Can We Fix It? No Compression

[@johannlourens6183]

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.

[@marcheld]

Absolutely brilliant! I find your format mesmerizing. Always interested in the next step and you rarely leave us hanging. You’ll laugh when I tell you I actually say out loud “hey guys, welcome back”, and “Thanks for watching”. What can I say, I’m a nerd.

[@Golfingferdie]

I find my self Jonesing for his next video. Need more of that "James Wisdom"!!

[@whatdoyouthinktodd]

We're all a nerd at something

[@Amy_McFarland]

These videos are an excellent resource for not only repairing BUT also maintaining a generator to prevent a lot of these issues!

[@jcondon1]

Thanks Amy

[@brianallen9810]

Yeah...somebody sure did a number to this one.

[@davidgilpin5200]

James, you are the "Bob Ross" of generator/small engine repairs and restorations. This was a magnificent save! You pulled this Generac from the brink of becoming "Frankenstein" parts to fix other generators. This beast ran well and looked great, nicely done.

[@kencramer1697]

Bob Ross always had his happy little trees. Does James have his happy little sine waves? Hmm, could that be a merch idea? James in a Bob Ross hairstyle sitting on a generator staring at an oscilloscope with a "Happy Little Sine Wave" thought bubble?

[@jonminer9891]

Hi, James. As soon as I saw the 8000 I had my hopes up Then the valve fix was in and you were off and running. The gas tank was the worst I have seen! There was a lot to do, but the problems were old hat for you and you ended up with a very profitable generator. I do envy your tools set. That riveter could certainly do the job. Of course the lift makes things easier for you and that is all to the good. Good find on that one, James. Thanks for sharing! Stay healthy!

[@yanicks9040]

Dear god, when you had opened that fuel tank cap I thought it couldnt get any worse and then you shook it around 🤯

[@Renville80]

Right? Was about to make supper, and I decided I can wait a while until my appetite comes back.

[@Skynet-1]

Wow, after all the generator has been through by someone who clearly had no idea of what they were doing I didn't think it had much hope for survival. Turned out to be a little gem. Great job James! 👍👍👍🙂

[@HeIsTheHighlander]

Thanks for what you are doing and how you do it. Your English language channel is best channel about generators for me - despite I live in Russia, and my English is not very good.

[@trevatocs]

I appreciate how you don't speak poorly of the person that tried to fix the generator before you. 5:08 Even when they do real boneheaded things. That speaks highly of your character. I enjoy the videos, thank you, please keep them coming.

[@waynebrundidge206]

I love to watch it when you think outside the box on restoring a generator that has issues. This was another classroom quality video.

[@daveschroedersworkshop4479]

"Before I do something stupid"? I don't think you could even if you tried. Nice work as always James!

[@jcondon1]

I have caught myself a couple times about to start an engine without oil in it.

[@chrisssmallengines7163]

For gaskets you can buy a narrow paint scraper and sharpen the end to a nice blade , this works great just the right amount of flex but still stiff enough for tough baked on spots .

[@alecsimages1]

Epic Mr Condon, simply epic. Regards from Sheffield UK

[@jamesreed6121]

I really like how you usually fix even the smallest problems on these engines/generators. I find that philosophy inspires me to do the same. Thanks for another great video.

[@kpdvw]

James's innovation,... the Home Depot cardboard box paint booth...! Another great repair job!

[@Farm_fab]

Jim, a few months ago, I bought a Honda GX390 engine from a pressure washer that was removed from rental equipment. It was on marketplace, and even before I got it to my shop, I could see sloppy repairs had been done on it, including improper length of fasteners, and it was missing the spring on the governor rod. I definitely wouldn't rent from this outfit. The owner or manager was really down on Honda engines, and actually preferred less desirable brands of engines. I will soon do maintenance on this engine as I'll be needing it soon.

[@dave_bob]

Always be ready to go a different direction if the situation dictates.

[@RiverratGoRVing]

James, as always, you're the miracle worker by taking something and turning it into something useful.

[@robertsimpson7113]

I'm so envious of your work table hoist. Especially for the price you got it for!!

[@markyoung7470]

James, you hit a Gold mine with this one thanks to a Knuclkhead homeowner some people need to let a professional do the work, in the long run, it would be cheaper for them and they would still have a working generator. My guess is that the generator new would be about 800.00 or more. People need to maintain their equipment change the oil and air filter as the manual says and protect it from the weather I don't understand how you can let a fuel tank be destroyed like that. Nice job just another one brought back to life. Thanks for keeping this lost art of repair in our throw-away society. It's very hard anymore to find a skilled mechanic for small engines anymore, especially Generators. You know they used to teach small engine repair when I was in high school but academia hated the Industrial arts.

