Generator won't start? No fire? How to bypass the oil sensor switch on any Honda, Briggs, etc.

Thanks for tuning back into Chickanic! If you found this video helpful, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and COMMENT!!
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My name is Bre. I took two years of small engine repair at the local college. When I left school, I fell into a wonderful job at a local small engine shop where I worked the counter for a couple years. In 2010 my husband and I opened up our own small engine shop in central Arkansas where I am able to work alongside my family and best friends. We see over 2,000 pieces of small engine equipment every year, and answer 1,000's of small engine questions. We specialize in brands such as Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Echo and Shindaiwa, but work everyday on MANY other brands like Stihl, Husqvarna, Honda, Craftsman, Remington, Red Max, Troy Bilt, Scag, Bad Boy, Hustler, World Lawn, Poulan, Mantis, Etc.. Hopefully, my experience I share, will save you Time, Money and Frustration in the future!
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my channel so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!
Although very informative, these videos are for entertainment purposes. Please use all possible safety precautions when repairing and operating your small engine equipment.

[@Chickanic]

Thanks for Watching! Find a link to all of my "Must Have", Favorite Tools HERE!! www.amazon.com/shop/chickanic?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfchickanic_9ERPFPBNGQ924P8NS63B

[@t-rex558]

My dad taught me to check the oil in any machine before starting. I and my two younger brothers mowed eleven lawns a week when we were kids. The first thing we did was check the oil before start up!

[@dkupy100]

You're a great American.

[@jameshedrick605]

That's the samething i was taught

[@afberglund2764]

Hope you check the oil before start up!

[@David-wo8oi]

Same with my dad. Check that oil everything before you start it.

[@lanceshier741]

I checked the oil too, but that sensor switch will mess up and won’t allow you to start your generator

[@steverollins7904]

Great information. Be sure your oil level is full.

[@mikeremski2102]

Bypassing a safety switch is actually an important step in diagnosing "is the safety switch bad". Middle of the night, I have no power, need to bypass the safety switch on my generator so I can check in with Chickanic to figure out why my generator won't start.

[@fjb-Trump-WON]

Dude, safety switch Usually most of the time 95% has Nothing to do with issues , same as spark plug ;-)

[@Truckinman2000]

My in-laws and kids went camping last week. They came back and dropped my mother in laws generator in front of the garage. Since I was a authorized service center for Generac a few years ago my son said, "please fix mawmaws generator, it won't stay running". Checked the oil.. there was none.. well very little. So I dumped what little oil was left and changed it. One pull and it was running. Thank God they did bypass the switch. I love your videos.

[@outlet6989]

Very nice to see another one of your videos. While doing some maintenance on my TORO Timecutter zero turn mower. I noticed that the engine had some capped ports. I used one to connect an oil pressure gauge. The port was located at the top of my oil filter. I used the other to install a temperature gauge. While I was at it, I also installed Amp and Volt gauges. Now I can see the mower's vitals with just a glance. One of my better DIY projects.

[@mc2whls]

Bre, you hit this one out of the park. Thank you for Saving Us Time Money and Frustration. Have a great weekend!

[@hickorystx]

Thank you!!! I too have a backup solar generator which I got to power up some items, including medical equipment. Have gotten the main generator ready for power issues thanks to your videos and tutorials of great detail! Even have back up stock and parts for all my small equipment per your advise. Will check my generator for that kill wire just to play it safe. I do check the oil during operation (turn it off first) and follow manufacturers suggestions for maximum machine life. You have saved me from paying others to do what I can do now. Time is also of the essence, so no more waiting for a service dept. to fix my machine. Still have some issues getting some parts but not giving up on gas powered equipment. Hang in their and hope your family stays healthy and safe!!! 😎

[@carlcapobianco897]

I always enjoy the things you teach us.

[@garysasinowski6078]

Enjoy watching your videos, very informative and helpful. Another tip on Honda engines is to make sure that they are sitting level as an incline can throw the level off and cause the unit not to start for the reasons you gave. When I was in hardware, we had a rental section and had power washers with Honda engines and that was a major issue with them. And yes, make sure the oil is at the proper level before using. Thanks again!

[@GlenHuppOSHAViolator]

Thank you for the video. I live in an area that can have frequent power outtages in the winter. We would be relying on our generator at those times. I appreciate all of you and all the videos that you make.

