Switch the choke lever from start to run as soon as the engine begins to run using gasoline. Also, choke usually isn't even needed on propane or NG and more cranking time is usually needed before the engine will fire up as propane and NG have less burning btu's than gasoline hence the reduced wattage available using these fuels. This has been my experience. Thanks for the video.
My unit would not start on Propane. I called Firman and after a lot of trying they said try choke only half way. It started right up. Full choke for propane doesn't work at all.
@asbcasbc same here! I had the choke on and couldn't get it started at all. After wasting several minutes and nearly killing the battery, I remembered seeing somewhere that you didn't need the choke on for propane. I shut the choke off and it instantly fired up.
@@ediepatterson5715 Hello. Was thinking of getting this newest model, have the jitters a bit but so far still no regrets for your purchase of this one? I know I can run it back Costco just checking with folks to make sure they still like their purchase of this model. Also I’ve seen guys put mufflers on end to quit them down a bit.
Its a good generator. All gas powered machines have the same starting procedure. Choke is only really needed at cold start up. After that the choke should be adjusted to match the engine running speed. Eventually the engine will be warm enough to where the choke is not needed. I have this generator and its great for the price and voltage it supplies. Only negative is the 90DB loudeness, but I bought a mufler silencer and extension kit.
BJs wholesale has the Firman tri fuel 10,000 watt T08071 on sale for $1034. That’s the one I have. Had it for almost 3 years now runs real good. This model you have has a THD of 25% at full load where as the T08071 model has a THD of 11 to 14% at full load.
For those who don't know what he's meaning...THD is total harmonic distortion. Which he's basically saying the model he got from BJ's has cleaner power under load. Cleaner power means it's more consistent with voltage and signal. By signal it's a clean 60hz sine wave. Keep me honest folks and correct me if I've said anything wrong here.
@@GeneralLee0178 10/4. Have you used that generator to power your house? Electronics like TVs, stereo amps, computers, etc? Seeing information suggesting the THD value of these generators are a bit higher than what you want for things like that.
I have tested It. I have my house hooked up with a Double poll 50amp breaker and an inlet box. I was able to run the tvs and stuff like that with no harm the computers where still plugged in. Haven't really had a chance to put through a good run. Seemes like since I bought the darn thing power stays on now.
the choke is to put more air ratio to fuel liquid. It should not work with liquid propane that is already actually gas that need oxygen to burn. so if you use the choke it does not have enough oxygen.
Thank you for explaining that. I didn’t think you would need a choke for lp but I don’t have that knowledge of how it works so I followed the instructions. I wonder if they overlooked that when printing the instructions because I have no idea why it would say to use the choke.
Not exactly. The choke doesn't increase air, it restricts air. This creates a vacuum condition in the carb causing fuel to be drawn into the intake. That is why when he failed to open the choke while starting on gas, it was smoking because it was running really rich and couldn't breathe properly.. Maybe that's what you meant but you said it exactly backwards.
After the initial oil change from Firman oil, I am using Valvoline 5W-30 Restore and Protect. What are you using? AI also called Firman when my generator wouldn't start on natural gas, and they advised me to use gasoline for the initial startup.
I appreciate your video. I have your same model and would like to purchase a magnetic dip stick. but I need to know the part number first. Internet search and owner’s manual doesn’t have it. Do you happen to know where I could find that? Thanks.
If you can in your location try to run non ethanol fuel at the pump. If you cannot get it when you're done with your trip or whenever you use it siphon the ethanol fuel out of it and run it as dry as possible when you put it into storage more than a couple weeks. You can buy non ethanol fuel at home Depot or Lowe's, but it's kind of pricey if it's not available at the pump in your area. Also, the choke is only for when the engine's cold.
I heard from the previous model watching them guys were saying sometimes they were putting the choke inbetween somehow when doing propane but not sure how switch works on this one and haven’t looked at this model yet. Interesting though but doesn’t seem me you would need choke for LP or natural gas but you do need to give the gas TIME to get through hose etc just like any other propane type heater like the Mr Buddy heater gizmo etc.
Yes I am. I have only used it under load the one time for about 30 minutes with my camper but this far I have no complaints. Has started right up each time I have done a “maintenance run” for a little bit.
Pro Tip = if you overfill the oil, drain some out. I saw blue smoke coming out when you were having a hard time stating and it is not good for longevity to run with oil over full.
@@larrybobnewman nice to hear. Is it still running without hiccups or if you could would you say you would maybe buy something else next time. Thanks and appreciate your video and taking time to share I know it’s know easy task takes me for the kind I produce sometimes up to a year with hydroponics.
