Champion generator propane starting issues? How to purge the regulator

[@ThePeculiarMechanic]

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[@T2IV007]

Was helping a neighbor with her Champion Dual Fuel (on propane). It doesn't have the small hole in the middle of the regulator. So after countless tries of getting it started via the instruction manual (3 or 4 pulls on choke to prime and then switch to run and pull a few more times), we primed it and then set the choke halfway between choke and run and it started right up. Once it warmed up a little we set to run and it was fine. I have a generator that I converted to tri-fuel and the regulator allows you to adjust the fuel/air mixture (never have to touch the choke) so I'm guess that this is how Champion allows the fuel/air mixture to be regulated when using propane.

[@LarryCanny]

found this video while on hold for support, went outside, purged the regulator, no more problem!

[@delleu5505]

Thanks for this great tip! I bought a Champion dual-fuel generator six months ago and have had constant problems trying to start it on propane. I watched several videos with “solutions” but none of them worked for me - until I watched your video. It solved the problem, so thanks!

[@user-dc8pe5er8o]

Great information. I wish I would have found this video 30 minutes earlier. My back wouldn't be as sore. I'm surprised there is no mention of purging the regulator in the user manual. I read the whole thing and didn't see it. It's also ridiculous that you they put the regulator clip directly on top of the purge opening.

[@gregandrews2800]

Lots of good discussions here. I see you got 171 views so far. From everything I have found on-line, this is a common problem with Champion generators. I hope others with this same problem find this video. Hopefully, Champion will find a permanent solution.

[@paulh3998]

Hey there, thanks for this again… I responded to your comment on another channel about your experience with this generator and issues with the propane delivery system. I as well had issues starting my first generator so I chose to return it. I have the second one and I’m still having issues, but I can start it by purging the regulator as you have described. I. Not sure if I would have been able to start the second generator on propane without the purging trick. So, I will continue to try new methods with this one as well. FYI, I had a “cheap” Sportsman 2200/1800 watt before this and it would start after some pulls every time. Hopefully someone else will chime in and help us out as well… until then I will probably continue to start it this way… ✌️ Also, I am running propane only and plan to continue to… ✌️

[@ThePeculiarMechanic]

Greetings Paul, my pleasure; hopefully the video didn't take to long to find as I didn't want to post links to another video on someone else's channel out of pure respect. It's unfortunate you are having issues with the second unit you got. I did end up contacting support via e-mail, and got a reply 9 days later (they state 24/7 customer support) stating they would be happy to send a new propane regulator out, however it's currently out of stock, and when available they will ship it. Looking at their online support website for parts ordering; the part number for the regulator doesn't come up at all. There would be 2 possible scenarios for this with speculation on my part: 1) New product came out, and they don't have enough regulators to ship with units currently, 2) Poor production run of regulators from manufacturing that they are correcting. If I were to make a educated guess, I would say it's the latter.

[@paulh3998]

Thanks for the update and information… I will probably contact support at some point as well… I like the unit once I get it started. Hopefully they will correct the hardware, and or the instructions ✌️👍

[@amos3126]

Had the same starting problem, called the support , they sent me a new regulator. The generator works fine now. What I like to know is if anyone has tried using another dual stage regulator brand.

[@GarySusdorf]

Thank You so much ... Saved my ass ... Had the same exact problem ... Didn't see that in the Manual ...Was it in the Manual ?

[@myvenusheeler]

I have been considering this generator and was waiting for some reviews on this particular model and this is second video so far. Kind of wondering if I should consider another brand after this. Spend $700 and have to deal with this is NOT good as I want a dual fuel in this weight/output range to run predominately on propane. Perhaps soon other videos and reviews will tell the tale of worth it or not.

[@robertscherer6343]

I didn't have any problems starting either my 2 2500s or my 4kw generator on propane

[@olamiteisms6220]

No issues at all with mine.

[@v1rotate391]

Royal pain in the rear. I hate it

[@dontwantnospam]

Open the valve, put in choke, pull 4 or 5 times. Then in choke position, pull to start. It may take a few pulls, but it will start rough and turn to run. I've owned several Champion dual fuels and this procedure has always started. As for the trick you use, if you push too hard you could puncture the rubber diaphram and have a leak.

[@ThePeculiarMechanic]

Unfortunately, in my case none of that worked as I tried for almost an hour with no success following the instructions, or any other soultion I was able to find that didn't involve purging the regulator. As for the rubber diaphragm being punctured using that method: there is just not a bare rubber diaphragm there, but a lever/diaphragm spring assembly you are putting pressure on to purge it - unless you stick whatever you are using to purge it at an extreme angle with excessive force the chance of damaging is a non issue.