When a small engine won't start: Fuel filter, air filter, spark plug. 90% of the time, that will fix it. If not, drain the fuel and replace with fresh. I'm less than 5 min. into the video so I'm guessing you found the problem. 👍
starter solenoid is disengaging after approx. 2 seconds after you try to start. you can hear the solenoid kick out and all you hear is the starter motor but the gas engine is not turning over. Oh the oil below your comes as your filter has oil in it and it runs to the bottom where it mixes with rain water and you end up with the white stuff ! That is why it has 2 small openings at the bottom to drain out. 😃 Oh!! If you look at 6:07 when you check your oil you can see your solenoid it is the silver thing with the red and black wire. Clean the wires and look to see if mice have been chewing on them . Also if you take a screw driver and bridge the black and red wire it should start (you will see some sparks which is normal)
You beat me to the punch Just thinking the same thing. I just had the same issue with my generator. I’ve got a generac 8000 watt push button/ pull start
Hey Girl i am a small engine mechanic and the starter runs for a few seconds then the bendix kicks out and stops turning you need to replace the bendix on the starter or replace the entire starter. A good shop should be able to help you out pretty cheap or try it yourself amazon is your friend Good Luck
how would you explain the fail start at the end when she tried to use the pull cord? from my point of view, the starter is working as intended and disengages when it sees enough RPMs(personally not familiar on how it sees that) to start the engine but its not starting. she also mentioned that it smelled like fuel so my though is that its getting too much fuel(float not sealing). she can try turning off the fuel feed and use the remote to run through like around 10 starting cycles to see if it will start. that process would basically be removing fuel from the float and eventually get the correct fuel mixture to start. diag process is lengthy but it might be cheaper than taking it to a shop. if anything she can use her drill to run the engine. ruclips.net/video/St3WTbBPywE/видео.html proceed with caution
@@MHawkeye a starter is not designed to stop turning the engine at any rpm it turns the engine until you release the switch (Manually like she tried with the button ) not remote The Bendix (gear ) engages with rpm and the way i see it the more info she has the better off she will be at figuring it out for herself
Hi Jenna, you have lots of good advice from people here about your generator ! I'm a mechanic and i have many small motors around i need to keep running. Our canadian fuel has so much ethanol and so many environmental additives that break down and cause sludge in the carb and fuel pump. I use seafoam fuel additive. It will keep fuel from breaking down, but more importantly it will help to clean out that carb and fuel pump without taking them apart. You don't have to use it with every tank, but i'd run a couple of tanks through with a good strong mix, then do it periodically. Doesn't hurt to replace the sparkplug (not your problem here) and fuel pumps are cheap and easy to replace as well, They have little diaphragms in them that can become gummed up with our fuel.
Good reply towee70. In upstate NY, we can buy non-ethanol gas at the Stewarts shops, which are pretty widespread. When I watch Mustie1's channel, though, he can't get non-ethanol in New Hampshire, where he lives. If it's banned in a state, that seems badly wrongheaded.
@ , it’s all ethanol and additives here in Canada. They don’t even mark it at the pumps anymore. Premium contains less. It’s unreal how fast our fuel breaks down.
@ me too. Keeps things clean. I use it in my premix too since those small carbs on chainsaws, weed eaters, etc are so small and easy to clog up with gunk and varnish from our fuel.
I agree. Problem seems to be getting worse so likely some bad gas or sediment. Could be DIY clean but some of those carbs can be a pain. May be able to get a new one cheap on Amazon. I got tired of fiddling with a 50+ year old carb on my Deere, replaced it with a Chinese knockoff for $25 and it runs like a top again.
Jenna, from a 77 year old woman, you are an amazing young woman! I’m in aw at all you know how to do! I’m not mechanically inclined whatsoever! You absolutely blow me away🤗! Congratulations on all you’ve accomplished and all you know! Keep on keeping on!
Your not cheap, your practical. And that is what we all should be. Love the way you grow everyday in self sufficiency, I'm very proud of you and your family for raising you with such good qualities. Always looking forward to your videos.
The pull starters are can usually be re-attached so that the pull handle faces in the most suitable direction. It helps if I can brace myself with my foot against the generator. I pull the cord until the engine is rotated into its compression stroke then allow the cord to go back into the starter so that the amount of rope sticking out is very short, that gives the longest pull.
Poor Jenna needs a hug! ❤ Your starter is working because the engine is cranking fine. If you replace the spark plug, make sure you set the gap correctly. These little engines are famous for gummy carburetors. Spray some carb cleaner to remove the deposits.
You are very competent so I am suggesting that you try to check the valve clearances yourself if you continue to have problems with the generator not starting. Lots of YT videos on generator maintenance including checking and adjusting valve clearances. Not something I would try to do outside in the cold. If you remove the fuel tank you should be able to bring the generator into your camper with your 2 wheel cart or take it to some other more suitable place. After you have checked spark, fuel and oil level that only leaves compression and valve clearances. You can easily check the engine compression by pulling slowly on the pull starter cord. You should feel a definite resistance every second revolution of the engine. Good luck, i hope that you can get your generator problems fixed.
Agreeing with others, sounds like a fuel, fuel line, carburetor issue. The starter is turning the engine, sounds like fuel system. That gunk looks related to dirty fuel or poor spark. Good luck!❤❤😊😊😊
Good morning from Hants County. I think that you should change the oil in the generator. It looks well past due. The other relatively cheap items are to replace the spark plug and fuel filter . Regular maintenance before winter arrives is good peace of mind. Cheers .
Hey Jenna! Another great video. Goldiesdaddy here. Before taking the generator to repair, check the hoses and gas filter around the carburetor to look for loose or split fittings. Should be easy, for you. You’re so handy!