[@jcondon1]

They taught small engines in my school too! I took wood working. What was I thinking? The problem is they are so cheap to buy new. The shop down the street charges $100 an hour. Very hard to justify fixing a used piece of power equipment.

[@ghettsumm7949]

That right there is what I call a complete transfomation! Excellent work my friend,.....I'd be proud to own this unit.

[@larrystoodley7193]

In the past, I have filled a rusty gas tank with a couple of handfuls of old nuts and bolts. Added a gallon of water then Bungie strapped it to a tractor tire and drove around for a half hour. I then drained the tank and shook out the bolts and nuts. it cleaned them well enough to use. You don't need a tractor just something with a wheel bigger than the tank

[@rancelynch6514]

Rance here. Jim your videos never disappoint. Another winner !

[@jcondon1]

Thanks

[@billf7545]

James, keep up the great work. Your contribution to keeping the things you fix out of the land full is awesome. I am also a mechanic and enjoy all your videos. Thank You

[@marcelobraz4259]

Congratulations again for such great fix. Regards from Brazil!

[@wrfarms9741]

James, you found a diamond in the rough with that generator. Nice job!

[@stevedittrich4411]

About those 5/8 shaft wheels and 1/2 inch axles, you can use hard copper plumbing tubing to make "bushings" for these wheels, because the copper tubing is 5/8 inch O.D. and 1/2 inch I.D.. These bushings work perfectly, are cheap, and are somewhat self-lubricating. As always, GREAT video. I learn something new from every one!

[@111000100101001]

Great advice Steve, thanks for sharing! That trick will come in useful around our shop too :)

[@dirtydon8661]

Been about a year since watching your vids. Springtime and hurricane season in SW Louisiana approaching, I figured why not. I did replace a faulty ignition coil on a Kawasaki FR-691V two days ago. Mower only two years old! Felt good to do myself. Thanks for you hard work.

[@anthonyelectric6045]

Nice turn over👍 ready for anything. Having extra parts is priceless

[@philliphall5198]

I agree with that Need a large junk yard of stuff

[@mikelothian]

In future. You might find it a lot easier to use a mitre saw to cut the aluminum. Even a regular wood blade works well. Keep up the great content.

[@SimpleLife1971]

I have this exact model! What I don't like about it is the steel tank! Why on earth would anyone put anything other than a plastic or stainless steel fuel tank on these escapes me. It can't be due to costs because manufactures charge what ever they want! Keep up the great work James!

[@evilredBoris]

Some people think they have a really bright idea and people just go along with it because they can’t think of anything better and doing the other two processes is just too hard for them so it’s easier for them to give up easily 😅

[@frankwrogg2515]

It is cheap to produce

[@stoflom]

Great video as always! Re connecting/disconnecting the battery: afaik you always disconnect the negative (the chassis) before putting a spanner on the positive terminal so that if the spanner on the positive accidentally touches metal you do not have a short.

[@MarcusBerking]

Small tip: for faded vinyl plastic parts, the heat gun or a careful naked flame will bring it back to near new look! I enjoy watching your meticulousness on small engine projects :) keep it up😊

[@williamfoote2888]

Heat gun!

[@YukonHawk1]

Another excellent video . Your attention to detail is outstanding. Plus, you scored a best buy for sure.

[@Popeyes66]

Exceptional attention to detail,as ever James. If you were an Olympian Athlete you would be on the top of the podium,kissing your Gold Medal. A pleasure to watch,and thanks for giving us free spectator tickets.

[@111000100101001]

I thought he is an Olympic gold medalist ?

[@mmcc310]

Great video! I love these kind, diagnosed and fixed! The remark on putting oil in was priceless! Thank you

[@matthewpiper1421]

Excellent fix james, i love your work.👍

[@snappers_antique_firearms]

Something you might consider for cleaning your generators. I learned this from a friend who was in our corvette club. His engine always look brand new. He owned a automotive detailing company. he used tire shine spray foam in a can. I have been doing this now for about 10 years. It even makes the aluminum start to look new after a few cleans. Just sprayed down with the tire Shine foam Give it 10 15 minutes then wipe it all up. After all these years I've never seen anything that comes close to as good.

[@eCitizen1]

What a great deal on this machine. It always amazes me how easily a machine can be rendered useless by simple mistakes. Your repairs were spot on, and this would be a great and reliable machine to own.

