowly changes shape and gradually opens the choke. When the generator is shut off. The bi-metal spring cools down and returns to its initial shape. Its a primitive way to control the choke, but it works well.
A nice job all round, on surface rust, what I use is 0000 steel wool & 3in1 oil, I also use it on light surface rust on air rifles, it's worth a try. Thank you for posting.
Nice troubleshooting. That vacuum line almost had you running in circles but of course it didn’t t fool the master. Glad you found the clogged carb port. I introduced my 8 yr old granddaughter to the “power of the sun and a magnifying glass” this past summer. I started her on dead leaves. She elevated herself to paper, pine slivers and pine needles then the killer instinct, making roasted ants. Woo haha. I’m sure she will try cardboard, but it better stop there (I hope).
Pro-Tip............when assembling, one of the best things on the market for gaskets and housings for a good seal, that is easy to work with is Loctitie 515.............sooo much better than silastic/rtv or anything else. Another nice save! Its a really sweet running set.
good man. some of us should get together and start a re-cycling/rebuilding club in north america...would save thousands of people, alotta money and grief, with saving mother earth, too.....wow....good job....
I also spray battery terminals with terminal protector. It keep them from corroding over time. I also wipe off the space between the terminals with a baking soda solution because batteries can discharge by electron flow between the two terminals due to acid ions on the top of the battery
James, On your Ford or Chevrolet those are called a choke pull off or Vacuume break. Looks exactly like them. What they do is when the car or generator starts the choke pull off opens the choke some till it warms up enouh to open the choke. If you put a vacuume on it it should open the choke some. You can check it by unhooking the vac. line push it open with your hand and cover the vac port where the hose hooks to it. Supposed to stay open then, If it doesn't stay open then you need a new pull off. It will flood it to death if it does start. It won't pull it wide open but it should open it enough to run, You can usually adjust them somehow where it starts and runs good till it warms up.
Another great video James, thank you!! I did get the trashed old Champion 3500 working great... slowly building up tools too like the meter you told me about.. keep up the great work James, and we will keep watching..
love the IV for generators!. If you have a cricket hobby cutter or a vinyl cutter you can make perfect gaskets works great for me , I just have to make several passes depending on thickness
Great job of sleuthing out the problem. Single cylinder engines have a tendency to vibrate which can shorten the life of a battery. Some isolation material under the battery and hold down clamp might be in order if you plan to keep the unit. If not, the next owner can deal with it.
Great job Doc. Yamaha makes good products, i have worked on many 4 and 2 cycle engines that were in golf cars, they'll last along time if taken care of.
My grandma has a generator that is a pain to start we used to use it to prevent the basement from flooding but since we fixed the flooding problem we only use it for watching tv when the power goes out and I thought that it was interesting that it was a two piston engine
I have a old onen with the same frame.has the idlematic and same carb.when cleaning the carb i found that my emulsion tube was in 2 pieces too but it has inner and outer core.can't put a wire in the holes cause the wire hits the inner core.I found a similar carb on eBay for about $30 original one is a mikuni that I cleaned and works fine.my choke is manual but there is a heating element that controls some aspects of the carb. Nice to see u work on a old school generator.that Yamaha is pretty I wish my frame was Chrome.
I can check most of those categories. Unfortunately, ethanol free gas is not available without a substantial drive for me. Wish it was easier to get at the pump.
@@jcondon1 James, I know this sounds pretty strange, but it does really work. To get gas with no alcohol in it is pretty easy to make. Check this out. Take a gallon of gas, (this is where it gets weird) pour a few ounces of water (yep water) in it. Leave it set. the alcohol in the gas absorbs the water, then just pour off the good gas. Most fuel here in Michigan has about 10% alcohol in it, so you will lose some volume. Check it out, its for real.
