awesome, I fixed the issue. Although the cause was something different. I shaked my generator to see how much gas is left and pushed lot of gas into the carburettor and it got choked
@@michaelp8012 okay then that's real good you got a good generator call last night we had a storm too cuz I live in Lumberton North Carolina and the wind was blowing real hard and I was outside 9:00 in the morning because the power was out and I went out to the garage while he was raining and I tried to crank it over 20 times it didn't work but it is I had to clean out the gas tank we have about 4 years I only use it a few times not much is a good generator but you got to babysit this thing or one little wrong thing on it it won't crank up but I'm going to get me one like you got that's the one I want
Great video, explanations, and tips. After allowing my generator to sit for 4 years with no upkeep, it failed to start with today's hurricane. Only myself to blame. After going through all the normal big 3, and still no start the spray fuel hack was what tipped my hat to the carb problem. Pulled the carb, cleaned it out completely, and off she went with the expected easy start. Lessons learned on this round, and the same mistakes won't be repeated. Thanks again.
Used mine during hurricane Helene and it died. Watched this video, fuel fine, replaced sparkplug … nothing… added oil and it started right back up!!! Momma is happy again😂 Great video!!! Thank you.
I have a generac 6500 megaforce. It has so much compression that I can hardly crank it. I have had it for about 20 years, always hard to pull but eventually cranks. Any suggestions on how to reduce compression on start up?
Purchased a Honeywell 337cc 5500 continuous watts portable generator 6875 maximum watts new. Failed to start after storing it through a winter. Didn’t empty the tank and failed to use non ethanol. That was in 2012 I believe. Maintaining it now with hopes of starting it for its second time ever. Cost me close to a $1,000.00 back then. Will be a wonderful sense of accomplishment if I can make her go. Wish me luck🍀 🤞🏻
This video got me up and running after Helene. My mom had a generator and hadn't used in 2 years. She had drained the gas but left gas in the lines and carburetor. I sprayed carb cleaner in both places and it fired up on the first pull. Thanks!
Used our brand new generator once, had turn off to fill and on the last fill on last use, we could never get it restarted. Also battery for electric start was dead. We will use this video and see if we can get it started.
Hello Johnson thanks for the magnificent video. Just a question; if my engine sound is a little bit knocking, not too much, maybe a few, then I guess it's a combustion problem so how would that be solved please? Thank you.
Just taking a guess without seeing the machine to diagnose it correctly. Normally the engine knocks from not changing the engine oil regularly. Not much you can do unless you’re going to rebuild the engine and it is not cost effective to rebuild. I would suggest changing oil every 50 hrs of use so it does not get worse. Again this is a guess as it is impossible to diagnose a machine without seeing it.
@@JohnsonsSmallEngines absolutely correct, can't exactly tell unless you have a visual on the machine itself. But I'm pretty certain it's exactly as you've said. Not much doing with the engine itself, it's only a combustion sound knock that is kind of bopping occasionally when it's running.
Great video Brad! With all the tri fuel and dual fuel generators being sold on the market these days, while the bad gas issues will be side stepped, there are still plenty of issues why those machines wont start. Most of the time is a bad or mal adjusted demand regulator or failed primary regulator (propane) with those!
Thank you! and good to know. I don’t see many duel fuel portable generators in this area, yet. Thanks for sharing, commenting and supporting the channel!
Thanks much for all the detailed info. I have the GP 3300 that hasn't run for about 6 months, I'm going to check it out now. I use non-ethanol gas and fuel stabilizer, so hopefully all good...
Non ethanol fuel is great! I wish we had it near me. I use Aspen4 with a lot of machines but it is too expensive to fill most generator tanks. Let me know how you make out. Remember to check or should I say plug something into one outlet to make sure your electric is good. That will also help with the electrical side to keep it from failing through no use.
Started on the fifth pull (it is cold in the basement right now too). Runs smooth and outlet works as should. Just watched your video on taking the carb off. I'm sure I'll be needing to do that one of these years. Thanks again...