[@tristanschaper281]

Nice Work! Amazing what a valve adjustment will do! As soon as you pulled the valve cover, I saw the carbon buildup around the exhaust valve, and figured it was the issue with no closing. It must have run like that for a long time. I was actually expecting that you may need to clean and/or reseat the valves, in order to get a tight seal. And then the other issues with the ignition wire, nasty tank and wrong carb.... But you brought it back to life. You did well for $75!

[@r8118830]

The used parts he gets out of his various stashes must have cost some money sometime, unless they were roadside rescues or free donations. Even so they certainly cost much less than buying new OEM's or clones. James is careful to ensure that they will be good workers with some longevity. He respects his customers too much for anything else.

[@michaeltarasenkoop2389]

Love your hammer that removes the carb bowl and the cover of the valve cover. With the wood handle !

[@davidwright2706]

You got a hell of a deal on that unit, that you can sell now for good money. 👍

[@alancombe6083]

A small amount of copper grease or never seize around the spark plug hole on aluminium engines will make it easier to get the spark plug out. Because as those that didn’t now that automotive aluminium grows very slowly over time because of the heat

[@4Truth4All]

Another resurrected machine! Great job James!

[@amichaelford8868]

As a hobbiest small engine and equipment wrencher, it is interesting to poke around equipment to see what kind of mischief someone before has gotten into. I wouldn't want to be a professional and have to deal with it all the time, but I like working on stuff to see if I can get it going again.

[@specialservicesequipment393]

You should invest in a good but inexpensive wire feed welder. You could easily fix those rusted out tanks with an angle grinder and some sheet metal, cut it out square, tack in a piece of sheet metal, then stitch weld all the way around.

[@Roy_Tellason]

I was at a radiator repair shop one time when he attempted to weld on a fuel tank. The result was rather percussive, to say the least... :-)

[@specialservicesequipment393]

@@Roy_Tellason just gotta empty the tank, and clean it out with water and purple power degreaser.

[@adnacraigo6590]

You are definitely a scientist who knows generators.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

With everybody else's 'fixes' you see you wonder if you've seen it all and then find out that you've not. And you restored my faith in humanity.....................somewhat, when you put the valve cap on. Thanks And BLESSINGS!

[@richcarter9476]

Great job brining that machine back. It appears to have lived a very interesting life.

[@johnpullman3227]

Another basket case saved from the scrap pile. Good job. That rusty tank might be a good candidate for electrolytic rust removal. Fill it with electrolyte and hook up 12 volts to it and let it bubble. You will have to repeatedly clean the rust residue off the (cathode or anode) I forget which way it goes. There are lots of vids on how to do it. I restored a 30 gallon fuel tank from an old Ford tractor using that method. Took a while and when I was done you could see thru the bottom of the tank like a sieve. LOL I used masking tape on the outside to cover all the perforations then I used por 15 fuel tank sealer to coat the interior. When the por 15 had set over night I pulled the tape off and the tank has held diesel for 17 years.

[@brettsummer5070]

I think this has quickly became my favorite KZbin channel

[@BenJandrell]

You and Mustie1 have inspired me to take a 20 yr old junk Honda Strimmer and make it near perfect again for under £100. Thanks!

[@williamhealey6862]

Great job as always. Getting a generator that’s been tinkered with by someone as this one was makes it more challenging. Your knowledge of generators and small equipment is always impressive

[@twinkie27271]

Gotta admit, I chuckled when you torqued the valve cover with the torn gasket you knew you were gonna replace. Another great video that took a serious turn for the better! You have $100 in a $400 machine, maybe more.

[@WJCTechyman]

When I read "No compression" and you said you could hear the piston, I immediately thought valve train but I thought stuck valve, not needs adjustment. Not bad for a US$75 (about CA$105 where I am) machine. Granted, if you had to buy new parts for it, you would still be golden for a peak 8 kW machine.

[@Farm_fab]

Jim, Evaporust would work in that fuel tank if you turned it sideways, and rotated it a few times. As for painting a gas tank, be careful to use water based paint as gas won't work as a solvent on it. I made this mistake once, and learned my lesson. One thought on the former fuel tank holes, you might put bolts in those holes to make it look like there's nothing missing, or to make the bolts look like they are doing something.

[@thomaschew2191]

You have motivated me to fix a number of machines that I have been sitting on. The first is my mid 1980s Bolens 1600 mower I paid $200 for it, now running great just needs a new battery (been sitting on this for about 6 years. Presently I have my 2004 Husqvarna snow blower in pieces, it needs the electric starter fixed and the stator for the headlamp replaced that is on order (been sitting on that one for about 7 years, finally a Paulon el cheapo chain say need to fix the gas cap. I expect to have everything ship shape in about 2 weeks

[@ernmeister54]

If you need to use silicon on the valve cover in place of a gasket, put the silicon on a clean valve cover. Put a thin layer of grease on the gasket surface on the head and install it finger tight. After the silicone cures, snug down the bolts and you should be able to remove and reinstall it a few times before having to replace it. Less mess that way.

