Dirty Coleman Powermate Generator - Left Behind

This generator was listed over a month on Craigslist for $20. It was a bit of drive from me, but after watching it for over a month, decided to hop in the car and go get it. Not expecting much for $20.
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[@jayden4656]

I would buy any generator or small engine device from you with full confidence that it's a sound well running machine.

[@sgtJOOSEcapeS]

James fixes it up to factory standard 🧐and right after James does 120point inspection cones with🤝🏾 James C. Inspection stickers 🗃️

[@rapscallion70]

Me too. Do you ever sell gen’s James? Can you hook me up?

[@philliphall5198]

Your blessed with some great deals and were blessed because your teaching Us, really we are very pleased with your videos ❤ Can’t wait to see the finished results Thank You 😊

[@Tom-In-Ga]

First generator I've seen with a cup holder in the gas tank.🤣

[@Big_Johns]

🤣👍🏼🤣

[@staind288]

Lol

[@CSkwirl]

It's a factory joke, hey let's put this beer holder on top and see who puts their beer in it first. Molson Vesuvius

[@andyhamilton8940]

Lets exhaust/engine heat go up and out so as not to melt the plastic tank and burn your carport down.

[@SamuelGarcia-rv9lf]

😅

[@martyb3783]

Wow what a great deal. $20.00? Nice. Plenty of room for profit after time and parts. Well done.

[@waynebrundidge206]

It runs and makes power. Some people say if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Wash it and us a big blow dryer. I love this channel.

[@stephensherlock5307]

I have this generator. I found it challenging to start especially in the winter when I needed most. I converted it over to propane with a kit from US Carb. Wow. What a difference starts and runs perfect now.

[@josephcarino5829]

You know what i like about you James, your not a butcher. Your a craftsman like me. Thid guy never worked in a meat market , No butchers here

[@stephensherlock5307]

I have this generator. It always started hard especially in the winter when I needed it most. I bought a snorkel propane conversion kit for it from US Carb. Easy install. Works better than ever!

[@freddyrosenberg9288]

You could paint that rusty exhaust with spray on BBQ grill paint. I've done it a few times and it holds well surprisingly.

[@daveblack5109]

I thought exactly the same thing and whilst the tank was off wire brush the rusty spots on the frame and spray black dust coat to protect, buff up the red tin work and hey presto a great looking pack. (maybe it's just us ha!)

[@YukonHawk1]

@@daveblack5109 the OCD in me was wanting the same thing 🤣🤣🤣 Jim usually uses Scotch Brite on the chrome or he'll wire wheel it and use a high heat paint.

[@IvanStepaniuk]

James also did the same in previous videos

[@jameshedrick6839]

I do all the time all it holds up just fine. I use it paint the exhaust on my push mowers and riding mowers all the time

[@amartinez2071]

I did the same,i used red engine enamel.

[@moseskioko1299]

You videos are so encouraging and educative to watch 💕💕💕💕

[@rodneywroten2994]

Mr. Condon thank you for this video. my Brother-in-law pass away a year ago. My sister would not be able to work one so she made me come get it. The very same condition like yours. took tank and carb off and thought maybe by chance might be something on the web. thanks for tips and tricks,

[@austenj4539]

A bad photo in an advert puts almost everyone off. Well done for seeing the potential.

[@jayh1947]

That tea ball is a very good idea.............Jay

[@kpdvw]

not to shabby for $ 20... good service job James!

[@davidplaster4576]

Those older Briggs Vanguards are truly power horses, and very reliable. I had a generator just like that, the only problem was everyone complained about how loud it was. I thought about making a muffler to quiet it down, but ended up selling it. I didn't care that it was loud, it was reliable and could run for hours with little maintenance. I probably logged over 1,000 hrs without malfunction, I ended up painting the metal laminations due to it rusting up, more cosmetic than anything. The only real pain was the filter cover would interfere with the side of the frame on the one I had.

