Briggs and Stratton Storm Responder Generator Not Starting - Fix

Briggs and Stratton Storm Responder Generator not starting. Someone left untreated gas in the tank which caused the main jet to clog and gas tank to rust. Will it run again?
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[@ratta_tat]

Bless you, my man! I dragged almost this exact generator out a couple weeks ago when we lost power....it didn't start. Found your video, and today, when I had time (and with another storm coming) I popped off the carburetor, found a very clogged jet...cleaned everything and boom! We've got power! Thanks a million!!

[@martyb3783]

I always learn something watching your videos. You do a great job presenting and producing your videos. Well done.

[@jccapwell]

Thank you for a detailed explanation and demonstration of the steps. Calm quiet voice inspires confidence. Again thank you.

[@milroypaul]

I had this exact same carb all clogged up due to old fuel, on my John Deer 6200 generator with Briggs & Stratton engine. Followed the same way you pulled yours out to clean and the machine worked! Thanks a lot. Next is tackling my old lawnmower engine which has not started in years.

[@geovanymaldonado6812]

Thanks for the time you take showing us the details of the instructure inside Of a carburator It's almost like seen a doctor at work Thanks 👍

[@samchang8877]

Great video. I just purchased a used B&S 5500 unit and I wanted to give it a tune up before putting it to full time use. This helped me tremendously. Thanks James. !!

[@jcondon1]

Glad I could help

[@cberrya6e]

Mr Condon - thanks for this video. I had a non-functioning 5500 Storm Responder and your video was key to showing me how to clean the carb jet which I believed to be the issue. It was and after about an hour of work, I am back up and running in preparation for Hurricanes Laura and Marco. Appreciate the great information!

[@jcondon1]

Glad to hear. Good luck with the storms. At least to got it fixed in advance.

[@marclaughlin2008]

Same here, getting mine back up and running ahead of Laura. Thanks!

[@martinmcfadyen3993]

Great video, helped me get my rarely used generator running. thanks

[@ericblackwood1286]

Thank you for teaching me the right way to maintain my generator

[@edwinearl4584]

Another brilliant rescue. You are the generator whisperer.

[@nabihahabibullah1577]

✋💐✋ I like the way you make the whole process so simple and clear when I know it is not that easy. Whenever I try to do something new as fixing a generator it takes me days to diagnose the problem and some more days to find the proper tool and extra days to fix the problem, I haven't reached this stage yet, hopefully soon.

[@devonreeves3207]

It’s actually as easy as it looks

[@josecoronado9024]

Thanks for the video!!! Had my generator in storage for years (Only used it once for about 3 weeks 12 years ago) and it would not start. Took apart the carburetor, cleaned it, put it back together, and it started on the first pull. Now just waiting to see what happens with hurricane Laura here in the Gulf Coast. Thanks again and take good care.

[@jcondon1]

Glad I could help. Good luck with the storm.

[@venus032011]

Thank you so much!!! You’re video helped us immensely. The tiny little jet in the carburetor was what was keeping ours from running. Never even thought to check it.

[@jcondon1]

Glad it helped!

[@sjftube]

Thank you for the video. My generator’s vapor line from the gas cap to the carb was damaged. I watched your video and saw enough to know how to move the gas tank out of the way and remove the cap for the choke. Huge success… I don’t do this normally. But tonight I was able to repair my small engine generator by myself. Huge confidence boost. Thanks.

[@jcondon1]

Glad to here it.

[@tmanuel8705]

The video was very detailed and helpful.

[@RobertNewbyScientist]

Hey I just want to say thank you so much for uploading this video. I had a B&S that would not turn over at all. It’s really the first heavy run I’ve had to use it for since hurricane Sandy. We just had TS Isaias and lost power. Thankfully I was able to follow this and got my generator purring. I’ll change the oil and spark plug in the morning but least I won’t lose food and have some creature comforts in the house!!! Absolute godsend.

[@jcondon1]

r n glad you were able to get things going.

[@user-fv7do1cx9w]

Your video was so informative. Thank you! I think though, after watching this, that I'm in over my head. I just purchased a used Briggs & Stratton 5500 generator at an auction w/o knowing if it can even run. It definitely needs work as some of the outside parts have a coat of rust on it. I'll try to do what I can and thank you again for giving me some direction on where to start.