[@phbrinsden]

Best in class mechanical restoration and best in class video. I’m pretty decent as a small engine guy but I always learn from your videos. It’s my favorite thing during lunch (I’m retired).

[@wildefox1478]

That's awesome it was only a tight valve causing that engine to have no compression, another generator lives again, nice work as always James!

[@richardphelan8414]

This is a Moderate challenge for you Jim with so many things wrong ,But this is right in your wheel house Overall a excellent Job Jim

[@SHOINOFF]

This was the first generator ive seen so far on your channel that maintained its voltage while upping the draw.

[@notsohairybiker]

Superb video, so instructive. Anyone could follow this tutorial and perform the jobs you did. Never seen curry sauce out of a fuel tank before.

[@jcondon1]

Lol, it looked just like it.

[@larrykelly2838]

Doc., ye did it again. Made a good something out of a bad something. That generator will be a good one for somebody.

[@brianwood5220]

Great video James, and a generator that should sell well too. Thanks for sharing.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks Brian

[@jesterr7133]

It is a pleasure watching you work. Your attention to detail and the care you take with these machines inspires me to spend a little more time on the machines that I work on.

[@waynec3121]

I had already forgot oil when you mentioned to put it in,I would not be a good mechanic. Thanks for video

[@jcondon1]

I have caught myself several times about to start an engine without oil.

[@AW-Services]

Love the attention to detail and restoration steps in these videos

[@redneckbryon]

Overtightening or overtorquing can cause more damage than under torquing something in certain applications. When it comes to log different things, common sense is definitely the best way to go.

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

SCORE !! Great generator James, & great work getting it fixed up.. enjoyed 👍👍

[@roberteder2473]

You might try putting some gravel in the gas tank and strapping it to your tractor rear tire, drive around and see it will help clean the rust out. If I remember correctly it was done this way by KZbinr Diesel Creek on a tank.

[@mrobi5797]

Great job on replacing the fuel tank James. That’s a good generator for $75. I had the same problem with a fuel tank that was badly rusted inside. I was able to get it clean at the top “inside”. I can send you some pics on the jig I used with the tank upside down, if you wish? I have your email and if you desire so to received how I did it, just say “Yes” below. Cheers, Mario.

[@jcondon1]

Yes!

[@dannytreadway4561]

After watching your videos I pulled the tape off and bought a 4750 duel fuel with electric start. After unboxing and assembled I filled with oil but did not start it for two months. I was preparing for a ice storm on the way. I only bought as a precaution if we had a power outage. That did not happen but as soon as the weather became nice again I rolled it out. I hooked up a propane tank so I would not be running gas only to return it to storage. I did about a two hour run and because of your knowledge I hooked up a voltage/hertz meter and checked everything. It was perfect. I turned it off and returned to storage but I plan on using it around my place to do some small jobs like running my paint sprayer, small air compressor, and electric chain saw rather than trying to run long runs of cords. If I had had a power outage it would have been used to run my fridge, freezer and a few lights and maybe an internet router. I really appreciate your videos as I am now not afraid to tackle my pressure washer, john Deere lawn tractor like adjusting valves. Sure saves me time and money rather than taking to a shop.

[@jcondon1]

Make sure you break the engine in using gasoline.

[@r8118830]

Be wary of connecting to Computer Equipment. 15 to 20 per cent Total Harmonic Distortion can and will do your fragile electronics a true nasty. Protection from THD is a big big topic in electrical and electronic engineering disciplines. I can not proffer you any advice. I just ask you to look into it and take care.

[@martincoetzee7998]

​@@jcondon1 Hi James. Fantastic videos ! I am from South Africa and find it hard to get spares. Can you assist ?

[@eDoc2020]

@@r8118830 Proper switching power supplies (like used on computers and many other devices) are some of the least picky loads around. As long as the voltage is remotely close enough they'll be fine.

[@pc5569]

Thanks James. Great save on bringing that generator back to life. Thanks for showing the test data on your test. Probably standard noise for that style generator and I see them powering many homes during outages. Some electronics must be more forgiving.

[@dannyj5688]

Gem in the rough!! Great job!!!