[@whitesapphire5865]

I'm glad you said those Vanguard engines are good! I like them too, and 100% agree on the Mikuni carbs running lean, but also, there seems to be slight design variations between one Mikuni and and another, though they all seem to run lean. Spark plug gap also grossly affects running, and an apparent misfire can often be cured by closing the gap by a couple thou. My personal favourite generator out of the ones we have on hand is a 3.5kVA Stephill with a 9 horse Vanguard. Unless of course we're talking longer running outages, then it's either, the Lister-BKB 6kVA, or the Perkins-Stamford 32kVA, depending on anticipated demand. Yeah, we have a lot power outages! But, generators are also fun to work on, as well as keeping the lights on!

[@dougvaldivia3395]

have that or at least a similar 1999 coleman powermate. very satisfying and has done plenty of work supplying electricity when the power drops after a storm/hurricane. the wife just had to have since we were all gonna have problems with y2k. lol

[@Captleemo]

I have a Briggs&Stratton Storm Responder generator that I have had for 13 years. It still works great and I really like the fact that it too has a plastic gas tank as you never have to worry about rust forming inside the tank.

[@philliphall5198]

They all should have plastic tanks 😊

[@marcelcanuck]

picked up a little 1980s honda 500 generator from the landfill yesterday , new oil in it but the carb was seazed solid , gas was horrible my guess it was sitting for 10 years at least , for 10 bucks i took a chance and scored , great video especially like the dog bed handles 😀 👍

[@Momentaryghost]

Just found one of those vanguards on the side of the road missing a flywheel. Now I just have to wait for one to pop up on ebay because no way in hell will I pay almost 200 for a flywheel.

[@mikepippins8100]

Knowledgeable and through. That’s why I like your videos so much. Greetings from Tuscola Texas.

[@wildefox1478]

That was a steal for that generator at only $20 and it already ran and made power, just needed the carb gone through and cleaned up, nice work James!

[@jcondon1]

Wish they were all like that.

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

Good Job James ! A little cleanup and it looks great .. Runs fine now to , ENJOYED !!

[@jcondon1]

Thanks Shawn

[@rich1953]

I have this same generator and have had it for 10 years or more. Have only really needed it when we lost power during snow/ice storm. Watched the olympics with neighbors and kept house warm over night and next day. I take it out every year and crank it and let it run for a few minutes. Every other year I change the oil and gas even though not used. Kept out of weather in shop. Been a good one.

[@rogerandlyndabeall3840]

I thought I was obsessed with generators- I have 4- including two I made, Honda GX 6 hp with toyota 150 amp alternators, used for charging batteries at 150A when we go camping.

[@jcondon1]

Nice

[@philliphall5198]

Best part is building it from scrap material and old used parts 😊😊😊

[@MitchEllis-dn9lf]

You are a trusting soul. I never put the frills and covers back on that are not necessary until I prove my work. LOL

[@semlohde1]

Another outstanding class. I've Comme Ted in your tecumseh video, a 2005 tecumseh 11hp. I taped/ordered a breather tube, new air and fuel filter, new gas lines, new spark plug, cleaned the fuel plastic tank several times, sprayed the whole generator and washed, no ethanol gas, found a plastic covered torx10 screw just hidden- unscrewed that blew it out with carb cleaner and back. Cleaned the carb - all after watching many of your videos - and after several days of no starts to 30 seconds, it ran 1.5 hours with 1200w load and I'm pleased. THANKS, hopefully it'll crank successfully more.

[@georgebrown8312]

I believe James would make a good servicer of gasoline-powered generators if he does not already have his own repair shop.

[@lv_woodturner3899]

Wow, that was really dirty. I cannot imagine why the owner did not attempt power washing just to make it look better for the listing. I love the repurposed dog bed parts for the handle/leg. Excellent use of these parts. Looks like they were designed for this purpose. Good to see the generator now back to normal working condition. The air filters made a big difference. Dave.

[@stargazer7644]

Because power washing generators often causes a lot of problems.

[@BobPegram]

Ah the tea ball for fine parts! Great idea. In case you've never used a tea ball you put loose tea leaves in it. It becomes a metalic tea bag for your teapot or even your teacup

[@bryanmadere2277]

Ha, just ordered 2 of them! great idea!