As a rule you don't miss much and I know you stand behind the stuff you service and sell, so I'm guessing you are confident that the fins and fan ducting are free of debris and cooling is not affected and that's good enough for me, nice job on a nice unit
I have watched several of your videos & they're absolutely therapeutic for me &, of course, very informative. Your calm persona & in depth instruciton are amazing. Thank you! I have a Yamaha EF1000 that will not start the first several pulls of the rope. After I walk away for 10-20 minutes & return, it usually starts after a few pulls. What do you think might be causing that? I watch videos on these Yamaha EF1000s & they always say theirs starts on the first or second pulls. I'm thankful that mine wiil consistently start after a waiting period, but puzzled as to what might be happening & if that could be corrected. I love this little generator & wouldn't part with it at any cost, but I wish it was easier to start. BTW, carb is a brand new Mikuni, so I don't think that's the problem. It required the same starting routine even with the old carb. Thank you & please keep these rare, in depth, educational videos coming. You're the best!
That is a hard one to diagnose. Would say try a new plug and make sure it is gapped properly. Otherwise would double check the choke plate is fully closing and confirm when not starting that the bowl in the carb is full of fuel.
That automatic choke works as follows: With the engine off the choke is closed, as the engine starts, the engine vac pulls the choke part way open. The insulated u shape thing is a bimetallic heating element which as it warms, opens the choke the rest of the way. Not sure where the electric power to heat it comes from, but would guess the engine has a bat charging alternator under the flywheel and that is the source.
Also don’t let your children operate portable generators that use gasoline because it’s harmful. They can get electrocuted and poisoned by carbon monoxide. I am just trying to be nice. Please be aware with this th-cam.com/video/I1jT3ANENvI/w-d-xo.html
Noticed the throttle linkage has an anti surge spring around it which goes to the throttle plate like my generac. Does the spring use the same hole as the linkage?
@@geraldbarney2448 Some engines use the same hole as the linkage for the spring to hook into and some engines use a separate smaller hole for the spring.
Another Great Job & Vid.....Thanks...........The Simi-Chrome would have worked great on the Chrome. LA Awesome All Purpose Concentrated Cleaner Refill works great....You will have to play with strength in the ultra sonic cleaner......... Sold at Dollar Tree - $1/qt.
Another fantastic video James top work from a top teacher keep the videos coming as your the only thing keeping me sane with everything going on in the world keep safe dude?
david waller thanks. Making the videos are keeping me sane. Was only making in or two videos a month before the virus. May have go back to that once things get normal again. Day job has me away from home.
Still like this genset will make someone a very good set for a long time if they run the gas out of the carb like I do. Of course my battery died 5 years ago but I kept it going for a few years before I just start it with the pull cord. Would like to get one of those inverter sets so the rpm isn't stuck to the frequency. We don't get frequent power off storms like you folks back east because we have hydroelectric dams but ice storms do make the trees fall on the wires. My son down in Texas could have used some of my generators and space heaters this past winter since I have three gensets and he has none.
Well right on the bat, i did notice it had a low oil level light on it like we talked about before. I was wandering if they could be converted to put one on just like that one and what you have to do to install one if one didnt come with one.I wish i could come across some generators around here. I could get one running around here if could find any.
Good job bringing this old one back to life. Do you see any similarities with this Yamaha 6000 Generator and the older Ridgid 8500/6800 generator with the Yamaha MZ360?
does this model have a gas conversion kit for it? I have a 1600 for emergency power in storm season and mains gas, a conversion would save me storing fuel. also, highly informative and instructive, excellent video, thank you for your efforts.
Got it on Amazon. A little larger then I expected, but works well. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004NV42PQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
a good way of cleaning rusty chrome steel is use steel wool and turps steel wool cleans the rust stains and the turps removes the stain and protects the surface
I have learned so much watching your videos, especially carburetor work. Thanks so much for making these videos.
I used to run a retail battery store. People in general *WAY* underestimate how long it will take to fully charge a battery. I'd have left that on the charger for as much as 2 or 3 days. Those J-hooks are also commonly available at any good auto parts store. I use 'em for battery holddown in my truck. Good on you for insisting on having a holddown there, too many people think that it's not important, when it is.
Thanks for the visit. Loved that Genset.
I love the few seconds of magnifying glass action at the end! Just gold!
Nosey103 lol. He is smiling reading that comment.
Rance here Jim, I remember those as new generators and back when they were new (sold at Yamaha motorcycle dealers) they were very expensive $1000.00 + . I think that one is a keeper. Very enjoyable video.
Nice to see a piece of good machinery working again.