Make sure you have a bit of starter fluid. You can spray into airfilter if it starts might be fuel related. So carb or fuel line or fuel shutoff( had pulled one that corroded from inside)
I'm leaning towards the remote start side of the generator. It gets used a lot and the generator seemed to start up and run fine when you pull started it cold.
Small engine tech. here change the spark plug once a year keep one just in case.There is a carb drain screw, drain the carb let gas flow thru it catch the gas coming out see if there is stuff in it , go from there.If you need help get ahold of me
I also am a small engine mech. Only thing that you did not mention is collect gas in a see through jar so you can see if gas has water in it or other stuff.
Try putting a jumper pack on the battery and see if that helps. When these small engines start with the pull cord they are getting full voltage to the coil. When they won't start off the battery it's usually because the starter is drawing off full voltage from the coil. If that doesn't help you may have a grounding issue.
As a small engine mechanic myself like others have suggested I would say it’s a starter issue. The starter is kicking out way too soon. Since when it does start, it runs really good with no surging, so that tells me it’s not a carburetter issue, like some have suggested incorrectly.
What I am hearing is the starter Drive, we used to call it a Bendix, is disengaging from the flywheel that it is supposed to stay engaged with during the cranking process. You can hear it kick out while spinning and the engine stops cranking but the starter is still whirring. Sure sounds like a starter problem to me. If it'll start with a shot of carb clean, then it's a fuel issue. Probably should think about repairing The Recoil pull cord.
Have a 41 year old Honda generator that I use 93 octane gas in ( little or no ethanol ) . Use synthetic oil . Never used stabilizer and seldom use it . Just start it every month or two so the gas may be years old - just add . Honda uses a very expensive gas cap oxygen is the culprit( paid $2,000 for it in 1983 ) . Have a Honda snow blower too . They just seem to be the best . Cry once not twice .
Always put fuel stabilizer in gas tank (scooter) over winter storeage time but you might know and or do that. Keeps your carbuerator from gumming up. The peice in your air filter looked like a blown gasket and Jennirator prob gonna need service , one day it wont start no more. I think it a internal issue. If they gonna charge to much to repair just buy a new one.
I do dread Winter every year. Down here in West Virginny, we are hung-up in an Artic blast. It's been f-f-fr-frigid and flurries for days. It was 13° this morning 12-4-24. Good luck with the Jenny!😎👍
I work in a rental shop here in n.s., most starting problems are due to water or dirt in the carburetor bowl..turn off the fuel first, remove the bowl, dump the remaining fuel out of the bowl, reinstall it. Turn the fuel valve back on.
In case you don't know it's this simple . You know when you pulled that black filter off, right behind there is where you spray all that stuff in their spray it heavy and let all the junk run out and then wipe it down on the outside area
Change the spark plug ( cheap fix ) and try 93 octane to clean out the carb . Small engines do not like the ethanol they put in regular . Also some tests show some water present in low grade gas . Try using high test gas in Winter -worth the extra cost -all I use year round and seldom have issues .
Check Spark Plug = [ Clean & Re-Gap + Check & IF Needed, Replace Air Fulter & Fuel Filter ]. IF That's All Good Could Be Ur Fuel Valve OR Dirty Carburetor...
Great job, I was always told to shut off fuel and burn off gas in the carburetor when storing an engine as far as generator I would look into getting a float/needle valve assembly ($10) and a new spark plug if needed. All the best from the east coast Canada 🇨🇦 NB province.
The oily milkshake stuff inside the air cleaner is just oil and water mixed together. A little oil comes out of the sponge filter, a little rainwater gets blown in and then it gets churned up by the vibration when it's running. Not a biggie.
I would still take the generator to a trusted mechanic and have it tuned up and given a good full system check . My luck would be wait and see how things go and when there's a blizzard and I need power it wont crank at all . Boy scout motto "be prepared" . Winterize means check to see if all things are top notch , but it's up to you how you feel . A lot of good advice on here about the starter and also the carburetor needing a good cleaning . You are living cheaply but you don't necessarily need to go cheap on your equipment . Have a good day doll :)
if the float in the carb gets stuck it floods out the engine while it sits, it wont start. should be 2 bolts that hold the carburator on, have the carb looked at or get a new one. im positive the floats the problem.
Sorry for your troubles with the genny. I can't offer any advice but love your videos and now I'm learning a lot. Sticks and bricks have all these PIA type issues as well. Seems like every week there is something else that needs time or money. Thanks Jenna! PS-Your SnS chicken over rice looks amazing, I'm gonna try it.
great to see u again take on the challenges. Lots of advise for generator coming in . Keep the vids coming and how about a quick update on the generator problem
See you heard all this guy saying to check the spark plug lol. I have no idea if that was the issue, but I know this is something that I would check. But you’re already on that. Great vlog.
Well it’s about time you made a new video!! You always need to remember that an engine needs 3 things to run. Air, spark and fuel, the electric start sounds like it’s doing its thing. One change the spark plug and then look at the carburetor. With that said keep the videos coming!!!!!
I'm so impressed by all that you know and I learned a lot for possible future actions Please get it completely fixed before it stays cold cause Ill worry about ya.
All the work that you did on the generator was excellent!! One more that I try is draining the carburetor bowl. Turn off the fuel tap and remove the small screw at the side of carburetor float bowl, most generators have one. Try to collect what runs out of the carburetor float bowl to check for water. Open the fuel tap with that small screw removed to check if the fuel supply is flowing properly. There should be a steady stream of gasoline. Assuming that you have already installed a decent in-line fuel filter then the above and what you have already done is really all you can do. If your generator carburetor doesn't have that small drain screw (usually a Philips head) on the bottom (side) of the carburetor fuel bowl then you can slightly loosen the bolt in the middle of the carburetor fuel bowl (usually a bolt with a 10mm head). Only unscrew it slightly because you don't want to remove the bowl completely, some parts may fall out and get lost. There are lots of videos on RUclips about cleaning and checking the carburetor, my only advice is to remove the carburetor and after draining everything out of the carburetor take it to a nice warm place before you take it apart, lots of small pieces. Having seen you maintain and repair so much in your camper I am sure that you can clean and rebuild your carburetor too, it is easy if you follow the YT videos.
