Starting a "like new" - 25 year old generator

[Rusty Musket]

This generator has been sitting unused in my folks garage for about 25 years. It has 1.8 hours on it - probably from its initial test run. What would you guys do in order to assure a safe start up? Is there an overhead valve train on this type of motor that might want to be oiled before starting? Should I put some oil in the cylinder via the spark plug hole? Should I change the oil first or only after I get it warm and circulating? It still has some 25 year old gas in it unfortunately. This unit will live outside (under cover) at my house. I'll check the air filter and clean the carb if it doesn't start. Is there a preferable battery type for something like this that will rarely be used?

Thanks.

 

[The Cobbler]

I would put some oil in the cylinder. rotate the engine by hand a few times. a bit of 2 stroke mixed gas wouldn't hurt shot into the carb for first firing too.
run it to get the oil hot before changing it . make sure it has enough oil in it before starting.
as you noted, you may need a carb cleaning too. hopefully the tank's not rusted

 

[Gozo]

What Cobbler said above. I’ll go a bit further on the carb…if the gas has been in it for 25 years, no maybe, you’re going to have to clean it. I have the same engine in my generator, had a similar situation (only 5 or 6 years). It was cheaper to replace the carb, than to get a rebuild kit.

 

[Hank11]

Drain it all dry and put fresh non ethanol gas with some Seafoam mixed in. You might be surprised that it starts right up. Try it with about half a gallon of fuel in case I’m wrong. After you’ve run it a bit and got it warm, change the oil.

 

[Metallitubby]

Getting it started may not be the biggest issue. Generators need to run occasionally to keep from the stator/rotor magnets from losing their field. They can be re-excited by using a 12v battery though if they aren't completely kaput.

Pull the carb, clean the main and emulsion tube. I use welder's wire if I don't have the official carb cleaning tool.

 

[Rusty Musket]

Thanks guys. As soon as I get some help to get it out of the van, I will follow your helpful advice and see if we can get this thing fired up.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I would put some oil in the cylinder. rotate the engine by hand a few times.

More specifically

• Remove spark plug
• Add a bit of oil through the spark plug hole
• Pull over by hand,

a bit of 2 stroke mixed gas wouldn't hurt shot into the carb for first firing too.

First, open the gas cap and take a good whiff ! You will quickly know if the fuel is good or not !! (Old fuel must be drained. Run it through a coffee filter. When your car is below a 1/4 tank, take the old fuel with you to the gas pump. Add the old fuel first and then fill the tank.)

Second, If it is a metal tank, use a flashlight and look inside. If you see chunks sloshing around, the tank MUST be drained and CLEANED ! Proper cleaning usually requires removing the tank. Evaporust or the old nuts and bolt or CLEAN pea gravel, a bit of gasoline and a LOT of agitation ! Drain. Rinse, Repeat is necessary.

Third, find if there is a fuel valve and if it was left open. If open, close it and drain whatever fuel is in the bowl, On most small engine carburetors you can remove the bowl by removing the screw/bolt in the center of the bottom of the bowl. If it is really BAD, you will likely have to remove the carb, tear it apart and clean it.

Fourth, squirt a bit of carb cleaner/starting fluid right down the throat of the carb. the engine should start and run for a second or two on the first or second pull. If not, you like have some kind of ignition problem.

 

[rebelranger]

Do nothing... let her rip tator chip

 

[theoldwizard1]

I don't know why I just remembered this today (old age) !

Watch a couple of video from James Condon's YouTube Channel. I buys (or gets donated) dead generators and brings them back to life !

Good example video Abandoned Generac GP3250

 

[Blk88GT]

Updates?

 

[Rusty Musket]

Got a spare battery and some 2 stroke oil but haven't had a chance to clean out the old gas. I promise updates though!

 

[rayra]

Would be very surprised if the generating head still has a magnetic field. Engine may run but you may not get any electricity generated.
They need to be run occasionally to maintain usability.

 

[Rusty Musket]

Well I have it running great now but as some of you predicted, it doesn't seem to be generating any current. I tried to "flash" it will a small electric drill but that didn't seem to do anything. I think the main circuit breaker may be tripped but I can't seem to reset it. It's a push-button type so it just lightly returns to the position shown below once you remove your finger. There is no clicking and although I am not 100% it is in the "tripped" position I believe this may be the case.



Carb was hideous on the inside with 25 years for gas to revert to dinosaur tar. 3 sessions in the ultrasonic cleaner just to get the brass jet out. Selected parts were then soaked in lacquer thinner and cleaned with a scotch bright wheel on a die grinder. Still have some corrosion in the bowl but iI think it will be okay. Air filter looked pristine until I touched it and watched the foam sleeve crumble to dust and disappear into the wind.

I replaced the fuel lines and relocated the fuel filter to a place where I can see it as was located underneath of large cover plate over the engine.

Motor tuned over by hand nicely but I put a bit of 2-stoke oil in the spark plug hole and gave her a few good pulls before I put the plug back in.

As found


After a lot of cleaning


Took about 2 hours to drain a 1/2 gallon of old fuel from the tank. Had to constantly probe the elbow with a zip tie to keep fuel flowing. Luckily tank is plastic and looks pretty good once I rinsed it with fresh gas.

What are the chances that this type of elbow screws in and can be easily replaced?




So she seems to be running nicely now although I can't test the auto throttle which I'm guessing is probably controlled by current draw.

Thanks for the advice everyone. Now just to get to her to make some electricity.

 

[slow]

I would guess a good chance that fitting comes out, just make sure there is not a nut inside as that is likely hard to replace.

 

[micromind]

Most auto throttles are controlled by some sort of a crankshaft speed sensor. Often it looks at the flywheel.

I've seen a few that used the frequency output of the gen, speed is directly related to frequency.

 

[rd65]

Would be very surprised if the generating head still has a magnetic field. Engine may run but you may not get any electricity generated.
They need to be run occasionally to maintain usability.

Is that just engine running or do you need to apply a load to the generator?

 

[NHtoolguy]

I would guess a good chance that fitting comes out, just make sure there is not a nut inside as that is likely hard to replace.

On my generator with a large plastic fuel tank, the elbow fitting presses into a rubber grommet. It's not threaded.

 

[The Cobbler]

I think the main circuit breaker may be tripped but I can't seem to reset it. It's a push-button type so it just lightly returns to the position shown below once you remove your finger. There is no clicking and although I am not 100% it is in the "tripped" position I believe this may be the case.

do you have a multi meter? open up the control panel & check for voltage before the breaker. or take off the generator end cover & check for voltage at the connector inside