Thanks
I love your son's use of "the sun's power" as a father of 4 boys I totally get it. Cherish those moments as they disappear when they get older. Great job on the generator that one is a keeper, way better than a Briggs.
Excellent repair on this generator. I don't think I have see a double emulsion tube before. Man, for 50 bucks that was a great buy but you had to fix it first so fantastic job. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks. Always a gamble buying something that does not work. Thankfully this one was able to come back without much effort. Working on one now that I think is a $200, 300 lb paper weight :( Good for parts.
@@jcondon1 Rance here Jim....I certainly hope that it does not turn out to be a paper weight.
@@jcondon1 Not being mean, but I'd like to see your struggle with this one and where you get to the point of deciding it's time to throw in the towel. So far I've seen you fix everything you've started on. And some were ridiculously messed up! (the Generac 10000EXL with stupid wiring changes!). Watching you is teaching me patience and perseverance... don't give up, keep thinking it thru to find "why"! I'd love to know what your primary job is. Somehow I suspect engineering or a similar field where you apply logic to problems. Thanks for posting your videos, they do help!
Woolval52 Woolval thanks. I am a project manager and software engineer by day. I did recently do a video where I got everything working but did not like the sound (knock) the engine was making. I called it on that one. Not worth fixing. Will release that one soon.
@@jcondon1 Hello James. I have the same generator but have a low voltage problem. It will put out around 102 volts, and sometimes drop to 72volts and back again. Engine runs smooth and I changed out the avr with one out of a parts machine made no difference. Any idea what it could be? Thanks.
I love watching your videos and I agree with Paul, there is some therapeutic value to watching them. There's only one thing that bugs me, and I'm sure it's just a glitch in myself, but I'd kinda like to see one of these generators given a good solid cleaning, not a full blown restoration, just re-painted and cleaned up a little more. No worries though, I'm hooked on watching what you're doing with these busted-up old generators. Keep it up!
I think you would be proud, found a beat up Predator 4000 Generator that looks like it was sunk in a lake (they stored it under a wooden porch). Paid $40 for it. Already got it running,would not kick on starting fluid. Pulled the plug and was getting spark off the side. So I threw on old plug I had laying around in it and she fired up !!! Even ran off the gas in the tank (I thought I had it turned off, whoops)... she is a little hunty with her idle but your videos show me how to fix that. Already tested for power and she is good on both legs (which I did not even know was a thing until I started watching your videos).. thanks for the help !!!
Nice find! I can never get a Predator for less then $180 in that condition.
Hi James, you are a genius with generators. Keep up the great content my friend. Kind regards. Paul.
This vid really helped me crack into an old Yamaha 3500. Similar outlet panel and decals but no e-start. My uncle ran it for 10 years at his off grid cabin until carb finally choked out. The Yamaha purr is exactly the same! Thanks for this vid, really appreciate it!
Just having a binge watch of your vids :D
Honestly, There is something about the older machinery, that just looks awesome..
More character to their design..
This was one of the best built portable generator I have every worked on.
@@jcondon1 It did look very nicely put together, and agree with RGD it's a beautiful style with the panel let into the tank & the chrome frame. Only niggle for me was the battery tray looking like an afterthought but then again that was probably the whole point, make it obvious that this isn't just a generator but a generator with ELECTRIC START!!! Honestly if I could make do with 6KVa this would be the one to keep. (Also binge watching the last week or so when I get a chance!)
There's therapeutic value to watching your videos 😁😁
1!
Absolutely! 😊
I have a tiny suitcase looking EF600. Runs about 4-5 hours on a 1/4 gallon tank of gas. Awesome little quiet generator. It also has the 12v battery charger port. It has a control on the back for adjusting the voltage too.
This is a personal questions, so I understand perfectly if you choose not to answer it. What do you do for a living? The reason I ask is because you think like an engineer and it shows in how methodical you are in your thinking and analyzing process.
About 2000 because I have an EF5000, looks and runs like brand new!
Nice job. Those are really good machines. I might have changed the vacuum lines and put a vacuum test on the servo's. Also when I take a carb out of my ultra sonic cleaner, I usually blow the water solution out with compressed air and then a squirt of carb spray to make sure all the tiny passages are clear of the any remaining water solution. You are a great and patient mechanic. Thanks for the video's.