@@gypsyjenna Start with ole sparky. Especially since it smells of fuel. sounds flooded / no spark. Next try to drain some fuel out of the carby as suggested (if ole sparky doesn't do the trick) Finally, if still not starting, get some kind of wire with aligator clips on it (jumper cables?) and choose a color, hook one clip the the aluminum engine or a screw that screws into the engine and pull the spark plug, plug it back in to the coil wire and put the other jumper cable lead on the metal body of the plug and then place where you can watch the tip of the plug and don't touch the plug and try the remote start - this way you can visually see if new sparky is sparking. if no spark, make sure your jumper wire is grounded well to the block of the engine and the body of the spark plug and try again, still no spark, THEN suspect the low oil shutoff switch. You'll probably find just simply cleaning or replacing the spark plug will get you up and running. (sounds fouled out). Stay warm. 23 here his morning in florida. Cheers Jenna!
Water in the fuel. Put some dry gas in it. I would suggest using non-ethanol gas it will eliminate the water issue. Plus it is better for the rubber lines and gaskets. Once you get it running without a problem I would also add some Sea Form Motor Treatment to the fuel. This will clean the carburetor really good.
Three suggestions, a lot of honda Motors and Clones oil dip sticks are only supposed to be put in the hole till the threads on the stick hit the hole then check the stick , your owners manual should tell you . Some have a sticker somewhere around the fill hole . When you pulled the stick, it was about halfway up, and if your generator is tilted, you wouldn't be getting a correct reading, and if it's that low, it probably won't start . Check your spark plug to . Also, if you put oil on the foam air filter, it should be a very, very light amount . Try starting it without the filter on to , that will tell you if it's oil soaked too much . Other than that , drain the fuel bowl andmay have ethanol water build up in it . That's all I got, except you can unhook the low oil indicator, and if it starts, it's probably a bad low oil switch. Got any doubts, take it to a good mechanic. 😊
🤔First thing i would do is take air filter out and get some start fluid spray. Using your electric start Spray a some in the carb leaving the choke off and see if it starts it should run only for a few seconds if it does. I would say fuel Solenoid is bad or the power wire from the start circuit is bad. But i have replace dozens of these fuel solenoid, the Fuel solenoid is mount straight down under the carburetor has one wire sticking out of it. Cleaning them does no good. Good luck and i really like how you always jump in with both feet and figure these things out. Rock on Jenna and stay warm.🍾
Dear Jenna, great video so down to Earth & Your so Real. Girl great job, not much experience on Generators, I do keep a small Honda as Backup when my big one as You say; Needs a Doctor. Hey Great touch with cooking added, love it but Try Stella instead of Corona, a Beer that needs a wedge added, Well let's say my favorite Stella, Love Her, Love You. Love the Beasts especially Rory lol. What a personality. Take Good care, I live in Southern Ontario near North, Just got our first 150 Centimeters in 36 hour's. Whatta storm 😅
It's pretty rare for spark to be intermittent . The usual cause of starting problems like this is a fouled carburetor, not unusual at all now that everyone uses ethanol based fuel. This fuel separates after a short period of about 3 months and allows water into your fuel fouling the carburetor. Usually this is not a big issue to take the carb off and have it cleaned.
Before sending it to the repair shop I would do a compression test on the unit. You can by a cheap test kit from Harbor Freight or Amazon, can be used on your scooter too,. I would look in to getting a fuel additive, your valves may be gummed up from the ethanol in the fuel and making your Genny not happy on start up (low compression). Good Luck!🥰 One more thing, the magneto on the Genny may be having problem providing a strong spark to to spark plug, pull the spark plug and check the spark plug gap. You got this Girl! Love Dad.🥰
If you’ve owned it since new. It’s common on those clone engines to need to have the valve lash reset. Improper valve lash will cause a hard to start and as it gets farther out of adjustment it gets harder to start
There is always the Fonzerelli touch. A few taps to the side of a starter can help a lazy starter function. You would want to tap whilst cranking I think. I wooden dowel or hammer handle could do. Keep yourself free of moving parts.🧡 Hope things go your way.
Low oil pressure shutdown switch...starter works...colder weather = thicker oil. Needs a few more spins to get the oil pressure up. 🤷♂ Just a thought.
Gypsy, it looks like the pull rope turns the generator motor in the clock wise direction. If you have a strong enough drill and socket you can put the socket on the nut on the shaft and use the drill to turn start the motor. just a thought. I saw the nut when you had the rope starter off.
Make sure carb has not virated loose, They check sparkplug. If it smell like it's flooding you may have a stuck float in the carb. After you get it started run some carb cleaner through it according to directions.
This is why in yor previous video I suggested setting up both wind and other alternative energy production like the peltier batteries that can make electricity from the heat produced by your wood stove. As for the genny, sounded like the solenoid on the starter motor is failing and if there is not enough amps, then the starter will spin and then lose connection due to the solenoid failing.