[@joseph78e4n6]

Very clear instruction ... that Sensor always scares me .. on my Gen . thank you always 💓

[@brentrichter7547]

Appreciate your Video's! Had a strange scenario yesterday. Changed Oil. Made sure Generator ran good! Cleaned all the dirt and grime off my two year old Generator and It quit firing after that. Checked manuals limited information. I had it down to the circuit breaker and coil. Thought maybe I moved wires around while cleaning it. Long story short. Order a coil. Then saw this video. Life saver! Disconnected Low oil sensor and bam. She runs! Thank you so much for your content! Rely on having power for outages since coBid. Work from home Last 3 years.

[@drunkingsailor2359]

Your a Great Patriot and small engine mechanic. Things are so obvious today how can one be ignorant to the perils were in. Thanks for the PSA Too.

[@steveledwith6986]

That worked! 2 pulls and started! Thank you

[@donmears4090]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge of small engines. I have a relative who lives in Arkansas and with thunderstorms and tornadoes that can occur you need to think about a good plan B if the power goes out. Things you should do to have a gas powered generator ready to use are run it at least once a month shutting off the gas flow until the engine quits keeping evaporated gas from gumming up the carburetor and keep the oil up to the correct level. It also helps to have a basic knowledge of how to fix small things that happen to gas generators or other equipment to help prevent break downs from becoming an emergency.

[@ItAintMeBabe99]

Thank you very, very much. My Rigid generator stopped dead, no spark. Tried everything I could think of. Was ready to buy a new one, then saw your video. Bada-bing, disconnected the wire and it worked. Again, thanks so much.

[@grahammacpherson4172]

Love watching your videos, learnt so much and wished I had watched all of your video before I bought my petrol blower. I couldn't get it started, plug out, new plug in, fuel out, new fuel in, carb off, stripped and back on! I tried for over an hour trying to start it then I noticed a tiny switch, yes I should have put the blowers tubing on in the first place, first pull and it started! Sometimes it's just the simple things that we need to do! ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@dcline300]

Thank you. I spent way too long trying to figure out why that thing wouldn't start. Only to watch your video and try just that. It immediately fired up.

[@ronkampsen1098]

This was on time!! My MIL lost power. She couldn't get her generator to keep running. It would run for a few seconds and stall. I took mine over there and got her going and took hers with me.. yep! Disconnected the plug for the sensor. Ran no problem. Couldn't really tell how much oil but added more. It ran. Plugged sensor wire back in. Ran great..

[@NA-pg4lf]

Good video. This is priceless to know when your freezing , no power and feet of snow on the ground. It’s a emergency situation last resort

[@johnlenoir1023]

Thank you again for another informative video there is nothing wrong with trying to talk to people about being prepared and I have had a Honda I still have my Honda generator that the oil safety switch messed up on and yes it was at night and yes it was during a power outage so thank you

[@gcampbell83]

Another great informative video content from Chickanic. I have definitely liked and subscribed. I have been frustrated and lost time fixing stuff before I found this channel. Thank you Chickanic for your informative content uploads.

[@TJH0812]

Thanks for the tips!! Stay cool.

[@jamesr.schroensr8361]

Thanks Lady, I really appreciate your knowledge.

[@richardclark7908]

Honda pump on the back of my water truck won't start if not parked level. Those switches are touchy for sure. Thanks, Richard

[@raymondgarafano8604]

Greetings! So cool that you work on generators. I have done that at times, as long as you check the oil more often so you don't cause engine trouble due to low oil. I always make sure to shut the gas off and let the gen use up all gas in the carb's bowl or drain the carb. The carb's are not hard to clean out and if the bowl gasket is bad, I found ram board which is used to protect finished floors. I have a powerhorse 7200-watt job that got me thru Irma for 10 days. Of course I keep extra oil, sparkplugs, air filter. I ran the gen a little over 16 hrs a day. every 3rd day I changed the oil. Also letting the gen run out of gas with a load is likely to ruin the AVR auto voltage regulator which can cause the gen to not put out, The gen won't be damaged but if the AVR dies, you are not going to get power. the avr puts a certain amount of voltage to the rotor thru the rotor's slip rings thru the brushes which you have extra's. Some gens have a half-moon shaped avr, others have a diode bridge on the brushholder to take te small amount of a.c. from the exciter winding in the stator and it gets changed to d.c. for the rotor which is wound with magnet wire as it the stator. Circuit breakers DON'T last for ever, keeping a few is a good idea.