I really think that now everyone should have a generator 😢 It’s just a terrible time in America 🇺🇸 It’s been a horrible tornado season so far and the ocean is coming next month 😢 Folks don’t depend on the government and others when it’s your place to be prepared for the worst weather and world events
@@chalemi6909 Hondas can be converted to LP and NG but tbh, it sounds like a pain in the ass. I guess for the price here, it's a decent generator as long as it works as advertised. I have Wen dual fuel and used to own a Westinghouse, all decent units. Wen being the most economical but still good
Switch the choke lever from start to run as soon as the engine begins to run using gasoline. Also, choke usually isn't even needed on propane or NG and more cranking time is usually needed before the engine will fire up as propane and NG have less burning btu's than gasoline hence the reduced wattage available using these fuels. This has been my experience. Thanks for the video.
Very insightful. Thank you.
My unit would not start on Propane. I called Firman and after a lot of trying they said try choke only half way. It started right up. Full choke for propane doesn't work at all.
@asbcasbc same here! I had the choke on and couldn't get it started at all. After wasting several minutes and nearly killing the battery, I remembered seeing somewhere that you didn't need the choke on for propane. I shut the choke off and it instantly fired up.
Thanks for the video. Watching it saved me the frustration of figuring it out for myself.
We got so mad trying to start this yesterday on NG. Thanks for the video and troubleshooting!! Now we can relax ❤😊
Agree 100%. The instructions should use bold characters or CAP letters to focus the owner's attention.
@@ediepatterson5715 Hello. Was thinking of getting this newest model, have the jitters a bit but so far still no regrets for your purchase of this one? I know I can run it back Costco just checking with folks to make sure they still like their purchase of this model. Also I’ve seen guys put mufflers on end to quit them down a bit.
@@ediepatterson5715 Is yours working fine still. Still a good bet in terms of generator. Thanks just curious.
I have had that model for a couple of years from Costco and I have had no problems.
On propane, it only started on “run” like you found out!
Its a good generator. All gas powered machines have the same starting procedure. Choke is only really needed at cold start up. After that the choke should be adjusted to match the engine running speed. Eventually the engine will be warm enough to where the choke is not needed. I have this generator and its great for the price and voltage it supplies. Only negative is the 90DB loudeness, but I bought a mufler silencer and extension kit.
Are you able to provide a link to these? The silencer and extension kit
Could you tell us more abt what muffler extension kit you found useful for this as well as a few pictures. Thanks great news to have.
You know when you get old you start hanging onto boxes lol
Some people would greatly improve their quality of life by reading the instructions.
Ah come on I learned from Tool Man Taylor never read the instructions hehe
BJs wholesale has the Firman tri fuel 10,000 watt T08071 on sale for $1034. That’s the one I have. Had it for almost 3 years now runs real good. This model you have has a THD of 25% at full load where as the T08071 model has a THD of 11 to 14% at full load.
For those who don't know what he's meaning...THD is total harmonic distortion. Which he's basically saying the model he got from BJ's has cleaner power under load. Cleaner power means it's more consistent with voltage and signal. By signal it's a clean 60hz sine wave. Keep me honest folks and correct me if I've said anything wrong here.
Just checked the specs on Firman's website. Both models have same THD.
Yup seen that I seen which one I looked at it was model T05773 got it backwards
@@GeneralLee0178 10/4. Have you used that generator to power your house? Electronics like TVs, stereo amps, computers, etc? Seeing information suggesting the THD value of these generators are a bit higher than what you want for things like that.
I have tested It. I have my house hooked up with a Double poll 50amp breaker and an inlet box. I was able to run the tvs and stuff like that with no harm the computers where still plugged in. Haven't really had a chance to put through a good run. Seemes like since I bought the darn thing power stays on now.
the choke is to put more air ratio to fuel liquid. It should not work with liquid propane that is already actually gas that need oxygen to burn. so if you use the choke it does not have enough oxygen.
Thank you for explaining that. I didn’t think you would need a choke for lp but I don’t have that knowledge of how it works so I followed the instructions. I wonder if they overlooked that when printing the instructions because I have no idea why it would say to use the choke.
Not exactly. The choke doesn't increase air, it restricts air. This creates a vacuum condition in the carb causing fuel to be drawn into the intake. That is why when he failed to open the choke while starting on gas, it was smoking because it was running really rich and couldn't breathe properly.. Maybe that's what you meant but you said it exactly backwards.
I loved the video and the straightforward description.
The choke is not necessary to start. Mine started perfectly on run. I don’t know if that’s a problem, but it did.