It's not the battery or the electric start because the motor spins over just fine. It's either not getting spark from the spark plug or it's not getting the gas to the carburetor
Not sure if this helps, I have a gardening business and instead of draining fuel over winter or prolonged non use, I run my engines every few weeks whether I'm using them or not. I've done this for 25 years and never had a failed start. I sometimes lay up equipment for months on end, but use whatever is in the tank to run for a few minutes, to operating temperature then shut off. By the looks of it you have a Honda GV clone engine, in the past I have used these engines ( on a wood chipper) and the carburettor bowls will gel up if left for a month or two. These will need draining, or start on easy start and rant the bollocks off it ( full rpm) and new fuel will clear it (from the ethanol) although I have spare carbs just for this but never needed them 👍🏻 Good luck 🤞🏻
Battery should be 13.5 or better on the gen set and please try cleaning out the carburetor bowl. Wash the air filter in the kitchen sink with Dawn then let it air dry, no need to put oil on the filter. Take care and stay warm girlie girl.
If you are uncertain about the oil level sensor you can unplug that sensor wire and then try to start the generator. The oil level sensor is usually found on the side of the engine casting close to the bottom of the engine crankcase. On my generator it is a single blue wire going up to a silver cube about 1/2inch. NOTE: be sure to reconnect the oil level sensor otherwise your engine may get low on oil and destroy itself. I have been slightly overfilling the generator oil level for the last 20 years, as long as the oil drips out when you remove the dipstick it will be fine.
Suggest you clean the battery posts -- corrosion can cause additional resistance and reduce the starter current. You might use a wire brush. This connections should then be coated with Vaseline once they're clean keep the moisture out.
24:56 yumzzzzzzzzzz 🍺. That chicken looks delish GJ. I can't believe that goodness came out of an RV oven 😮 but then again, the deceased chicken doesn't know the heat source haha, right? Keep the videos coming, we need you "oot" here😂😊❤. And to "the dads" hahahah 😅. Indeed.
It's either not getting spark or it's not getting gas. I would try to put a little bit of gas or carb cleaner directly in the air breather by the carburetor and then try to start it. If it does start that would tell you that it's not getting gas to the carburetor.
Yep spark plug and fuel filter the two spares you always have right. same for the bike. And air filters very little oil. You did great check oil and fuel first. And yes im a dad so there lol.
Drain the float bowl, for a start; probably a 10mm don’t unthread it all the way or the bowl will fall off. Just let the fuel run out for 15 seconds or so. You may just have some water in there. Anything more than fuel will plug the pilot jet and other passages. (Water)
That coming from your air filter looked like watery oil. 🤔 Tho your oil stick looked good. My gen won’t start if the oil is not running over. 🥴 On a good note; my solar is maxing out today….. 🎉 one controller 60amps my second controller 40amps. 72amps to barteries. 🎉 Good luck with your geny. 🙏 Good Job Young Lady! ❤
Propane is all I use now (except for one, which is also a welder) because of low quality gas and gas always "varnishes" over time. Propane generators start harder in cold weather, but long term or overall I think it is a better option. Also do not use the remote start only if you have to......
I hope all works well for the generator. You make a great nurse so hopefully no doctor is needed but Its sounds like to me the coil is getting weak thats why it will start with the pullcord easier.
Good job Jenna :) You did what you could & you got the rope fixed 👍, Yes new plug might help but sounds like it's not getting fuel even when you chock, Maybe someone will send you a nice little invertor gen to replace it ! Stay warm
When a small engine won't start: Fuel filter, air filter, spark plug. 90% of the time, that will fix it. If not, drain the fuel and replace with fresh. I'm less than 5 min. into the video so I'm guessing you found the problem. 👍
Try carb cleaner, and if you can, run the engine for a little while. Then, change the spark plug .
starter solenoid is disengaging after approx. 2 seconds after you try to start. you can hear the solenoid kick out and all you hear is the starter motor but the gas engine is not turning over. Oh the oil below your comes as your filter has oil in it and it runs to the bottom where it mixes with rain water and you end up with the white stuff ! That is why it has 2 small openings at the bottom to drain out. 😃 Oh!! If you look at 6:07 when you check your oil you can see your solenoid it is the silver thing with the red and black wire. Clean the wires and look to see if mice have been chewing on them . Also if you take a screw driver and bridge the black and red wire it should start (you will see some sparks which is normal)
Yes, exactly right. How many hours are on it, Jenna? Might be time to get working correctly, sell it, and buy a new one.😎
That's correct!! I was about to type the same thing!
You beat me to the punch
Just thinking the same thing. I just had the same issue with my generator. I’ve got a generac 8000 watt push button/ pull start
Hey Girl i am a small engine mechanic and the starter runs for a few seconds then the bendix kicks out and stops turning you need to replace the bendix on the starter or replace the entire starter. A good shop should be able to help you out pretty cheap or try it yourself amazon is your friend Good Luck
how would you explain the fail start at the end when she tried to use the pull cord?
from my point of view, the starter is working as intended and disengages when it sees enough RPMs(personally not familiar on how it sees that) to start the engine but its not starting. she also mentioned that it smelled like fuel so my though is that its getting too much fuel(float not sealing). she can try turning off the fuel feed and use the remote to run through like around 10 starting cycles to see if it will start. that process would basically be removing fuel from the float and eventually get the correct fuel mixture to start. diag process is lengthy but it might be cheaper than taking it to a shop. if anything she can use her drill to run the engine.
ruclips.net/video/St3WTbBPywE/видео.html
proceed with caution
@@MHawkeye a starter is not designed to stop turning the engine at any rpm it turns the engine until you release the switch (Manually like she tried with the button ) not remote The Bendix (gear ) engages with rpm and the way i see it the more info she has the better off she will be at figuring it out for herself
Hi Jenna, you have lots of good advice from people here about your generator ! I'm a mechanic and i have many small motors around i need to keep running. Our canadian fuel has so much ethanol and so many environmental additives that break down and cause sludge in the carb and fuel pump. I use seafoam fuel additive. It will keep fuel from breaking down, but more importantly it will help to clean out that carb and fuel pump without taking them apart. You don't have to use it with every tank, but i'd run a couple of tanks through with a good strong mix, then do it periodically. Doesn't hurt to replace the sparkplug (not your problem here) and fuel pumps are cheap and easy to replace as well, They have little diaphragms in them that can become gummed up with our fuel.
