Inverter Generator Only Runs With Starting Fluid | Step By Step DIY Repair

[@donyboy73]

Watch my video on how to fix a generator with no compression; www.youtube.com/watch?v=gK_LP... Watch my video on how to replace a generator carburetor; www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGih0... Why your generator might not be starting; www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzOiH...

[@shsechas]

Although I don't own a generator. I still watch your videos because you have helped me in the past and you deserve the support.. Your videos are surely worth the watch. Thanks!

[@charlesspera9839]

Right on the money. Great step by step tutorial.

[@zoellar11]

I have watch plenty of "how to" videos over the years and this one ranks in the top three. Steady and simple video of the components and the work, simple explanation and great tips for people like myself who have mininum knowledge of small engine and their repairs. For me, I purchased a Westinghouse IGen 2500 last year, ran it once for about 30 minutes, let it run until it died (all gas out of the system) and stored it for a year. Yes, I know, I shouldn't let it sit for so much time. Several days ago, I tried to start it again with no luck. I pulled and pulled ...and pulled, no luck. It did start one time.....then five seconds later when I switched it from CHOKE to RUN, it died....and would not start again. I found your video which gave me the confidence (hey, I can do this) but this morning, before I was getting ready to remove the air filter and carburetor boot, I tried it to start it one more time....and on the second pull, it started and ran just fine. I"m ready for the next time it gives me trouble......Thanks again, A GREAT VIDEO!

[@randystrand908]

Excellent. Appreciate your video shots as you work and the clear way you speak to explain what you are looking for and what you are doing. THANK YOU

[@jimurrata6785]

All the waving around is making me seasick.

[@rverro8478]

Indeed. Old gas will pull that trick on you. Thanks Don, for sharing.

[@bigbear7456]

You are an excellent teacher besides being a good mechanic. I look forward to your videos each week as I have learned a great deal from you. Thank you for taking the time and effort to make these videos.

[@suppaman12]

Hello. I have a Westinghouse i2500. It’s somewhat similar to this. I had same symptoms. I followed your steps and after 3 hours, I had her running again. Thanks so much for the guide. You’re the man👍

[@ronwatson4902]

Don. How lucky can a guy be. I've got a Generac doing the exact same thing and now I can fix it. You just made my day. Thank You!

[@Denniejones]

I know this is 2 years old but I’ve looked for months and it never came up until today. The layout of my gen is almost exactly like this one. I was having big problems understanding the half written instructions on mine for removing or cleaning carb, jets and filter. This was so amazing and showed me exactly how and what I needed to do. Fingers crossed I too do nor have to remove entire carb! Thanks a million!!

[@crescentandcross]

Thank you for your sharing your expertise, which is considerable. You have personally saved me thousand$ in repair fees I would have otherwise spent.

[@tc3603]

Nice vid Don. Great problem solving and diagnostic skill as always

[@Gordon_L]

Years ago when my mother was still alive my folks asked me to look at their ride-on mower which would not start and would cough and backfire when being cranked . 17hp Intek , I pulled the carby bowl gave it a quick clean ( it wasn't dirty ) , pulled the flywheel to check the key ( it was fine ) , eventually became suspicious of the fuel which smelled petroly but maybe not quite right . I decanted a small quantity into a glass and an equal quantity of fresh petrol into a second glass and set both out in the sun . 24 hours later the fresh fuel was evaporated , the fuel from the mower was still mostly there . My dad had put diesel into the fuel tank on top of the remaining petrol . Seeing that yellow fuel at 7:15 reminded me of that troubleshooting episode from back then . Sometimes ( often ? ) the answer is very simple , you just have to find it :-)

[@thebangshackjasonhadley5387]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm not a mechanic, and through this video I was able to successfully fix my generator. I really appreciate the assistance

[@tomrector8608]

Best small generator DIY repair that I've seen in a long time. Thanks!

[@FritzAdler]

Saved my bacon on my Westinghouse! Yellow fuel and a plugged jet.

[@raynaldgodin3314]

Good job Don, it's amazing that this kind of problem occur on a brand new machine.

[@CFProton]

You always use great analytical technique to diagnose the problem.

[@gordbaker896]

Well done Super Don. Those are great Milwaukee drills too. Great Editing. Ethanol cause no doubt.

[@stellarproductions8888]

The most common failure in small engines, is varnish in the carburetor. Although, I sure as heck wasn't expecting that from a brand new generator! I am thinking maybe the guy had bad gas in his can, and poured it into the generator, and it wouldn't start on that. People need to remember to use fresh gas. And if your not going to be using the gas for several months, make sure you stabilize it. Excellent work as always Don!

[@BrucesShop]

On more mini generator that doesn't start. ARGH!!!!! Great explanation Don. You videos are the best.