[@georgewilson2865]

I appreciate the prepper segment.

[@michaellarkner1351]

I was attempting to change the oil in generator and could not get it started (had it running a week prior). Unplugged the sensor and boom fired right up. Changed the oil; plugged the sensor back in and no issues. Thank you!!

[@timburris3758]

Its Exactly What Caused Many Brand New Generators To Not Start That Lowes Was Selling Two Years Ago!

[@fjb-Trump-WON]

Aha,, safety bullShit,, than people go to shop and shop fouls them for hundreds of $$$

[@lappf]

I enjoy your videos, you are a smart lady!

[@curtanderson8655]

We had a riding mower that did not run so because of you we started to pull the carb off and our son wanted to bend a rod and I told him no and we get it off without bending. The problem was the bolt in the bottom was plugged, we checked other things and did some cleaning of the bowl and the motor started with some gas down the spark plug hole. Thank you

[@urielrodriguez8298]

I have learned so much from watching your videos, Thank you for making them. Really enjoy the content. I own 3 small engine tools and you have saved me time and money.

[@dkupy100]

And how about FRUSTRATION?!

[@stevedimartino683]

Good job again thank you, I always learn something with you

[@peterdirocco6131]

Excellent video

[@davehoward2791]

From those of us in hurricane country, a huge thank you. Liked & subbed! 👍

[@kristopherblyth2200]

Did the sensor trick work for you? I'm trying it on mine when I get a chance in a couple days after just finding out it won't start, lol.

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Bre, I think most all power companies will help with a generator during an outage if they have on file a medical necessity document. I have a niece that was premature and was on a monitor when she came home from the hospital. My sister had filed one of those medical documents with our power company and when we had an outage, they provided a 7500W generator. Since we had a 230V outlet in our laundry room, they connected to that and we had partial power in the house. The outage lasted for almost a full 24 hours. You and your family stay safe.

[@generatorjohn4537]

I take it they (power company) pulled the watt hour meter from the house before they hooked up that generator. You really shouldn't connect a portable generator to an outlet like that. Some people will get the wrong idea here. You need the proper disconnect switch at the home service panel otherwise you would be back energizing the overhead lines in the neighborhood and could hurt or electrocute someone!

[@david3599]

Feeding into an outlet is not only dangerous but illegal. If someone gets killed due to backfeeding you will be prosecuted.

[@johnmartin2079]

That was a very welcomed piece of information I will consult with my doctor about getting me on the same list, Breathing machine

[@Davidjb37721]

Thanks for your time

[@barbaraburke6682]

In Maine for ice storm. Power out for 12 days. Had to travel 30 miles for open gas station. TG for dual fuel generator and wood stoves. Prepping is a very sensible thing to do anywhere. Thanks for your videos and lessons.

[@54leedaley]

Many years ago (in the time b4 everything was electronical) during a major power outage, one local gas station had a car up on jack stands with one tire off but the rim on. attached to this was a rope that went to the gas pump pulley. Worked fine, kept the Emergency vehicles fueled, plus a lot cans for generators (cash only ). "Needs must when the devil drives"

[@kristopherblyth2200]

Had no power for 6 months after Hurricanes Irma and Maria back to back! Hope this works for my generator which I've been trying to find a solution because it isn't starting, lol.

[@johnbrown9003]

Nice video. I have 3 generators. Might come in handy down the road

[@bradrickyork9042]

You is the bomb. Come you just saved us in a storm thank you hunny sooo much this is worth ten thousand likes 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾🙏🏾

[@bcoverss]

Thank you and God bless you for this!

[@oldmanfred8676]

Thanks Chickie!

[@user-ru1mu1ov9v]

Omg I have 2 generator I just put in shop to get fixed its a 6500 & it cost 200$ everythingwas fixed or replaced & the other has not worked for over a month 4500 it was outback it just stopped working but when I got home Today with the bigger one I just got fixed for 200$ the cord feels like it will definitely snap if I pulled it after spending all that money I figured to watch a couple youtube videos & fix it myself & I watched a 4 min video then yours did what u said & it started first pull & that cord was replaced 2x in last month so everyone gave up & there men that know about generators i have never even used one so omg THANK U DEEPLY YOUR THE BEST SO EASY GOD BLESS U

[@danieldominguez7146]

Thanks again for the video. Always a pleasure for the info. Yep only in Texas is it HOTTER.!! Thanks DLCR El Paso,Tx

[@user-yy1zt5zm6j]

Dear, Thanks for information

[@johnskitzis6540]

Thank you for the info. Appreciate it!

