Antonino from Italy A person like you who is always ready to work to support his family deserves some fun, so I tell you to enjoy it. I wish you so much health and serenity to your wonderful family. Forgive me if my english is not correct.
Joe Ryco Get a Generator. Even a little one, just something that you could plug your refrigerator into, even if you don't run anything else. I swear, you'll be glad you did one day.
Coming from a licensed mechanic, I can't praise you enough for not boring me to death!! Very good with your explanations and never made any mistakes with your terms ! Definitely one of the better Chanel's out there !
commonconservative do you know if these small engines use blinker fluid? My lawn mower had the same problem and I just replaced the blinker fluid and it fired right up.
If its a 4 stroke engine and you have air coming out of the carb, you have a leaking intake valve or the exhaust valve isn't opening. Alot of newer little 4 stroke engines have plastic cam shafts. When they get hot the exhaust lobe wears down. And, the exhaust valve won't open. During hurricane Ike, for two weeks, I fixed hundreds of generators - free for people while my motorcycle shop wasn't able to do business. I got to where I could fix them or at least tell you what was wrong in 10 minutes or less. 1. Make sure fuel gets to the carb. 2. Squirt a little gas in the carb and see if it runs a few seconds. If it does, you have a fuel starvation problem. 3.Take the float bowl off. Make sure fuel flows through the needle and seat. 4. Make sure the float bowl is clean and then spray carb cleaner through the main jet. 5. Put it back together and it usually starts. If not, and it still runs when you squirt gas in the carb it's usually not getting enough fuel. If the spark plug is dry, it's not. Sometimes, you can't adjust the mixture. They're set to run too lean when you get them. There are different ways to get to the adjuster screws. But, you need to open at least one of them up. If you're sure you have fuel and it runs a few seconds and dies, put a spark checker on the plug wire and try it again. if it runs and stops, watch to see if the spark goes out when it's dying. This happens when you have a bad coil or condenser. Or, the oil level goes down enough for the low oil sensor to kill the electricity when the engine cranks. If its NOT a fuel problem. 1. Check the spark with a tester. Put another known good plug in so you'll know it's not a bad plug. It's rare that it is a bad plug. Fouled, yes. Bad, rarely. If you have spark, and fuel, and it still won't run, take the valve cover off and check the valves. Alot of Chinese OHV engines have guide plates for the pushrods. They don't deburr the edges of them. So, they often cut the pushrods in two. They also don't tighten the lock nuts on the valves alot of times. The nuts allow the adjusters to back off. Sometimes, they'll run ok idling. But, when they rev up will spit and backfire. Adjust the valves and put the valve cover back on. They always run after this. Sometimes, you can patch a cut pushrod by slipping both parts into a piece of telescopic antenna material that fits the outside of the pushrods. Cut it the same length as the distance between the balls on the ends of the pushrods. This isn't the right way to fix them. But, it'll get you through a hurricane. Deburr the edge of the guide plate. In spite of it being a stop gap emergency fix, I've never had to go back and replace the pushrods because the engine wouldn't run. Some carbs have a fuel cutoff solenoid on the main jet that hangs below the float bowl. It should click when you turn the key on. These are on bigger engines with electric start. You can also check for continuity with an ohm meter. It should have no resistance between the terminal the wire hooks to and ground. If its open, the solenoid is bad. Before you have a compression release, you have to have a pretty large generator. Or, a diesel one. Out of 300 generators, I didn't see one on any generator you started with a pull rope. You can also check the compression when you have the plug out. You can use the thumb over the hole approach, or a gauge if you're really cool. If it blows your thumb away with a pull of the rope, you really don't need the gauge. You need three things for an engine to run. 1. Fire (spark. enough and at the right time) 2. Fuel. More when it's cold. Less when it warms up. 3. Compression. Pull the rope to see if it's got compression. If it has compression. Do this. Have a neighborhood kid hold the plug wire in one hand and put the other on a good grounded part of the engine. Pull hell out of the rope. If he yells and wets his pants, you have good spark. Look at the