I bought a used generator for $100 after watching all your videos. It was not running and missing a few carb parts. Thanks to your videos, I was able to get it running and used it when Hurricane Ida caused us to lose our power. I would not have had the confidence to buy, much less the skills to get running had it not been for your videos. Keep up the great work!
⚠️Rules about generator safety: This is a very important announcement that everyone needs to know just to make sure. It is important to follow all generator safety rules whenever we use portable generators: Everyone must see this. This is just a reminder for everyone’s safety. 1) KEEPING OTHERS SAFE: Please do not allow an unqualified person or your children to operate and service the portable generator. Just because some manuals don’t say that doesn’t mean it’s safe. That is important against the generator safety rules. We also need to be keeping an eye on our children too. You need to make sure that your children are not playing near the portable generator especially when it’s running so they won’t get electrocuted. Generators pose electrical risks and they can be hot during an operation. Please keep your children away from the portable generator at all times. It is important to keep our children safe especially our little ones. Be aware of all the hazards. 2) WHERE TO RUN YOUR GENERATOR: Some people use their portable generators indoors which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s important to have a carbon monoxide if you have a gas generator. Never ever use your generator indoors even if your doors and windows are open and even in the garage is not safe to use a portable generator. Not even at your porch and your deck. It is never safe to use your generator indoors and in enclosed areas of your home. Your generator needs to be 15-20 feet away from your house. 3)🔥FIRE HAZARDS: Never refuel your generator while it’s running. You need to let your generator cool off before refueling it and before storing your generator. Never overload your generator too. Never ever back feed your generator. You should never plug your generator into a wall outlet. Also never store propane tanks indoors. Please keep flammable things away from the generator as well and please don’t smoke cigarettes near the generator. Having a fire extinguisher next to the generator is also important against the generator safety rules. 4) GENERATOR OPERATION: make sure your hands are dry before touching the generator. Never use your generator in wet conditions. Don’t let your generator get wet. You need a generator tent if you need to use your generator during wet weather. Please don’t wear loose clothes when operating the generator. Turn on your generator before plugging in appliances. Use the right cord for your generator. Please do not use worn out cords. ruclips.net/video/I1jT3ANENvI/видео.html and here is a video more about keeping others safe when using generators Hope this helps. Please make sure you follow all the generator safety tips. Thank you
We have used the ruclips.net/user/postUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!
Your valve adjustment advice is unbelievably perfect!!! One valve closed and the other one open. Simple but hard to know. The best of the best short and sweet.
Get all factory setting normal, only then diagnose. It takes many hours of learning and expertise to get to this level. Folks James is a maestro of generators. No guess work with him just the facts!!! Beautiful to watch, yes I am a FAN!! This is better than TV!!!
Basic Maintenance? How many times have we heard that! From a missing carb to a hole in the block basic maintenance can be just about anything! Good vid Jim. Keep finding those scores!!
@@jcondon1 Agree with both of you 💯 %. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.💪💪🙂🙂 Reading the manual can go a long way for PM. Great find Jim and glad it was easy. 👍👍👍👍Great job on the clean up too.
@@YukonHawk1 ⚠️Rules about generator safety: This is a very important announcement that everyone needs to know just to make sure. It is important to follow all generator safety rules whenever we use portable generators: Everyone must see this. This is just a reminder for everyone’s safety. 1) KEEPING OTHERS SAFE: Please do not allow an unqualified person or your children to operate and service the portable generator. Just because some manuals don’t say that doesn’t mean it’s safe. That is important against the generator safety rules. We also need to be keeping an eye on our children too. You need to make sure that your children are not playing near the portable generator especially when it’s running so they won’t get electrocuted. Generators pose electrical risks and they can be hot during an operation. Please keep your children away from the portable generator at all times. It is important to keep our children safe especially our little ones. Be aware of all the hazards. 2) WHERE TO RUN YOUR GENERATOR: Some people use their portable generators indoors which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s important to have a carbon monoxide if you have a gas generator. Never ever use your generator indoors even if your doors and windows are open and even in the garage is not safe to use a portable generator. Not even at your porch and your deck. It is never safe to use your generator indoors and in enclosed areas of your home. Your generator needs to be 15-20 feet away from your house. 3)🔥FIRE HAZARDS: Never refuel your generator while it’s running. You need to let your generator cool off before refueling it and before storing your generator. Never overload your generator too. Never ever back feed your generator. You should never plug your generator into a wall outlet. Also never store propane tanks indoors. Please keep flammable things away from the generator as well and please don’t smoke cigarettes near the generator. Having a fire extinguisher next to the generator is also important against the generator safety rules. 4) GENERATOR OPERATION: make sure your hands are dry before touching the generator. Never use your generator in wet conditions. Don’t let your generator get wet. You need a generator tent if you need to use your generator during wet weather. Please don’t wear loose clothes when operating the generator. Turn on your generator before plugging in appliances. Use the right cord for your generator. Please do not use worn out cords. ruclips.net/video/I1jT3ANENvI/видео.html and here is a video more about keeping others safe when using generators Hope this helps. Please make sure you follow all the generator safety tips. Thank you
⚠️Rules about generator safety: This is a very important announcement that everyone needs to know just to make sure. It is important to follow all generator safety rules whenever we use portable generators: Everyone must see this. This is just a reminder for everyone’s safety. 1) KEEPING OTHERS SAFE: Please do not allow an unqualified person or your children to operate and service the portable generator. Just because some manuals don’t say that doesn’t mean it’s safe. That is important against the generator safety rules. We also need to be keeping an eye on our children too. You need to make sure that your children are not playing near the portable generator especially when it’s running so they won’t get electrocuted. Generators pose electrical risks and they can be hot during an operation. Please keep your children away from the portable generator at all times. It is important to keep our children safe especially our little ones. Be aware of all the hazards. 2) WHERE TO RUN YOUR GENERATOR: Some people use their portable generators indoors which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s important to have a carbon monoxide if you have a gas generator. Never ever use your generator indoors even if your doors and windows are open and even in the garage is not safe to use a portable generator. Not even at your porch and your deck. It is never safe to use your generator indoors and in enclosed areas of your home. Your generator needs to be 15-20 feet away from your house. 3)🔥FIRE HAZARDS: Never refuel your generator while it’s running. You need to let your generator cool off before refueling it and before storing your generator. Never overload your generator too. Never ever back feed your generator. You should never plug your generator into a wall outlet. Also never store propane tanks indoors. Please keep flammable things away from the generator as well and please don’t smoke cigarettes near the generator. Having a fire extinguisher next to the generator is also important against the generator safety rules. 4) GENERATOR OPERATION: make sure your hands are dry before touching the generator. Never use your generator in wet conditions. Don’t let your generator get wet. You need a generator tent if you need to use your generator during wet weather. Please don’t wear loose clothes when operating the generator. Turn on your generator before plugging in appliances. Use the right cord for your generator. Please do not use worn out cords. ruclips.net/video/I1jT3ANENvI/видео.html and here is a video more about keeping others safe when using generators Hope this helps. Thank you
Great job James. Most people underestimate the difference in performance that a valve adj. can make, and it make them easier to start and run at the correct temp.
This was a good lesson in the limitations of a simple mechanical governor. Even though you were easily able to rev the engine higher when it was drooping before, the governor was unable to do so within its parameters. Between the carb cleaning and valve adjustment, you improved the function/power of the engine and the governor response is now matched.
Very good info. I have a 3k Briggs generator that drops way to much- about 5-10 hertz when you put a load on it. I did not think it could be an engine issue but perhaps it is. I will try cleaning the carb again and adjusting the valves.
It's called the beat frequency. Then the vibration frequency is close to (or multiples of) the camera's shutter speed, you get the strobing action. I'm sure you've seen wheels that seem to be spinning backwards. This beat frequency technique is also used in metal detectors.