[@dudleydeplorable5307]

Recently discovered your channel. Greetings from NWA.

[@geogeduggan6579]

Hope you preparing for food shortages. I'm trying to learn more about permaculture. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

[@ghostpepper69]

Thank for this, great video

[@rayeddy528]

Great stuff !! Thank you !!! Stay safe and God bless you and yours !!!! Eddy

[@davidcoudriet8439]

Awesome as always! Thanks!

[@dannydunnagan3267]

great video we have 3 generators we keep them up start them every 2 weeks.

[@VK-zt6sw]

Thank you!

[@edwincampbell7920]

Love watching all ur videos i may not use any and probably forget about the one i need but i may remember enough but thank you ❤

[@kenscanlon3181]

I am a prepper, would love to hear more

[@terryholloway9930]

Thanks Bree another good one you go girl

[@oldjesus8978]

Great video. I've been thinking about getting one of those solar charged power stations. My cat likes his belly rubbed too !!

[@davidmicalizio824]

Very good to know!

[@Matdog2010]

Look good. Haven't used it yet

[@theDunn05]

Hope you faired well through the storms last night. It got crazy. We lost power around 5am and got it back on around 5pm today. Happy to be back at fully power, the generator can’t run everything. Got it all prepped last week for Sunday’s weather, and needed it early for Thursday nights mess.

[@butler386]

Yep I have the Tech engine so just need to figure out which wire to cut. Thanks for the tips.

[@jamesalles139]

thanks for the tip!

[@ericwinton2431]

Good Morning, I totally agree with having a back up solar powered generator or battery pack. We always lose power here in Sunny California. I purchased a similar generator product for my home. It will not run the entire house but a fresh cup of coffee in the morning when the power is out sure makes the day go easier. Love your video content and keep on keeping on my Friend!!!!

[@ericwinton2431]

@@tetedur377 10 miles east of the coast from Del Norte County all the way to Southern Calif has the same magical heat barrier. Southern California was and is a desert and would not exist unless water was not diverted from the mountainous regions of Northern California or the fertile Valley regions of Central California! Myself, until I was an young adult, thought New York was simply New York City, and did not realize that here was actually a forest in New York. The More ya know!!! LOL

[@davidh.8513]

Good video. Thanks for the good information!

[@kbjerke]

At the 3:15 mark - who's been chewing on that pull handle!! LOL! Thanks for the video, Bre! ❤

[@oldmanfred8676]

I saw that too! Someone was teething!

[@dougackerman4182]

Enjoyed the video

[@martint766]

Very good I for to know in a bind. Thanks

[@Robert-zv2ev]

CHICKANIC YOUR AWESOME! I'm not at all a small gas engine guy and after weeding thru all the lame ass videos I was glad to come across yours! Simple and to the point I now have power restored. Your a doll thanks I'll be back an you have a new subscriber Rob

[@badbob]

An other very helpful video Tnx. I have two cats. One likes a belly rub other does not. Go figure. Keep the great vids coming. I have learned much. Love to service my own stuff.

[@graemecamday]

Hi love your work, in nearly thirty years of working with Honda generators in Australia ex,eg, and EU series I have had to replace only one oil level sensor, usually it's due to someone who doesn't know what they are doing and have played with the wiring harness or the oil level is low. We don't have that many Briggs and Stratton gensets but as a Briggs MST I have not heard of a lot of problems, the same with Kohler, maybe it's just with Chinese knock offs

[@MegaFranceschini]

That's a great idea, Thanks for that tip. Have a nice n great day

[@stephenparker1428]

Really enjoyed this video. Good info to have. Somebody needs to keep their away from their starter handle.

[@tomstradinger5958]

Thanks, got a big generator, didn't know this.