[@jonatanemirrapalo7098]

Thank you sir you saved our lives ,with your video i was able to get mine going ,specially right now that this hurricane is coming im going to be able to get power to my house 🏠 👍👍👊🙏

[@jcondon1]

Good luck with the storm. Glad you were able to get things going.

[@Favelapat]

Going to try this tonight! Got a freeze coming and wanna make sure my space heaters can keep my lil family warm.

[@bobwhammer4237]

With the exception of a dirty carburetor that I quickly rectified, my "storm responder" has done me just fine thru 3 storms. Several years ago I had our electrician install an outside outlet and a lock-out bracket on our circuit breaker panel making the hook-up to the generator safe and easy. I get about 60 amps which is more than enough to power essential systems like our boiler or AC, and 2 refrigerators.

[@johncourtneidge]

Very nice. Thank-you!

[@kage8725]

So my dad has this same generator and we were trying to fire it up but we had to disassemble the carburetor to get to the meat and potatoes of the problem. One cleaned jet later and a shot of starter fluid and the relief of having a running generator was there. 10/10 video we are as ready as we can be for Hurrican Ian to knockout our power (although we still hope it doesnt)

[@huckster66]

I have a very like new Generac with a Briggs motor. Always started on first or second pull. Long story short my issue was the “low oil shut off sensor”. Just took wire off it and boom! Started right up. That sensor on my model can be cleaned and put back on.

[@dalehubert7174]

Great video, I learned a lot.

[@jcondon1]

Glad to hear it!

[@nlorimer7634]

Great video and lesson on how to clean a carburator, BUT... when you first start the generator and set everything on you are actually turning the fuel off since the switch is inverted.

[@alexd8213]

Awesome video!!!! - thanks

[@BillnUSA]

good video, thank you

[@andyjame6351]

Just completed the break-in period and so far the unit is operating perfectly kzbin.infoUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y . I was amazed by just how quiet this little guy is. I kept having to walk down the driveway to the generator to make sure it was still running. In fact, the most annoying noise coming from the set-up is a high-pitched chirping coming from the pressure regulator on the propane line. I suppose it's possible my other propane-powered generator's pressure regulator is making the same noise, but the generator itself is so loud I've never noticed it. Build quality so far is excellent. My only nit is the service panel is a little tricky to remove. I feel like I might break off one of the plastic tabs when bending it back. I probably just need to work out the technique, so will not hold it against Champion.Next week I intend to fully load the unit to charge a large battery pack and will update this review if there's any problem (3000W continuous load vs a rated 3100W capacity while using propane). Absent any trouble there, I'm 100% pleased with this purchase.

[@johncollins8304]

Excellent!

[@longshot7590]

Well done video

[@marshallcoolins8112]

Great video. Only thing i haven’t done yet to mine. I will let u know if its the fix i needed

[@johnm.8742]

Great video! My main jet was clogged too from old gas, just like the one that you showed. I wish that I could blame "someone" for it, but I had a good luck of no power outages & just forgot. :) Thanks!

[@THOMASDRELICH]

Great video , you should invest in an inspection camera to see inside the tank. Ryobi tek4 or ridgid for 100 or less. Milwaukee is more expensive

[@jcondon1]

THOMAS DRELICH thanks for the info. Almost pulled the trigger on a cheap USB inspection camera a few months ago. Will check them out.

[@rmp608]

Thank you !! Owe you a cold beer...

[@jamesdiehl8690]

Suggestion for wire; but some guitar strings. I play guitar and keep my old strings just for these kind of situations. Six or twelve string bronze or nickle wound strings are good. You can get them starting with 8 or 9 for first string. It's a pretty good size. Cheaper than micro drill bits.

[@Hydrokracker1]

@4:25 you need an impact screwdriver for that. So much easier.

[@theroadking547]

I use premium gas and Seafoam for my motorcycle and small engines. They start right up.

[@treywilly431]

Was able to get the generator running with the help of this video, wish I could fix the generator surging

[@jcondon1]

It is still a little clogged or has a bad gasket.

[@treywilly431]

No I got it working thanks to you 👍🏿🙏🏿

[@bombadeer8231]

James “First Pull” Condon 👍

[@lestergillis8171]

Kind of-sort of a unique use for a coffee filter.

[@paulrakis]

great video i have the B S storm res-ponder 6875 2018 model. just cleaned out crab today watch your full tear down mine is very similar. would it start with 2 or 3 year old gas? or should i drain most of it out before i start her up? tank looks like new no rust. inside looks good and outside as well.