Thanks, I have used seafoam in my scooter before
Good reply towee70. In upstate NY, we can buy non-ethanol gas at the Stewarts shops, which are pretty widespread. When I watch Mustie1's channel, though, he can't get non-ethanol in New Hampshire, where he lives. If it's banned in a state, that seems badly wrongheaded.
@ , it’s all ethanol and additives here in Canada. They don’t even mark it at the pumps anymore. Premium contains less. It’s unreal how fast our fuel breaks down.
@ me too. Keeps things clean. I use it in my premix too since those small carbs on chainsaws, weed eaters, etc are so small and easy to clog up with gunk and varnish from our fuel.
I run Chevron premium no ethanol 94 octane in all my small engines and never have fuel problems. Seafoam works great.
Probably needs a carburetor cleanout. Gas these days tends to gum up the jets and carb needs to be torn down and cleaned.
Doubt it's a carb clean out it's either a float or something with the electric start that's a FACT
Does it have an inline fuel filter?
I doubt it has anything to do with your electric start, your carburetor either needs to be cleaned or you need a new spark plug
I agree. Problem seems to be getting worse so likely some bad gas or sediment. Could be DIY clean but some of those carbs can be a pain. May be able to get a new one cheap on Amazon. I got tired of fiddling with a 50+ year old carb on my Deere, replaced it with a Chinese knockoff for $25 and it runs like a top again.
Dirty carb or water in the fuel.
The bendix in your starter is not staying engaged, remove starter and make sure there is no oil on it. If not get a new starter.
Jenna, from a 77 year old woman, you are an amazing young woman! I’m in aw at all you know how to do! I’m not mechanically inclined whatsoever! You absolutely blow me away🤗! Congratulations on all you’ve accomplished and all you know! Keep on keeping on!
Awee thank you so much!
Your not cheap, your practical. And that is what we all should be. Love the way you grow everyday in self sufficiency, I'm very proud of you and your family for raising you with such good qualities. Always looking forward to your videos.
Thank you so much. I appreciate that!
The bendix drive on your starter seems to be disengaging prematurely. Take the starter off and have a mechanic put a new bendix on it.
For sure, going through these comments frustrates me no end!!
Agreed! Bad starter!
Yep I was going to say the same thing. Needs to spin longer to start. Sometimes It probably would start but in the cold no go.
@@123hoffie
how do you people explain the ending where she tried the pull starter many times and it failed?
Check the spark Jenna
The pull starters are can usually be re-attached so that the pull handle faces in the most suitable direction.
It helps if I can brace myself with my foot against the generator.
I pull the cord until the engine is rotated into its compression stroke then allow the cord to go back into the starter so that the amount of rope sticking out is very short, that gives the longest pull.
You’re so knowledgeable about all your mechanical stuff. I would be lost but then I’m 73 years old!😂
Oh girl, I'm just learning as I go. I feel pretty clueless with it all most days lol
This channel kicks ass. Cheers from Pennsylvania
Repairs cost these days are high. You are right about using the pull cord. You are very resourceful
First thing I thought of (my Dad's voice in my head) 'check the spark plugs'.
Poor Jenna needs a hug! ❤ Your starter is working because the engine is cranking fine.
If you replace the spark plug, make sure you set the gap correctly.
These little engines are famous for gummy carburetors. Spray some carb cleaner to remove the deposits.
You are very competent so I am suggesting that you try to check the valve clearances yourself if you continue to have problems with the generator not starting.
Lots of YT videos on generator maintenance including checking and adjusting valve clearances.
Not something I would try to do outside in the cold.
If you remove the fuel tank you should be able to bring the generator into your camper with your 2 wheel cart or take it to some other more suitable place.
After you have checked spark, fuel and oil level that only leaves compression and valve clearances.
You can easily check the engine compression by pulling slowly on the pull starter cord. You should feel a definite resistance every second revolution of the engine.
Good luck, i hope that you can get your generator problems fixed.
Its almost always a fuel issue
Or get new spark. Change fuel filter spray carb cleaner in carburetor
That damn squirrel probably
Agreeing with others, sounds like a fuel, fuel line, carburetor issue. The starter is turning the engine, sounds like fuel system. That gunk looks related to dirty fuel or poor spark. Good luck!❤❤😊😊😊
Thanks Rod, I do have a fuel filter still in package that may need to be put on.
Starter is disengaging too soon. It just needs a new starter or the old one rebuilt. It's not a fuel issue.
Good morning from Hants County. I think that you should change the oil in the generator. It looks well past due. The other relatively cheap items are to replace the spark plug and fuel filter . Regular maintenance before winter arrives is good peace of mind. Cheers .
Hey Jenna! Another great video. Goldiesdaddy here. Before taking the generator to repair, check the hoses and gas filter around the carburetor to look for loose or split fittings. Should be easy, for you. You’re so handy!
Spark plug!...check it, check oil , clean the carb.
Carb is where I would start as a maintenance project. Spark plug is another easy one. Good job with the pull rope.
Girl! I've got all the same crap right now. It's always something,every *'#$ day.
Sending love and light and positive vibes from Northern Arizona 😘
Your Generator maintenance was spot on 😊👏🏾...Your ahead of me 😂🏕✌🏿
Make sure you have a bit of starter fluid. You can spray into airfilter if it starts might be fuel related. So carb or fuel line or fuel shutoff( had pulled one that corroded from inside)
I'm leaning towards the remote start side of the generator. It gets used a lot and the generator seemed to start up and run fine when you pull started it cold.