Those lines seemed really in good shape. Not cracked or petrified so ran with them (for now). Did not show it but I always clean off the solution with water and and blow compressed air to dry. Sometime run carb cleaner through depending on how bad it looks.
Picked up a 5550 watt troy bilt generator for 50 bucks today, thinking I'd fix it after watching nearly all of your videos. Turned out to be nothing wrong with it other than needing a pull cord assembly. I'm almost disappointed.
nodriveknowitall funny. Sometimes it is easy. Good deal.
Would call that an oldie but a goodie. Figure it is built better then what we have today.
It is
I liked this video. Your trouble shooting skills are excellent. Not only did I learn somethings, I felt good after watching it.
That's such a nice unit. It's a shame it was just ignored and unused. This looks like a nice heavy-duty contractor type rig.
Looks great. Really like seeing the repair from start to finish.
Me too. I started this channel because I was searching for the details and found many TH-cam video skipping the needed details to complete the repair.
The J-bolts where they were cut off always leaves a sharp edge -- so I cut a piece of fuel line and slip it over the threads to cover the sharp edges. Great video.
With a little bit of maintenance - that is the key word. They are often left out in the rain, full of ethanol gas and folks wonder why they won’t run when they need them. Mine is in my shop and it goes through an op test every month and it is filled with PNE gas, stabilizer and synthetic oil. I won’t say it will last, forever, but I like its chances better than most.
Agreed. The generator I use on my house has to be at least 15 years old and never had a problem. Does not take much to keep them running properly.
The chrome will clean up super nice with some quad 0 sos pads that have soap in them works amazing on chrome with rust
50 bucks is a steal of a deal.
James it really sucks here in Australia.
We have standards that are fucking restrictive and costly to imports.
You get so many right to repair options.
Here we get limited options
It's fucked
Great product and price for our needs. RV and power outages arrived in time.
I have not read all of the coments, but that white u-shaped is a bi-metal strip. It functions much as the heater/AC thermostat in your home. When electricity goes through it it heats up and the bi-metal strip applies a force on the rod which it's touching.
A old time we’ll built generator unlike todays generators
Thank-you! As someone might say, "They don't make them like that any more!"
When cleaning carbs I use air blaster used for cleaning key board on computers. Helps get any residue from cleaning . Great video
Shark 🦈 km! Please
I ran a smaller Yamaha 2800i for quite a while, after 8 years and minimal work the inverter failed and not worth repairing, I've reverted to the older generation of AVR gensets, although not suited to sensetive electronics, heavier and a little noisier are I feel far more reliable, an EF1000 that would have to be 25 yrs old give or take ($300 second hand) takes care of battery charging on my Camper trailer if the sun fails to shine for several days and basic power needs at home if the grid fails. It's just awesome!
That's an electric choke, it's a bi-metal spring that when electric is applied it heats up and disengages the choke
That is the only thing it could be. Just surprised because it also has the vacuum servo.
@@jcondon1 You showed a picture of the replacement carb that had a wire coming off the bi-metallic loop - missing on yours. Presume it uses a 12v feed from a running generator.
Same feature as an old electric pop up toaster.Still working.
@@jcondon1 the bi-metal spring pushes the servo and choke back after the engine shuts down
@@jcondon1 The vacuum servo pulls the choke part way open when the engine starts while the bi metal spring prevents the choke from opening all the way until the engine has had time to fully warm up.
@James Condon Theres a heating element (on that bi-metal spring) which is supplied with 12v when the generator is running. Initially the choke is closed. But as the bimetal being heated up slowly changes shape and gradually opens the choke.
When the generator is shut off. The bi-metal spring cools down and returns to its initial shape.
Its a primitive way to control the choke, but it works well.
First time I had seen it used in that way.
Very common in the day in cars and trucks. In those applications, the vacuum was built right into the body of the carb.
A nice job all round, on surface rust, what I use is 0000 steel wool & 3in1 oil, I also use it on light surface rust on air rifles, it's worth a try. Thank you for posting.
Thanks will give it a try.