[@evanphillips7002]

Hi James, thanks for the great video. Could you please share what liquid you used in the sonic to clean the carburettor parts? thanks, Evan.

[@jcondon1]

Evan Phillips I used heavy duty degreaser sold at Harbor Freight. On their web site search for item# 42998

[@richardchayer6597]

Do you know what size torks you used on the carb bolts? Thanks. Also you can use the pressure washer to clean the inside of the tank. It will break a ton of that rust off the roof-walls

[@jcondon1]

E5. This is the link to the set I use www.amazon.com/dp/B000I45Y8Q/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apip_8EBqtxq2NK6HK

[@gl35]

What is that tube connected to the right of the air filter container?

[@billymontgomery6144]

I have that same generator, and it has the same petcock valve. I have always looked at it and thought it was working opposite of the way they normally do, but it is exactly the same as what is on your generator... even the hose and hose clamps are the same.... the only difference, is that the fuel hose comes off easily on the bottom end of the hose. I think that's because the first time i removed it, that was the end that was easiest to get to for me... Now, it doesn't just pull off the nipple, but when i put it back on i will move the hose clamp down to the end of the hose and push it back on over the nipple with no problem at all.... in fact i like it being like that... makes it easy to install the hose, and the clamp is already in place... It is strange how B&S did that though... But i don't think yours is the wrong one

[@CWB-RF]

I recently realized mine was the same from the factory, backwards.... Simple fix was to pull off the sticker as the petcock valve has the correct on/off position stamped right on it. Save me some extra pulls on the starter because I'll probably forget the next time I use it. My guess is they changed the type of petcock valve at some point but never updated the sticker or removed it from the bill of materials for the build as it's not really needed since it's stamped on it.

[@ABCDEFGHIJKELA...]

I'm having a hell of problem with a 10hp troybilt 5550(briggs and stratton). replaced coil(card gapped), rebuilt carb, new plug(gapped), clean gas...no spark, with or without the low level wire on. I even adjusted the valves. I've pulled this thing trying to get it started so many times, I'm about to need a new cord lol.

[@jcondon1]

jey Lee lol. That has happened to me. Broke the cord trying to start one that was fighting me. If you pulled the little wire off the magneto and still no spark then that rules out a lot. First thing that comes to mind is make sure the magneto is not backwards. I picked up a Briggs vtwin that had both coils on backwards. It had week spark but not enough to start the engine and the spark timing was off. See 36 minutes mark kzbin.info/www/bejne/hn6bh4uPjbR9i9U would try that first. Otherwise make sure the engine surface is clean for a good ground where the magneto touches the engine (back side where screw go into the block). If still no spark then either a bad coil, bad gap (business card gap should be fine) or bad magnet on the flywheel (unlikely). If you have a multimeter you can test the coil. Put the meter onto ohms and one lead where the spark plug goes and the other on the metal of the coil. I will have to double check the value, but think it is around 3000 ohms. I have a video on that. Will link to it shortly.

[@jcondon1]

The last good Briggs coil I tested was 4.7k ohms. You can see in this video the Briggs coil starting at 7:30 and testing with ohm meter at around 10:30 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpKQkp6HZb2fZqs. Let me know how you make out.

[@jcondon1]

Just reread this. Remove small black wire from the coil. The low oil float in the engine is only half the system. There is also a module outside the engine that can malfunction. That happened on this Briggs kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqDRfmeVgbhmd9U

[@ABCDEFGHIJKELA...]

@@jcondon1 first, thanks a ton for the help! I'm going to go try switching up the coil after I finish replacing this cord, I figured I should replace now instead of waiting until it snaps. anything is worth a try at this point lol.

[@ABCDEFGHIJKELA...]

@@jcondon1 great, exactly what I was about to look for :D

[@dennisrhein3425]

I notice you never seem to use new O-rings or gaskets, which I remember must always be changed. Am I wrong?

[@jeffcox597]

What do you do when it has no output?

[@danieldupre1415]

Great video, thank you for making it, what ultrasonic cleaner and solution do you have or recommend? Thanks d

[@jcondon1]

Harbor Freight Super Heavy Duty Degreaser www.harborfreight.com/1-gallon-heavy-duty-degreaser-42998.html

[@jameshedrick6839]

That's why i always buy a generator with a plastic fuel tank just so i don't have worry about a rusted fuel tank from moisture in the fuel

[@floridagirl9064]

Hey my filter was soaking with gas. Is thay ok?

