Your last generator Maintenance Run

[3930dave]

pulled five times on Champion gen and no joy. Then I checked the on/off switch. Sigh.
Started right up. :thumbsup:
Had to leave the choke on partially for about 30 seconds, then idled quietly.
Carb seems to drain quickly on this gen, takes a while to pull the gas through.

Train in peace d :thumbsup:

I find there is something to muscle memory in many activities....... gives me an excuse anyway, when my "memory" memory doesn't work right . When I got my larger portable (after running my small one for years w/o one....) my 2'nd and maybe 3'rd time out with it, didn't remember to turn the fuel petcock On.....

How goes with the storm ? Not fun anywhere, but if you've essentially got zero road equipment in play, small problems can become large ones. One time I was in Houston on business, they had what they thought was an "ice-storm" - not even close by Canuck or Northern USA standards, but it had a huge effect regardless. Sensibly, a lot of people kept their driving to a minimum....

So, let me guess..... with all those perfectly running and maintained generators at your fingertips, your line-power never flickered !

Rgds, D.

 

[daugen]

During the night I briefly lost power, stove clock flashing in morning, but I slept right through it.
4 inches of wet snow, any more and a lot more limb damage, so got fairly lucky on this one.

 

[3930dave]

During the night I briefly lost power, stove clock flashing in morning, but I slept right through it.
4 inches of wet snow, any more and a lot more limb damage, so got fairly lucky on this one.

Got lucky there :thumbsup:

One of the worst non-wind tree damage events around here was about 10 years ago. Had a very early wet snow, before the leaves had even really turned colour....... Ma Nature doesn't design trees to take that kind of snow load, while wearing leaves....

Rgds, D.

 

[Katahdin]

I have no regrets buying my pull-start 10hp Briggs and Stratton Wheelhouse 5500/8500 back in 2003. It starts up on an easy pull just about every time.

But the last two weekends I've been rope-starting a 25-ish hp Kohler 399cc 1971 Arctic Cat Panther for fun, and both of my elbows and shoulders are absolutely destroyed.

 

[DK35vince]

I have no regrets buying my pull-start 10hp Briggs and Stratton Wheelhouse 5500/8500 back in 2003. It starts up on an easy pull just about every time.

I've had my 10hp Briggs and Stratton Elite series 5550/8550 for years and been pleased with it. Starts easy, works good every time I've needed it.

 

[3930dave]

I have no regrets buying my pull-start 10hp Briggs and Stratton Wheelhouse 5500/8500 back in 2003. It starts up on an easy pull just about every time.

But the last two weekends I've been rope-starting a 25-ish hp Kohler 399cc 1971 Arctic Cat Panther for fun, and both of my elbows and shoulders are absolutely destroyed.

Nice old iron from the 70's there..... but I don't miss the old Hans and Franz pull-starters ....

Stock up on A535 ? I know a few guys here, that are big into the old sleds.... they do have a following for sure.

Rgds, D.

 

[Katahdin]

I think I need to pick up some A535 today to try it!

I am not a regular at this old sled stuff, this one has spent most of its years collecting dust in the barn and last ran briefly 6 years ago. I've taken a renewed interest in it this year and rebuilt the Tillotson HR 49B carburetor and changed out the fuel and impulse lines. It starts most of the time now, and floods less often, but it won't hold an idle when warm. I suspect I need to weaken the inlet needle valve spring, or maybe the crankcase seals are shot (the carb pumps fuel through vacuum). It has been an educational experience with carburetors for sure!

 

[shaeff]

Started reading your post schaeff, and was trying to remember who posted up the nice collapsible pvc pipe shelter a while back, then realized yours isn't moving...... nice candidate for it's own mini-shed :thumbsup:.

Good stuff .

Rgds, D.

Absolutely, I've got to get this done once I get some other projects finished. Planning on a temporary wood platform, well sealed from rodents but well vented. I've got the supplies, just no time to actually build it.

Keep an eye out for mice. They love covered machinery and have caused the destruction of many generators, lawn tractors and mowers.

90cummins

Right on, already fought them off once. I try to fire it up every weekend and let it run for at least a half hour and fully inspect it. It's easier during the summer when I'm out mowing.

 

[shooterdon]

I finally broke down and had a Generac 13kw standby installed this week. Today I learned the twisted ankle I have suffered with for 4 weeks is broken. Doc says it may not heal properly as I have been walking on it too long. Put it in a cast and hoping I will not need surgery. Tonight we are under a winter advisory. So glad I got the Generac. If we lose power tonight, getting the portable unit hooked up in the cold/snow and on crutches would be difficult. $7000 is not cheap but I cannot take it with me.

 

[ultrarunner]

Can’t put a price on peace of mind and I am sure part of the cost can be recovered should you sell