Nice troubleshooting. That vacuum line almost had you running in circles but of course it didn’t t fool the master. Glad you found the clogged carb port.
I introduced my 8 yr old granddaughter to the “power of the sun and a magnifying glass” this past summer. I started her on dead leaves. She elevated herself to paper, pine slivers and pine needles then the killer instinct, making roasted ants. Woo haha. I’m sure she will try cardboard, but it better stop there (I hope).
james condon = the generator RE-GENERATOR 50 bucks...what a steal...
Pro-Tip............when assembling, one of the best things on the market for gaskets and housings for a good seal, that is easy to work with is Loctitie 515.............sooo much better than silastic/rtv or anything else. Another nice save! Its a really sweet running set.
A piece of rubber floor mat will help separate a battery from the paint on the shelf.
I love the sound of crickets in the back ground better then music for a country boy
Awesome incredible! NO words could describe what you did more, kind Sir. Thank you.
good man. some of us should get together and start a re-cycling/rebuilding club in north america...would save thousands of people, alotta money and grief, with saving mother earth, too.....wow....good job....
Thanks
Great work! Your son cracked me up at the end, I totally remember doing the same at his age.
Me too!
Yam didn't skimp on the carb/choke set up. Thanks for sharing.
I also spray battery terminals with terminal protector. It keep them from corroding over time. I also wipe off the space between the terminals with a baking soda solution because batteries can discharge by electron flow between the two terminals due to acid ions on the top of the battery
James, On your Ford or Chevrolet those are called a choke pull off or Vacuume break. Looks exactly like them. What they do is when the car or generator starts the choke pull off opens the choke some till it warms up enouh to open the choke. If you put a vacuume on it it should open the choke some. You can check it by unhooking the vac. line push it open with your hand and cover the vac port where the hose hooks to it. Supposed to stay open then, If it doesn't stay open then you need a new pull off. It will flood it to death if it does start. It won't pull it wide open but it should open it enough to run, You can usually adjust them somehow where it starts and runs good till it warms up.
Another great video James, thank you!! I did get the trashed old Champion 3500 working great... slowly building up tools too like the meter you told me about.. keep up the great work James, and we will keep watching..
Good to hear.
love the IV for generators!. If you have a cricket hobby cutter or a vinyl cutter you can make perfect gaskets works great for me , I just have to make several passes depending on thickness
Amundsen I have both and a hole punch and gasket paper. Prefer to make my own instead of paying $10 and waiting a week or two.
You are wonderful. Lets leave WELL ENOUGH ALONE ! Great job !
Great job of sleuthing out the problem. Single cylinder engines have a tendency to vibrate which can shorten the life of a battery. Some isolation material under the battery and hold down clamp might be in order if you plan to keep the unit. If not, the next owner can deal with it.
Good point. Thanks
I enjoy all your video's. Has taught what it takes to repair generators and small engines.
Great vid James. Apparently the lister didn't think so.
Hi, James. It was touch and go for a while there. I'm glad you got it fixed. Thanks for sharing! Stay Healthy!
I like the way you work and explain what you are doing 😁😁😁😁
Great job Doc. Yamaha makes good products, i have worked on many 4 and 2 cycle engines that were in golf cars, they'll last along time if taken care of.
I like this Yamaha engine a lot better then their newer MZ300 and MX360 engines.
My grandma has a generator that is a pain to start we used to use it to prevent the basement from flooding but since we fixed the flooding problem we only use it for watching tv when the power goes out and I thought that it was interesting that it was a two piston engine
Glad you found the clogged tube! My 8yr old granddaughter likes to do that to leaves instead of cardboard. Haha
I have a old onen with the same frame.has the idlematic and same carb.when cleaning the carb i found that my emulsion tube was in 2 pieces too but it has inner and outer core.can't put a wire in the holes cause the wire hits the inner core.I found a similar carb on eBay for about $30 original one is a mikuni that I cleaned and works fine.my choke is manual but there is a heating element that controls some aspects of the carb.
Nice to see u work on a old school generator.that Yamaha is pretty I wish my frame was Chrome.
Very neet carb design never seen a electrical connector like that on a carb
Enjoying the videos, Bought my 2nd generator today.