[@mjg263]

Very nice job, great idea on those handles / feet too. I’ve also noticed that newer OHV engines seem to be pretty sensitive to air filter condition, especially Honda engines. I’ve seen the old flathead engines run just fine with the air filter 80% blocked.

[@williamwhitehead8362]

I'd clean up that exhaust and put that high temperature either gray or black on it and then put that decorative chrome piece on but that's just me keep up the good work that was a good find though yeah.

[@bosanovaboy]

wow, what a great job you did. Thank you for taking the time and detail to show us and teach us how to

[@ericvaughn1126]

Nice score for $20, Jim. What a difference a breath of fresh air does for the way that Briggs Vanguard ran too. I think I saw the other two legs of that dog bed go onto a different generator if I'm not mistaken. Lastly, we'll assume you were out of high temp flat black spray paint if YOU didn't wire wheel the muffler and paint it up! 😉. Good stuff as always and keep em coming.

[@jcondon1]

I tried to use them on the Voltmaster, but it sold before I could put them on. Still have two left.

[@prissy134]

Change plug an set gap on flywheel too.

[@russellbonesteel1115]

Thank you for the amazing series! I am a Ham radio operator seeking to advance my know how on secondary AC Power systems! Well done!

[@elmertudball7671]

I can't believe you haven't purchased a hydraulic lift table yet! My back would have given out a long time ago working on the floor.

[@emadalshakhatreh5383]

Good morning, I am enjoying your videos it is the best

[@somerandomguy3868]

The vanguards are pretty good, it was a bit of a mess when you got it, even managed to run with lemon tea colored fuel, nice job James

[@francisbailey3831]

Good morning James. As usual one more generator ready for service. Excellent job, well done.

[@Chunter48]

I have the same generator and had the same problem with rust. My problem came from the steel shut off valve.

[@r8118830]

Those are the dog bed handles that you did not fit to the generator you sold on the day of the storm. Worked well. Well done again.

[@rayshutsa6690]

Thank you for another great video. You got another great find it seems like it will work with no issues. 😀❤🇨🇦

[@LeewardStudios]

Good buy, instant profit.

[@kencooper2059]

I've had the exact same generator for probably 15 year snow and it purrs like a kitten. Of course, I keep it inside, use Stabil, and always cut the gas off and run it out after each use.

[@arthurbiringer5676]

I keep repeating myself! Excellent work, great video! Let’s keep it that way!

[@jcondon1]

Thanks Arthur

[@johncourtneidge]

Very nice, as always. Yourusual tlc paint job on the muffler box would work wonders! Hurrah! And thanks!

[@w2dmw]

Would like to give you a tip I have found. SPRAY 9. It is a cleaner as fantastic or formula 409, but much much stronger and better. Spray it on, and leave it sit for 10 minutes, then pressure wash. Try it Jim....

[@jcondon1]

Never seen that before. Will keep an eye out for it.

[@w2dmw]

@@jcondon1 I get it from Home Depot, but I have seen it once in a while else where. It is great especially for cylinder heat fins, and the like. Try it.......nice job on the project, as always. Procedures and patients wins out.....

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Makes sense, dirty air filter/rich condition. Another Complete refurb from Mr. Generator! We’re in the heart of hurricane season so you’ll probably find a few more before the year is out!

[@robertclines7519]

looked bad but cleaned up very nice

[@alanarmstrong2323]

Got my first generator today ran it,checked for power all is well shut fuel valve of,and drained fuel bowl.

[@Big_Johns]

Nice video James, not bad for a $20 generator. 👍🏼🙂

[@greghanlon2235]

Good job James.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks

[@Golfingferdie]

I have a Coleman 5000 watt Power-mate. Had for 24 years or so, Live in FL so it gets used form time to time. I run mine about 6 times a year. Winter summer when ever I get the feeling I need to Check it. Cleaned the carb a few times it has kind of a Miss going on now. I need a new Carb bit it still powers up runs what ever I put on her. Run carb Dry after every run. Fuel never sits in carb, I open the drain valve to make sure. Tank has fuel with stabilizer, Now new stabilizer for water crap fuel. its in my garage but has gets all the humidity and salt air from being near the water. Good Generator as far as I am concerned.

