08-06-2015, 09:29 AM | #1 |
Drives: 2011 1LT Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Crestline, CA
Posts: 3,029
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Why won't my generator start?
I have a portable 5000W generator. It's an electric start, but can also be pull- cord started. Has a Briggs & Stratton engine. I purchased it two years ago, ran it a couple of times to test it out, but it has not been run since then. It might have a total of 15 minutes running time on it. It's been filled with gasoline, which had fuel stabilizer added to it. It has been stored in my basement, out of the weather/ elements.
I tried to fire it up yesterday. The battery was dead (as expected), so I tried to jump start it (12V system, easy to use automotive jump start equipment). The thing turns over just fine, but acts like there is no spark whatsoever... not even a hint of fuel ignition. Just for giggles, I tried pull starting it, too, just to see if there was any possible reason for it to work... got nothing. I replaced the spark plug (and checked it: It makes a very healthy spark). I checked all fuel lines (all good). I drained the fuel, put fresh fuel in. Checked the oil (new, golden, and full). I inspected it from top to bottom, to see if rodents had chewed a wire, or anything had rusted: It looks perfect, looks brand new. I pulled the air filter off, even sprayed starting fluid directly into the carb.... nothing. So before I push the $500 heap of metal off of a cliff, does anybody have ideas on what else I need to check? |
08-06-2015, 09:36 AM | #2 |
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Healthy spark and nothing when spraying directly into the carb.... odd.
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08-06-2015, 10:39 AM | #3 |
Drives: 2012 45th Vert, 2011 4x4, 9sec Vega Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Canada
Posts: 2,188
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Flooded it? Try pulling the spark plug and turning it over for a while to clear out the cylinder. Does it have a primer button?
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08-06-2015, 10:59 AM | #4 | |
Drives: 2011 1LT Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Crestline, CA
Posts: 3,029
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Quote:
No primer button on this machine... |
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08-06-2015, 11:38 AM | #5 |
Drives: Iron Lung, Jimmy Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 1,450
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Been there, done that
Most likely your carburetor is gummed up. Take it off, unscrew the bowl, dump out any gas in it, hose the whole thing down with carb cleaner, reassemble and I can almost guarantee it will start instantly.
Going forward, install a fuel line cut-off valve so you can run it dry every time you use it. |
08-06-2015, 11:42 AM | #6 | |
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08-06-2015, 12:01 PM | #7 |
Drives: 2011 1LT Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Crestline, CA
Posts: 3,029
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Thanks... I had not even considered that yet. I hate messing with carbs, but it looks like that's the next logical step to follow... Thank- you!
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08-06-2015, 04:12 PM | #8 | |
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Quote:
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08-06-2015, 05:21 PM | #9 |
Drives: 2011 SIM 2SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Tupelo, MS
Posts: 5,902
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Jets are probably gummed up.
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08-07-2015, 06:30 AM | #10 |
Drives: 2017 Mosaic Bk ZL1 M6 Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: South of Raleigh, NC
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This would also be a good time to fuel inject, cam, and turbo that baby
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08-07-2015, 06:50 AM | #11 |
Drives: 11 F150 EB/13 Sonic RS/15 Z06 Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Little Rock, AR
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If it is like mine, it will start right up after the Electric Company restores service.
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08-08-2015, 10:19 AM | #12 |
Drives: 1996 ss camaro #1762 Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Beacon Falls Ct
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It's the carburetor. You might be better off getting a new carburetor. I deal with generators every day sometimes if you clean the Jets out you might be ok but it gets gummed up inside and it's not worth the Hassel to spend the time screwing with it. The carbs are cheap for replacement.
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08-09-2015, 09:18 AM | #13 |
Drives: 2011 1LT Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Crestline, CA
Posts: 3,029
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We have liftoff!
I followed the carb suggestion offered by a few of you. Sure enough, deep inside the thing I found a little thing (a jet?) that appeared to be the part that should spray fuel into the heart of the carb... but the hole in the little brass thing was clogged. Cleared it with a sewing pin, and the generator fired right up! Thanks for the help and the suggestions... |
08-09-2015, 07:58 PM | #14 |
Drives: 2011 SIM 2SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Tupelo, MS
Posts: 5,902
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Yep. I figured the jet would be clogged. Try to run ethanol free gas, if you can.
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