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Old 08-06-2015, 09:29 AM   #1
Scalded Dog


 
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Why won't my generator start?

I have a portable 5000W generator. It's an electric start, but can also be pull- cord started. Has a Briggs & Stratton engine. I purchased it two years ago, ran it a couple of times to test it out, but it has not been run since then. It might have a total of 15 minutes running time on it. It's been filled with gasoline, which had fuel stabilizer added to it. It has been stored in my basement, out of the weather/ elements.

I tried to fire it up yesterday. The battery was dead (as expected), so I tried to jump start it (12V system, easy to use automotive jump start equipment). The thing turns over just fine, but acts like there is no spark whatsoever... not even a hint of fuel ignition. Just for giggles, I tried pull starting it, too, just to see if there was any possible reason for it to work... got nothing.

I replaced the spark plug (and checked it: It makes a very healthy spark). I checked all fuel lines (all good). I drained the fuel, put fresh fuel in. Checked the oil (new, golden, and full). I inspected it from top to bottom, to see if rodents had chewed a wire, or anything had rusted: It looks perfect, looks brand new. I pulled the air filter off, even sprayed starting fluid directly into the carb.... nothing.

So before I push the $500 heap of metal off of a cliff, does anybody have ideas on what else I need to check?
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Old 08-06-2015, 09:36 AM   #2
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Healthy spark and nothing when spraying directly into the carb.... odd.
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Old 08-06-2015, 10:39 AM   #3
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Flooded it? Try pulling the spark plug and turning it over for a while to clear out the cylinder. Does it have a primer button?
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Old 08-06-2015, 10:59 AM   #4
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Flooded it? Try pulling the spark plug and turning it over for a while to clear out the cylinder. Does it have a primer button?
Tried a couple of "de- flooding" methods: Turned it over with the plug removed, and let it sit with the plug removed for a long time. Neither method had any effect.

No primer button on this machine...
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Old 08-06-2015, 11:38 AM   #5
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Been there, done that

Most likely your carburetor is gummed up. Take it off, unscrew the bowl, dump out any gas in it, hose the whole thing down with carb cleaner, reassemble and I can almost guarantee it will start instantly.

Going forward, install a fuel line cut-off valve so you can run it dry every time you use it.
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Old 08-06-2015, 11:42 AM   #6
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Originally Posted by Iron Lung Jimmy View Post
Most likely your carburetor is gummed up. Take it off, unscrew the bowl, dump out any gas in it, hose the whole thing down with carb cleaner, reassemble and I can almost guarantee it will start instantly.

Going forward, install a fuel line cut-off valve so you can run it dry every time you use it.
My thought as well.
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Old 08-06-2015, 12:01 PM   #7
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Thanks... I had not even considered that yet. I hate messing with carbs, but it looks like that's the next logical step to follow... Thank- you!
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Old 08-06-2015, 04:12 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Iron Lung Jimmy View Post
Most likely your carburetor is gummed up. Take it off, unscrew the bowl, dump out any gas in it, hose the whole thing down with carb cleaner, reassemble and I can almost guarantee it will start instantly.

Going forward, install a fuel line cut-off valve so you can run it dry every time you use it.
Exactly. Always treat fuel with stabil or similar product. You won't believe what you will find in the bowl due to the ethanol in the fuel. Always use a trickle charger on the battery as well because if it is left to go totally dead the plates sulfite and the debris drops to the bottom shorting between them making a battery that should last 3-4 years junk in a hurry.
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Old 08-06-2015, 05:21 PM   #9
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Jets are probably gummed up.
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Old 08-07-2015, 06:30 AM   #10
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This would also be a good time to fuel inject, cam, and turbo that baby
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Old 08-07-2015, 06:50 AM   #11
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If it is like mine, it will start right up after the Electric Company restores service.
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Old 08-08-2015, 10:19 AM   #12
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It's the carburetor. You might be better off getting a new carburetor. I deal with generators every day sometimes if you clean the Jets out you might be ok but it gets gummed up inside and it's not worth the Hassel to spend the time screwing with it. The carbs are cheap for replacement.
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Old 08-09-2015, 09:18 AM   #13
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We have liftoff!

I followed the carb suggestion offered by a few of you. Sure enough, deep inside the thing I found a little thing (a jet?) that appeared to be the part that should spray fuel into the heart of the carb... but the hole in the little brass thing was clogged. Cleared it with a sewing pin, and the generator fired right up!

Thanks for the help and the suggestions...
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Old 08-09-2015, 07:58 PM   #14
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Yep. I figured the jet would be clogged. Try to run ethanol free gas, if you can.
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