[@Tagonizm]

I have the same machine as this. I went through the same steps as you and now I have it running! Except once I take it off of choke, it kills again. One difference I noticed is that my carburetor didn't have that little tiny quarter inch rubber gasket. Do you think that is why it won't run once I take it off of choke, and if not, what could be the problem? It sounds great when it's on choke but it kills any time I try to move it over to Run.

[@jcondon1]

That little gasket is needed or else the carburetor will overflow with gas from the gas tank and either flood the engine or hydrolock it. Sometimes that gasket stays in the carburetor side rather then coming out on the plastic piece. Although you got it most of the way there, the engine is still not getting enough fuel. Unfortunately, you have to take it off again and make sure the main jet is completely clear. Also if the gasket between the carburetor and engine is bad you could have a vacuum leak which would cause a similar symptom. Nikki carbs can be a little difficult working on if new to them. The huge gasket needs go in perfectly to ensure proper function.

[@dbergant1]

Is there a way to prevent this from happening? I run it once a month, then I always turn the petcock off and run it til it runs out of gas, but it still fouls up eventually.

[@jcondon1]

Running the carb dry like you are doing is the best thing you can do. If fuel is in the tank, then you must swap it out at least twice a year with fresh stuff.

[@twofeathers6540]

[@charlesparriet3992]

Do you read torque values or us a standard one for carbs?

[@jcondon1]

For carbs I usually use 60 in/lbs. Some generators call for 70 and others 50. On smaller engines, 50 is good.

[@mattgillette4211]

How do I set the values on a 3000 powermate generator to what size

[@jcondon1]

Matt Gillette what values are you trying to set? Engine speed / hertz?

[@stanstarr7112]

I appreciate the upload as it helped me realize its not just comically hard to start out of the box lol, oddest thing I have zero issues once its started the only issue is the pull start appears to almost stick and lock up when i go to start it? you wouldnt happen to have any videos related to pull start issues?

[@jcondon1]

Not exactly that issue. Have one in the opposite issue where the recoil will not grab the cup. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYfPcqygmamhhNk

[@disfarm2216]

I have that same generator. I didn't see the float spring in that carb. Is it necessary?

[@jcondon1]

Some say that it is not. Usually it has one, but have come across two that do not. But I only work on used stuff so not sure if it had one at some point. Use the engine number and look at the parts diagram to be sure.

[@xcalibre222]

WOW, sure doesn't look like it was stored in a garage, pretty nasty. I have mine in a garage with a cover to keep the junk off.

[@chrisser917]

I noticed when you separated the top metal housing from the carb that there wasn’t a spring in between the float and the housing. I’ve seen other videos where there is a spring. Do u know if it was missing or if the carb is just a newer model that doesn’t require a spring?

[@jcondon1]

I believe it should have had a spring. Unfortunately I did not note the engine number, so not able to check a parts diagram at this point.

[@chrisser917]

James Condon thanks for the speedy reply! Based on how our generator ran from the start (as if it was always getting too much fuel), I think it was missing from the mfg. we let it sit too long and I think it’s wrecked now (last year in the winter, oil just spilled out underneath but I can’t see a notable crack). Given the cost ($800 or so), I thought I’d at least try to get it running. I can’t imagine how the oil would just suddenly leak out. ??

[@jcondon1]

These generators are pretty tough. As long as you have oil in it, then engine will last. As far as the oil leak goes, I have had leaks in the past. The most common issue is the yellow oil fill cap. If the oil level is too high then oil will leak out the cap while sitting. The other less common issue is a leaking oil seal. In this video I replaced one at the 25:20 mark. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWPGY4Z3m9BljZo The oil seal is not expensive, but very involved do. The engine has two oil seals one on the flywheel side and the other on the generator head side. Other places could be the sump gasket also seen in the same video above at the 26:50 mark or if the engine breather hose is kinked or clogged the engine block will become pressurized and oil will start coming out anywhere it can. Check the breather hose that runs from the valve cover to the air box. Its important you determine where the oil is coming from. Here is a link to another Briggs I worked on that was running rich. It was a clone carb and I ended up installing an OEM carb that had the spring. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6KTXqJthdV5jpI

[@chrisser917]

James Condon thanks so much, James!