Awesome glad to hear! I hope you never need to take the carburetor off! Lol. Just keep doing what you’re doing and you should be good and when the tank gets below half you should top it off with fresh fuel. Keep the fuel shut off and the off position, when not in use, as you probably already do.
Great video thank you! I just bought a small gas generator and know little about gas genny engines. Very impressed with how you managed to demo one handed; I taught pilot groundschool in the middle east and we had one lad who was born with only a single finger on his right shoulder thanks to thalidomide. He had a prosthesis and during the flying phase proved to be above average in his flying ability. That lad is now a captain for a major UK airline. Thanks again for the video, and inspiration.
Thank you! and thank you for watching, commenting and supporting the channel. I have been using Sta-Bil 360 Marine with very good results through the years. amzn.to/3SjcioH. I use the marine because the humidity and how some people store there machine, can get moisture build up in the gas tanks. Sta-Bil 360 Marine will help with that issue plus the normal long term storage additives in it. Another reason is why I suggest keeping a full gas tank, as a full tank will help keep moisture out of the gas tank. Just make sure the fuel valve is always kept in the off position when the machine is not in use.
I did everything you mentioned, including checking the fuel flow from the carb. It is still flowing, but when I tried to start it, it wouldn’t stay running. I used to run it dry. Won’t be doing that again. Still trying to figure out what’s wrong. 😢
You may be able to keep it running by leaving the choke a little bit on not all the way off and if you can get it to run, smooth with the choke in somewhat the on position, but not all the way on then your issue is a clogged carburetor. The only way to repair that would be to rebuild it or replace it.
Great video. I would like to understand if using ethonal free gas is helpful in preventing carburetors from gumming up if you forget to restart it every 60 days?
Non ethanol gas is the way to go and In my opinion will help in the long run but i still recommended that you start your generator every couple months and even plug something into it to check electric output (to make sure it is generating) so you are prepared if the power does go out. Non ethanol gas is not the cure all and its better to be ready then taking a chance.
I’m glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment. I would suggest starting 45 to 60 days max and run for at least 20 minutes and plug something into the electric to make sure the electric is ok.
I have this same generator. Brand new carburetor. Will start and run for literally 1 second if I shoot some gas in the carb. Otherwise it won’t start. Is the carb bad?? Fuel drains out of the carb drain plug with a good flow.
Impossible to diagnose without seeing it but a few tips. Check to make sure you’re getting a good flow of gas to the carburetor from the gas tank. Check to make sure your oil level is correct. If you have a low oil shutdown it may be playing games shutting off the spark intermittently. If all that is good and you can keep the engine running while spraying fuel into the throat of the carburetor, then yes, I will assume you have a bad new carburetor. Make sure your gas is good and has no water in it and it doesn’t hurt to try a new spark plug just to rule that out.
Yes, use fuel stabilizer and fill tank to help keep moisture out and a full tank will stay fresh a very long time. Make sure the fuel valve is always off when the machine is not in use.
Hi Brad, thanks for the informative video on the (Generac) RS7000E. I just came into possession of one of these and the unit starts, however when I begin to turn the dial to 2 (RUN), the unit shuts down; any thoughts? Thank you in advance for any information.
The machine has a clogged carburetor from gas going bad inside the carburetor. Happens all the time from machines sitting with gas in them and not running the machine. You can try and rebuild the carburetor or what most do now is just replace it. Once the machine is repaired, you will need to remember to run the machine for 1/2 hour every other month to keep the carburetor jets clean with fresh gas and the machine running as it should. The gas in the carburetor will go bad much quicker then the gas in the tank. If you have non ethanol gas in your area? use it. Keep the tank full and remember to run your machine. You will be good from there on!! Don't forget to plug something into the generator to make sure the electric works. I do that every time I run my machine. If you do not check the electric on a few occasions, I have seen the electric stop working from long term no use (plugging in something to it)
Thank you very much for the information: very helpful and insightful. I will clean the carb and see how it goes. Other points noted. Much appreciated for the taking the time to respond.