plug. If is dry and you've done the other two tests, you have a fuel problem. If so, and this were a batch (.bat) file, the next line would be something like: GOTO 1 Anyway, like I said, I have a motorcycle shop in Beaumont Texas. Where, it just got through flooding... In fact, it's still wet everywhere. A lot of us don't have homes any more. My shop survived the water. But, my home didn't. So, I don't really have time to be goofing off on RU-vid. But, I'm hoping this may help people fix their own generators (or any 4 stroke engine) in the event of any kind of emergency in the future. If this works for you, let me know. I get a warm and fuzzy feeling from doing things that help people. And, generators are way too simple. Sometimes, you can't get them to flow enough fuel through the crappy little carbs no matter what. But, what I wrote here will get 99% of them going again. I may make a video about what to do once you get them running, and discover they won't make electricity. One thing at a time though. Good luck. Robert Chief cook and bottle washer. South Park Cycle
I.C. Sezdablindman Hey man, you're a true 'Merican Hero. If you don't have a flag tatoo yet, go get one. If you got one already, get one on the other arm! Sincerely....thanks for taking the time and may God Bless you for a speedy recovery from the flooding.
I.C. Sezdablindman I just happened to see the Jennies garage video about the $25.00 Generator and went through the comments section and believe me when I say this you are without any shadow of a doubt a 100% true American and we should all practice the same as you. Thank you so much for all the great information. May God bless you. Thank you and have GREAT & WONDERFUL LIFE. jmarent@att.net I also wish to thank Jennies gararge for taking the time to share their experiences with us.
Nice down and dirty diagnostic write up. Sorry for your loss. I made a relief run with my Jeep Club to Vidor last Saturday and it is a mess down there. Good luck getting things back on track. The club is already preparing for another relief trip sometime next week depending on where Irma hits. Apparently Irma is pissed that Harvey wandered off drunk and cruised the coast and now she is pissed and out looking for his sorry ass. :)
Good example. Winston Churchill. A lady gets in his face and states sir you are drunk. Churchill responds. Yes, mam, I am and you are ugly. But tomorrow I will be sober and you will still be ugly. Note this was pulled from memory. But you surely can look it up on the net.
this is the video i started on and having seen your video in early 17 about your troubles with the stock market its so nice to check out your views and see your on a real parabolic curve for your last 8 or so! nearly a million here, awesome!!
you guys are hilarious and I love the real process of elimination you worked through. So many of us average joe's have projects like that generator on our hands. Any stall in the process of elimination often derails the whole project. I applaud your determination.
Great video. I dont want to controle how you run your channel but I think you should go looking for broken items like that, get them for cheep and fix them up.it is very entertaining.
In a generation of "throw-it-away-buy-another-one" consumers and buyers, this is a refreshing video. I am a proponent of exhausting all of my options trying to fix something before I replace it. Thanks, and keep up the good work.
People do this crap all the time. A buddy of mine works at Costco, there are people who buy a new patio set every Spring, and return it in October. Slimeballs.
Remember during check out when the cashier asks if you want the replacement insurance for some crazy amount of money and you poopoo that idea? Well some people actually get it. And you can return an item no questions asked up to some amount of time (varies by item and store). Cool uh? Now you know how something gets returned looking like it's been used.
I don't even have a generator that needs fixing. I just got hooked in by the interesting dialogue. You two are a dynamic duo that make me laugh. You got yourself another subscriber. Great video, keep it up!
I’ve watched a couple of your videos, enjoyed the educational content as well as the humorous banter between you & your wife. You may have no idea how lucky you are that your wife has a sense of humor & supports your hobbies & fascination with engines & tinkering, a relationship to envy, for sure, most men are not that fortunate. You are lucky 🍀 & Blessed my friend!
You have a bad camshaft. the compression release mechanism is faulty which is the reason for compression in reverse rotation. And please spend $3 and put a new plug in it upon reassembly.
