Neglected Trashed ETQ Generator - Rusted Tank, Surging, Surprising Load Test Result
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- Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
- Another generator pulled from the trash. I have no history on this generator and assume it was discarded for a reason. Lets dig in and find out whats wrong with it and get it running and making power again.
Generator Model: ETQ TG32P31
I no longer use Harbor Freight Super Heavy Duty Degreaser in my ultrasonic cleaner. Harbor Freight changed the recipe. The bottle previously stated "NON-CORROSIVE". Now it says "CORROSIVE", "do not user on Aluminum". It now damages most carburetors.
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#GeneratorRepair #SmallEngineRepair #SmallEngine #DIY #Fixed #Troubleshooting #HowTo
Alternator, Fixed, Generator, Hertz, How To, How-To, Load Test, Repair, Small Engine, Troubleshooting, Rusted Fuel Tank, Evaporust, Nuts and Bolts, Shipping Brackets, Water in Bowl, Surging, Running Lean, Micro Drill Bit, Drill the Jet, ETQ, Honda Clone, TG32P31, Dirty Carburetor, Will Not Start, Wont Run, Trash
'Mild-mannered James Condon who, as Dr. Generator, fights a never-ending battle to bring power back into the dystopian world - 3200 watts at a time.'
As always, great work! 😎
Well said. You sir, are a Poet !
LOL 🤣
Damn right and awesomely commented.
That's really amazing, the THD on such a basic and cheap generator, putting many if the more expensive units to shame.
I wonder why this is such a low THD generator from a no name brand. Wonder what they are doing differently, and I wonder why the big boys can't copy them?
Highlighted reply
@RadioNJ1948
@RadioNJ1948
4 minutes ago
One item that can affect a 2 pole generator’s output Harmonic distortion is the amount and quality of the steel used in the stator and the rotor. Also we have noticed that generators that have an AVR actually have higher harmonic distortion than capacitor regulated units. This seems contrary to current beliefs but it’s definitely true on Generac units. A very popular XG8000E has about 5% at all load levels in the ones that are capacitor regulated. The ones with AVR regulator are higher. Just our observation.
@@jimthesoundman8641
@@jimthesoundman8641 I think because of a well balanced engine, you can hear it..
Unfortunately, they’re not made anymore.
@@habana7638 exactly... Lifan engines is well known to be well made, despite being Chinese... ETQ to be a perfect unit, one like 8000w, electric starter. Im still looking for it, if even exists...
Millions of these were sold in 1999, most popular was ETQ and Chicago, other than the Powermate models for Y2K scare. So millions are stashed in homes and basements that never saw a hour run time.
When you opened the carb bowel I was like "well that thing is toast"
If you open it's "bowel", you can expect it to be pretty shitty...
Maybe bowl?🤣👍
there was a similarity
@@marktomlinson6714 Was funny!😊
hi brother i am from India , i am not a mechanic ( a civil engineer actually)i don't have a generator
but somehow i like your content
I like using the Christmas Tree Fastener to block off the hole. Not just for inner fenders anymore!
Gotta wonder what was going on in that alternator that made such clean power. And furthermore, if a cheap generator can do it, why not the rest? Good save as usual!
My thoughts on that are 1 of 2 possibilities, 1 IT's a very good generator (Meaning that Other generators Of the same year and model are similar ) or 2 IT's a very lucky generator (Meaning it is a 1 of a kind generator )
Lifan (ETQ) are a very well respected Chinese manufacturer of engines/machinery....
especially motorcycle engine and gearbox packages that just bolt in...
got an old worn out 90cc Honda m/c?
Fit a 200cc Lifan with 5 speed gearbox...bolt in.
One item that can affect a 2 pole generator’s output Harmonic distortion is the amount and quality of the steel used in the stator and the rotor. Also we have noticed that generators that have an AVR actually have higher harmonic distortion than capacitor regulated units. This seems contrary to current beliefs but it’s definitely true on Generac units. A very popular XG8000E has about 5% at all load levels in the ones that are capacitor regulated. The ones with AVR regulator are higher. Just our observation.