Nice
WATCHING YOU WORK ON THIS ONE, MY FIRST THOUGHT WAS I WOULD NEVER OWN OR WORK ON THIS UNIT.
It is a well built machine. Just had a little clog in the emulation tube.
Did you check the diaphragm in both vacuum servos for pinhole leaks? put a vacuum on them and see if it holds a vacuum.
You have an awesome piece of equipment. Some hints.
NGK plugs only
10 w 30 Full Syn Silkoleone ester based oil
Ethanol free gas
I can check most of those categories. Unfortunately, ethanol free gas is not available without a substantial drive for me. Wish it was easier to get at the pump.
@@jcondon1 Be very careful if you use a fuel stabil. It will GEL in the carb.
@@jcondon1 James, I know this sounds pretty strange, but it does really work. To get gas with no alcohol in it is pretty easy to make. Check this out. Take a gallon of gas, (this is where it gets weird) pour a few ounces of water (yep water) in it. Leave it set. the alcohol in the gas absorbs the water, then just pour off the good gas. Most fuel here in Michigan has about 10% alcohol in it, so you will lose some volume.
Check it out, its for real.
Nice retro find and fix, James! Grade A quality as always! 👍👍
Thanks
Great vid. I always liked they Yamahas better then everyone else. Need to get some bigger electrical wise to put a load on those big genders.
Very nice machine, screams quality all over it, sounds awesome too, weird spot to place the voltage regulator trimmer though
The quality of your videos are very good a pleasure to watch. Great information
Thanks Dan
James get your fuel supply test tank higher than the carb. Awesome job!
As a rule you don't miss much and I know you stand behind the stuff you service and sell, so I'm guessing you are confident that the fins and fan ducting are free of debris and cooling is not affected and that's good enough for me, nice job on a nice unit
Thanks. The tins around the fan and engine are pretty tight. No sure a critter could get in there.
I have watched several of your videos & they're absolutely therapeutic for me &, of course, very informative. Your calm persona & in depth instruciton are amazing. Thank you! I have a Yamaha EF1000 that will not start the first several pulls of the rope. After I walk away for 10-20 minutes & return, it usually starts after a few pulls. What do you think might be causing that? I watch videos on these Yamaha EF1000s & they always say theirs starts on the first or second pulls. I'm thankful that mine wiil consistently start after a waiting period, but puzzled as to what might be happening & if that could be corrected. I love this little generator & wouldn't part with it at any cost, but I wish it was easier to start. BTW, carb is a brand new Mikuni, so I don't think that's the problem. It required the same starting routine even with the old carb. Thank you & please keep these rare, in depth, educational videos coming. You're the best!
That is a hard one to diagnose. Would say try a new plug and make sure it is gapped properly. Otherwise would double check the choke plate is fully closing and confirm when not starting that the bowl in the carb is full of fuel.
@@jcondon1 Thank you! ;)
That automatic choke works as follows: With the engine off the choke is closed, as the engine starts, the engine vac pulls the choke part way open. The insulated u shape thing is a bimetallic heating element which as it warms, opens the choke the rest of the way. Not sure where the electric power to heat it comes from, but would guess the engine has a bat charging alternator under the flywheel and that is the source.
Man you live in the epicenter of $50 generators.
lol. In my area "generator doesnt run, caught on fire, electrical short $300"
@@askikr79 we must live in the same area. 😂😂😂
I lmfao 🤣😂
@@askikr79 give. That. Generator to. Me. I. Can. Refurbish. The. Unit. That's. What. I. Do. As. My. Hobbies. !!😎🙋♂️😷✌
I agree
The Ridgid with the vapor lock issue looks like a Transformer, but this Yamaha has some Style...!
Some very good lessons on diagnostics and generator checks. I hope I never have to use them on my generators! Thank you.
Also don’t let your children operate portable generators that use gasoline because it’s harmful. They can get electrocuted and poisoned by carbon monoxide. I am just trying to be nice. Please be aware with this th-cam.com/video/I1jT3ANENvI/w-d-xo.html
Nice work bringing this generator back to life, keep up the great work!
Thanks
Noticed the throttle linkage has an anti surge spring around it which goes to the throttle plate like my generac. Does the spring use the same hole as the linkage?
