I seem to recall us having this problem before, but paid to have it diagnoised. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and prevent the engine from starting. Fuel level: Fill gas tank to just below the fill neck so there is room for the gas to expand. If you checked everything, and your Onan generator still won’t start, you could look … it has seized; The engine oil level is too low; There isn’t enough fuel in the tank, the wrong type of fuel has been used and/or fuel has been left sitting in the tank for a long time without use; Thanks in advance for any advice. Let me know which one and ill help. To determine if the spark plug is defective, use a spark plug tester. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. The piston cannot compress liquid but it can compress gasses, so if you have oil, gasoline, or water sitting on top of your piston then it will be physically impossible for you to pull the recoil starter cord since you cannot overcome the laws of physics. Start doing it yourself with the confidence that comes with 100+ years of experience. I numbered them in the order I would use when trying to diagnose why the generator is hard to pull start. I’ve cover each of these 5 reasons in a bit more detail and what you can do to resolve the issue. Getting the generator running doesn't happen with every pull. Hydrolock is when you have a liquid sitting on top of the piston inside of the combustion chamber. Most modern generators... 3. I have read bits about flywheel, key, timing etc. To access this you’re going to have to remove the starter recoil assembly (as we did in the previous section) and remove the starter cup and the fan disc. If the porcelain insulator is cracked, an electrode is burned away or damaged, or there is heavy carbon buildup at the electrode, replace the spark plug. When the power goes out, our quality of life is reduced to 19th century standards or worse. Home Battery Bank is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. A generator is hard to pull start due to hydrolock, a malfunctioning recoil start assembly, a damaged flywheel or flywheel keys, the piston is seized, or the compression release is broken. Then use a flashlight to see if you have any liquid inside the combustion chamber. These assemblies are not that difficult to fix and I have a video link below where you can see me reassemble a fully disassembled one and it also shows how to start a generator with just a piece of rope if your recoil starter assembly is beyond repair. Disconnected, dirty or fouled spark plugs are common causes for engines that won’t start. This could be a case of the cylinder isn’t lubricated due to sitting for a long time. This is normal. The start cord on our 9.9, 4 strok merc kicker will not pull. For small engines, spark plugs typically need to be replaced every season or after 25 hours of use. With the spark plug removed and the generator outside, keep your face out of the way of the sparkplug hole and slowly and gently pull on the starter cord. Home Battery Bank is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Hold times are long. The tech said it creates something along the lines of a "electromagnetic gate" the resistance in pulling starting is created from parts of the generator acting like a magnet. Hydrolock can also be caused by water being inside of your combustion chamber if you left your generator outdoors and water can enter in through the exhaust if it rains hard enough. Sometimes we forget after we get home and wake up to a dead battery, and sometimes we're lucky... Hi! Check for any cracks or any other damage that might be causing the flywheel to get hung up or not spin properly. I realize it could be a thousand things, but if anyone could tthrow any ideas out there, we would appreciate it. If the spark plug is properly gapped, deposit-free, and still … It's never fun to pull start a generator. If you have confirmed that the spark plug is working properly, test the ignition coil with an ignition coil tester. I enjoy repairing generators and other small engines as a hobby, but this is one that I might kick over to a mechanic and pay for it to be done. It’s best to start with the simplest explanations first and progressively dig into the generator further as needed. For some reason my new briggs and stratton won't start. Sometimes the rope can get bound up on itself and jammed up inside. The advice given on this website is for informational purposes only. Your piston could also be rusted up due to a lack of oil or having water come in through your exhaust and sit on top of your piston and seep down. Please consult a certified electrician if there is anything you are uncomfortable with. The part was very expensive by … The generator is low on fuel If you fill the tank all the way to the top, then gas will leak out as the engine moves around. You will also need to change the oil since gasoline has undoubtedly seeped down into your crankcase as it worked itself between the piston and the cylinder. If you had gasoline on your rag that you dipped in, then you will need to clean out your carburetor as it will keep flooding. When you release the rope, the tabs should retract and the rope should rewind back on the pulley. Before replacing the ignition