[@seymourpro6097]

Crazy idea! Could you get a ultrasonic cleaning bath ultrasonic driver and immerse it inside the tank through the fuel filler? This may be able to clean the inside of the tank of all loose debris that could then be rinsed with water or solvent.

[@jcondon1]

The ultrasonic does not remove rust unfortunately.

[@1pcfred]

@@jcondon1 You could do electrolytic rust removal. You just hang the sacrificial anode in the tank. It's some real Mr. Wizard stuff. Takes about a day or so. You can use a battery charger. You use washing soda as the electrolyte.

[@StevenEverett7]

Hi James. As always, a very enjoyable video. I really like the meticulous way that you work. Nice!

[@johnclamshellsp1969]

Great videos as always. I'm 90% certain that NGK is the spark plug that is for a 1999/2002 1.9 DOHC Saturn engine.

[@pauleastend4706]

Always one of the top 3-4 KZbinrs I wait for each week James......always enjoy your content. Just curious about your choice to rivet the fuel tank rails you made onto the frame instead of using nuts and bolts which would make it easier to disassemble if/when the control panels need to be removed for service.

[@jcondon1]

Bolts probably would have worked. Just wanted something low profile. Was worried a bolt head might interfere.

[@r8118830]

If the rivets do cause a problem then you can always drill them out.

[@pauleastend4706]

@@jcondon1 I kind of figured that is why you used rivets.....easy to drill out if necessary.....another great job James.

[@randallfawc7501]

Excellent job, as always! Thanks for the vid James!

[@brewster3987]

With all due respect... you totally missed the opportunity at 23:45 to call it "Frankengenny" and yell "It's aliiiiiivvvve!"🤣

[@generessler6282]

Excellent as always. Just so polished. Maybe consider doubling up on the pop rivets. They're bearing some weight when the tank is full and in that hi vibration environment they could loosen up over time. My experience is they aren't very robust.

[@hanksbud2544]

Excellent Diagnosis and repair.

[@brianr101010]

I have a dumb suggestion for saving the old tank. First use your acid or evaporust like normal to clean the bottom and the sides as far up as you can then tape the cap exterior like you are painting around it (unless you just want to get a new cap) then tape around the guage and the roll over vent and seal the three potential leak areas with a can of that spray on liquid rubber ( the kind from the commercial with the bug screen bottom boat) and the flip it and treat the top. Then after all cleaned up peel or sand the rubber ( install the replacement parts and touch up paint if needed. Time consuming yes, but could save a tank that could cost $100 or more to replace.

[@reivertomwilson4959]

I have watched your videos on a smart TV and can't make any comments. Now that I'm on a PC, I want to tell you thanks for all your helpful videos and information. You are the reason I know anything about Gen sets! I have 2 now and feel very confident I could troubleshoot any of the average problems that pop up. Keep up the good work.

[@ericvaughn1126]

Nice save and another JC custom with the tank rails and spare tank. Should be a great machine for someone.

[@charlesbartlett4457]

Always enjoy watching you getting one running well

[@thecreekfarm4761]

Enjoy your channel, Just bought 3 used generators off marketplace for 100 bucks for all three, hopefully after watching your videos i'll be able to fix them. Keep the nice videos coming. Thanks.

[@Farm_fab]

A good use for broken round motor mounts is to use them for feet.

[@paulmoffat9306]

A good tool to remove gasket residue, is a sharp wood chisel, say 3/4". The handle gives good control with the angle.

[@TheDrewCharles]

This is a good one. I liked it. I had fun. Thank you for another good one.

[@jaygee999]

Your machine lift is a real back saver !

[@jamesdavis4124]

Thanks for another great video. It always amazes me that you can make such a long video and keep it interesting all the way through. Keep up the good work.

[@andrewgrace4410]

Another generator life saved, thanks Dr J😊

[@alwayssomething3259]

James, I have a thought for you to fix that tank. Get a tote bigger than it and a small pump like a solvent tank then half submerge the tank in evapo rust put the pump inside it and just constantly circulate it allowing the surplus to flow out the top ports and back into the tote. Anyway just sharing ideas great video as usual!!

[@jcondon1]

Good idea

[@organiccleanfoodconnection]

Snap on makes a brass scraper for aluminum heads. You can also get a really narrow long handled for them hard to reach places.

[@r8118830]

Your inventiveness continues to impress me, I see that you now have an external storage system for spare parts. I have been expecting it.

[@martyb3783]

Well done. Its always nice to be surprised like this.

[@grahammctygue724]

Great save of a parts machine ,had same thought,s get this fix two or three all good fantastic work be blessed peace

[@peterouellette3874]

Excellent work James