generator ?

[rabbitearbandicoot]

I have a generator - 15 years old but not used very much -  Honda motor. I haven't started it in 5 years but with the expected cyclone conditions and power outs, I thought I may at least be able to keep the fridge/freezer going so as not to lose food again.

Can't start it! Checked Oil levels, filled with petrol, checked plug, put new air filter in - tried starting with choke, without choke, 1/2 choke etc - nothing. It turns over but not firing. Yes, I have the power switch on and the fuel switch on.

Any suggestions from the small engine experts?

TIA

[rabbitearbandicoot]

if I keep spraying it - it keeps going - but as soon as I stop - it stops - not getting fuel through?

[rabbitearbandicoot]

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@2106greencat wrote:

If you do get it going rabbit, please let me know, I will be heading to your place LOL

Stay safe

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how long is your extension chord?

[serendipityricho]

Have a last resort plan .Rabbit-this means-move the generator to an open area.

Soak a long bit of twine or rope in petrol-remove the fuel cap-place one end

of the rope in the fuel tank.--then .clear the area of kids and pets.

Light the free end and-Boom.

Wont fix the problem-but will give you a nice warm feeling--

-like peeing in a wetsuit-no one else notices........................................Richo.

[the_hawk*]

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@rabbitearbandicoot wrote:

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@serendipityricho wrote:

Rabbit-squirt some aerostart on the air filter-once it fires up it will keep going.

If not-refer to my first post.----------------------------------Richo.

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thanks. bought a can - tried it a few times - it tries to start for 2-3 seconds - I suppose while it's using the aerostart - and then carks it.

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atleast you know the electrics are ok and its only a fuel issue.

Take the botton of the fuel bowl off and see if the petrol is getting past the fuel tap and filter neadle and seat. 

If you have petrol there you will most likely have a blocked main jet and you will need to remove the carby and clean it properly and blow the main jet through with some compressed air. 

[rabbitearbandicoot]

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@the_hawk* wrote:

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@rabbitearbandicoot wrote:

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@serendipityricho wrote:

Rabbit-squirt some aerostart on the air filter-once it fires up it will keep going.

If not-refer to my first post.----------------------------------Richo.

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thanks. bought a can - tried it a few times - it tries to start for 2-3 seconds - I suppose while it's using the aerostart - and then carks it.

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atleast you know the electrics are ok and its only a fuel issue.

Take the botton of the fuel bowl off and see if the petrol is getting past the fuel tap and filter neadle and seat. 

If you have petrol there you will most likely have a blocked main jet and you will need to remove the carby and clean it properly and blow the main jet through with some compressed air. 

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Yes, I think you are right. Checked spark - OK, took fuel bowl off - a bit of crud in there - drained a fair bit of fuel through until it looked new - float looks OK, fuel getting to bowl, compression OK. The only thing left is the jets. Tried to take carby off - can't do it unless you take the motor and generator off the cradle.- no clearance. I might have another go at it tomorrow.

I could take it down to the 'shop' but I guess it will be 2-3 weeks.

[the_hawk*]

have you tried it again since cleaning it best you can?

[wilk1149]

So have you blown it up yet

[rabbitearbandicoot]

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@wilk1149 wrote:
So have you blown it up yet

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Took the carby off - took it down to honda dealer - he said 3 weeks to fix generator - carby absolutely chockers with dried on petrol - neither butterfly would work - he said soak in white viegar.. Soaked it most of the day yesterday - brush / soak / brush / soak etc. Clean as a whistle now, butterflies working. Started to put it back together and then the rot set in - have lost the little 'axle' for the float.

Anyway, we have worse problems at the moment - the ozzie clean (sewerage treatment) is drowned - short term throwing safety switch so half the house power points down - the half with TVs Computers - thankfully the side with the fridge/freezer etc is still up (so far) - ran a long extension from other side of house to get computer up. Long term - ozzie will be drowned probably dead - it always happens when I think we are getting ahead - went out and bought my little red racer - now looks like we'll need the money.

Ah! Well! Lots of others in same or worse predicament I suppose.

[the_hawk*]

If the pin you have lost is just the pivit for the float and not the actual neadle valve just make one from a pop rivit shanft or nail.

And a couple of valuable lessons learnt.

always work on and over a clear surface with a cloth so parts dont bounce when dropped.

And al ways run the fuel out of items you are not going to use for some time

Good luck up there

[wilk1149]

You can purchase a magnetic bowl to put your small parts in too. Fantastic for working on anything especially under the car, you put the bowl on the car upside down and all the nuts and bolts are there