[@alanb1171]

Hi chicanic My geny was really temperamental! Bought it six years ago, for £60 as it was returned because it wouldn't run. Had no oil in so filled up and off she went! As it was now temperamental, took apart the carb all ok, watched your video and you reminded me about the oil. I don't know where the oil went as it's hardly run, but yes it was well low! Filled it up again and off she went first pull! So thanks chicanic and keep wearing those ripped up shorts 👍

[@johnobiro5202]

Good content Bre.👍🔧🇬🇧

[@delseckora5327]

Awesome job

[@jamestboehm6450]

Full blown prepper isn't a bad thing lady. More people need to pay attention to what the world is evolving into. Keep up the great videos.

[@allpowercorp]

We love you are doing here. Subscribed!

[@Jamwcjconn]

Great video 👍

[@mikeburgan7675]

Thank you

[@Wootangtw]

Awesome… thanks lady…

[@hanksbud2544]

Thanks mam. Have a great day.

[@stringer5385]

Thanks!

[@nathandingman6846]

Love your solar set up. I have the ecoflow delta 1600 watt unit with 400 watt solar hooked up. I use it daily to help a bit with electricity cost. I figure if u have it then use it.

[@williamwinsor7376]

I had a paint store owner asked me to look at a washer that was running badly. First I checked the carb then I took it outside to run because the carb was good and it quit again then I got the bright idea to check the oil and it was super low due the the person running it on a slope and opening the oil plug to let it flow out. Changing the oil was the cure to my surprise.

[@kevinhitt719]

I'm old enough to remember when they started putting those switches on generators. Mine does not have one and it has lasted 30 years and has been used alot but checking oil is done before every start up and I check on it no less than every 3 hours when it is running. I will also change it every 20 hours no matter what. But at least I now know what to do if ever I have one.

[@richardcranium5839]

being in the back country i have multiple backup options. it's just like camping at the house. last outage was 6 days in sub freezing weather.

[@liza.andkeithsimpson5081]

Great. Video again

[@curtisdupre5194]

Thank you again gal

[@jimbrewer2893]

I have a Generac Portable. Never stored with gas in it. Thinking of getting a whole house gen set. We live in a hurricane prone area, Eastern NC. It can take weeks to get power restored. Anyway, That is a good tip on bypassing the oil switch.

[@wanderer418]

I am in eastern nc to I use 89 octane Marine gas in my generator it is NON ETHANOL Always keep mine full of gas crank it and run a drop light on it once a month

[@suegomez241]

I love the “chicanic “ name ! Too cute . So glad I came upon your channel . I’m more of a wood worker but i have to subscribe to your channel . Always need some help with my rv generator. God bless

[@erwinbenally8027]

Thanks

[@nelsonthekkath4830]

It's great to watch what I was doing for last 30 years!!! It's sad those days there were no KZbin or anything like that . Now I am about to retire and settle in my home in India. I don't know when!!! In my home all are there, but I want a genset and a solar power system too. When I go back home I have to do something what I was doing all these years and I have some idea to do different. I work in Kuwait for 30 years. Now the regulations here have changed for work permit above 60 year old and above. I am a Mechanical Engineer by profession, graduated from Bangalore university in 1989. Any way., all the best sister.

[@o1mtbiker]

Solar generators are the way to go for off grid type things. I use mine while camping to power lights at night, charge phones, cooler. They are also great to have at home just incase of power outages. I have two different sizes, small (290wh) and medium (720wh) with an add on battery (1440wh) total. If you look around and check for sales. You can get into them for a reasonable price.

[@gergemall]

You got to do what you got to do . Nice Spark plug tester too . I’m going to check my Kawasaki engine.

[@535tony]

I had to bypass the oil switch on my Son’s minibike. Every time he made a tight turn or hit a bump the engine would cut out. The oil was fine. Bypassed the oil switch and fixed.

[@Azone14]

I worry about you. I have been pulling starter ropes my whole career. My rotator cuff is shot. Nothing they can do. I urge you to work on building up that area thru excersize. Once it is ruined, you will never pull with the snap that is you have now. Love everyone of your videos. You have become a staple in my family, not to mention all the shares i send out.. Take care of yourself as this condition comes on gradually and if like myself it will hinder you forever.

[@vhvvictor]

I didn’t remember I emptied the tank when the spark plug broke… the most embarrassing 20 minutes of my life. Luckily you mentioned it casually 😅 thanks!

[@Robert-ug5hx]

I have an old homlite generator, I bought in 1996 during an ice storm the power was out for almost a month. It still runs great I have to unplug the oil sensor to get it started,