Small engine tech. here change the spark plug once a year keep one just in case.There is a carb drain screw, drain the carb let gas flow thru it catch the gas coming out see if there is stuff in it , go from there.If you need help get ahold of me
I also am a small engine mech. Only thing that you did not mention is collect gas in a see through jar so you can see if gas has water in it or other stuff.
Try putting a jumper pack on the battery and see if that helps. When these small engines start with the pull cord they are getting full voltage to the coil. When they won't start off the battery it's usually because the starter is drawing off full voltage from the coil. If that doesn't help you may have a grounding issue.
As a small engine mechanic myself like others have suggested I would say it’s a starter issue.
The starter is kicking out way too soon.
Since when it does start, it runs really good with no surging, so that tells me it’s not a carburetter issue, like some have suggested incorrectly.
What I am hearing is the starter Drive, we used to call it a Bendix, is disengaging from the flywheel that it is supposed to stay engaged with during the cranking process.
You can hear it kick out while spinning and the engine stops cranking but the starter is still whirring.
Sure sounds like a starter problem to me.
If it'll start with a shot of carb clean, then it's a fuel issue.
Probably should think about repairing The Recoil pull cord.
Yes , yes. OMG how obvious is it!!
Have a 41 year old Honda generator that I use 93 octane gas in ( little or no ethanol ) . Use synthetic oil . Never used stabilizer and seldom use it . Just start it every month or two so the gas may be years old - just add . Honda uses a very expensive gas cap oxygen is the culprit( paid $2,000 for it in 1983 ) . Have a Honda snow blower too . They just seem to be the best . Cry once not twice .
I agree more than likely fuel filter.
Spark plug take out and scratch clean the tip
if it fired up maybe the starter itself is going bad
Always put fuel stabilizer in gas tank (scooter) over winter storeage time but you might know and or do that. Keeps your carbuerator from gumming up. The peice in your air filter looked like a blown gasket and Jennirator prob gonna need service , one day it wont start no more. I think it a internal issue. If they gonna charge to much to repair just buy a new one.
I do dread Winter every year. Down here in West Virginny, we are hung-up in an Artic blast. It's been f-f-fr-frigid and flurries for days. It was 13° this morning 12-4-24.
Good luck with the Jenny!😎👍
You are a whiz. I enjoy your attitude towards trying to fix things yourself. You are an excellent trouble shooter. Stay warm and safe.
I work in a rental shop here in n.s., most starting problems are due to water or dirt in the carburetor bowl..turn off the fuel first, remove the bowl, dump the remaining fuel out of the bowl, reinstall it. Turn the fuel valve back on.
In case you don't know it's this simple . You know when you pulled that black filter off, right behind there is where you spray all that stuff in their spray it heavy and let all the junk run out and then wipe it down on the outside area
Change the spark plug ( cheap fix ) and try 93 octane to clean out the carb . Small engines do not like the ethanol they put in regular . Also some tests show some water present in low grade gas . Try using high test gas in Winter -worth the extra cost -all I use year round and seldom have issues .
Check Spark Plug = [ Clean & Re-Gap + Check & IF Needed, Replace Air Fulter & Fuel Filter ].
IF That's All Good Could Be Ur Fuel Valve OR Dirty Carburetor...
Love seeing what you do next 😀
Great job, I was always told to shut off fuel and burn off gas in the carburetor when storing an engine as far as generator I would look into getting a float/needle valve assembly ($10) and a new spark plug if needed.
All the best from the east coast Canada 🇨🇦 NB province.
The oily milkshake stuff inside the air cleaner is just oil and water mixed together. A little oil comes out of the sponge filter, a little rainwater gets blown in and then it gets churned up by the vibration when it's running. Not a biggie.
Phew! Glad to hear it's nothing overly concerning!
I would still take the generator to a trusted mechanic and have it tuned up and given a good full system check . My luck would be wait and see how things go and when there's a blizzard and I need power it wont crank at all . Boy scout motto "be prepared" . Winterize means check to see if all things are top notch , but it's up to you how you feel . A lot of good advice on here about the starter and also the carburetor needing a good cleaning . You are living cheaply but you don't necessarily need to go cheap on your equipment . Have a good day doll :)
if the float in the carb gets stuck it floods out the engine while it sits, it wont start. should be 2 bolts that hold the carburator on, have the carb looked at or get a new one. im positive the floats the problem.
Sorry for your troubles with the genny. I can't offer any advice but love your videos and now I'm learning a lot. Sticks and bricks have all these PIA type issues as well. Seems like every week there is something else that needs time or money. Thanks Jenna! PS-Your SnS chicken over rice looks amazing, I'm gonna try it.
I hope it turns out well!
great to see u again take on the challenges. Lots of advise for generator coming in . Keep the vids coming and how about a quick update on the generator problem
See you heard all this guy saying to check the spark plug lol. I have no idea if that was the issue, but I know this is something that I would check. But you’re already on that. Great vlog.
Fuel filter, water in gas or spark plug
Well it’s about time you made a new video!! You always need to remember that an engine needs 3 things to run. Air, spark and fuel, the electric start sounds like it’s doing its thing. One change the spark plug and then look at the carburetor. With that said keep the videos coming!!!!!
Good luck getting your generator fixed Jenna
I'm so impressed by all that you know and I learned a lot for possible future actions Please get it completely fixed before it stays cold cause Ill worry about ya.
Put seafoam fuel treatment in the fuel tank.
All the work that you did on the generator was excellent!!
One more that I try is draining the carburetor bowl. Turn off the fuel tap and remove the small screw at the side of carburetor float bowl, most generators have one.