Nice when your project doesn't start as a total mess. Sometimes, it makes me feel like the factory techs rush them out the door with a "close enough" attitude.
They do rush them out. Have picked up ones with loose flywheel nuts, loose stator bolts etc... They all ran fine. Makes me wonder why I both using a torque wrench.
The noise and vibration frequency making the generator look cool on the camera it's dancing doing the caterpillar dance lmfao 🤣 😂 it's amazing what cameras see compared to what we see @7:06 @James Condon
@@jcondon1 the frequency of the generator running is close to the same frequency that the camera is recording at that's why it causes that kinda like when you use a led light and of its not a camera friendly or sold as a camera led light it causes the ripple lines across the recording screen its just the frequencies between the 2 items causing the worm dance looks cool though compared to the led interference lines
@@jcondon1 I actually enjoy it, there's also a great video explaining how it is used to identify weak points in construction m.ruclips.net/video/rEoc0YoALt0/видео.html
I watch you work on the generators and on occasion get temporarily stumped but you always get it working as new, then you always take the time and do the extra effort to clean up or paint the machine ….always looks good. This reminds me of when in my childhood mom would tell me to finish the job anything less was a half job. Good full job Jim on all your videos ! Thanks
I have that exact unit and set no load to 61.5hz and get the same result. I've had mine for six years or so with zero issues. Just this year I started to run ETOH free fuel but it had no problem running regular. My valves were spot on at 50 hours, curious to see when they start to wander out of spec.
⚠️Rules about generator safety: This is a very important announcement that everyone needs to know just to make sure. It is important to follow all generator safety rules whenever we use portable generators: Everyone must see this. This is just a reminder for everyone’s safety. 1) KEEPING OTHERS SAFE: Please do not allow an unqualified person or your children to operate and service the portable generator. Just because some manuals don’t say that doesn’t mean it’s safe. That is important against the generator safety rules. We also need to be keeping an eye on our children too. You need to make sure that your children are not playing near the portable generator especially when it’s running so they won’t get electrocuted. Generators pose electrical risks and they can be hot during an operation. Please keep your children away from the portable generator at all times. It is important to keep our children safe especially our little ones. Be aware of all the hazards. 2) WHERE TO RUN YOUR GENERATOR: Some people use their portable generators indoors which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s important to have a carbon monoxide if you have a gas generator. Never ever use your generator indoors even if your doors and windows are open and even in the garage is not safe to use a portable generator. Not even at your porch and your deck. It is never safe to use your generator indoors and in enclosed areas of your home. Your generator needs to be 15-20 feet away from your house. 3)🔥FIRE HAZARDS: Never refuel your generator while it’s running. You need to let your generator cool off before refueling it and before storing your generator. Never overload your generator too. Never ever back feed your generator. You should never plug your generator into a wall outlet. Also never store propane tanks indoors. Please keep flammable things away from the generator as well and please don’t smoke cigarettes near the generator. Having a fire extinguisher next to the generator is also important against the generator safety rules. 4) GENERATOR OPERATION: make sure your hands are dry before touching the generator. Never use your generator in wet conditions. Don’t let your generator get wet. You need a generator tent if you need to use your generator during wet weather. Please don’t wear loose clothes when operating the generator. Turn on your generator before plugging in appliances. Use the right cord for your generator. Please do not use worn out cords. ruclips.net/video/I1jT3ANENvI/видео.html and here is a video more about keeping others safe when using generators Hope this helps. Please make sure you follow all the generator safety tips. Thank you
Sort of makes me wonder when (hours) the PO started messing with the speed screw? 50hrs? 100hrs? Maybe the valves were off spec from the factory floor? Thanks for the video Mr James!
I have been using a product called Krud Kutter in my ultrasonic machine for carb cleaning the last 3-4 years. It works on both the dirt and oil and the varnish. I've used Pine-Sol, Simple Green, Ammonia etc... and the Krud Kutter works the best. I mix it 50/50 with distilled water.
I was wondeing when you were at 14:11 how many times I have don exactly that. (emulsion clean) This is a very stable genset. Good for you. I am sure paying $200 for it had you thinking a bit. Great work once again.
I would always check the staking on the screws in the choke and throttle plates. I have one of those generators and one of the screws worked its way loose due to insufficient staking from the factory and went through the carb, locking the engine. Luckily it was on startup and it only managed to leave a small nick in the piston and mashed the screw. After removing the cylinder head, removing the screw, installing a new one and staking them better it still runs fine. (Has about a gajillion hours on it. 🙂)
I do not recommend staking any screws or bolts in something as delicately engineered as chokes, throttles or carburetors. If factories have staked any screws in your light engineered parts then leave them alone if at all possible. If you must take the screw out then replace with the correct size screw and the correct amount of blue loctite.
@@r8118830 I didn't say to *remove any screws* !! I said take _a look at the staking_ to be sure it was done correctly at the factory since I have *personally* had one that was incorrectly staked. They were never removed before, and you could tell that they did _attempt_ to stake them at the factory, but it was clearly, visually on the remaining screw, incorrectly and insufficiently staked. Properly staking a carb plate-shaft screw is not difficult, you obviously back it with a bucking bar of some type, a small rod in this case, not just smash away on the shaft and carb assembly itself. 🤦 Obviously if someone is lacking the knowledge, tools, or gentle finesse skills and therefore is not capable of doing that properly they could just loctite it, but a proper *mechanical* lock is far superior for anyone who has the capability to do it correctly. No remedial action should be required in the vast majority of cases, my point is to *check* them on these units since I've personally seen a failure!
@@drussell_ I am not attacking your skills and knowledge drussell. I never said to remove the screws. I said not to do so if you could help it. I have never liked the idea of staking screws. To me it is just damaging a well engineered part. There are other ways of ensuring that a nut or bolt or a screw do not lose tightness. Some ways are cheaper than others. At base you can use one of the many locking washers in use. Nothing wrong with a nyloc nut. Castellated nuts are good too. You can use a nut or bolt head with a split pin or use a nord lock nut. Variations of the split pin is using safety wire. Of course loctite has several varieties and can be as secure as you want it to be. Manufacturing companies always want it to be cheap. They have moved away from staking screws, which is cheap, to using loctite, which is cheap.
Thanks, another great video but my OCD spotted that the pull start housing only had 3 of the 6 bolts holding it down. Maybe you rectified that off camera.
That is correct. Most Honda clone recoils only use 3 of the holes. The extra are there so you can remove the bolts and rotate to a different position to change the position of the start rope with having to rotate 1/3 of the way before the original holes line up again.
Up until about 3 years ago that carb was under $40 dealer cost (around $60 list) and I replaced them as a matter of course instead of trying to clean them out. After all, with shop rates at $100 per hour it was faster and cheaper to throw on a new part. Fast forward to Trump's import tax and that carb was over $100 retail, plus labor. Price shot up twice in 90 days as I recall. More to the point of the video, that set should hold 58 Hz at full load if set to 61.5 at no load. (they do faulter at 6000 watts and will stall at 7000) You nailed this one! BTW, the breaker probably wont trip fast enough at 6000 watts to protect the stator from overheating / burning out. It's more of a fault / short protection thing.
Thanks. Price and supply are definitely an issue right now. If working for a customer, then replacing it is the way to go not only the labor cost, but a new one will last longer then a cleaned up old one and hopefully keep the customer happy with your work.