@@RadioNJ1948_current_ beliefs 😏🤭
When it comes to cleaning engines and plastic parts the very best thing is spray tire foam. I learned that when I was younger and worked at a car dealership. When we would clean engine bays of used cars I found nothing that works better and is easier. No matter how dirty it takes about 15 mins. The foam is a self cleaner. So Requires very little scrubbing or wiping off. Plus if you do it every few months even the Aluminum parts remove any staining and over time look brand new. I have done this on my personal cars and Equipment for almost 20 years. Found all the rubber and plastic stay looking and feeling new. Never had any problems
lol, reminds me of a time I was trading in my ATV, I gave the old ATV a healthy spray with the tire spray foam until it gleamed. The salesman said "wow, you really took care of that machine". 1 bottle of spray foam worth every penny.
@MrHugawa lol yeah I always get that when I buy new parts and return the core. Every time I get is that a new part?. It works wonders
I never would have thought I'd enjoy watching someone work on generators. James is a master at repairing generators and making great videos.
You always say thanks for watching I've never seen anybody tell you thanks for taking the time to make the video we enjoy them. So thank you for making the video!
This should have been your Halloween episode since you play Dr. Frankenstein with that carb.
Another generator is in the hand's of Mr James condon and he will be doing it a favor to get it fixed up and running again
At one time, ETQ (AKA Lifan SA) was the originator of all the Clones in the Galactic Clone wars!
Had that gut feeling that Amazon was going to be the answer ;-)
Pretty much a perfect sine wave output on that, wow. Great save!
Way to go Dr. Frankenstein! A really impressive low THD generator. Who knew?
I know it doesn't make sense from a getting it running again point of view, but from a youtube video point of view it would be interesting to see how well that filthy carb would have cleaned up.... but maybe that's just me.
Agreed. I came here to say the same thing. Those of us just doing occasional work don’t have backup stock to pull from. The ability to Frankencarb a machine doesn’t exist.
It would’ve been a great ‘before’ and ‘after’ comparison.
I never find anything like that in the trash, including mowers, weed whackers .
Its hot, and all at James place...lol
I find it amazing how much we get when buying a carburetor from Amazon for such low price. I bought a carburetor for $17.00 for my Poulan Pro 3816 chain saw & got a better carb, gaskets, fuel lines, primer bulb & an adjustment tool. The tool by it's self priced at $10.00 if purchased separately. The reason I needed a carb was the plastic throttle lever broke, and the new carb has a metal throttle lever. I didn't even need to adjust either idle screws. It was a good thing I got new fuel lines because while removing the old one, the fuel line cracked where it went into the tank.
🤔 Makes one wonder about the 'mark-up' price, when taken to an 'authorized dealer' for repair/warranty?😳
I just worked on the same carb and found the seal below the linkages had started sucking air and was the first time i have seen that. I was stumped for 3 days trying to figure out what the problem was. A new carb solved the issue for me
What in the world made that generator have such a good total harmonic distortion not to mention the sun wave looked excellent. Wow, I’m blown away.
I think that’s the most Frankenstein-ed carb I’ve seen you put together.🤖
It almost worked
I like the fox on air box hole, going to use it now
Thanks 🙏
ETQ made some decent gennys back in the day. Great work as always.
Nice going, James
Wow THD levels are incredible. Rare to see!
Did not expect that. Thought I had tested this model before and it was nothing special. Guess not
@@jcondon1 Could it be that the alignment of the generator rotor is just perfectly matched with the combustion event? In other words, if you popped the rotor off the crankshaft and rotated it 5-10 degrees in either direction, would we see the same low THD? That would be an interesting idea for an episode! ;-) Perhaps all of these single cylinder generators could be 'tuned' to have a lower THD. Just a thought!
@@ExodusDaner This is an excellent thought, since the only thing that differs from the power heads perspective between a single and multiple cylinder engines is the smoothness of the power - so aligning the "peak" rotational speed with the least sensitive part of the power generation (probably zero crossing?) would theoretically lead to a smoother sine wave.
I would buy that generator. Great performer.
well it just goes to show that a cheap generator can function as well as a more expensive model or perhaps better on this occasion. Great detective work James, hunting down the issues it had.
I know it's a hunt and a dice throw to get parts for some of these units, but I think you've got the skills down. Nice that they CAN be saved.. I'm more of a cheapskate than an environmentalist.... but I like to see equipment live a very full life.
Yes!
Saving equipment in a throwaway world in the end is environmentally sound.
Amazing !!! ♥️
James, Maxima SC1 works magic on the plastics and other parts, to make them look like new, and it smells good too❤.
I like to use Vaseline when I install hoses. It helps them to go on easier, and usually prevents them from seizing on to the carb.
But it eventually destroys the rubber...
yeah don't use vasoline, much better to use silicone grease. i suggest the 8oz mission automotive silicone paste for best value, bottle will last a lifetime...