Polo Buk there is a decompression fly weight that holds the valves slightly open so it's easier to pull over, unlikely to be the fault tho as it would normally fire with the valves lifted.
Polo Buk I think the inlet valve is not opening which would explain why no compression in the normal direction as no air would be entering cylinder through inlet valve. But in reverse direction air would be entering the cylinder through the exhaust valve.
I don't think the pull cord is wrong because "boy" was pulling the same rotation as when he hand spun it, plus the vanes on the flywheel are situated correctly, spinning it in a clockwise rotation. I wish his arm wasn't covering up the lifter as boy was pulling it over to see if they raised and lowered correctly.
Stumbled on to this video, so glad i watched it, you two are fun to watch banter back and forth. now i am invested in this generator fix, now to find the second video.
I found this accidentally and just watched the Whole Thang. I know nothing about engines but this was SOoo well paced, commonsensically mansplained, and comic, I SUBSCRIBED! I'll watch MORE. U R FUN. (Btw, you really DIDN't mansplain, you just SPLAINED in a good clear way. I could LEARN from you!)
Pouring fuel on the spark plug -shorts it out- (insulates it?) between the electrode and it's casing which is similar to "flooding" an engine. Those engines do have an auto de-compressor - looks like a standard Honda-like engine.
Gasoline will NOT short out a plug; it's totally non-conductive. Flooding an engine doesn't short the plug, it just gives a mixture that is too "rich" to burn. I've used that trick for about 40 years now and it is a great way to do a quick check if you're not sure fuel is getting to the engine. The amount of gas a plug will hold will usually give 2 or 3 "pops", enough to assure you that compression and spark are good.
Interesting, from my own experience I have seen fuel-wet plugs refuse to work at all until dried - perhaps I have different fuel additives in my area? In hindsight though you would think that petroleum derivatives would actually insulate seeing as paraffin wax has been used in that way. Also I failed to mention that I thought wet plugs were only a factor to a flooded engine, not the only reason (:
That would make a lot of sense. Still pretty raw of them, in my opinion, for selling an item they assumed was completely broken for $100. If you're a professional and you don't think it's worth salvaging why would you pawn something like that off on your customers???
Jesse Crandle they have too much money to waste time on fixing stuff. And why would they? If its a rental, it has to be 100% reliable so they usually retire equipment early. And thank God they do sell cheap worn out cap for next to nothing so a guy like me can buy it, fix it, and have it for a steal. Sometimes I stop by home depot or lowes just to check if they have anything like this.
Was a manager there for 10 years. Most of the time it comes down to what that company tells them to do. During tornadoes of 2011 we had tons of generators returned after people used them for the 30 to 90 day return policy. Just like some buy air conditioners to use for the hottest period then return it to get money back just to do the same with a heater.
@@ChuckyLad You need to pull the muffler bearing to the side to access the headlamp fill hole. Lighten up my man, you all need some humor now and again.
@Topanga Reyna How can you be so fucking naive and still breathe. WTF I know it was a joke. So was what I wrote you sorry fucktard idiot that is not capable of reading anything properly and just throw shit like a little baby
Not all spark plugs have "continuity". A lot of spark plugs have an internal resistor to reduce electromagnetic interference. Set your meter to kOhms and try again.
Great little project. Looking forward to the discover of the real issue... loving your wife's commentary... she really keeps things....well... in perspective...
You guys have a great sense of humor. I don't even own a generator or plan on getting one but for some reason I just kept watching. Maybe I thought: one more balding comment and he's gonna snap. but anyways, you make this stuff interesting and inspiring, thanks.
It should be ok either way. The parts have to be worth something even if I can't get it going. I would really like to have the satisfaction of hearing it run though.
I disagree any negative comments of someone you love is horrible did you see the reaction on your husband's face it wasn't a smile was it I'm sure if the tables were turned and you were doing a video and he told you your hair was thinning you would not be happy please be respectful.