Good job on that generator The engine on that looks very similar to my 8750 predator With a 420 cc Honda clone I bought it back in 2014 brand new all I ever do is keep the gas and change the oil it runs every time that I need it
Thanks for this one! I have this exact machine and it's about due for some tlc. Good to see the basics demonstrated before I tackle mine. P.S. at 27:10 - new shop QA inspector? 😁
The line on top of the generator is a vent line because the e.p.a made it mandatory for the machine to have the vent line my poulan xt mower have the vent line from the gas tank to the air intake
Robert ... when they first started doing that it was for California emissions. As other states picked up on the idea the factory just made 'em all the same.
This didn't seem to have anything that jumped out at me. It looked like it was taken care of. It is too bad that consumers don't know how to maintain their equipment. My 20 kw Generac is serviced twice a year. I was paying the guy that installed it to do that way too much money. So I asked what I needed to do and learned from him. I run mine under load once month and it exercises every Saturday. At the last servicing the oil filler cap had milky looking oil in it so that is why I run it under load based on what I was told by the tech the engine doesn't get hot enough to dissipate the moisture here in Virginia. Thank James for sharing your time and talents with us. Ed
that's a common issue with the newer stationary sets because they have a low speed exercise and only run for 7 minutes. (half of what they did years ago) IOW, they run too cold. On some you can change that in the menu. You can also change the auto ex program to less often (also in the menu) and do your own loaded exercise to warm it up fully.
@@er1073 ... the point I was trying to make is you can't shut the exercise off completely but you can minimize those cold runs by changing the program to once a month and raising the speed. (on some) The rest you can do manually by simulated power failure. Of course doing it that way you will also have to put up with waiting for computers and cable boxes to reboot plus flashing clocks. Oh, the issues of modern appliances!
Good job mate, I did notice that you use a torque wrench on just about everything. If you do this off camera I'd say it's more a OCD thing than perfectionism. I'm not picking or putting you down as it is a good thing if you don't have muscle memory but I have only used them when doing a full rebuild and I don't think it necessary on things like air cleaners, but I guess that this is also a teaching tool so being perfect to teach the young is a good thing. Stay well and keep them coming :)
Its really only necessary on critical components like the connecting rod. Muscle memory is not the issue, but a lot watching have no idea how to do this work correctly so trying to show them. Even with the torque wrench I break things. At least this way I can blame the part. And maybe a little OCD.
I actually come across the carburetor with a plugged orifice in the carburetor casting finally took some carburetor cleaner and 90 pounds of pressure on my air nozzle to finally get it blasted out of the passage there's no way it get it to where it was plugged don't know what was wrong other than it's was some powdery stuff come out like condensation or your dried up water but we got it finally and now now it starts up wouldn't start up before it was on the lawnmower!
I just bought the new Dewalt DXGNR8000. Forums claim its a Generac. 420cc motor, not Honda. It looks very similar to this model in the video. You ever dealt with one of these?
What is that small wrench you use to get in tight places? I would like to get my husband one. He watches one or two or more of your videos each night. He says you are good at explaining things. Thank you
⚠️Rules about generator safety: This is a very important announcement that everyone needs to know just to make sure. It is important to follow all generator safety rules whenever we use portable generators: Everyone must see this. This is just a reminder for everyone’s safety. 1) KEEPING OTHERS SAFE: Please do not allow an unqualified person or your children to operate and service the portable generator. Just because some manuals don’t say that doesn’t mean it’s safe. That is important against the generator safety rules. We also need to be keeping an eye on our children too. You need to make sure that your children are not playing near the portable generator especially when it’s running so they won’t get electrocuted. Generators pose electrical risks and they can be hot during an operation. Please keep your children away from the portable generator at all times. It is important to keep our children safe especially our little ones. Be aware of all the hazards. 2) WHERE TO RUN YOUR GENERATOR: Some people use their portable generators indoors which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s important to have a carbon monoxide if you have a gas generator. Never ever use your generator indoors even if your doors and windows are open and even in the garage is not safe to use a portable generator. Not even at your porch and your deck. It is never safe to use your generator indoors and in enclosed areas of your home. Your generator needs to be 15-20 feet away from your house. 3)🔥FIRE HAZARDS: Never refuel your generator while it’s running. You need to let your generator cool off before refueling it and before storing your generator. Never overload your generator too. Never ever back feed your generator. You should never plug your generator into a wall outlet. Also never store propane tanks indoors. Please keep flammable things away from the generator as well and please don’t smoke cigarettes near the generator. Having a fire extinguisher next to the generator is also important against the generator safety rules. 4) GENERATOR OPERATION: make sure your hands are dry before touching the generator. Never use your generator in wet conditions. Don’t let your generator get wet. You need a generator tent if you need to use your generator during wet weather. Please don’t wear loose clothes when operating the generator. Turn on your generator before plugging in appliances. Use the right cord for your generator. Please do not use worn out cords. ruclips.net/video/I1jT3ANENvI/видео.html and here is a video more about keeping others safe when using generators Hope this helps. Thank you
Hi James,Great video--as always! Love your methodical approach. Can you tell us your thoughts on adding "Stabilizer" to gasoline for use in generators? Have you seen carb problems from it? Thanks!
ALWAYS use a stabilizer and run the set monthly under load. When done you shut off the fuel to drain the carb dry for storage. Did it that way for 30 years and NEVER had the carb off. (circa 1988 Generac / B&S engine) Oh, I only keep a gallon of fuel in the gen set, which will last a year in exercise. I store my fuel in 5 gallon cans with a date on them. If I don't use the fuel in a year I pour it in the car and get fresh.
I always use fuel stabilizer and shut the fuel valve off, drain the carb If the bowl has a drain or run it carb dry. I keep my tank full, but swap out the fuel with fresh stuff at least twice a year. Have not ever had a problem doing that.
I bought a GP5500, It failed in less than 10 hours. Customer service did nothing despite it being a 100 percent design flaw. Seal failure allowed light rain to leak into the gas tank. rusted out. Cost $400 to replace. They don't care about their customers.
It has to do with the video speed and engine vibration. Its an optical illusion, same thing happens when I video with my phone of a running engine, looks like its wiggling all over the place when its actually not.
Thanks James it’s really great video , we Need information about THD “ Total Harmonics distortion “ of the generators I would be full of knowledge from “ Generators Master “
Great job James! Great score too! Not my favorite Generac, china made..i like the old EXL and the newer XG/XP machines best. This GP does well for the price point when properly maintained! Cheers bud!
@@jcondon1 exactly because of the name most likely. Generac has a pretty crappy reputation in the residential portable market. However on the commercial industrial side they seem to be a gold standard.
I've watched just about all your videos at this point. My general thought is that the Honda generators are the best. But it seems like just about everything you work on ends up running well in the end once maintained. Would you say that there really is any benefit to a Honda generator at this point, when you can get something with similar output for 1/4 the price?
Really nice find for that price. I still have the GP5500 that I got in the spring and that someone converted to propane only as the tank is gone. Had gasoline in the oil and some light pitting in the cylinder. So I think I'm going to hone it and replace the rings. Subaru engine on these, correct? Generac, and everywhere else, shows the part #s as unavailable, but I think I found a corresponding Subaru ring kit for it. Need to examine and check ohms on gen head before ordering anything for the engine though.
Generac uses a Honda clone on this one. Worst case find another generator that does not make power with a 420cc clone engine and you coin probably just do an engine swap.
@@ericvaughn1126 .. that'd certainly a Generac engine and the factory has very few internal parts available. (China import) the 389 versus 420 is just a few years apart in production. I'd look for another used set to get parts. You might even luck out at a junk pile behind a dealer or repair shop. I can't tell you how many I threw away because the rest of the set was trash from being left outside. IOW, too expensive to fix. (Yes, I was working for a dealer)
@@lordjaashin exhaust starts to open adjust intake valve, intake valve starts to close adjust exhaust. Basically the cam lobe needs to be on the base circle of the intake or exhaust lobe to adjust that valve lash correctly.
