Your last generator Maintenance Run

[RjCorazza]

That's definitely a compact 3kw unit.
My Yamaha 3000 is 26.8" x 17.5" x 21.9" (LWH) and 152lbs
The Yamaha 2000 13.3" x 11.0" x 17.9" and 44lbs.

The 3000w Yamaha worked well for the RV, but we don't go out much at all anymore. It's really too big to be manhandling around.

 

[bigtiller]

More pics, might give you idea of its size.View attachment 4068711View attachment 4068712

How easy does it start after sitting for a couple of months?

My Honda 2000i starts on 1 or 2 pulls if it is ran every day.

But let it sit for 3 months and it will take a minimum of 12 pulls. I really wish it would start easier. I figured out that I need to give it full choke and pull the rope until it fires and then it will start on the next pull.

I think a primer bulb would cure that exorcise.

 

[check]

Any thoughts on why? E.g. carb clogs easily? Too lean?...

Curious.

All the best, Peter

Idk. It has been that way from the start. But now I sold the place where I used it, and it is sitting outside my main cottage where we have an automatic standby generator. It's on my bucket list to check it out. Lol.

 

[Chilliwack Murray]

Idk. It has been that way from the start. But now I sold the place where I used it, and it is sitting outside my main cottage where we have an automatic standby generator. It's on my bucket list to check it out. Lol.

The ‘optimal’ setting for gasoline fuel systems is leaner than what we used to set them to so any blockage whatsoever will cause a miss or very hard starting now. Add ethanol and oxygenated fuels that form goo even faster and that’s the result.

Just that little bit of green jello that forms in the jets will lean it out even more or plug it completely. Usually the choke plate will cause higher vacuum across the jets when fully closed and dislodge the gunk if it’s not solidified so a few pulls at full choke usually gets it going.

 

[ultrarunner]

I’m running into more small engines that will only run partially choked…

The carburetors I opened found corrosion inside…

The Farmall carb cleaned up nicely but can’t say the same for every mower and generator…

So far 2-stroke nowhere as bad as straight gas.

 

[Happy in NC]

I got it from Sheila’s sheds in Cherryville NC

But let it sit for 3 months and it will take a minimum of 12 pulls. I really wish it would start easier. I figured out that I need to give it full choke and pull the rope until it fires and then it will start on the next pull.

I have found that a shot of strating fluid will usually get my stuff running on second pull. Even the harder starting less used items like waterpump and PW
I can't pull like I used to

 

[eolesen]

My Hondas are similar if stored with the tank dry (which is how all my small engines are stored). Theres no priming bulb, but they've always started eventually for the last 23 years...

Ran my Champion electric start 4000W unit this week for half a tank of gas. Its also an inverter model. We lived on that for 8 weeks until our power was finally hooked up in July.

 

[3930dave]

The ‘optimal’ setting for gasoline fuel systems is leaner than what we used to set them to so any blockage whatsoever will cause a miss or very hard starting now. Add ethanol and oxygenated fuels that form goo even faster and that’s the result.

Just that little bit of green jello that forms in the jets will lean it out even more or plug it completely. Usually the choke plate will cause higher vacuum across the jets when fully closed and dislodge the gunk if it’s not solidified so a few pulls at full choke usually gets it going.

Some people (that Murphy smiles on) don't seem to hit this, but what you described ^ is often the case with modern fuels.

For low-use, seasonally stored engines, something "extra" to deal with this ^ reality can help. Like.... Tool Brands, Guns, Trucks, Choice of Significant Other ..... we all have our preferences, but finding a good fit can help Fight The Goo, and Hardened Concrete in Carbs that comes later.....

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

So far 2-stroke nowhere as bad as straight gas.

That observation keeps coming up in this thread. I believe it to be true....

In my small engines, I tend to rotate thru Stabil, SeaFoam, and occasionally StarTron (different attack vector, IMO).

I think there is a stability factor with 2Strk oil, but this discussion flow brought me back to the original reason I started using Lucas fuel treatment much of the time in my road vehicles - Lubrication. While I believe this Lucas product has some basic cleaning properties (which has value to me), the main reason I want it is to extend fuel-pump life. I drive old vehicles, and want to avoid the hassle/Labour charge involved in dropping a tank to replace a pump... knock-wood, I've had a good run so far with the Olde Stuff I drive.

I probably should add this Lucas product, into my Small Engine "mechanic in a can" rotation....

Fuel Treatment – Lucas Oil Products, Inc. – Keep That Engine Alive!

Rgds,D.

 

[3930dave]

My Hondas are similar if stored with the tank dry (which is how all my small engines are stored). Theres no priming bulb, but they've always started eventually for the last 23 years...

Ran my Champion electric start 4000W unit this week for half a tank of gas. Its also an inverter model. We lived on that for 8 weeks until our power was finally hooked up in July.

I really don't NEED another generator, but I've been looking @ the Champion inverter line now and then, in the 3k - 4k range. Good combination of price-point, features, reliability, as far as I can tell.....

If/when I pull out the wallet for that ^ or similar, I'll likely select one that is Propane capable. A 30# tank in that capacity of generator would be a good fit for my typical uses, and removes the gas storage issues....

Rgds, D.