Great score
As a Technical Leader and Mechanic at a car dealership I work on engines and cars all days. Somehow i find it relaxing sitting in the sofa and watch you fiddle with these small machines! Good work, and precise, just the way it should be :) Keep the content coming :)
Greetings from Norway
Very clean powerhead! I have seen 50KW Kabota units with worse.
This is a true “Frankincarb”! They didn’t give it the shake test!! Nice work Jim!
This video taught me a few things, but an important one is just to really keep your eyes open and scan connections and little things while attempting to fix what could be a bigger problem. You noticing that those two wires were not connected saved you a lot of time, and even potentially spending money on unneeded parts.
At $300 a 3.2 KV generator no wonder the new e-bay carbie was in the condition you found it.
Neat job James.
Great video, that generator just needed a little TLC to bring it back to life, excellent work James!
Mr James's box of chocolates carburetors for the save 😂
Can't win every battle out there but we enjoy watching
Surprised indeed. THD and that sinewave are realy something for clone powered machine. Think it would be a realy good opportunity tu study components or at least compare with some with more dirty output. Part numbers at list . Thankyou Sir James
Hi nice Job, in my experience the best test is to start a motor ( portable ac unit ) it acts like a refrigerator
It's cool! I also repair a gasoline tool. I'm from the RF. When I encounter this condition of the carburetor, I immediately put it on a new one.
You could just drill out the hole in the air box to be just slightly smaller than the tank vent hose and then just stick the hose through the hole and it should stay in place just fine.
Yes, that is the way it is normally done.
Love working on Generators myself, love watching your content. Learn a lot from watching. I have a similar Generator to this one in my pile of Generators, originally an All Power 3500 with a roughly 200-212cc CHonda Engine. It was a great little generator, I think it had about 4500 hours on it before something in the engine finally let go, the Generator head and AVR always was very clean and robust. I will probably rebuild the engine or do a re-power on it. Have so many Generators that I don't "need" to fix any of them in any kind of hurry. That's the best way to have them, that way when you need them, after bad storms, ice storms, etc, you always got a few ready to go, one doesn't work, push it back in the shed and grab another! I start them often, let them run for a while, put them back up.
Another of your excellent and demistifying videos !!! Awsum and thankyou !!! 😉😎
As to the airbox vent, just cut the hole slightly smaller than the hose and just stuff the hose in the hole and send it.
Good one Doc, that's a great gen.
Great video, great info again
That automotive Christmas tree thing was slick and looks very nice.
Instead of evaporust I'd use (and did it in the past) HCl (acid, at around 30% concentration). It's much cheaper, faster, doesn't require bolts and shaking and once done you just remove it (it is aggressive but not pollutant), put in some water and bicarbonate in the tank, rince and it's done. If you want to go the extra step then use some tankerite or similar 2 component paint in the tank to fix the rust problem forever :)
What a great little generator. Excellent job as always, James. Thanks for sharing.
OK, fine job fixing it up. Very thorough and logical steps to get it back to like new condition, and a bonus for how well it holds the electrical stats. So adding things up: Gas Tank Cost = $40, Carb Cost = $16:. About $56 or so. Then you have to add something for your time. When new this generator cost around $300 you said? Considering it's a 120volt unit, no 240 outlet, is it worth it? What would it bring if sold? Nice job walking right thru it James. I am quite happy that you took the time to drill out the pilot orifice to correct the lean condition instead of opting for another new carb, but I have question: Why did you drill the pilot? Why not the main? I personally have drilled out several main orifices and never drilled out a pilot. I would say there's probably not much difference but just trying to figure out the reasoning. Thanks for another very well presented video. ben/ michigan
The extremely good THD make this a very good generator to use with electronic devices???
It may have only cost $300 originally...but that quality og generation isn't usually less than $2000 today....
Someone else commented that the vapours (from the shaking of the fuel tank when the gen is running) being sucked into the carb (as it was in the original configuration) might make up for the leaner pilot jet...
You truly have the Patience Of Job, James --
James You never cease too amaze Me. I love Your channel! Great content.
Another great video and look forward to every single one as I learn new things and enjoy watching these things come together. I especially appreciate how thorough you are. Greta work!!!
Your videos are awesome, James. So informative and detailed. Thanks for putting in the time and attention to the details!
Another great video James - every one of your installments that I watch reinforces my own root cause analysis skills and ambitions! I am very grateful for the clear and complete explanations, technical guidance and practical solutions. You really are a great teacher!