That method works much better for most. I cannot tell you how many people do not know that the piston is at TDC twice, and adjust the valves when at TDC on the wrong stroke. Causes a lot of issues doing it the "correct" way.
I was surprised when you pulled the valve cover. Not only cast rockers, but arranged in a hemi configuration. Looked very heavy duty compared to what I usually see. What year/make is this engine? Also, great job ironing out the minor issues!
I like watching your videos are educational I have a question I wanna ask you I have a twin cylinder Kohler engine out here it’s misfiring what I mean is the voltage values go up and down on the cold packs I just wonder if replacing the coil packs will fix that I found one problem starter solenoid was bad and it has a white wire going to a relay and it looks like it’s going to the coil packs
I do not have any experience with that engine. Misfiring can definitely be caused by a low voltage or intermittent spark. But there are other reason for that. Check to make sure both cylinders are firing and building compression.
If you suspect a 4 stroke small engine is running rich at idle/no load 3400, and the carb is not adjustable, can dirt some how cause this or is it just a defective carb?
This needed no more than some careful maintenance work. Cost you no more than the new oil and the degreaser in the cleaner.. Ended up being a first class generator.
James, I'm surprised you use 10W-30 in these engines. I was always under the impression they should use straight 30 weight for small engines. I seem to recall it is not a good idea to use car oil. Something about the detergents or such. Maybe just a myth.
factory says you can use 10-30 from about 20 - 90 degrees ambient temp. You can also use 30 wt (detergent) if you are always above freezing, which would be indoor storage in my area. All of the major oil companies still make straight weight oil but not everyone stocks it.
SAE 30 is always best in hot weather (above 40 degrees F). Where I am though SAE30 is a problem from November though April. 10W-30 is good here year round for the most part. If above 90 degrees F, then 10W-30 mineral oil will be consumed quickly by the engine. Synthetic should do better. Ideally you should add zinc to the oil to help the flat tappets out.
@@jcondon1 ... was doing some research recently and found most mineral oils already have zinc in them, although not as much as some formulas for old engines. BTW, the zinc also helps protect during long term storage. OTOH, if you run it once a month we're not too worried about that.
My intake is set at 4 thousandths and exhaust was 5 thousandths Where did you get your specs from? Trying to figure out what mine supposed to be at? I got in 8000 generac
Usually found in the owners manual. Depending on the engine 0.004” intake 0.006 exhaust or 0.006 intake 0.008” exhaust. When in doubt split the difference and you should be good. 0.005” intake 0.007” exhaust.
My gp5500 runs good in choke but not in run. I put on a new venseri replacement. Identical cept for a screw with spring adjustable. Didn't mess with the idle. Any ideas ?
@@jcondon1 fuel valve went bad. Apatently it would get enough fuel to run in choke but not in half or run. New gas with sta-bill and good valve back to genning
I have GP5000, only make 60v, pulled the powered cover and all the strings wrapping the stator are broken. I ran this in my shed just to exercise it (normally pull it out) I think I overheated it...worth fixing? Thanks in advance.
Generac does sell the part you need, but it most likely costs more then the generator did when it was new. Your best bet would be to buy another working generator or look to see if anyone is selling one with a blown engine that you could steal the stator from.
@@jcondon1 Thanks for reply. I learned a ton watching your videos, super detailed and informative. Just picked up Briggs 7000 for $400...it's a shame too, as the Generac only has 89hrs on it..on the hunt for one with a blown engine to get the powerhead...
I bought a used generator for $100 after watching all your videos. It was not running and missing a few carb parts. Thanks to your videos, I was able to get it running and used it when Hurricane Ida caused us to lose our power. I would not have had the confidence to buy, much less the skills to get running had it not been for your videos. Keep up the great work!
That's great to hear. Usually it comes down to the carb and proper fuel maintenance.
⚠️Rules about generator safety: This is a very important announcement that everyone needs to know just to make sure.
It is important to follow all generator safety rules whenever we use portable generators:
Everyone must see this. This is just a reminder for everyone’s safety.
1) KEEPING OTHERS SAFE: Please do not allow an unqualified person or your children to operate and service the portable generator. Just because some manuals don’t say that doesn’t mean it’s safe. That is important against the generator safety rules. We also need to be keeping an eye on our children too. You need to make sure that your children are not playing near the portable generator especially when it’s running so they won’t get electrocuted. Generators pose electrical risks and they can be hot during an operation. Please keep your children away from the portable generator at all times. It is important to keep our children safe especially our little ones. Be aware of all the hazards.
2) WHERE TO RUN YOUR GENERATOR: Some people use their portable generators indoors which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s important to have a carbon monoxide if you have a gas generator. Never ever use your generator indoors even if your doors and windows are open and even in the garage is not safe to use a portable generator. Not even at your porch and your deck. It is never safe to use your generator indoors and in enclosed areas of your home. Your generator needs to be 15-20 feet away from your house.
3)🔥FIRE HAZARDS: Never refuel your generator while it’s running. You need to let your generator cool off before refueling it and before storing your generator. Never overload your generator too. Never ever back feed your generator. You should never plug your generator into a wall outlet. Also never store propane tanks indoors. Please keep flammable things away from the generator as well and please don’t smoke cigarettes near the generator. Having a fire extinguisher next to the generator is also important against the generator safety rules.
4) GENERATOR OPERATION: make sure your hands are dry before touching the generator. Never use your generator in wet conditions. Don’t let your generator get wet. You need a generator tent if you need to use your generator during wet weather. Please don’t wear loose clothes when operating the generator. Turn on your generator before plugging in appliances. Use the right cord for your generator. Please do not use worn out cords.
ruclips.net/video/I1jT3ANENvI/видео.html and here is a video more about keeping others safe when using generators
Hope this helps. Please make sure you follow all the generator safety tips. Thank you
We have used the ruclips.net/user/postUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!
Your valve adjustment advice is unbelievably perfect!!! One valve closed and the other one open. Simple but hard to know. The best of the best short and sweet.
Get all factory setting normal, only then diagnose. It takes many hours of learning and expertise to get to this level. Folks James is a maestro of generators. No guess work with him just the facts!!! Beautiful to watch, yes I am a FAN!! This is better than TV!!!
Basic Maintenance? How many times have we heard that! From a missing carb to a hole in the block basic maintenance can be just about anything! Good vid Jim. Keep finding those scores!!
Thanks Ken. Have seen a lot of carburetor and governor linkage issues do to people trying to fix an issue just to make things a lot worse.
@@jcondon1 Agree with both of you 💯 %. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.💪💪🙂🙂 Reading the manual can go a long way for PM. Great find Jim and glad it was easy. 👍👍👍👍Great job on the clean up too.
@@YukonHawk1 ⚠️Rules about generator safety: This is a very important announcement that everyone needs to know just to make sure.
It is important to follow all generator safety rules whenever we use portable generators:
Everyone must see this. This is just a reminder for everyone’s safety.
1) KEEPING OTHERS SAFE: Please do not allow an unqualified person or your children to operate and service the portable generator. Just because some manuals don’t say that doesn’t mean it’s safe. That is important against the generator safety rules. We also need to be keeping an eye on our children too. You need to make sure that your children are not playing near the portable generator especially when it’s running so they won’t get electrocuted. Generators pose electrical risks and they can be hot during an operation. Please keep your children away from the portable generator at all times. It is important to keep our children safe especially our little ones. Be aware of all the hazards.
2) WHERE TO RUN YOUR GENERATOR: Some people use their portable generators indoors which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s important to have a carbon monoxide if you have a gas generator. Never ever use your generator indoors even if your doors and windows are open and even in the garage is not safe to use a portable generator. Not even at your porch and your deck. It is never safe to use your generator indoors and in enclosed areas of your home. Your generator needs to be 15-20 feet away from your house.