You need to check your spark. If you have a low oil shut down on the machine, you may be low on oil? Check to make sure the machine is on level surface and check oil level.
Question I bought the 6500 GP generator in 2020 back then I ran it for a few hours but since then haven’t ran it kept the generator in the garage. The gas doesn’t smell bad, about a half tank my concern is should I get rid of that gas and by new gas ?
4years old gas only a half tank, I would rather be safe then sorry. I would get rid of it. I would be more concerned that your generator will run correctly after sitting. The fuel in the carburetor will go bad in less than a year and your machine will not run. If you do get the generator running make sure it runs after warm up with the choke in the off position. If your compensating using the choke in slightly the on or half choke to keep the generator running smoothly, you have a clogged carburetor due to gas going bad inside the carburetor.
Happy new year, John! You have me worried? Be careful when you say fill tube if you have a dipstick on top of the engine, you need to use the bar graph on the end of the metal dipstick for the oil level. If you have the engine that is in this video at the bottom of the engine, you would fill it to the level on this video.
Sorry for that. I'm not sure the proper name, maybe the filler neck?? I used to fill it just to the level where it started up to the top. I'll check my Generac to be sure and top it off. Thanks again, be well.@@JohnsonsSmallEngines
Spray fuel in the throat of the carburetor. This man knows his stuff... we purchased this generator in 2021 for Hurricane Ida used it and it worked beautifully. 3 years later we crank it up to use for hurricane Francine. Did not work. My son came over to troubleshoot the generator and after checking all of the obvious things still not working. We put this video on, did what Johnson said to do and voila🎉🎉🎉🎉. At first it kept dying. Every time it sounded like it was about to click off my son sprayed more fuel. The more fuel he sprayed while it was runnning, the carburetor was getting cleaned out from debris. It was only a little debris however that little debris was stopping the generator from cranking up. Learn something new and got the AC going with the generator all at the same time! Thank you Johnson for your skills 👏🏽 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Great video. I was having a hard time starting mine after about 6 months (shame on me it will NEVRE happen again). I changed the plug and the gas....started in the 3rd pull after I wore my back out yesterday. I just have to change the oil.
I do different way to turnoff generator DO not shutdown switch from generator Just close gas line let your generator shutdown by himself Reason to avoid clog .My generator not using almost 3 years I have no problem I do all the time over and over past several time
awesome, I fixed the issue. Although the cause was something different. I shaked my generator to see how much gas is left and pushed lot of gas into the carburettor and it got choked
Bought the 5500 12 years ago. Start it once a month for 30 minutes . Has never failed to start and stay running. Never let me down.
You hit it right on the head” start it once a month for 30 minutes”. Thanks for sharing!
What's the name of your generator cuz I have a predator generator this I ain't worth a crap
@@DakotaPorter-b7d Generac.
@@DakotaPorter-b7d Lost power because of the storm last night. Brought out the generator this morning and it started up on the first pull.
@@michaelp8012 okay then that's real good you got a good generator call last night we had a storm too cuz I live in Lumberton North Carolina and the wind was blowing real hard and I was outside 9:00 in the morning because the power was out and I went out to the garage while he was raining and I tried to crank it over 20 times it didn't work but it is I had to clean out the gas tank we have about 4 years I only use it a few times not much is a good generator but you got to babysit this thing or one little wrong thing on it it won't crank up but I'm going to get me one like you got that's the one I want
This is so good. Thank you! Wish I would have started mine a few times. It’s been 2 years and it’s doing nothing when I need it
Great video, explanations, and tips. After allowing my generator to sit for 4 years with no upkeep, it failed to start with today's hurricane. Only myself to blame. After going through all the normal big 3, and still no start the spray fuel hack was what tipped my hat to the carb problem. Pulled the carb, cleaned it out completely, and off she went with the expected easy start. Lessons learned on this round, and the same mistakes won't be repeated. Thanks again.