Thats interesting that the new carburetor needed the pilot size increased as well. Still just two sizes bigger and runs like new. Great job. I hope you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving. 😊
Running lean to meet pollution requirements?
@@juhajuntunen7866 Typical EPA road apples.
@@juhajuntunen7866
That's probably true. I have found with most lawn mower engine's are just a little lean. I wish they had air/fuel adjustment screws on the 4 stroke engine's like they do with 2 strokes. That would make it much easier to get an engine to run correctly.
When sonic clean don’t work it’s acid dip and most of the time it works fine after that
Sonic cleaning is still not as good as Berryman dip😊
Ha! Funny story . I got a front loading washing machine from a family who was giving it away complaining that "it would dance across the floor" during use. Knowing nothing about these machines, I discovered that they had never removed the shipping lugs! It ran for years until the tub broke off of the tripod, probably weakened from being run with the shipping lugs still installed.
As always, fine job on this gen!
Nice work 😊😊😊😊
That's nothing short of amazing for a small, single cylinder generator, you could safely power some electronics and the fridge or possibly a furnace as long as you do so properly
Aren't the engines run at the factory after the build? ...or, even at the generator factory?
Like James does...plumb in fuel for test run, check output...ship....
But this was pure neglect in the USA
left out in rain,
filled with water (probably from condensation inside empty fuel tank...
then leaked the water past bad shut off valve and it rusted out carb....
corn juice fuel probably didn't help....
Great job James on fixing this. I think of how cheap the tank and carborator were I would just use them instead of all the time you took to try and clean them. This seems to be a nice machine too.
That’s one of the reasons I enjoy these videos, James takes the time to try and fix things instead of just replacing them. Part of the learning experience for me.
Thank's sir. I saw that there was a person wearing glasses, in the reflection on the new tank cap.
Another option for rust inside a tank. You can put in medium to small sharp grid in the tank with some ammonia solution. Works really well to "sand" out the rust. The ammonia prevents fly rust. After that wash out with acetone to remove any water.
Enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing
Pretty hard to change the oil with the shipping bracket installed. So it may have never run?
If you were the one to make Frankenstein, he would be perfect and handsome!
13:50 How he can make a comment like that with absolute deadpan delivery... Nicely done, sir.
Diamond in the rough.
Yes your video did help as I've had a surging problem with a similar size engine. Thanks for the tip on the jetting.
It is very satisfying to see such great work and the attention to detail that James uses when repairing generators. I have changed my outlook at broken engines and am willing to repair one when possible. Keep up the great work James.
Have you considered using a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water for 30-60 minutes to take out the rust. Use this to clean cast iron all the time
Next time you have a rusted metal tank , try “ The Works “ toilet bowl cleaner. Cost is about 1.00 -2.00 /bottle. I believe this is a 16 oz. bottle and contains a small amount of HCL or some have sulfonic acid. I have used this on many tanks that had as much as 1/4” of rust. Leave in for a day or two and you will be amazed at the result. Wash out with water and baking soda after treatment .
This machine doesn't appear to have a lot of hours on it, but it definitely appears to have been left outdoors. I hate it when people purchase an expensive machine, and then leave it out in the weather. I have seen it countless times, but I have never understood why people do that.
Lazy people.
So basically $55 got you a $300 generator that out preforms more others at twice the price...pretty good deal :)
thd did not change also at full load voltage was ok,avr respond late but its a perfomer ,nice one James till next week
Another good job I watch everyone you make and they'll tell you these are really good but hey I got a question for you what kind of small torque wrench do you use do you mind letting me know I like to get me one and by any chance can you give me a model number off of it brother I appreciate it
What an amazing result. An unusual THD ..
FYI and FWIW ....Home Depot presently has a sale (246 bucks) for what looks like the
same generator except slightly higher +300 W output rating, otherwise it looks identical.
These generators look well suited for powering a pair of 12V 100A "shore power" chargers
to rapidly charge and replenish RV or boat batteries from an hour or two of medium duty
by running the generator. Some very good black Friday deals are out there on these things.
The nipple on the crankcase vent hose looks to be a split type which merely snaps into a hose drilled in the airbox.
Amazed it made relatively “clean” power for a single cylinder Chinese close generator. However, for the price and output, you can get a 3kw continuous inverter generator for under $500 these days.
For that faded paint ATF works great and lasts a while , good for mowers and plastic .