3)🔥FIRE HAZARDS: Never refuel your generator while it’s running. You need to let your generator cool off before refueling it and before storing your generator. Never overload your generator too. Never ever back feed your generator. You should never plug your generator into a wall outlet. Also never store propane tanks indoors. Please keep flammable things away from the generator as well and please don’t smoke cigarettes near the generator. Having a fire extinguisher next to the generator is also important against the generator safety rules.
4) GENERATOR OPERATION: make sure your hands are dry before touching the generator. Never use your generator in wet conditions. Don’t let your generator get wet. You need a generator tent if you need to use your generator during wet weather. Please don’t wear loose clothes when operating the generator. Turn on your generator before plugging in appliances. Use the right cord for your generator. Please do not use worn out cords.
ruclips.net/video/I1jT3ANENvI/видео.html and here is a video more about keeping others safe when using generators
Hope this helps. Please make sure you follow all the generator safety tips. Thank you
I really love when you take the time to clean up the generators - it just makes for a much better job. I watch every one of your videos.
Clean units sell better, especially when advertised with good photos.
I watch them all too......and hunger for the next. James, you're gonna have to go Netflix style, I need my fix!
⚠️Rules about generator safety: This is a very important announcement that everyone needs to know just to make sure.
It is important to follow all generator safety rules whenever we use portable generators:
Everyone must see this. This is just a reminder for everyone’s safety.
1) KEEPING OTHERS SAFE: Please do not allow an unqualified person or your children to operate and service the portable generator. Just because some manuals don’t say that doesn’t mean it’s safe. That is important against the generator safety rules. We also need to be keeping an eye on our children too. You need to make sure that your children are not playing near the portable generator especially when it’s running so they won’t get electrocuted. Generators pose electrical risks and they can be hot during an operation. Please keep your children away from the portable generator at all times. It is important to keep our children safe especially our little ones. Be aware of all the hazards.
2) WHERE TO RUN YOUR GENERATOR: Some people use their portable generators indoors which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s important to have a carbon monoxide if you have a gas generator. Never ever use your generator indoors even if your doors and windows are open and even in the garage is not safe to use a portable generator. Not even at your porch and your deck. It is never safe to use your generator indoors and in enclosed areas of your home. Your generator needs to be 15-20 feet away from your house.
3)🔥FIRE HAZARDS: Never refuel your generator while it’s running. You need to let your generator cool off before refueling it and before storing your generator. Never overload your generator too. Never ever back feed your generator. You should never plug your generator into a wall outlet. Also never store propane tanks indoors. Please keep flammable things away from the generator as well and please don’t smoke cigarettes near the generator. Having a fire extinguisher next to the generator is also important against the generator safety rules.
4) GENERATOR OPERATION: make sure your hands are dry before touching the generator. Never use your generator in wet conditions. Don’t let your generator get wet. You need a generator tent if you need to use your generator during wet weather. Please don’t wear loose clothes when operating the generator. Turn on your generator before plugging in appliances. Use the right cord for your generator. Please do not use worn out cords.
ruclips.net/video/I1jT3ANENvI/видео.html and here is a video more about keeping others safe when using generators
Hope this helps. Thank you
Great job James. Most people underestimate the difference in performance that a valve adj. can make, and it make them easier to start and run at the correct temp.
This was a good lesson in the limitations of a simple mechanical governor. Even though you were easily able to rev the engine higher when it was drooping before, the governor was unable to do so within its parameters. Between the carb cleaning and valve adjustment, you improved the function/power of the engine and the governor response is now matched.
Very good info. I have a 3k Briggs generator that drops way to much- about 5-10 hertz when you put a load on it. I did not think it could be an engine issue but perhaps it is. I will try cleaning the carb again and adjusting the valves.
Try bumping the throttle manually. If you can get back up to speed then cleaning the carb and adjusting the valves might help.
Thank you sir!
Thought I was hallucinating with the gas tank movement while running. Lol. I always learn something from you. Thanks!
Yea, I've never noticed that on any other generator.
@@tomschmidt381 it’s the camera
It's called the beat frequency.
Then the vibration frequency is close to (or multiples of) the camera's shutter speed, you get the strobing action.
I'm sure you've seen wheels that seem to be spinning backwards.
This beat frequency technique is also used in metal detectors.
Nice when your project doesn't start as a total mess. Sometimes, it makes me feel like the factory techs rush them out the door with a "close enough" attitude.
The management team puts pressure on the techs. Been there.
They do rush them out. Have picked up ones with loose flywheel nuts, loose stator bolts etc... They all ran fine. Makes me wonder why I both using a torque wrench.
@@jcondon1 That's an easy answer... You take pride in your results. Nothing wrong with that.
Didn’t know that every 200 hours, check the valve clearance. Great tip.
The manual suggests checking after the first 50 hours then every 200.
Anything with valves needs to be checked periodically
The noise and vibration frequency making the generator look cool on the camera it's dancing doing the caterpillar dance lmfao 🤣 😂 it's amazing what cameras see compared to what we see @7:06 @James Condon
Was thinking the same thing. Not sure how the camera sees it that way. I try not to put it too close for that reason.
@@jcondon1 the frequency of the generator running is close to the same frequency that the camera is recording at that's why it causes that kinda like when you use a led light and of its not a camera friendly or sold as a camera led light it causes the ripple lines across the recording screen its just the frequencies between the 2 items causing the worm dance looks cool though compared to the led interference lines
It is always a good sign when it starts with one pull...!
I always find it amazing how much digital video show the movement and vibration. The gas can looks like it is a liquid waving at 7:25
The image stabilization has a lot of trouble with engines. Might skip that feature in the next camera.
@@jcondon1 I actually enjoy it, there's also a great video explaining how it is used to identify weak points in construction m.ruclips.net/video/rEoc0YoALt0/видео.html
Thank you James for another great video. I have been gaining more knowledge about generators. 😀❤🇨🇦
Morning y'all...stay bless and stay safe
Thanks James! A Thursday morning treat!!
I watch you work on the generators and on occasion get temporarily stumped but you always get it working as new, then you always take the time and do the extra effort to clean up or paint the machine ….always looks good. This reminds me of when in my childhood mom would tell me to finish the job anything less was a half job. Good full job Jim on all your videos ! Thanks
Thanks. I always want them to look their best (within reason). Just cannot understand how people let them get that way.
Cleaning carb and adjusting considerably out of adjustment exhaust valve brought load capability back.
I have that exact unit and set no load to 61.5hz and get the same result. I've had mine for six years or so with zero issues. Just this year I started to run ETOH free fuel but it had no problem running regular. My valves were spot on at 50 hours, curious to see when they start to wander out of spec.
⚠️Rules about generator safety: This is a very important announcement that everyone needs to know just to make sure.
It is important to follow all generator safety rules whenever we use portable generators:
Everyone must see this. This is just a reminder for everyone’s safety.
1) KEEPING OTHERS SAFE: Please do not allow an unqualified person or your children to operate and service the portable generator. Just because some manuals don’t say that doesn’t mean it’s safe. That is important against the generator safety rules. We also need to be keeping an eye on our children too. You need to make sure that your children are not playing near the portable generator especially when it’s running so they won’t get electrocuted. Generators pose electrical risks and they can be hot during an operation. Please keep your children away from the portable generator at all times. It is important to keep our children safe especially our little ones. Be aware of all the hazards.
2) WHERE TO RUN YOUR GENERATOR: Some people use their portable generators indoors which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s important to have a carbon monoxide if you have a gas generator. Never ever use your generator indoors even if your doors and windows are open and even in the garage is not safe to use a portable generator. Not even at your porch and your deck. It is never safe to use your generator indoors and in enclosed areas of your home. Your generator needs to be 15-20 feet away from your house.