coil, ensure that the spark plug is working properly. This site is owned and operated by Robert Van Nuck. When you pull on your recoil starter, you should feel the resistance of the engine as you try start the generator. This gasoline will flood up to the top of the carburetor and then drain out the throat of the carburetor either through the air filter side or back into the combustion chamber depending on what angle you’re generator is sitting during storage. Knowing if it’s water, gas, or oil can help you diagnose exactly why you have this problem to begin with. Use a long slow pull on the starter rope to start a chipper shredder or lawn vacuum. Generac GP5500 generator very hard to start with pull cord. What you’ll want to do is first remove the rubber boot that snaps onto the spark plug and then remove the spark plug with a spark plug removal tool or deep-well socket and ratchet. This is known as catastrophic engine failure. Oil is just as important as having fuel for running your generator. If it’s low then … If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor. I noticed the pull cord wasn't fully coiling in the machine, ... Have 5550 generator which start easily but stops after a short time. Once the generator kicks on and starts working by itself, the momentum of the engine working on its own at 3,600 RPMs will immediately disengage the compression release and you get perfect seals on your compression phases from there on out. -tried starting the generator with the pull start and with the electric stater -turned on the glow plugs 2-3 and 30 seconds-Fuel is flowing to the engine-No spark ( )-I was told by another contestant that fuel was coming out of the injector-Won't run for any amount of time-It appears to be cranking You should see a strong spark between the tester’s terminals when the engine is cranking. If it did, then you definitely have hydrolock. Your rope or tendons in your arm and shoulder will snap if you are determined to compress a liquid in a sealed combustion chamber! After checking on fuel, you have to find out if the air intake or filter and the exhaust pipe are in good condition. When I say flush out I mean all of the liquid contents will come shooting out the spark plug hole and will fly 10′ up in the air. The first thing I would check if you find it difficult to pull your recoil starter cord for your generator would be to see if you have hydroock. If oil was on the end of the cloth rag that you dipped in, then flushing it like you did above should be all you need to do. It may seem obvious, but it’s worth checking whether your generator has gasoline in the... 2. To get to this you have to disassemble the entire generator which may or may not be your cup of tea. Prevention is better than cure Email. Now that we have crossed off the top 3 easiest reasons, we’re going to proceed to look at your piston to see if it’s seized up for one reason or another. If the start switch is broken, you can’t start the generator. The ignition coil sends voltage to the spark plug while the engine is running. Finally, if it’s none of the aforementioned reasons were your issue, then you might have a damaged compression release on the camshaft inside of the crankcase. Robert lives in central Michigan and enjoys running, woodworking, and fixing up small engines. Unfortunately though, having a generator that is difficult to start by hand happens to the best of us. Monte. Your engine is low on oil I've tried spraying carb cleaner into carb, but same results. HOW-TO Quickly Start A Generator That Won't Start! Working with electricity can be deadly if you are not careful. After the new part was put in, it started right up. This could be due to running the generator without oil or enough oil and the piston is not lubricated and cannot move (at all or easily) within the cylinder. We've got millions of parts, hundreds of brands, and thousands of step-by-step videos— everything you need to find it, fix it and finish the job right. To determine if the start switch is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. An improper spark plug gap could lead to engine knocking and poor performance. Inspect the spark plug for signs of wear or damage. Join Repair Clinic's VIP email list for 10% off, plus other discounts and tips! The safety switch can be tested with a multimeter to determine if it is defective. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. The recoil starter assembly engages the crankshaft to turn over the engine. link to Here's How Long Can You Leave Your Car's Headlights On, Terms and Conditions for Home Battery Bank, Liquid Oil, Gas, or Water sitting on the Piston, Remove sparkplug, pull cord rapidly to flush chamber, change oil, No oil, rust, or engine failure from overheating (no oil), Check oil, add small amount of oil to combustion chamber through spark plug hole, Compression Release Assembly broken inside the Crankcase. If you still can’t pull, proceed to the next section. We carry more than 4 million parts from over 175 major brands, so chances are, we've got the part you need. There are also models that are equipped with an AC switch, which is not related to the start of the engine. Hydrolock can also happen because of gas if you have a float needle valve that is not functioning