Try to collect what runs out of the carburetor float bowl to check for water.
Open the fuel tap with that small screw removed to check if the fuel supply is flowing properly. There should be a steady stream of gasoline.
Assuming that you have already installed a decent in-line fuel filter then the above and what you have already done is really all you can do.
If your generator carburetor doesn't have that small drain screw (usually a Philips head) on the bottom (side) of the carburetor fuel bowl then you can slightly loosen the bolt in the middle of the carburetor fuel bowl (usually a bolt with a 10mm head).
Only unscrew it slightly because you don't want to remove the bowl completely, some parts may fall out and get lost.
There are lots of videos on RUclips about cleaning and checking the carburetor, my only advice is to remove the carburetor and after draining everything out of the carburetor take it to a nice warm place before you take it apart, lots of small pieces.
Having seen you maintain and repair so much in your camper I am sure that you can clean and rebuild your carburetor too, it is easy if you follow the YT videos.
Thank you. I do have a brand new spark plug and in-line fuel filter so perhaps I will start there
@@gypsyjenna Start with ole sparky. Especially since it smells of fuel. sounds flooded / no spark. Next try to drain some fuel out of the carby as suggested (if ole sparky doesn't do the trick) Finally, if still not starting, get some kind of wire with aligator clips on it (jumper cables?) and choose a color, hook one clip the the aluminum engine or a screw that screws into the engine and pull the spark plug, plug it back in to the coil wire and put the other jumper cable lead on the metal body of the plug and then place where you can watch the tip of the plug and don't touch the plug and try the remote start - this way you can visually see if new sparky is sparking. if no spark, make sure your jumper wire is grounded well to the block of the engine and the body of the spark plug and try again, still no spark, THEN suspect the low oil shutoff switch. You'll probably find just simply cleaning or replacing the spark plug will get you up and running. (sounds fouled out). Stay warm. 23 here his morning in florida. Cheers Jenna!
Thank you for the info!
Water in the fuel. Put some dry gas in it. I would suggest using non-ethanol gas it will eliminate the water issue. Plus it is better for the rubber lines and gaskets. Once you get it running without a problem I would also add some Sea Form Motor Treatment to the fuel. This will clean the carburetor really good.
Three suggestions, a lot of honda Motors and Clones oil dip sticks are only supposed to be put in the hole till the threads on the stick hit the hole then check the stick , your owners manual should tell you . Some have a sticker somewhere around the fill hole . When you pulled the stick, it was about halfway up, and if your generator is tilted, you wouldn't be getting a correct reading, and if it's that low, it probably won't start . Check your spark plug to . Also, if you put oil on the foam air filter, it should be a very, very light amount . Try starting it without the filter on to , that will tell you if it's oil soaked too much . Other than that , drain the fuel bowl andmay have ethanol water build up in it . That's all I got, except you can unhook the low oil indicator, and if it starts, it's probably a bad low oil switch. Got any doubts, take it to a good mechanic. 😊
Love your videos. So interesting and inspiring. Keep on.
11:14 I would check the spark plug at this point, as it may be partially fouled. If that isn't the problem, the carb most likely needs to be cleaned.
🤔First thing i would do is take air filter out and get some start fluid spray. Using your electric start Spray a some in the carb leaving the choke off and see if it starts it should run only for a few seconds if it does. I would say fuel Solenoid is bad or the power wire from the start circuit is bad. But i have replace dozens of these fuel solenoid, the Fuel solenoid is mount straight down under the carburetor has one wire sticking out of it. Cleaning them does no good. Good luck and i really like how you always jump in with both feet and figure these things out. Rock on Jenna and stay warm.🍾
I struggle when it comes to anything with an engine lol
@@gypsyjenna Try the spray thing if it starts it fuel problem. If it dont start it electric possible plug but i have replaced so many of them.
Dear Jenna, great video so down to Earth & Your so Real.
Girl great job, not much experience on Generators, I do keep a small Honda as Backup when my big one as You say; Needs a Doctor.
Hey Great touch with cooking added, love it but Try Stella instead of Corona, a Beer that needs a wedge added, Well let's say my favorite Stella, Love Her, Love You.
Love the Beasts especially Rory lol. What a personality.
Take Good care, I live in Southern Ontario near North, Just got our first 150 Centimeters in 36 hour's.
Whatta storm 😅
Stay safe and get the shovel out! 🙃
It's pretty rare for spark to be intermittent . The usual cause of starting problems like this is a fouled carburetor, not unusual at all now that everyone uses ethanol based fuel. This fuel separates after a short period of about 3 months and allows water into your fuel fouling the carburetor. Usually this is not a big issue to take the carb off and have it cleaned.
Before sending it to the repair shop I would do a compression test on the unit. You can by a cheap test kit from Harbor Freight or Amazon, can be used on your scooter too,. I would look in to getting a fuel additive, your valves may be gummed up from the ethanol in the fuel and making your Genny not happy on start up (low compression). Good Luck!🥰 One more thing, the magneto on the Genny may be having problem providing a strong spark to to spark plug, pull the spark plug and check the spark plug gap. You got this Girl! Love Dad.🥰
In Canada closest thing to Harbor Freight is Princess Auto kind of a strange name for a store of this nature😊
If you’ve owned it since new. It’s common on those clone engines to need to have the valve lash reset. Improper valve lash will cause a hard to start and as it gets farther out of adjustment it gets harder to start
There is always the Fonzerelli touch. A few taps to the side of a starter can help a lazy starter function. You would want to tap whilst cranking I think. I wooden dowel or hammer handle could do. Keep yourself free of moving parts.🧡 Hope things go your way.
Low oil pressure shutdown switch...starter works...colder weather = thicker oil. Needs a few more spins to get the oil pressure up.