3)🔥FIRE HAZARDS: Never refuel your generator while it’s running. You need to let your generator cool off before refueling it and before storing your generator. Never overload your generator too. Never ever back feed your generator. You should never plug your generator into a wall outlet. Also never store propane tanks indoors. Please keep flammable things away from the generator as well and please don’t smoke cigarettes near the generator. Having a fire extinguisher next to the generator is also important against the generator safety rules.
4) GENERATOR OPERATION: make sure your hands are dry before touching the generator. Never use your generator in wet conditions. Don’t let your generator get wet. You need a generator tent if you need to use your generator during wet weather. Please don’t wear loose clothes when operating the generator. Turn on your generator before plugging in appliances. Use the right cord for your generator. Please do not use worn out cords.
ruclips.net/video/I1jT3ANENvI/видео.html and here is a video more about keeping others safe when using generators
Hope this helps. Please make sure you follow all the generator safety tips. Thank you
Sort of makes me wonder when (hours) the PO started messing with the speed screw? 50hrs? 100hrs? Maybe the valves were off spec from the factory floor? Thanks for the video Mr James!
Maybe. Generac's are infamous for having valve issues. The manual says to check after the first 50 hours then every 200 after.
As usual. Another great video. I've learned quite a bite of knowledge just from your videos. Thanks so much!!!! Take care and be safe. Chris
👍 Danke fürs Hochladen!
👍 Thanks for uploading!
👍 Very good and beautiful, thank you!
👍 Sehr gut und schön, danke!
I have been using a product called Krud Kutter in my ultrasonic machine for carb cleaning the last 3-4 years. It works on both the dirt and oil and the varnish. I've used Pine-Sol, Simple Green, Ammonia etc... and the Krud Kutter works the best. I mix it 50/50 with distilled water.
Thanks for the tip.
I was wondeing when you were at 14:11 how many times I have don exactly that. (emulsion clean) This is a very stable genset. Good for you. I am sure paying $200 for it had you thinking a bit. Great work once again.
Thanks Bruce. Not much wrong with this one.
I got mine the day before Hurricane Sandy hit still runs great Thanks excellent video !
Heck of a good find for 200 bucks @James Condon
Another great find and video. I’ve not seen a video broken down into chapters before.
Would you be interested in buying a 10,000 watt Simplex load bank? I bought it brand new about 22 years ago. It is in great shape and it all works.
I love to chill and watch your videos.
Very relaxing.
Good, methodical, troubleshooting and repair.
Nice job. It is a great generator. We don't see many Generac units here in Australia.
Another great result from The Generator Whisperer
Passed that 4800 watt 120v 60hz test with flying colors
I would always check the staking on the screws in the choke and throttle plates. I have one of those generators and one of the screws worked its way loose due to insufficient staking from the factory and went through the carb, locking the engine. Luckily it was on startup and it only managed to leave a small nick in the piston and mashed the screw. After removing the cylinder head, removing the screw, installing a new one and staking them better it still runs fine. (Has about a gajillion hours on it. 🙂)
I do not recommend staking any screws or bolts in something as delicately engineered as chokes, throttles or carburetors. If factories have staked any screws in your light engineered parts then leave them alone if at all possible. If you must take the screw out then replace with the correct size screw and the correct amount of blue loctite.
@@r8118830 I didn't say to *remove any screws* !! I said take _a look at the staking_ to be sure it was done correctly at the factory since I have *personally* had one that was incorrectly staked. They were never removed before, and you could tell that they did _attempt_ to stake them at the factory, but it was clearly, visually on the remaining screw, incorrectly and insufficiently staked. Properly staking a carb plate-shaft screw is not difficult, you obviously back it with a bucking bar of some type, a small rod in this case, not just smash away on the shaft and carb assembly itself. 🤦 Obviously if someone is lacking the knowledge, tools, or gentle finesse skills and therefore is not capable of doing that properly they could just loctite it, but a proper *mechanical* lock is far superior for anyone who has the capability to do it correctly. No remedial action should be required in the vast majority of cases, my point is to *check* them on these units since I've personally seen a failure!
@@drussell_ I am not attacking your skills and knowledge drussell. I never said to remove the screws. I said not to do so if you could help it. I have never liked the idea of staking screws. To me it is just damaging a well engineered part. There are other ways of ensuring that a nut or bolt or a screw do not lose tightness. Some ways are cheaper than others. At base you can use one of the many locking washers in use. Nothing wrong with a nyloc nut. Castellated nuts are good too. You can use a nut or bolt head with a split pin or use a nord lock nut. Variations of the split pin is using safety wire. Of course loctite has several varieties and can be as secure as you want it to be. Manufacturing companies always want it to be cheap. They have moved away from staking screws, which is cheap, to using loctite, which is cheap.
Thanks, another great video but my OCD spotted that the pull start housing only had 3 of the 6 bolts holding it down. Maybe you rectified that off camera.
That is correct. Most Honda clone recoils only use 3 of the holes. The extra are there so you can remove the bolts and rotate to a different position to change the position of the start rope with having to rotate 1/3 of the way before the original holes line up again.
Derek Marshall ... Well spotted ! Perhaps that "OCD" would be the "Off Camera Detector" I reckon ! cheers
Up until about 3 years ago that carb was under $40 dealer cost (around $60 list) and I replaced them as a matter of course instead of trying to clean them out. After all, with shop rates at $100 per hour it was faster and cheaper to throw on a new part. Fast forward to Trump's import tax and that carb was over $100 retail, plus labor. Price shot up twice in 90 days as I recall. More to the point of the video, that set should hold 58 Hz at full load if set to 61.5 at no load. (they do faulter at 6000 watts and will stall at 7000) You nailed this one! BTW, the breaker probably wont trip fast enough at 6000 watts to protect the stator from overheating / burning out. It's more of a fault / short protection thing.
Thanks. Price and supply are definitely an issue right now. If working for a customer, then replacing it is the way to go not only the labor cost, but a new one will last longer then a cleaned up old one and hopefully keep the customer happy with your work.
Another fantastic job James, 200 dollar home run
you are lucky, in my area same condition is listing for $1200 I can buy a new generator from HF for half the listing price, Thank you
Good job on that generator The engine on that looks very similar to my 8750 predator With a 420 cc Honda clone I bought it back in 2014 brand new all I ever do is keep the gas and change the oil it runs every time that I need it
It probably is the same engine. Most use the same 420cc clone these days.
Once again another electrifying generator video. Great repair and diagnosis. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for this one! I have this exact machine and it's about due for some tlc. Good to see the basics demonstrated before I tackle mine. P.S. at 27:10 - new shop QA inspector? 😁
He wanted some screen time
I learn something new in every video.
Thanks for sharing.
Great info. I will definitely be using this as a step by step guide to fix my generac. Thanks..
The line on top of the generator is a vent line because the e.p.a made it mandatory for the machine to have the vent line my poulan xt mower have the vent line from the gas tank to the air intake
You got the right skills to save those portable power plants from going to the scrap metal place
@@Codyjrt thank you for the info
Robert ... when they first started doing that it was for California emissions. As other states picked up on the idea the factory just made 'em all the same.
@@rupe53 thank you for your reply young.man 😎
@@robertmailhos8159 ... BTW, nothing to do with EGR because small engines don't have that and probably never will.
Nice work James, at least this generator didn't need much and runs great!
Thanks for the video James. Awesome job as usual. I was going through withdrawals.