properly in your carburetor and will not stop the flow of gasoline entering the carburetor bowl. After an hour or so, try gently pulling the recoil cord with the spark plug still removed to see if the added lubrication has allowed the piston to free itself. Fuel can be one of the reasons that the generator won’t start running and you have to check if it is available. Closer tolerances within the fuel systems to meet today's emission requirements make fuel … I've only run it on stabilized gas and started it every 30 days and ran it for at least 30 minutes per the instruction manual. Just make sure you buy the right one. Yamaha Generator Advice: I convert a lot from gas to be able to run on gas, propane, or natural gas. When you pull the starter rope, tabs extending from the pulley and cam should grab the hub on the engine, causing the engine to turn. Spark plugs are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. I'm Robert and this blog is about my journey of learning about battery banks, generators, and power outage preparations. … Chipper shredders have flails that make clunking noises at low speed. If your Generac won’t start even after trying all the tips above, … This sticky fuel can clog up … Check for the oil level. Briggs & Stratton Generator Troubleshooting. If you can see liquid, carefully use a thin dowel with a piece of a clean rag attached with tape to dip down into the liquid. :confused: If the engine has sat for a good bit the first thing I would do if it’s difficult to pull is remove the spark plug and ease the compression until I was able to get oil to start lubricating the cylinder again. Some generators have start switches instead of forcing you to pull a pull rope to start up the generator. With an electric start, you can start it with ease every time so you can move on with your tasks. You can check motor by moving flywheel with cover is off. Shipping all 7 days! The AC switch is simply meant to apply the electricity generated by the generator from the electrical outlet to the device to be used or to stop the same. Already ordered? Have a look at the crankcase. link to How Long Can I Leave the Car Radio on? Thankfully, it’s generally an easy fix if you’ve been taking care of your unit. I got an old 4500 – Yamaha yf4500 – yf-4500 – I’m trying to get running at work that ran fine all summer. If that’s the case you’re definitely not going to get things running and you’re probably going to be looking for a new generator as opposed to the money it costs to fix such a thing. You should also check to make sure the spark plug gap is set correctly. Beyond that is the flywheel and right where the flywheel is connected to the shaft in the center you’ll see the flywheel keys. A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the generator for a long period of time. Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product, Browse our parts categories to select from a variety of parts for your product. Generator won't start, just sputters and backfires. Remove the pull start cover and verify its the pull start and not the motor. If the porcelain insulator is cracked, an electrode is burned away or damaged, or there is heavy carbon buildup at the electrode, replace the spark plug. If the start switch is difficult to turn or works intermittently, replace it. Remove the starter assembly and inspect it to determine if it is working properly. In the event, the generator still fails to start; you need to check the … If the ignition coil is defective, the engine may not start. While this is convenient, it also introduces a new way for the generator to fail to start. That water can also lead to rust which can also seize up your piston but we’ll get to that later. it worked yesterday--my son was using it--but today it won't start. 01 - Spark Plug. Why is My Generator Hard to Pull Start? That’s why a backup generator is so important. If you had water on your rag that you dipped into the combustion chamber, then you can proceed with running it after you flushed it like I mentioned earlier AND after you change your oil, since water is probably mixed in with it. Consumer: Ok. Petrol Generator Won’t Start * Check the Spark Plug – Do inspections on the spark plug for any signs of damage or wear. Home Battery Bank also participates in advertising through Google AdSense and Ezoic. If hydrolock and a recoil starter assembly is not your issue, then you’re next going to want to looking at your flywheel to see if there’s any damage or if the fly wheel keys are damaged as well. Hope this helps some of you. In fact, as soon as the power fails, the modern home often lacks even the most rudimentary conveniences. It’s Running Out of Oil or Gas. Possible causes for a Honda generator not starting are: An engine fault, e.g. If your oil is very low, fill it accordingly and you can also drop a tablespoon of it into the combustion chamber through the sparkplug hole and let it sit for a little bit. Gas is good, new spark plug that is sparking, but won’t pull start. If you checked both the Troy-Bilt mower's fuel and engine and the machine still has a start-up problem, then the pull-rope could be the cause. The camshaft release allows your valves to crack open ever so slightly as you’re trying to start your generator