[@jean-noelcote7287]

Great Video. I have a generator with a B&S 10HP Genpower engine (model 19E412-0134-01) and just cleaned up its carb but when trying to start it, it is reving at full speed. Tried to remove tension on spring attached to governor arm but still rev high. Any suggestion? Thanks

[@jcondon1]

Make sure you are able to close the throttle plate manually all the way with the engine off and governor rod attached to the carb. My guess would be either the plate is getting stuck or more likely you may have driven the idle set screw in too far. If the plate is even open more then an eighth of an inch the engine will race with no load on it. Generators do not idle so the screw should be backed out allowing the throttle plate to close all the way.

[@jean-noelcote7287]

@@jcondon1 Thanks, I have checked this and the throttle plate was moving freely. I did back out the idle screw. When I restarted the engine, it still wanted to go full speed which I succeed to limit by holding manually the governor arm to close the throttle but as soon as I release the arm it goes back full speed. Do you beleive that the governor arm need to be readjust?

[@jcondon1]

@@jean-noelcote7287 it’s the only thing left to check. See this video starting at 14:45 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rp3WhX2Zf92Hp9k You should remove your governor spring. Remove the governor rod from the carb. Put carburetor throttle to full open and move the governor rod to lineup with the hole on the carb. If the rod goes past then the governor needs to be reset. Also there is a way to check if the governor is working in that video. Also the governor spring can attach to 7 different numbered holes on the governor rod. Which is your in?

[@jean-noelcote7287]

Hi, this pm I have checked the adjustment of the governor arm and discovered that it was wrongly adjusted. After readjusting it, engine is now speeding correctly. Thanks for your input.

[@jcondon1]

@@jean-noelcote7287 glad to hear it.

[@lestergillis8171]

The gasoline left inside that tank looks like hurl.

[@bwagenberg]

What's the size of the torx female socket? Put up a link please. Why do you have to take the jet out? Can't you clean it in the plastic? Very useful video.

[@jcondon1]

Bruce Wagenberg you can clean the jet without taking it out. I go a little over par with the cleaning process. The Torx socket set was purchased from amazon at the link at the end of this comment. Not sure the size I used. www.amazon.com/dp/B000I45Y8Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_w24CDbYAE9FP6

[@jcondon1]

The torx socket size was E5

[@joaquinespinosa9371]

What do you do with all of the generators? Do you sale them?

[@jcondon1]

I sell them.

[@ashleymarie7452]

You didn't mention anything about checking the oil level and quality before attempting to start the unit. And why on earth would you try to start a generator that you know has a bunch of bad fuel in it?

[@treywilly431]

What causes the surging, I may have both problems

[@jcondon1]

Surging is caused usually by not enough fuel. If it goes away with partial choke, then the carb is the issue.

[@karirautio]

Surging is because the engine reacts to slowly to speed demand. When engine runs lean, engine has not enough power and it accelerates too slowly. Then speed control opens throttle more and more to get correct speed. When the engine finally reaches the correct speed, the throttle is too much open and the revs rise too much.

[@matthewbrant6083]

My carburetor is leaking. What could it be?

[@jcondon1]

Matthew Brant it is most likely a dirty or stuck needle and seat. Usually they can be cleaned to get it working again. Worst case a new needle is about $10.

[@matthewbrant6083]

@@jcondon1 thank you for your knowledge.

[@jcondon1]

Matthew Brant just do not use carb cleaner on it. Carb cleaner will ruin rubber components and you will have to buy a new needle for sure.

[@matthewbrant6083]

@@jcondon1 Thank you sir.

[@lestergillis8171]

Looks like a NIKKI carb.

[@Pegasus882000]

what a armature your using vice grips instead of the correct tool

[@ZigzAuto]

I have one kinda like this I've looked everywhere for a choke plate and everyone seems sold out I've waited 3 months from companies for back order and noone can seem to get it for me need your help please its a briggs part number 710493 any help is greatly appreciated.

[@jamesdiehl8690]

Too bad they're not all that easy huh?

[@jean-rochmorin6251]

Quelle genre de bougie pour 5500 w il y en avait pas dessus

[@jcondon1]

Jean-Roch Morin sorry google translate is not translating your question very well to English. Could you rephrase the question?

[@highereducation3028]

Too bad you skipped the most important part of how and where the jet goes back in. !!!! WTF.

[@jcondon1]

Higher Education you can see that in this video at 23:30 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKbXoa19htVosLM. The smaller diameter end goes down.