This didn't seem to have anything that jumped out at me. It looked like it was taken care of. It is too bad that consumers don't know how to maintain their equipment. My 20 kw Generac is serviced twice a year. I was paying the guy that installed it to do that way too much money. So I asked what I needed to do and learned from him. I run mine under load once month and it exercises every Saturday. At the last servicing the oil filler cap had milky looking oil in it so that is why I run it under load based on what I was told by the tech the engine doesn't get hot enough to dissipate the moisture here in Virginia. Thank James for sharing your time and talents with us. Ed
Thanks Ed.
that's a common issue with the newer stationary sets because they have a low speed exercise and only run for 7 minutes. (half of what they did years ago) IOW, they run too cold. On some you can change that in the menu. You can also change the auto ex program to less often (also in the menu) and do your own loaded exercise to warm it up fully.
@@rupe53 the exercise is programmed at 5 minutes I could have it exercise everyday but I am not going to. So I will just simulate a power outage.
@@er1073 ... the point I was trying to make is you can't shut the exercise off completely but you can minimize those cold runs by changing the program to once a month and raising the speed. (on some) The rest you can do manually by simulated power failure. Of course doing it that way you will also have to put up with waiting for computers and cable boxes to reboot plus flashing clocks. Oh, the issues of modern appliances!
@@rupe53 okay I will try that then and I can do that via mobile link. Yes a lot of stuff blinks and warns of impending doom etc...
What a great find. And it runs as good as looks. 👍
Great job as always.. Would love to have your patience...
Good job mate, I did notice that you use a torque wrench on just about everything. If you do this off camera I'd say it's more a OCD thing than perfectionism. I'm not picking or putting you down as it is a good thing if you don't have muscle memory but I have only used them when doing a full rebuild and I don't think it necessary on things like air cleaners, but I guess that this is also a teaching tool so being perfect to teach the young is a good thing. Stay well and keep them coming :)
i've stripped alot of bolts on these chinese built things so its a good thing
Better be safe than sorry
Its really only necessary on critical components like the connecting rod. Muscle memory is not the issue, but a lot watching have no idea how to do this work correctly so trying to show them. Even with the torque wrench I break things. At least this way I can blame the part. And maybe a little OCD.
Another nice find and good video. Congratulations on reaching 50k subscribers! You are so deserving, keep up the great content
Thanks Scott!
I actually come across the carburetor with a plugged orifice in the carburetor casting finally took some carburetor cleaner and 90 pounds of pressure on my air nozzle to finally get it blasted out of the passage there's no way it get it to where it was plugged don't know what was wrong other than it's was some powdery stuff come out like condensation or your dried up water but we got it finally and now now it starts up wouldn't start up before it was on the lawnmower!
that white stuff is from the ethanol in the fuel. When the fuel evaporates between uses it leaves a residue. (like corn starch powder)
Try simple green wipes for that greasy stuff, I use them and I love em
I just bought the new Dewalt DXGNR8000. Forums claim its a Generac. 420cc motor, not Honda. It looks very similar to this model in the video. You ever dealt with one of these?
I have not. But most made today use the same 420cc Honda clone. Most are built by only a handful of companies and just rebranded.
As always a joy to watch. Thanks for sharing James
Thanks
I think the valve adjustment play a roll in engine performance.
I agree. Am surprised though the governor did not compensate for the valve issue.
I have to say ive learned a lot watching your videos thanks
What is that small wrench you use to get in tight places? I would like to get my husband one. He watches one or two or more of your videos each night. He says you are good at explaining things.
Thank you
wish you in Canada, gas pressure washer will not start, found small broken plastic in float bowl
Great job as usual! You’re going to get top dollar for it.
⚠️Rules about generator safety: This is a very important announcement that everyone needs to know just to make sure.
It is important to follow all generator safety rules whenever we use portable generators:
Everyone must see this. This is just a reminder for everyone’s safety.
1) KEEPING OTHERS SAFE: Please do not allow an unqualified person or your children to operate and service the portable generator. Just because some manuals don’t say that doesn’t mean it’s safe. That is important against the generator safety rules. We also need to be keeping an eye on our children too. You need to make sure that your children are not playing near the portable generator especially when it’s running so they won’t get electrocuted. Generators pose electrical risks and they can be hot during an operation. Please keep your children away from the portable generator at all times. It is important to keep our children safe especially our little ones. Be aware of all the hazards.
2) WHERE TO RUN YOUR GENERATOR: Some people use their portable generators indoors which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s important to have a carbon monoxide if you have a gas generator. Never ever use your generator indoors even if your doors and windows are open and even in the garage is not safe to use a portable generator. Not even at your porch and your deck. It is never safe to use your generator indoors and in enclosed areas of your home. Your generator needs to be 15-20 feet away from your house.
3)🔥FIRE HAZARDS: Never refuel your generator while it’s running. You need to let your generator cool off before refueling it and before storing your generator. Never overload your generator too. Never ever back feed your generator. You should never plug your generator into a wall outlet. Also never store propane tanks indoors. Please keep flammable things away from the generator as well and please don’t smoke cigarettes near the generator. Having a fire extinguisher next to the generator is also important against the generator safety rules.
4) GENERATOR OPERATION: make sure your hands are dry before touching the generator. Never use your generator in wet conditions. Don’t let your generator get wet. You need a generator tent if you need to use your generator during wet weather. Please don’t wear loose clothes when operating the generator. Turn on your generator before plugging in appliances. Use the right cord for your generator. Please do not use worn out cords.
ruclips.net/video/I1jT3ANENvI/видео.html and here is a video more about keeping others safe when using generators
Hope this helps. Thank you
Hi James nice gene no issues but a bit of movement in the fuel tank mate
The camera image stabilization is to blame. Out the camera a little too close.
I wish mine ran like that mine blows smoke slightly and it seems like it’s running rich I clean the carburetor and I’m thinking I need a new one
Thanks Jim I enjoy your vids
James again another great job 👏 look forward to your next live stream with ken👍
Hi James,Great video--as always! Love your methodical approach. Can you tell us your thoughts on adding "Stabilizer" to gasoline for use in generators? Have you seen carb problems from it? Thanks!
ALWAYS use a stabilizer and run the set monthly under load. When done you shut off the fuel to drain the carb dry for storage. Did it that way for 30 years and NEVER had the carb off. (circa 1988 Generac / B&S engine) Oh, I only keep a gallon of fuel in the gen set, which will last a year in exercise. I store my fuel in 5 gallon cans with a date on them. If I don't use the fuel in a year I pour it in the car and get fresh.
I always use fuel stabilizer and shut the fuel valve off, drain the carb If the bowl has a drain or run it carb dry. I keep my tank full, but swap out the fuel with fresh stuff at least twice a year. Have not ever had a problem doing that.
I bought a GP5500, It failed in less than 10 hours. Customer service did nothing despite it being a 100 percent design flaw. Seal failure allowed light rain to leak into the gas tank. rusted out. Cost $400 to replace. They don't care about their customers.
The engine seems to be moving while running-engine mounts bad? Also is fuel filter on backwards?
Yes....it did appear that the tank was moving as well while it was running.
It has to do with the video speed and engine vibration. Its an optical illusion, same thing happens when I video with my phone of a running engine, looks like its wiggling all over the place when its actually not.
@@Big_Johns That makes sense.👍👍
Thanks Paul or maybe it’s one of those rare Disco Generators. 🤣
The image stabilization does make things look strange. Wish there was a way to delete that feature.
Enjoyed my breakfast while watching your video James, both were excellent sir.
what did you had for breakfast?
I had some patty sausage, eggs, grits and toast. It was very tasty 🙂🙂
@@Big_Johns yum. that does sound like a breakfast of champions.
Always interesting James thanks for sharing 👍
Thanks James it’s really great video , we Need information about THD “ Total Harmonics distortion “ of the generators I would be full of knowledge from “ Generators Master “
Good results, could have been hit or miss
got to love the "supervisor" that showed up at 27:09!