Damn, YT just recommended this to me, brings back memories, this was the first of your videos I saw. Still no idea why I watched this, but never been mad that I did lol.
My first thought when he had compression in "reverse" - the cord snapped off at the pulley and the previous owner reattached it and wound it backwards.
I don't know how the ignition system would handle the crankshaft spinning in reverse - but the valves will be out of order, exhaust sucking and intake blowing. At 13:05 the start cord handle is visible running out the left side of the pulley - common sense would say the cord goes down around the pulley (you pull the cord up since you usually stand above it) so it would be wound to turn the crank clockwise when it's pulled. At 15:05 he gets compression turning the crank counter-clockwise, so maybe the cord is meant to go over the pulley.
I'm obviously not fully familiar with the device in this particular generator, but all of the records that I've seen, if you were to wind the cord the wrong way and pull it would not engage the mechanism at all. So it'd be pretty evident if it were wound the wrong way since the cord would come out with essentially zero resistance and maybe an annoying ratcheting sound.
Great job, impressive craftmanship, good Ole American can do, roll up your sleeves and get it done. Well done my friend.....thumbs up....looking forward to your next project
After watching this video I wanted a generator. Yesterday I saw a genny for sale local. One year old but for only 50 pounds. Retail. New was 280. The owner said it was fine a year ago and now not running. Hardly used too. I bought it inspired by your video. Checked it over. Looked new. Spark plug turned out to be loose. Tightened up and runs sweet as a nut now.... Hehehe
Peace be upon you, I am from the State of Kuwait, and my name is Walid. I admire you and your skill and love for this work. I love motorcycles of all kinds. My use of them is simple and I am a fan and admirer of your channel.
@@jenniesgarage I am one of the new followers of your channel, and I enjoy you for your simple words. Is his nature and explanation of technical matters simply and the most important thing I have personally is your mastery and love for your work and your family and you two complement each other and I hope you continue this way and that you will be on your fun nature
... what if he told you he has a bike you've always wanted? ; D Can't wait to find out what the issue with the generac is... For such a newish genset, I did not like how carboned up it was under the valve cover... PLUS it being wildly overfilled points to someone messing around with NO idea what they were doing. Could the rings be carboned up and stuck? It's about the only thing that makes even a little sense to me!
this was the first video of yours that youtube recommended me about a year and a half, close to two years ago. for once their algorithm actually did its job as at the time, I had just found channels like AvE's [which by the jargon used in your later vids I see you two are fans of as well] & was fully addicted to both his channel and yours, for whatever reason even though I subbed immediately as-well as slapped the shit up out of that notification bell. stopped getting your videos in my feed and had forgotten about your channel until last night, when again, google finally did their goddamn job via showing your videos on my feed, again. your videos teach me so much about engines and mechanics, something I've ALWAYS been interested in learning since I was a 6 year old boy & continued to yearn for learning more about, until I started working on machines that didn't work! ;) funny how that works, eh?!! lmfao in all seriousness, thank you jennie for teaching me more than I'd ever learned about machines in engines in a handful of your videos than I had ever in any of my time in school, pre dropping out. don't worry, soon going back to get a G.E.D but in the mean time, I've filled my brain with all kinds of interesting and useful information. everything to physics & quantum physics to guns to airplanes to nuclear reactors and now again, back to engines! LOL just wanted to thank you [again] for helping educate a troubled young adult of the age of no less than 19 years (old enough to drink and smoke le weed here in canadurrp) & doing so in such a interesting as well as in an easily digestible way!!! you sir, even though I don't believe in god/jesus, are a godsend!! [figuratively speaking roflmao]
i just realised ive watched a tonne of your videos and never subbed??? you have realy opened up man love seening people flourish, its a beautiful thang.
the engine was flooded in the past with gasoline and that's why the oil level is so high. when that happens usually washes all the oil off the cylinder walls which will cause zero or low compression. I would change the oil put in a new spark plug and spray WD-40 in the cylinder and I'll bet you it will run
for older motors carbon is a good thing as it increases compression. removing a vast amount at once will generally make a engine loose compression if im not mistaken. My bet is that the starter puller was incorrectly put on as others stated. Its pullin in the wrong direction which vents through the crank. Grab a new spark plug and try reversing the puller and it may just fire up with a bit of luck. It had a tiny spark in the beginning as the fly wheel back lashed a tiny bit going to correct way causing the tiny spark.