🤷♂ Just a thought.
Could be Points or condenser...put dry gas in it as well....check gas filter.
Good morning Jenna!
You got this.. 💪
Gypsy, it looks like the pull rope turns the generator motor in the clock wise direction.
If you have a strong enough drill and socket you can put the socket on the nut on the shaft and use the drill
to turn start the motor. just a thought.
I saw the nut when you had the rope starter off.
Easy test if it won’t start is to spray a little carb spray in the carb. If it starts on carb spray you have a fuel issue.
Used small engine oil . I made the same mistake last year cooked main bearings on crank shaft. All the best really enjoy your vids Cheers
They make a spray that you can spray into the carburetor while it is trying to crank(with the foam air filter removed).
Fuel. Spark. Air. Either carb is gummed up or the plug is fouled.
Make sure carb has not virated loose, They check sparkplug. If it smell like it's flooding you may have a stuck float in the carb. After you get it started run some carb cleaner through it according to directions.
This is why in yor previous video I suggested setting up both wind and other alternative energy production like the peltier batteries that can make electricity from the heat produced by your wood stove.
As for the genny, sounded like the solenoid on the starter motor is failing and if there is not enough amps, then the starter will spin and then lose connection due to the solenoid failing.
It's not the battery or the electric start because the motor spins over just fine. It's either not getting spark from the spark plug or it's not getting the gas to the carburetor
Not sure if this helps, I have a gardening business and instead of draining fuel over winter or prolonged non use, I run my engines every few weeks whether I'm using them or not. I've done this for 25 years and never had a failed start. I sometimes lay up equipment for months on end, but use whatever is in the tank to run for a few minutes, to operating temperature then shut off.
By the looks of it you have a Honda GV clone engine, in the past I have used these engines ( on a wood chipper) and the carburettor bowls will gel up if left for a month or two. These will need draining, or start on easy start and rant the bollocks off it ( full rpm) and new fuel will clear it (from the ethanol) although I have spare carbs just for this but never needed them 👍🏻 Good luck 🤞🏻
Battery should be 13.5 or better on the gen set and please try cleaning out the carburetor bowl. Wash the air filter in the kitchen sink with Dawn then let it air dry, no need to put oil on the filter. Take care and stay warm girlie girl.
If you are uncertain about the oil level sensor you can unplug that sensor wire and then try to start the generator.
The oil level sensor is usually found on the side of the engine casting close to the bottom of the engine crankcase.
On my generator it is a single blue wire going up to a silver cube about 1/2inch.
NOTE: be sure to reconnect the oil level sensor otherwise your engine may get low on oil and destroy itself.
I have been slightly overfilling the generator oil level for the last 20 years, as long as the oil drips out when you remove the dipstick it will be fine.
My husband said don’t put oil in your air filter unless it is dusty and dry outside. It’s counter productive in a wet winter environment.
We run non-ethanol fuel, and Lucas fuel treatment. No problems with it in 10+ years
Sounds like the starter motor is disengaging .....
Always use non-ethanol fuel use Honda 10:30 oil then keep your spark plug clean it'll be good
Suggest you clean the battery posts -- corrosion can cause additional resistance and reduce the starter current. You might use a wire brush. This connections should then be coated with Vaseline once they're clean keep the moisture out.
24:56 yumzzzzzzzzzz 🍺. That chicken looks delish GJ. I can't believe that goodness came out of an RV oven 😮 but then again, the deceased chicken doesn't know the heat source haha, right? Keep the videos coming, we need you "oot" here😂😊❤. And to "the dads" hahahah 😅. Indeed.
Thanks STM, one of my fave dishes 😋
It's either not getting spark or it's not getting gas. I would try to put a little bit of gas or carb cleaner directly in the air breather by the carburetor and then try to start it. If it does start that would tell you that it's not getting gas to the carburetor.
Yep spark plug and fuel filter the two spares you always have right. same for the bike. And air filters very little oil. You did great check oil and fuel first. And yes im a dad so there lol.
Hopefully you get your generator fixed 😊😊😊😊 like your moped never seen one with the battery in front of the storage rack pretty cool 😎 ❤❤❤.
Check the tube from valve cover to the air box. Mine plugs up in the cold and don’t want to start sometimes. I’m also off grid
Always make sure oil is topped off as they have a low oil shut off. It will turn over but not start if oil is too low.
Pull cord works sooo it looks like the starter could be the whole issue
Drain the float bowl, for a start; probably a 10mm don’t unthread it all the way or the bowl will fall off. Just let the fuel run out for 15 seconds or so. You may just have some water in there. Anything more than fuel will plug the pilot jet and other passages. (Water)
That coming from your air filter looked like watery oil. 🤔 Tho your oil stick looked good. My gen won’t start if the oil is not running over. 🥴 On a good note; my solar is maxing out today….. 🎉 one controller 60amps my second controller 40amps. 72amps to barteries. 🎉 Good luck with your geny. 🙏 Good Job Young Lady! ❤
Propane is all I use now (except for one, which is also a welder) because of low quality gas and gas always "varnishes" over time. Propane generators start harder in cold weather, but long term or overall I think it is a better option. Also do not use the remote start only if you have to......
Fuel, spark, and air are the three things an engine needs to run..
I hope all works well for the generator. You make a great nurse so hopefully no doctor is needed but Its sounds like to me the coil is getting weak thats why it will start with the pullcord easier.
Good job Jenna :) You did what you could & you got the rope fixed 👍, Yes new plug might help but sounds like it's not getting fuel even when you chock, Maybe someone will send you a nice little invertor gen to replace it ! Stay warm
I have been looking at those, they are much more quiet bit hard to find one with a remote and I got spoiled with my remote, haha