Great work!!
Another great video James! 👍👍👍
James is adjusting the RPMs the Maine way to raise the Herts up on a generator.
That is the only way, unless it is an inverter. The hertz on an inverter generator is independent of engine speed.
That’s the only way you adjust the frequency….
Great job James! Great score too! Not my favorite Generac, china made..i like the old EXL and the newer XG/XP machines best. This GP does well for the price point when properly maintained! Cheers bud!
I with you there. But they sure are easy to sell. The same China clone branded anything else is a much harder sell.
@@jcondon1 exactly because of the name most likely. Generac has a pretty crappy reputation in the residential portable market. However on the commercial industrial side they seem to be a gold standard.
What can I do to correct it do I need to replace the coil packs or at least one of them or see if there is a relay box that’s is bad
I've watched just about all your videos at this point. My general thought is that the Honda generators are the best. But it seems like just about everything you work on ends up running well in the end once maintained. Would you say that there really is any benefit to a Honda generator at this point, when you can get something with similar output for 1/4 the price?
How to prevent rusting of the metal fuel tank when it is stored empty for a long time?
You can spray WD40 in there or maybe some two stroke oil.
Who makes that engine? Based on those canted valves I'd say it is a hemi!
It is a Hemi and a Honda clone.
Really nice find for that price. I still have the GP5500 that I got in the spring and that someone converted to propane only as the tank is gone. Had gasoline in the oil and some light pitting in the cylinder. So I think I'm going to hone it and replace the rings. Subaru engine on these, correct? Generac, and everywhere else, shows the part #s as unavailable, but I think I found a corresponding Subaru ring kit for it. Need to examine and check ohms on gen head before ordering anything for the engine though.
Generac uses a Honda clone on this one. Worst case find another generator that does not make power with a 420cc clone engine and you coin probably just do an engine swap.
@@jcondon1 Thanks Jim. I think something is different about the one I have though as it has a 389cc on it.
@@ericvaughn1126 .. that'd certainly a Generac engine and the factory has very few internal parts available. (China import) the 389 versus 420 is just a few years apart in production. I'd look for another used set to get parts. You might even luck out at a junk pile behind a dealer or repair shop. I can't tell you how many I threw away because the rest of the set was trash from being left outside. IOW, too expensive to fix. (Yes, I was working for a dealer)
Best way to repair a Generac generator is to replace it with anything else.
You have to love scoring things from people who got in way over their heads.🤣. Also for adjusting the valves always remember eoic.
eoic?
@@lordjaashin exhaust starts to open adjust intake valve, intake valve starts to close adjust exhaust. Basically the cam lobe needs to be on the base circle of the intake or exhaust lobe to adjust that valve lash correctly.
That method works much better for most. I cannot tell you how many people do not know that the piston is at TDC twice, and adjust the valves when at TDC on the wrong stroke. Causes a lot of issues doing it the "correct" way.
I was surprised when you pulled the valve cover. Not only cast rockers, but arranged in a hemi configuration. Looked very heavy duty compared to what I usually see. What year/make is this engine? Also, great job ironing out the minor issues!
Thanks. It was a Honda clone, probably built around 2011. It was a hemi.
@@jcondon1 Thanks
GREAT VIDEO SIR !!!!!!!
Thanks!
I was wondering if you used preheated water in the ultrasonic cleaner for the carbs. Great videos .
I use hot tap water.
Nice job again!
I know a Jay Young. Are you the Jay I am thinking of???
@@jcondon1 Not sure James, I'm in southern VT. Business owner, i know lots of folks.
I like watching your videos are educational I have a question I wanna ask you I have a twin cylinder Kohler engine out here it’s misfiring what I mean is the voltage values go up and down on the cold packs I just wonder if replacing the coil packs will fix that I found one problem starter solenoid was bad and it has a white wire going to a relay and it looks like it’s going to the coil packs
I do not have any experience with that engine. Misfiring can definitely be caused by a low voltage or intermittent spark. But there are other reason for that. Check to make sure both cylinders are firing and building compression.
If you suspect a 4 stroke small engine is running rich at idle/no load 3400, and the carb is not adjustable, can dirt some how cause this or is it just a defective carb?
Running rich is usually bad carb jetting or a restricted air filter.
This needed no more than some careful maintenance work. Cost you no more than the new oil and the degreaser in the cleaner.. Ended up being a first class generator.
Did you determine if the tacho was faulty James? It was certainly not reading right.
James, I'm surprised you use 10W-30 in these engines. I was always under the impression they should use straight 30 weight for small engines. I seem to recall it is not a good idea to use car oil. Something about the detergents or such. Maybe just a myth.
An internal combustion engine definitely needs detergents. You CAN buy SAE30 oil that doesn't have any detergents--don't use that in an ICE.
factory says you can use 10-30 from about 20 - 90 degrees ambient temp. You can also use 30 wt (detergent) if you are always above freezing, which would be indoor storage in my area. All of the major oil companies still make straight weight oil but not everyone stocks it.
SAE 30 is always best in hot weather (above 40 degrees F). Where I am though SAE30 is a problem from November though April. 10W-30 is good here year round for the most part. If above 90 degrees F, then 10W-30 mineral oil will be consumed quickly by the engine. Synthetic should do better. Ideally you should add zinc to the oil to help the flat tappets out.
@@jcondon1 ... was doing some research recently and found most mineral oils already have zinc in them, although not as much as some formulas for old engines. BTW, the zinc also helps protect during long term storage. OTOH, if you run it once a month we're not too worried about that.
Hi there, James! Just out of curiosity, have you ever used BARDAHL against engine sludge and sticky valves in your generators and power equipment?
I have not
Oh snap, he's wearing a green shirt this time.
I just got a new one in the box at Home Depot for 400$
James, wondering why you don't re-use the cleaning fluid in the ultrasonic cleaner?
I could, but it is cheap and non toxic so easy to dispose of and start fresh. If I was cleaning multiple carbs in a day they would definitely reuse.
What is the yellow liquid you use in the ultrasonic? Got an outboard that needs this attention. Great channel and content. Thank you
He mentioned it in a different video...it is the super heavy duty degreaser found at Harbor Freight.
Thats it
@@troystanley192 Thank you so much
My intake is set at 4 thousandths and exhaust was 5 thousandths
Where did you get your specs from? Trying to figure out what mine supposed to be at? I got in 8000 generac
Usually found in the owners manual. Depending on the engine 0.004” intake 0.006 exhaust or 0.006 intake 0.008” exhaust. When in doubt split the difference and you should be good. 0.005” intake 0.007” exhaust.
James what solution do you use in your ultrasonic cleaner?
Harbor Freight Super Heavy Duty Degreaser
My gp5500 runs good in choke but not in run. I put on a new venseri replacement. Identical cept for a screw with spring adjustable. Didn't mess with the idle. Any ideas ?
Also oil changed fuel filter and line changed. I am leaning toward bad gas.
It is runs good with choke then likely a fuel issue.
@@jcondon1 fuel valve went bad. Apatently it would get enough fuel to run in choke but not in half or run. New gas with sta-bill and good valve back to genning
I have GP5000, only make 60v, pulled the powered cover and all the strings wrapping the stator are broken. I ran this in my shed just to exercise it (normally pull it out) I think I overheated it...worth fixing? Thanks in advance.
Generac does sell the part you need, but it most likely costs more then the generator did when it was new. Your best bet would be to buy another working generator or look to see if anyone is selling one with a blown engine that you could steal the stator from.
@@jcondon1 Thanks for reply. I learned a ton watching your videos, super detailed and informative. Just picked up Briggs 7000 for $400...it's a shame too, as the Generac only has 89hrs on it..on the hunt for one with a blown engine to get the powerhead...