I’m glad you were able to get your machine running!
Used mine during hurricane Helene and it died.
Watched this video, fuel fine, replaced sparkplug … nothing… added oil and it started right back up!!! Momma is happy again😂
Great video!!! Thank you.
I’m glad you were able to get your machine back up and running!
I have a generac 6500 megaforce. It has so much compression that I can hardly crank it. I have had it for about 20 years, always hard to pull but eventually cranks. Any suggestions on how to reduce compression on start up?
You may need to adjust the valves. I do not have a video on that but someone may or take your machine to a shop in your area to have them adjusted.
Purchased a Honeywell 337cc 5500 continuous watts portable generator 6875 maximum watts new. Failed to start after storing it through a winter. Didn’t empty the tank and failed to use non ethanol. That was in 2012 I believe. Maintaining it now with hopes of starting it for its second time ever. Cost me close to a $1,000.00 back then. Will be a wonderful sense of accomplishment if I can make her go. Wish me luck🍀 🤞🏻
This video got me up and running after Helene. My mom had a generator and hadn't used in 2 years. She had drained the gas but left gas in the lines and carburetor. I sprayed carb cleaner in both places and it fired up on the first pull. Thanks!
I'm glad it was helpful! Thank you for sharing and the kind comment.
This is why I like RUclips videos, short to the point offering simple solutions; which mine didn’t start until I put a little gas in the carb! 🙏🏼
I’m glad it was helpful and you were able to get your machine up and running.
Used our brand new generator once, had turn off to fill and on the last fill on last use, we could never get it restarted. Also battery for electric start was dead. We will use this video and see if we can get it started.
Hello Johnson thanks for the magnificent video.
Just a question; if my engine sound is a little bit knocking, not too much, maybe a few, then I guess it's a combustion problem so how would that be solved please?
Thank you.
Just taking a guess without seeing the machine to diagnose it correctly. Normally the engine knocks from not changing the engine oil regularly. Not much you can do unless you’re going to rebuild the engine and it is not cost effective to rebuild. I would suggest changing oil every 50 hrs of use so it does not get worse. Again this is a guess as it is impossible to diagnose a machine without seeing it.
@@JohnsonsSmallEngines absolutely correct, can't exactly tell unless you have a visual on the machine itself.
But I'm pretty certain it's exactly as you've said. Not much doing with the engine itself, it's only a combustion sound knock that is kind of bopping occasionally when it's running.
Great video Brad! With all the tri fuel and dual fuel generators being sold on the market these days, while the bad gas issues will be side stepped, there are still plenty of issues why those machines wont start. Most of the time is a bad or mal adjusted demand regulator or failed primary regulator (propane) with those!
Thank you! and good to know. I don’t see many duel fuel portable generators in this area, yet. Thanks for sharing, commenting and supporting the channel!
Thanks much for all the detailed info. I have the GP 3300 that hasn't run for about 6 months, I'm going to check it out now. I use non-ethanol gas and fuel stabilizer, so hopefully all good...
Non ethanol fuel is great! I wish we had it near me. I use Aspen4 with a lot of machines but it is too expensive to fill most generator tanks. Let me know how you make out. Remember to check or should I say plug something into one outlet to make sure your electric is good. That will also help with the electrical side to keep it from failing through no use.
Started on the fifth pull (it is cold in the basement right now too). Runs smooth and outlet works as should. Just watched your video on taking the carb off. I'm sure I'll be needing to do that one of these years. Thanks again...
Awesome glad to hear! I hope you never need to take the carburetor off! Lol. Just keep doing what you’re doing and you should be good and when the tank gets below half you should top it off with fresh fuel. Keep the fuel shut off and the off position, when not in use, as you probably already do.