[@shatnersufolanded7785]

Picked up one of these on wheels it's 3750 on a 6.5 Briggs OHV so far I have got inside to find a broken plastic cam gear and since that moment I have dug in and I'm determined to rebuild it because everything else on it is in excellent condition. How am I doing it with limited experience I'm binge watching James Condon videos. I'm doing the full rebuild because I can't stand not doing things the right way and it's fun.

[@vernonbosshard9317]

Westleys bleche white tire cleaner works fantastic for the old brown varnish even where carb clean doesn't cut it. wet wash it then blow out passages with carb clean which also displaces any water then blow gun it with air. Clean out all the small holes like you did. I don't have a ultra sonic cleaner.

[@hamop3]

James thanks for the your very informative videos. I am going pick up a Dynapak 6k with a 8 hp Briggs on it. Free for me helping them. Said it may need Carb adjusting or cleaning, but no problem there. See you on your next one. Thanks

[@eddiejones.redvees]

It’s the old saying never judge a book by it’s cover

[@CajunGreenMan]

Great idea to use the dog bed frame. Not sure I would have thought to use it for the handles AND the legs. I want to get a small electric powerwasher about 1200 PSI or so for jobs like this, and still have a larger gas one for bigger jobs. Thanks for the idea to use a plastic bag to cover the air intact the way you did, I probably would have just covered the outside with it, and then duct taped it. LOL! I like yours better. Keep up the great work!

[@nosaltiesandrooshere7488]

👍 Danke fürs Hochladen! 👍 Thanks for uploading! 👍 Very good and beautiful, thank you! 👍 Sehr gut und schön, danke!

[@AZVIDS]

Another great save! CPR successful.

[@GeirAndersenRepairs]

I wish I could get deals like that! Over here, the seller of that generator would ask $250-$350, at least, in unknown condition.

[@GeirAndersenRepairs]

PS! And buyers would pay that amount, without asking questions.

[@jcondon1]

Once fixed they sell for about your broken price. This one was unusually cheap. Usually the hopelessly broken one sell for $100-$150.

[@throwbo]

@@GeirAndersenRepairs Asking yes, getting no. I see generators like this on Craiglist where people ask crazy $. And they keep asking for the same generator month after month because it never sells at that price.

[@mikerossman9863]

I too have a Coleman powermate 6250/5kw but has the Briggs 10hp not Vanguard engine. I paid $50 for it and had to get a new carb. Runs like a champ, with exception of the wimpy fuses you can’t hurt this thing. My only complaint it the L14-20 amp plug. It’s not very common to come across these cords and adapters (yes Amazon has them). I’d wish the bumped it to a 30amp rating with 30amp twist lock then I could power my RV entirely. In a pinch I did the old tin foil wrap fuse and it held til I was able to get a new one.

[@MrTehudson]

i just got a set of 3 tea infusers off amazon life changer for small jets that would slip through basket

[@jimwhite5964]

Another great renovation, James...really enjoy your channel!

[@rossweckerly4195]

Hi James, Wanted to tell you that you can buy a gallon of purple power at Walmart for $14.00 and use a garden sprayer to apply it. Water it down a little. No grease at all when your done.Like Your Video.Nice work.

[@robertmailhos8159]

Time for some super clean on this gen set

[@cbauer72]

Personally I'd drill smaller holes and increase to the larger through steps.

[@stargazer7644]

Pilot drilling large holes first makes them much easier to drill.

[@BrucesShop]

SWEET !!!!!!!!

[@chriholt]

Man, I wonder what kind of crazy dusty/dirty environment that poor thing was used in. Nice job bringing her back!

[@jcondon1]

Thanks

[@throwbo]

It just sat outside maybe under a tarp or deck with rain splashing mud up into it.

[@RustyNail5856]

Great gen for someone.