Probably know it by now, but your whole problem was the choke/ run lever lol.
My instincts were telling me that but the instructions say to use it even for lp. I don’t understand why.
I will say I ran it a few days ago in gas just to keep it clean and it purred the whole time.
After the initial oil change from Firman oil, I am using Valvoline 5W-30 Restore and Protect. What are you using? AI also called Firman when my generator wouldn't start on natural gas, and they advised me to use gasoline for the initial startup.
I have to be honest. I have not changed the oil.
I appreciate your video. I have your same model and would like to purchase a magnetic dip stick. but I need to know the part number first. Internet search and owner’s manual doesn’t have it. Do you happen to know where I could find that? Thanks.
I’m sorry but I would check the same places you did. I don’t have any ideas.
I can find out for you, A couple You Tube videos have the name of part
Waiting to buy this one from costco, still 899 where i live.
On sale now $699. Just got one today
If you can in your location try to run non ethanol fuel at the pump. If you cannot get it when you're done with your trip or whenever you use it siphon the ethanol fuel out of it and run it as dry as possible when you put it into storage more than a couple weeks. You can buy non ethanol fuel at home Depot or Lowe's, but it's kind of pricey if it's not available at the pump in your area. Also, the choke is only for when the engine's cold.
I might try one if my briggs & stratton 5550-8550 can't be fixed because lack of carburetor studs not being made any more
I weep for humanity.
I have no idea why a choke would be needed with propane or NG... was my first guess when it wouldn't start
I’m not very knowledgeable with small engines but I thought the same. I started it in the video exactly like the manual said to. I don’t know.
I heard from the previous model watching them guys were saying sometimes they were putting the choke inbetween somehow when doing propane but not sure how switch works on this one and haven’t looked at this model yet. Interesting though but doesn’t seem me you would need choke for LP or natural gas but you do need to give the gas TIME to get through hose etc just like any other propane type heater like the Mr Buddy heater gizmo etc.
I called Firman and they said try choke half way when using propane. It started right up. Wish their instruction manual said that.
How you remove the gas for storage?
I have only put small amounts in, run it dry, and try to run it every couple months. Probably not right but it’s what I have done.
Hello I am looking to buy one for my home, are you still satisfied after one year of use ? any comment ?
Yes I am. I have only used it under load the one time for about 30 minutes with my camper but this far I have no complaints. Has started right up each time I have done a “maintenance run” for a little bit.
@@larrybobnewman many thanks !
Pro Tip = if you overfill the oil, drain some out. I saw blue smoke coming out when you were having a hard time stating and it is not good for longevity to run with oil over full.
Is it loud
Fairly loud, but on par with most generators. Definitely not as quiet as a Honda.
Turn off the choke. Bleed the gas line.
Yes mate far to SLOW on the choke.
Leann u almost shredded the flywheel 😂
It was definitely the choke.
You need to turn the dial on the side to propane
I was doing exactly as the instructions said. You probably saw that we eventually got running and I am happy to report it has run smooth ever since.
@@larrybobnewman nice to hear. Is it still running without hiccups or if you could would you say you would maybe buy something else next time. Thanks and appreciate your video and taking time to share I know it’s know easy task takes me for the kind I produce sometimes up to a year with hydroponics.
I have not needed it under load but I run it every 5 or 6 weeks for about half an hour and it runs smooth@@kolobkolobkolobkolob
I really think that now everyone should have a generator 😢
It’s just a terrible time in America 🇺🇸
It’s been a horrible tornado season so far and the ocean is coming next month 😢
Folks don’t depend on the government and others when it’s your place to be prepared for the worst weather and world events
Your not regulating your choke correctly.
That's what I thought.
As soon as it starts you gotta flick it run.
Generally, if you are outside with shorts and t shirt on, you shouldn't need to choke a 4 stroke engine.
Should have bought a lawnmower or weed wacker.
You left the choke on too long!!
Cause if you would have read the instructions you would have known to turn the choke off as soon as it fired up !! Dahhhh
I read the instructions and did turn the choke off once it fired up. Thanks
Looks like junk. Get a Honda
If money were no object I would love to have a Honda.
Does Honda offer a tri fuel? Shoe me where. Don't get me wrong, I have a Honda 6500 and love it. But this tri fuel has my attention.
@@chalemi6909 Hondas can be converted to LP and NG but tbh, it sounds like a pain in the ass. I guess for the price here, it's a decent generator as long as it works as advertised. I have Wen dual fuel and used to own a Westinghouse, all decent units. Wen being the most economical but still good
same engine
@@chalemi6909No and they don’t recommend conversion kits.