@@geraldbarney2448 Some engines use the same hole as the linkage for the spring to hook into and some engines use a separate smaller hole for the spring.
That is a super nice generator , I sure would like to have an older Yamaha , I have many honda and china made even an Onan . But that one is SWEET !
Thanks. I agree. One of the better built generators I have come across.
That thing is cool as can be 😎 what a steal at 50 bucks!
It was
Nice find James, good looking gen😊
This is a very neat unit and probably the most interesting one apart from the flathead Briggs you rebuilt.
V-G-Z yes, very different from what I normally see.
Neat to see a different style engine.....not that there's anything wrong with a Briggs, or a Shuguang Special.
I agree. This one was not built the same as most I come across.
Nice yamaha very neat old generator
It was a true Yamaha. The newer Yamaha generator engines are build in China... Still run very well though.
@@jcondon1 not built like they used to be that is for sure
Another Great Job & Vid.....Thanks...........The Simi-Chrome would have worked great on the Chrome. LA Awesome All Purpose Concentrated Cleaner Refill works great....You will have to play with strength in the ultra sonic cleaner......... Sold at Dollar Tree - $1/qt.
Great repair nice looking generator for sure
Thanks 👍
3.12.21 James question: Where would one get parts for Yamaha generators? I have the EF3800. Thanks again for pointing me towards this repair.
wow...i got an EF2800, in process of doing the same, as Sir James did, in this video....good for you, no computer/plastic crap.
Haven't even watched yet but a very cool generator!
I trust Yamaha, Brother has a great motorcycle, I have a gr8 Yamaha stage piano,
YUP I like them.
Another fantastic video James top work from a top teacher keep the videos coming as your the only thing keeping me sane with everything going on in the world keep safe dude?
david waller thanks. Making the videos are keeping me sane. Was only making in or two videos a month before the virus. May have go back to that once things get normal again. Day job has me away from home.
The gas tanks and shut off valves always rot out on those. Good Vid!
Thanks!
Still like this genset will make someone a very good set for a long time if they run the gas out of the carb like I do. Of course my battery died 5 years ago but I kept it going for a few years before I just start it with the pull cord. Would like to get one of those inverter sets so the rpm isn't stuck to the frequency. We don't get frequent power off storms like you folks back east because we have hydroelectric dams but ice storms do make the trees fall on the wires. My son down in Texas could have used some of my generators and space heaters this past winter since I have three gensets and he has none.
WOW ! $50 bucks for that big Yamaha ! That thing way outclasses the other brands you usually get in your shop , Excluding any Hondas that you get !
Its rare to get a Honda or Yamaha. They usually work and don't make a good "will it run" video. They do run.
I worked for a construction in the early 90s and we had the same generators we also had a few Hondas which were pretty similar to the Yamahas.
Shakes 73 was thinking it looks like it was made in the 90’s, but has a very 80’s look.
@@jcondon1 Yes they do look older. I think the ones we used was purchased in late 80s I started in 1990 and they were a couple years old already.
Well right on the bat, i did notice it had a low oil level light on it like we talked about before. I was wandering if they could be converted to put one on just like that one and what you have to do to install one if one didnt come with one.I wish i could come across some generators around here. I could get one running around here if could find any.
Good job bringing this old one back to life. Do you see any similarities with this Yamaha 6000 Generator and the older Ridgid 8500/6800 generator with the Yamaha MZ360?
does this model have a gas conversion kit for it? I have a 1600 for emergency power in storm season and mains gas, a conversion would save me storing fuel.
also, highly informative and instructive, excellent video, thank you for your efforts.
Thanks. Not sure about a kit on this one.
@@jcondon1 yea, I've not been able to find one for it as yet.
a shame :/
Battery tray is great place to use OSPHO after wire brush treatment. Ebay- about $25 per quart.....
Great videos James, they give me hope.
That "shop tank?". Explain! Much better then my setup.
Got it on Amazon. A little larger then I expected, but works well. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004NV42PQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Comment because TH-cam wants them. Great video.
a good way of cleaning rusty chrome steel is use steel wool and turps steel wool cleans the rust stains and the turps removes the stain and protects the surface
Iuse WD-40 and 000 zero steel wool.