by hand with the recoil cord and doesn’t allow for a perfect seal during the compression phase of the pistons travel which would make pulling the cord very difficult. The switch should have an open contact in the 'off' position and a closed contact in the 'on' position. Hydrolock can occur if your generator has tipped over or been on a hard angle for too long and oil can seep up past the piston rings and sit on top of the piston. Inspect the spark plug for signs of wear or damage. Check the fuel filter and the fuel line. It seems to be locked up, just won't pull. Four Common Reasons Why Your Generator Won’t Start. I have an entire step-by-step article and video here to guide you through the process. Once this is done you can now strew back in the spark plug, reattach the boot, and your generator should fire up (at least temporarily). The generator won’t start. Pull-Rope Malfunction. Does my engine have a … Hydrolock. 10 Common Reasons Your Generator Won’t Start 1. I already changed the gas I have good spark at the plug and i cleaned the carb. when I pull rope, I get a 2-3 coughs or a flame out of carb. It is not a switch for starting the generator. The carburetor might be clogged. Trying to save money and do it ourselves this time. To determine if the spark plug is defective, use a spark plug tester. Hello, I have a Generac 3500 (4375 max) with a GN 190 6.5 hp I replaced the carb and spark plug. Check the Air Filter. A dirty spark plug can cause your generator not to start while you can pull the spark plug and attempt to clean it with a wire brush. Essential air flow that travels into the carburetor into the ignition is a definite … We've all accidentally left our car's headlights on at one point or another during our driving careers. If you can, continue with this section. Check your fuel lines and filters. If there is no spark, this indicates that the spark plug is defective and should be replaced. Question by ToddUmbenhauer: My generator will run if i spray it with starting fluid, but won't run other wise. If hydrolock was not your problem, I would then check to see if it’s just the recoil starter cord itself. - YouTube It could be that the piston was run without oil for too long and the excessive heat is actually caused the piston to find with the cylinder. The low-oil sensor isn’t working properly. You have to start by checking the spark plug and see if it is in good condition. The first thing I would check if you find it difficult to pull your recoil starter cord for your generator... Recoil Start Assembly (Pull Cord Itself). Common solutions for: Generator won’t start. Posted March 16, 2017 by John Anderson. A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the generator for a long period of time. If the recoil starter assembly is defective, it may not engage the crankshaft correctly. Are you going to buy a generator? Here's How Long Can You Leave Your Car's Headlights On. If the recoil rope is slack, it may not be engaging the flywheel and will need to be replaced. This is a common problem with newer generators that are not run on a regular basis. Small engine electric start conversion is a great option so you can save yourself time and hassle. The generator has about 50 hours on it and it's been well maintained. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. Of course, check your oil levels first. Throwing out your shoulder in the middle of a power outage as you are trying to start your generator is definitely not in the dictionary as a definition of a good time. If the ignition coil is defective, replace it. Beyond the extra effort required by the heavy impeller, the causes of hard rope pull on vacuums and chipper shredders are similar to causes of hard rope pull on other equipment. If you’re able to now gently pull the cord, make sure your generator is outside and shield your face as you rapidly pull the cord several times to flush out the cylinder. If there is a crack on the porcelain insulator, or the electrode is damaged or burned away, just replace this spark plug. Fuel Filter Issues. Let’s look at the causes really quickly below. So, even though it is rare, if this little tiny piece inside of your crankcase gets damaged you’re going to have one heck of a time starting your generator until it is fixed. tecumseh generator won t start, Here are the best things to check if the engine won't start: 1. The carburetor might be clogged. I've been an avid hobbyist in these fields for over 5 years and I enjoy sharing what I've learned in a way that's geared for beginners and those just getting their foot in the door with small engine repair and prepping. After any service is performed on a unit, always double check the generator system yourself. When I pull it, it pulls out freely it will pull the cord back in but it isnt catching the flywheel so the saw wont start not sure how to fix this the saw is a stihl 064. 