[@jcondon1]

Got to love the Vanguard engines. They run well.

[@adnacraigo6590]

You have the touch when unscrewing some of those delicate items.

[@kerrygleeson4409]

Thanks for sharing James 👍

[@steveferguson3705]

l also have been using a tea ball for about 3 year.s works great

[@thebeardedstork432]

Nice find, and nice clean up! Well done!

[@wotknot1757]

Well shoot, I was hoping to see the new chain hoist in action again..... you know, the piece of equipment that SAVES YOUR BACK?

[@dwightosborn8400]

Looks like you designed that screw driver for the carb cleaning job.I have a craftsman I picked up at a garage sale that I was going to take back for a new one now I think I will keep it LOL

[@gman8260]

$20 Bucks!!! Around Baltimore where I live, if it resembles a generator it is a minimum $300 and it's a crap shoot if it runs or not.

[@Jim-ie6uf]

Sometimes you just get lucky!

[@lawrencepevitts2434]

Amazing what some elbow grease can make in the appearance. Excellent video as usual.

[@AnwarKhan-dw8cj]

easy fix today James hope you get a good price

[@aboveaveragejoe6291]

Great job James,as a tip for you, when drilling steel or even stainless steel it is better to use short bursts, rather than holding the trigger,this allows the bit to cool between drills! In other words , trigger on one second, trigger off one second, and repeat until the bit is through the metal.

[@rodclark4485]

I use WD40 as a lubricant for the tip of the drill bit when drilling any metal

[@lot27a]

Love those Vanguard motors. Own two of them. One on my backup generator and one on my Mighty Mac chipper. Heck, even it it was a parts donor, not a bad pickup James!

[@jcondon1]

That what I figured. The parts alone are worth more then the generator as a whole.

[@AJ-qn6gd]

Hi from the U.K. 😀🇬🇧

[@larrykelly2838]

Great choice in picking it up Doc., just a little TLC and ye have a good generator.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks Larry

[@georgeross9834]

Nice video show , we don’t need generators in Scotland, possibly camping would be handy .

[@jcondon1]

Normally do not need them here, but we do get the occasional hurricane and then the sit for years in between.

[@MrCarl312]

31:00 Oh, joy you spared us the fun of drilling a hole in round stock!

[@r8118830]

I just file a flat where you want it and start from there.

[@MrCarl312]

@@r8118830 Not on thin tubing. Besides it is pretty easy to center a drill bit on a round with a V Block. That assumes that you are using a drill press. Hand held drill...forget it.

[@dieseldog1959]

James, you could add some rubber feet (like from a cane or crutches) to prevent the feet from punching through grass, or dirt while in use.

[@repairitdontwreckit4257]

Nice work James. I like your style.

[@leskobrandon538]

It sometimes pays to be a little bit of a Horder..its satisfying to re-purpose items without having to be a Tree Hugger... 😆

[@petersack5074]

yup i use old bed frames, for projects. made a dolly, like the two wheeled ones, with bedframe and re bar. 8 inch air wheels/tires bought

[@haweater1555]

21:00 Your fuel supply looks like the engine's getting an IV.

[@deangentles4966]

Hi James nice easy fixes great job on the frame looks like it came out of the factory like that mate also love the tea ball good idea it would look better with some paint on that exhaust James

[@jcondon1]

Thanks Dean. Was on the fence with this one. I know if I painted the exhaust, I would end up doing the whole thing. Working on one now that the decision is clear, it has to be painted because nobody will buy it with the amount of rust on it.

[@michaelhuey4187]

Nice video, as usual, James. Keep em coming 👍

[@MegaNailman]

you have skills my brother

[@oldsranch]

Well done, as usual! Sent you a question.

[@jasonpowell6586]

your videos are great!

[@jcondon1]

Thanks

[@JohnDoe_toetag]

Someone needs a step drill for x-mas.

[@davidjones1393]

THKS

[@davecc0000]

James, the brackets you got from the HW store 26:08 are those Simpson Tie brackets? I need to do the wheel thing to an old DeVilbiss genny.