Old generator, what to do with it.

[BioNerd]

My mother in law has this thing and wanders what to do with it. I have no idea if its worth trying to use it or not. Its been sitting for like 20 years.

What do you think?

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[Oldtuleguy]

Probably needs a fuel tank flush. Maybe put a little oil in the cylinder and rotate it a bit, see if it is stuck

 

[c39er]

It will probably fire right up with new gas and as long as no varnish smell or old fuel in the tank.

 

[larry4406]

You are in California where they shut the power down now (at least so I hear on the news...) so it should have value.

 

[Boilerhouse]

Needs new gas. I would try starting it. If it won't run, likely the carb will need a cleaning. If it runs, but does not produce power, the generator likely needs to be reflashed. There are YouTube videos on this process, which just takes a minute.

 

[RTM]

Heck yeah get it running, and keep it handy for the next PGE debacle. Sell it to a neighbor up the hill, or to the north, the south, or the west.

4200W in my garage, got about 3 hours of running in last shutdown, should have kicked it on a bit sooner.

 

[fourbyford]

...can't tell for sure, but looks like one I've had for about 20 years. I use it occasionally... have never obsessed over maintenance, although I try to take reasonable care. This has been probably the most trouble-free piece of equipment I've ever owned. As others have said, I would rinse the tank, change the oil, maybe a new plug.... start it and use it! ...or, turn it into cash!
...D

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

I’d buy it from you if we were closer. My wife last night after something on the news is now adamant that we need a generator. Most of the time I’m up for buying tools. Really don’t want another motor around to maintain. Remember year 2K when the end of the world was only a moment away.
I’m kind of busy right now I have to find my spade. Have to dig a bomb shelter out.

 

[CoogarXR]

I bought one at a yard sale that had been sitting since the 90s. It wouldn't start. I threw an ebay chinese carb on it and it runs just fine. I probably could have rebuilt the original, but I just wanted to be done with it quickly, and the ebay chinese carbs get pretty good reviews. I think the carb was only like 10-15 bucks if I recall.

 

[johninct]

I used my 1986 generator last week. It still looks factory new.

 

[BioNerd]

Alright thanks guys

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[BajaScout]

This is GJ. Your only option is to fix it and post some pics of your work.

 

[rustyzman]

Absolutely fix it. Unless it is fried or the engine is blown it is worth a little time to make it function again. I still use my 1965 Winco Fire Fighter 4500 watt and it is great. Have a smaller inverter unit for portability and lower power needs too. No reason to dispose of a genny if it is not burned out. It is one of those items that you may have sitting for 15 years without a real need, but the day you need it, it will be worth its weight in gold!

 

[Jazz1]

I dragged a '50's Homelite generator back from scrap yard that started with fresh 2 stroke gas. I sold it to fellow who repowered it with a 4 stroke.

 

[greg13]

My son acquired an 1800w Radio shack (yes, radio shack) with a Clinton motor on it from the 50s. Usually starts first pull and produces power.
That said a briggs from the 80s should be a cake walk.