Great video thank you! I just bought a small gas generator and know little about gas genny engines. Very impressed with how you managed to demo one handed; I taught pilot groundschool in the middle east and we had one lad who was born with only a single finger on his right shoulder thanks to thalidomide. He had a prosthesis and during the flying phase proved to be above average in his flying ability. That lad is now a captain for a major UK airline. Thanks again for the video, and inspiration.
I’m glad the video was helpful and thanks for sharing.
Thank you for the boost of confidence , got mine working after squirting some starter fluid
Glad it helped
Nice video as always Brad. Do you have a favorite fuel stabilizer you use?
Thank you! and thank you for watching, commenting and supporting the channel. I have been using Sta-Bil 360 Marine with very good results through the years. amzn.to/3SjcioH. I use the marine because the humidity and how some people store there machine, can get moisture build up in the gas tanks. Sta-Bil 360 Marine will help with that issue plus the normal long term storage additives in it. Another reason is why I suggest keeping a full gas tank, as a full tank will help keep moisture out of the gas tank. Just make sure the fuel valve is always kept in the off position when the machine is not in use.
@@JohnsonsSmallEngines Thanks Brad. Excellent advice.
I did everything you mentioned, including checking the fuel flow from the carb. It is still flowing, but when I tried to start it, it wouldn’t stay running. I used to run it dry. Won’t be doing that again. Still trying to figure out what’s wrong. 😢
You may be able to keep it running by leaving the choke a little bit on not all the way off and if you can get it to run, smooth with the choke in somewhat the on position, but not all the way on then your issue is a clogged carburetor. The only way to repair that would be to rebuild it or replace it.
Very informative
I’m glad it was helpful!
Great video. I would like to understand if using ethonal free gas is helpful in preventing carburetors from gumming up if you forget to restart it every 60 days?
Non ethanol gas is the way to go and In my opinion will help in the long run but i still recommended that you start your generator every couple months and even plug something into it to check electric output (to make sure it is generating) so you are prepared if the power does go out. Non ethanol gas is not the cure all and its better to be ready then taking a chance.
Please can you fix mine spent 3 afternoons still not working can you show me card rebuild 👍👍👍👍👍🏴
Easier to replace carb, they are cheap.
Thank you thank you .. followed your steps and bam it started. Need to be more diligent in starting it every 3 months
I’m glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment. I would suggest starting 45 to 60 days max and run for at least 20 minutes and plug something into the electric to make sure the electric is ok.
I have this same generator. Brand new carburetor. Will start and run for literally 1 second if I shoot some gas in the carb. Otherwise it won’t start. Is the carb bad?? Fuel drains out of the carb drain plug with a good flow.
Impossible to diagnose without seeing it but a few tips. Check to make sure you’re getting a good flow of gas to the carburetor from the gas tank. Check to make sure your oil level is correct. If you have a low oil shutdown it may be playing games shutting off the spark intermittently. If all that is good and you can keep the engine running while spraying fuel into the throat of the carburetor, then yes, I will assume you have a bad new carburetor. Make sure your gas is good and has no water in it and it doesn’t hurt to try a new spark plug just to rule that out.
Great video. I have a TroyBuilt gen with same problem. Will try your tips tomorrow. Are saying to keep tank full when not in use?
Yes, use fuel stabilizer and fill tank to help keep moisture out and a full tank will stay fresh a very long time. Make sure the fuel valve is always off when the machine is not in use.
Hi Brad, thanks for the informative video on the (Generac) RS7000E. I just came into possession of one of these and the unit starts, however when I begin to turn the dial to 2 (RUN), the unit shuts down; any thoughts? Thank you in advance for any information.
The machine has a clogged carburetor from gas going bad inside the carburetor. Happens all the time from machines sitting with gas in them and not running the machine. You can try and rebuild the carburetor or what most do now is just replace it. Once the machine is repaired, you will need to remember to run the machine for 1/2 hour every other month to keep the carburetor jets clean with fresh gas and the machine running as it should. The gas in the carburetor will go bad much quicker then the gas in the tank. If you have non ethanol gas in your area? use it. Keep the tank full and remember to run your machine. You will be good from there on!! Don't forget to plug something into the generator to make sure the electric works. I do that every time I run my machine. If you do not check the electric on a few occasions, I have seen the electric stop working from long term no use (plugging in something to it)
Thank you very much for the information: very helpful and insightful. I will clean the carb and see how it goes. Other points noted. Much appreciated for the taking the time to respond.
