Did I buy the wrong generator?

[BobRip]

So it looks like those that drain or run dry the carbs are the vast majority.

It surprises me a little, just for the simple fact it does take extra effort.

In my case, I have definitely had my share of carb woes. but can always get them working without removal from the engine, do have to remove the bowl and jets etc.

That is with leaving bowls full of treated fuel, the few cases of serious carb trouble that required carb removal, where when the bowls were dry from extended storage, which of course could of been from fuel being left in them before storage.

I'm not changing my habit yet but am keeping an open mind.


JB

Champion Generators have a video on generator storage. They recommend running the carb dry prior to storage. The owners manual say run the unit every two weeks. I actually do this.

 

[IslandTractor]

So it looks like those that drain or run dry the carbs are the vast majority.

It surprises me a little, just for the simple fact it does take extra effort.

In my case, I have definitely had my share of carb woes. but can always get them working without removal from the engine, do have to remove the bowl and jets etc.

That is with leaving bowls full of treated fuel, the few cases of serious carb trouble that required carb removal, where when the bowls were dry from extended storage, which of course could of been from fuel being left in them before storage.

I'm not changing my habit yet but am keeping an open mind.


JB

Actually it is almost no extra work to drain the carb. Just shut the fuel off while the engine is running and let it starve. That's all I do. Engines run for up to a minute but usually less time. One of my Honda outboards has a little screw drain to get the last little bit but I don't use it. Restarting is no issue. A lot less work than cleaning out carb jets.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Uhh say what? Either you know something I have never heard of or you are pulling legs like a juvenile delinquent in an old folks home...

Nope, no leg pulling. By the way, You have the worlds largest library in you hands right now. This is what I was able to find in about 45 seconds


Generator Field Flashing - Engineers Edge

Field Flashing a Portable Generator - Electrical Wiring Forum - GardenWeb

How to Field Flash? - SmokStak

How to "flash" a generator when output is lost due to loss of excitation

RE-ENERGIZING DEAD GENERATORS



I can't vouch for the drill or 110Volt method, but the battery method works, and have heard about just putting a very very stong perm. magnet on the generator windings to start the magnetic buildup.

James K0UA

This is a new one for me but it makes sense. The last time I fired up the generator was during the 2009 ice storm we had here in Kentucky. Then, I went to use it last summer to run my electric jack hammer in the field when it was dead, I just put it back and ran a long cord.

I was just thinking about taking it to a shop. Thanks alot for this info! Tomorrow, I am going to see if this fixes it!

 

[QRTRHRS]

Uhh say what? Either you know something I have never heard of or you are pulling legs like a juvenile delinquent in an old folks home...

Around here, I have switched to using 92 octane for all my small engines, especially 2 strokes - aka my chainsaws. I go through maybe 5 gal of gas a year for these so that is like $1 a year difference (big whoop), plus you can get 92 that is ethanol-free around here, as long as you make sure to check the pumps ahead of time. Not all stations do it, but many do. MN mandates 10% ethanol in the lower grades, and Wisc doesn't seem to mandate it, but it is common. They allow an exemption for classic cars, boats, etc, but only on the high grade. No checking for what you use it for as it is a small slice of the market willing to pay up, so I don't think the state cares much.

The Stihl BR600 leaf blower I bought three years ago called for 89 octane with synthetic oil. When I ran out of Stihl "dino" oil, I switched to the 89/syn for my other Stihl equipment. Big difference in the way everything runs.

I need to look into the enthanol content in high octane here in KY. Other than the leaf blower, like you my two cycle usage is limited so I can afford the higher grade. The ethanol is hard on the rubber fuel pickup lines.

Go figure though, I just picked up another seven gallons of 89 to finish up the leaf blowing!

 

[MossflowerWoods]

So my new Husky 5000w generator fired up every time on the first pull (and I'm pulling left handed too).

It already has a fuel shut off built into the side of the tank.

One time shutting it off I used the fule switch, the last time I used the cutoff because I know I running it again today :thumbsup:

Thanks for all the great advice!

I am happy with my generator!

Next I will buy one of those kits so I can hook it into the house when/if needed due to power outage to run the fridge/freezer, etc...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Blessings upon all TBN'ers!
David

 

[TimberXX]

There are alot of good deals online for transfer switches (which connect your genset to your house).

I bought it online, and had my electrician install it.

Good luck.

 

[Depmandog]

David mentioned that he didn't have many choices on generators, that generators were slim pickings in his area.....

That prompted a recollection of my own. I think it was 2003, we had a Major ice storm that hit the region. We were lucky, and only without power for 3 1/2 days, but plenty of people in the area was without for two weeks.

As you can imagine, you couldn't find a generator anywhere. Stores were hauling in generators from states away.

At the end of the following winter, the market became flooded with 'used' generators of all shapes and sizes. Most of these generators had only seen service during the ice storm.

The point of my post: David, if you are not happy with your current or would be in the market for a bigger generator - keep your eyes open towards the end of the next hurricane season. I suspect you will find many good deals on slightly used generators.

Dean

 

[WilliamBos]

I am a Yamaha fan. I briefly looked at Yamaha generators. They are cheaper than Hondas and have some better features.

Did you buy a Yamaha??

 

[TimberXX]

Did you buy a Yamaha??

I ended up with a Briggs powered Generac.

But my next generator will be yamaha inverter, no question.

 

[dstig1]

This is a new one for me but it makes sense. The last time I fired up the generator was during the 2009 ice storm we had here in Kentucky. Then, I went to use it last summer to run my electric jack hammer in the field when it was dead, I just put it back and ran a long cord.

I was just thinking about taking it to a shop. Thanks alot for this info! Tomorrow, I am going to see if this fixes it!

Wild. Never heard of this issue. Can't even say it makes sense to me, but hard to argue with a bunch of sources. I've never heard of a magnet losing magnetism other than if it gets heated up to phase transition points. Maybe I'm missing something. Good to know - ya learn something new everyday...