Why didn't you use the inline fuel filter you got with the new carb? It would have helped in its old life.
Great troubleshooting James😊
Very interesting video. Another nice save from dumpster👍
The last 16 buck carb I bought had no main jet. I spent $75 and bought one from Briggs. It runs fantastic. Chinese carbs usually run but not great.
Thanks! Great video.
Thanks
Do you have a pull start for a Honda clone engine laying around? I got an 18 year old Buffalo Tools 2000 watt generator from a family member that had never been out of the box. I got it running and started it three or four times, and then the inner mechanism in the pull start disintegrated. As far as I can tell, it doesn't have a model number on it anywhere that I can use to order parts for it. It is definitely a Honda clone engine, but beyond that, I don't really know anything about it, and I would love to at least get it functional before winter.
I have a tiny ETQ 2 stroke and it's been fine for what I need only problem was at -33 below zero I had to put a box over it.
James good video just a little tip on the Chinese aftermarket carbs! Even though we do not use many at EP in the event we do we always tear them down to clear them of any machining debris (not only in the bowl but tap the carb for internal debris). Additionally we may put them through the ultrasonic cleaner then install to run and yes the pilot jet always seems to be an issue requiring opening a couple thousandths. We give no guarantees if the customer requests an aftermarket carb although it is rare we cannot save an OEM provided still on the unit. Great idea on plugging the air box opening.
i see so many people having issues with carb's gunked with old gas, best practice is to shutdown the engine by fuel-starve, it makes the carb suck the last dregs out, preventing air+fuel degradation, especially if your tank has a decent one-way breather+relief valve
truth is that as long as the tank doesn't pressurize/vacuum too much it is actually best to have a 100% sealed tank, gasoline actually degrades mostly by passive oxidation and VOC evaporation, if your storage tank can hold ~30psi you can make gas last ~1-2 years easily
if you have a stable environment(like a year-round ground temp storage shed) storing gasoline in old soda bottles is actually best, it prevents VOC loss and oxide damage, though the risk is high if the temp swings much(that is why filling only 80% then squeezing the air out before capping is best) or if a fire occurs
or you could just buy a dual/tri fuel generator/kit, run gasoline when you are planning to run it, and propane for emergency power use
propane doesn't age, and gasoline has the most HP, so if you have something like a camping trip or event to power you can run gasoline(just ensure that at the end of the event you don't leave it full of fuel you have no intention of using right away)
I think my first emergency generator will be a tri-fuel variant, NAT-GAS is a common city fuel around me(it might work in a power outage) and propane refills are easy enough to get at BJ's (my parents have a membership and refilling is cheaper than gasoline for generators), and gasoline is unlikely to ever go away, and even if it does the likely alternative is a form of LPG(like propane/butane/NAT-GAS)
buying a non-diesel generator without LPG compatibility is stupid, it is a device most people buy for backup power, the situation where you have the fuel and machine sit for months before using, or they have a specific use-case where they can plan how much fuel to buy for the use
now ironically diesel/biodiesel is very self-stable and renewable, so if you have a good honkin diesel spark-maker don't replace it, give it some TLC and trust in that stable fuel and girthy engines to operate as long as it isn't too cold or you ran out of oil from neglect
in my case I am going LPG+gasoline as it offers a good mix of super cheap common fuel and a type of fuel you can store for years or even decades in a safe place(if your tank is kept in a humidity limited area that bastard could outlast you) and well, I could buy a few lighter refills in a pinch and use that for a tiny bit of emergency emergency emergency power
The sine wave was pretty darn clean as the THD was very supervising A carb and a tank Cheap enough for a Quality 3k unit
im learning so much about small engine carbs watching your vids. 😊
Most of your videos make me wonder how you don’t swear and/or throw the darned (not the word I mean) thing in the river.
Maybe you are better mannered than me / live nowhere near a river.
But your patience is legendary!
That's the idle set screw... that just landed on the floor" (We'll never see that again) 🤣
It's so crazy that you can buy a new carburetor for $16. That has to cost more then that to make.
in China, apparently not ..😳
I have had the same issue with a few new carbs. In handling and shipping the needle valve comes off. So now I always check it before installing it.
I AllWAYS take off bowl on new carbs and wash out the bowl and body, lots of fine aluminum flakes
Do you also run the unit for only 15 minutes, then change the oil...
Run it for 1/2 hour...then change the oil..
Run it for an hour...then change the oil..
thereby eliminating the same particles from inside the engine...and ensuring a long engine life???