Great Video. I have a Powerback 5250. New plug, new carb, new fuel, new oil. But I cant get it to start. Any ideas?
You need to check your spark. If you have a low oil shut down on the machine, you may be low on oil? Check to make sure the machine is on level surface and check oil level.
@@JohnsonsSmallEngines I have a 10 hp tecumseh. I cant even find an oil sensor. It does say that the unit is equipped with one.
Question
I bought the 6500 GP generator in 2020 back then I ran it for a few hours but since then haven’t ran it kept the generator in the garage. The gas doesn’t smell bad, about a half tank my concern is should I get rid of that gas and by new gas ?
4years old gas only a half tank, I would rather be safe then sorry. I would get rid of it. I would be more concerned that your generator will run correctly after sitting. The fuel in the carburetor will go bad in less than a year and your machine will not run. If you do get the generator running make sure it runs after warm up with the choke in the off position. If your compensating using the choke in slightly the on or half choke to keep the generator running smoothly, you have a clogged carburetor due to gas going bad inside the carburetor.
@@JohnsonsSmallEngines thank you
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Thank you!
Good video. Do the GP series all take the same spark plug?
Yes, they use the same spindle. I looked it up.
Haven’t tried to start it.
Hi Brad, Thanks for the oil fill tip. I was unaware that it had to be to the top of the fill tube. Happy New Year.
Happy new year, John! You have me worried? Be careful when you say fill tube if you have a dipstick on top of the engine, you need to use the bar graph on the end of the metal dipstick for the oil level. If you have the engine that is in this video at the bottom of the engine, you would fill it to the level on this video.
Sorry for that. I'm not sure the proper name, maybe the filler neck?? I used to fill it just to the level where it started up to the top. I'll check my Generac to be sure and top it off. Thanks again, be well.@@JohnsonsSmallEngines
Ty
I'm glad it was helpful!
Great video! Thank you very much!
Thank you! I'm glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment.
Also, thank you to your camera person, doing a good job getting right in there, and keeping up with what you are talking about! @@JohnsonsSmallEngines
Thank you.
I'm glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment.
Very good tips.
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching and the kind comment.
Awesome
I’m glad it was helpful.
Spray fuel in the throat of the carburetor. This man knows his stuff... we purchased this generator in 2021 for Hurricane Ida used it and it worked beautifully. 3 years later we crank it up to use for hurricane Francine. Did not work. My son came over to troubleshoot the generator and after checking all of the obvious things still not working. We put this video on, did what Johnson said to do and voila🎉🎉🎉🎉.
At first it kept dying. Every time it sounded like it was about to click off my son sprayed more fuel. The more fuel he sprayed while it was runnning, the carburetor was getting cleaned out from debris. It was only a little debris however that little debris was stopping the generator from cranking up. Learn something new and got the AC going with the generator all at the same time! Thank you Johnson for your skills 👏🏽 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
I’m glad it was helpful and you were able to get your machine going!! Thanks for sharing and the kind comment.
Great video. I was having a hard time starting mine after about 6 months (shame on me it will NEVRE happen again). I changed the plug and the gas....started in the 3rd pull after I wore my back out yesterday. I just have to change the oil.
Thank you and now you know what to do:)
Awesome! Just had this issue and did these very things! Thank you!
I hope all went good and your back up and running! Thank you for watching, commenting and supporting the channel.
I do different way to turnoff generator DO not shutdown switch from generator Just close gas line let your generator shutdown by himself Reason to avoid clog .My generator not using almost 3 years I have no problem I do all the time over and over past several time