I would disagree. If the oil level were that high because of gasoline, he probably would've noted the smell and the oil would've been much thinner than it was. Plus you can see an oil film stuck in the cylinder cross hatch. It is a problem with the cam. Either a wiped cam lobe or a broken camshaft. Also, the direction of the flywheel will have no bearing on the strength of the spark. The coil doesn't care which direction the magnetic field passes by it.
I work at a Lowes and have purchased many items at a huge discount. Log splitter, trailer, generator, snow thrower ect. we had a pressure washer that was "beyond repair" and sold for $50 all it had was a little to much oil....lol
Best video i've seen today...and i mean excellent job buddy. I wish schools taught "small engines" class like when i was in school back in 82....VERY educational for kids to start them out right! first time viewer...SUBSCRIBED
Very entertaining. Quite resourceful in sourcing an alternative set of piston rings. Followed the other videos on this project and was patiently awaiting the end result. Am now watching the Big Box stores clearance items for a similar deal as I could use one of these for myself.
If it doesn't have any compression, you should've put some oil on the piston before trying to get it running. The oil seals the piston and cylinder, only for a moment, but if it starts, it tells you that the piston rings are worn.
Joe Shearer+Please school me, How do you test a resistor spark plug? In fact, how do test any spark plug? I just realized there is a real gap in my spark plug knowledge( pun intended but the question is serious ). Thank you.
I recall that some spark plugs have an internal gap that supposedly boosts the spark at the electrode. If so, wouldn't it prevent continuity? Or, as you said it may be a resister plug. I enjoyed watching your videos. You two are a great team and your step-by-step analysis and instruction is excellent.
Might have saved a few headaches by calling Generac tech support first. I experienced the same thing with my (used) Champion 2K inverter and called their Tech support. They told me right away that it was the ignition control module, he registered it for me over the phone and sent me a new one free under warranty and received it in 2 days. 30 minutes after opening the package the new module was in and it started on the first pull. I love tinkering but at my age sometimes the answer is just a toll free call away. I enjoyed your video
You're right on your points about the 3 major requirements of combustion bro, air, fuel and compression, base on experience with motorcycle engines, start with the fuel and air intakes. Yeah, that includes the major parts of combustion, the "Carburetor", most of the time if the owner of a fine piece of equipment like this gen-set is a non-mechanical guy like us, they just leave the gasoline solidify into a reddish goo inside the carburetor clogging all the important holes on it.
After about 16 minutes, I was about to hit subscribe. At 16:46, I said you got to be kidding me! Do you really think that I am going to search all over the place to see what you have done to it? No. You should have explained exactly what was the problem. Oh yah really.
REALLY!! I was ready to go right to the next episode for the exciting conclusion only to find that there was no link anywhere. How bogus can you get. If it's not yet posted, just say so. Better yet, you shouldn't have posted this until part 2 was available or posted the solution saying afterward, "Watch here for a link to the next episode where I will post the full story..."
I used to work at Home Depot in tool repair, the first test we do is hook it up to a compression tester and if it's low write an estimate for a short block and labor which 99% of the time exceeds the value of the unit, so I'm not surprised at all that they wouldn't fix it.
Great work I don't understand how you get any thumbs down you doing all the work on a porch you obviously well knowledged in mechanics and plus you only paid 25 bucks of that thing I would have bought it if I was mechanically inclined myself I know I watched all three pots of it and it was very entertaining and I was hoping you would get it going I would have paid 25 bucks just to watch it fix the damn thing good job