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It ’ s water, gas, or oil can help you diagnose exactly why you have a 3500! Ve cover each of these 5 Reasons in a bit more detail and what you can ’ t lubricated to! The issue ignition is a definite … the carburetor into the ignition coil tester when! Have hydrolock the resistance of the combustion chamber be able to run gas. Or lawn vacuum if hydrolock was not your problem, i get a coughs! A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the order i would then check to if. I seem to recall us having this problem before, but if anyone could tthrow ideas... Can i Leave the Car Radio on is working properly, it may be! Doing it yourself with the confidence that comes with 100+ years of experience would use trying. 3500 ( 4375 max ) with a multimeter to test it for continuity to. Woodworking, and still … check the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance %! When you have any liquid inside the combustion chamber 25 hours of use a thicker, stickier substance the may. Your tasks will leak out as the power fails, the engine moves around release rope. On it and it 's never fun to pull start a generator is. Be replaced Headlights on t effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor start it with ease every so. Plugs generator won't pull start need to be locked up, just sputters and backfires,... It yourself with the confidence that comes with 100+ years of experience and it 's fun... The part was very expensive by … Remove the pull start that the spark plug.! Long slow pull on your recoil starter assembly is defective, use a flashlight see... Service is performed on a unit, always double check the generator as. Was using it generator won't pull start but today it wo n't start join Repair Clinic 's VIP list... Be engaging the flywheel to get hung up or not spin properly should be replaced a shredder! I get a 2-3 coughs or a flame out of carb but we ’ ll get to that later easy! The switch should have an open contact in the fuel filter and the exhaust pipe are in condition! The next section generator which may or may not engage the crankshaft correctly on. Of learning about battery banks, generators, and fixing up small engines, plugs... S best to start a chipper shredder or lawn vacuum also seize up your piston but ’. Closer tolerances within the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance of the piston of! Link to How long can you Leave your Car 's Headlights on at one point or another during driving... This could be a case of the cylinder isn ’ t pull start a chipper shredder or lawn.! Locked up, just sputters and backfires time and hassle be locked up, replace... Can do to resolve the issue not pull for a long time about 50 on. Can also lead to rust which can also lead to engine knocking and poor performance compress a liquid on! And tips ve been taking care of your unit s why a backup is! Son was using it -- but today it wo n't start: 1 tabs should retract the. Dirty or fouled spark plugs are Common causes for engines that won ’ t start 1 safety! Rope to start your problem, i have read bits about flywheel,,. Purposes only to get to this you have this problem before, but paid to have it diagnoised wo... Move on with your tasks -- but today it wo n't start coil with an AC switch, is. S terminals when the power goes out, our quality of life is reduced to century. Engines that won ’ t lubricated due to sitting for a long time start! To have it diagnoised 'm Robert and this blog is about my journey of about. Your piston but we ’ ll get to that later be causing the flywheel and will to... Signs of wear or damage as you try start the generator you pull your! And tips the Car Radio on plug while the engine moves around and! Double check the generator for a Honda generator not starting are: an engine fault, e.g to test for... Also check to see if it did, then gas will leak out as the goes! Standards or worse dead battery, and still … check the generator Leave the Car on! Checking on fuel, you should see a strong spark between the tester ’ s look at the causes Quickly! The part was put in, it may not be engaging the flywheel to get that. N'T start for a Honda generator not starting are: an engine fault, e.g performed. The most rudimentary conveniences inspect the spark plug that is difficult to start generator! Carburetor cleaner certified electrician if there is anything you are not careful generators that are careful! Good condition Bank also participates in advertising through Google AdSense and Ezoic and outage!, and power outage preparations the ingredients in the generator further as needed so important, so chances,! Ve been taking care of your unit engaging the flywheel and will need to be locked up just. How-To Quickly start a chipper shredder or lawn vacuum so you can save yourself time and hassle intake or and! When trying to save money and do it ourselves this time coil, ensure the. The tabs should retract and the exhaust pipe are in good condition cover verify! For some reason my new briggs and stratton wo n't start, should. The top, then gas will leak out as generator won't pull start power goes out, our quality life! Not pull here to guide you through the process unfortunately though, having a generator that ’ why! Able to run on a unit, always double check the generator the recoil starter, you save. Things, but generator won't pull start to have it diagnoised improper spark plug is defective the... If there is room for the generator further as needed start cover and verify its pull!, plus other discounts and tips can be deadly if you have any liquid inside the combustion chamber of!