[@lexx6985]

Hello, many thanks to your video. I have a brand new Honda generator. Checked everything but low and behold, although it is a brand new device the jet was actually clogged with debris. Upon cleaning and reassembly, it started up like a charm.

[@samuelvelez1643]

DUDE: YOU'VE SAVED MY LIFE HERE; I JUST GOT A FIRMAN PORTABLE GENERATOR, AND IT'S EXACTLY THE SAME ENGINE AND I HAD QUITE SOME HEADACHE TRYING TO START IT UP. JUST SAW YOUR WONDERFUL VIDEO AND UH I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT TO DO WITH MY PORTABLE GENERATOR..... THANX A LOT FOR YOUR VIDEO

[@michaelchance9405]

I really liked this video; I can work on this power unit after watching you go thru the steps! Thanks so much!

[@tjdoyle9780]

Dude, i cant even believe it. I inherited a small 2 stroke genny and it would only fire up with starter fluid then die. I did so much stuff to that thing that i gave up and was assuming it was just dead. I cleaned out each jet (which i hesitated to do cause carbs always seemed so touchy to me) and it ran like i just bought the thing. Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@Techno_Nomadic]

When using torch tip wires to clean jets remember the wires are steel and the jets are brass. Start with a smaller wire and work up. If you try to force too big a wire into the jet you could make a burr in the brass. The jet size can be fussy and a burr in there may undersize the hole or cause turbulence in the fuel flow.

[@alexrivet1732]

@@garny3766 Tubers? Don has been fixing stuff for a long time and has saved my countless hours of scratching my head fixing stuff. As mentioned the smaller jets are for EPA not the life or performance of the engine.

[@JoSt5646]

​@@alexrivet1732So... Does this mean if we remove the EPA jets... We actually get some real performance?

[@alexrivet1732]

@@JoSt5646 I wouldn't say straight up performance gains. Too rich or too lean compromises power. But I'd rather be a little rich than lean.

[@kevinbyrne4538]

You do beautiful work.

[@SuperKwame1]

As always Dony you are making us mechanics!

[@tyroneclarke1666]

Always enjoy watching your videos. I find them interesting and learn heaps too. Cheers 🇦🇺

[@genogenes5723]

I have a genmax 2200i same problem, followed this video it started first pull. Great info

[@squatfreak1184]

Got a hurricane coming my way next week I’m trying this trick tomorrow!

[@eyeba69]

Amazing!! I completely forgot that little hole!! I cleaned all the Jets on the carburetor of my generator, on the fuel bypass and everywhere that I could think of but it would only start with the starter fluid, so I decided to ask google and it brought me here! That was the reason I couldn’t get it to start after cleaning the carburetor, anyhow, thank you so much for this great video!!

[@YukonHawk1]

It really amazes me that people who buy these gensets NEVER put in fuel stabilizer. It's one of the golden rules of engine maintenance. Great video.

[@hortyist1]

Would you agree that using non ethanol fuel is easier with the same result? Or, does non ethanol require stabilizer as well?

[@JoSt5646]

​@@hortyist1I'm here with this exact problem - generator not starting - runs off starter in the intake only. I ran cali-crap gas and when the power to the house came back... I continued burning off the rest of the remaining fuel... Ran it dry (no load attached). Then for good measure poured some Tru-fuel in and ran it for ~5min-10min. Stored the generator. 3 months later we go to use it and we have this problem. So I'm not sure what these engines are so finicky about. I'm damn near ready to get a dual fuel one that runs off propane and/or regular unleaded.

[@paullemay3218]

Thank you for sharing this procedure. Greatly appreciated. 🇨🇦❤️

[@stans5270]

To remove the carb without removing all the housing, you can remove the studs [by double nutting the studs] and remove the studs with the carb if needed. The carb should just slide out. When storing my generator, I remove all the gas, run it empty, and then put a quart of stabilized 100% gas and run it for 5 minutes. That would be a video idea Donyboy. It will save a lot of people when they try to start them when needed.

[@65csx83]

I never 'store' my generator. Unlike a lawn mower or string trimmer, a generator can be needed in an emergency so I always leave a few quarts of gas in the tank. Periodically, if I haven't used it, I drain and replace the gas.

[@ebachy]

In this case, do you suppose the gas sat in the generator for a long time, or it was old in a gas can before being put in the generator? I have never seen any gas look that discolored. I usually drain/dump gas from my power tools and run them 'dry' for any period of disuse...but generators seem to be hard to manage that way... Is it recommended that the fuel be drained as shown in the video if not regularly used? I usually just keep them topped off to minimize air/moisture reacting with the gas and vents on caps close... I guess time will tell!

[@jas350]

Great diagnostic. Pretty quiet also. Thumbs up..

[@donpizzo8963]

Thanks again for more tips. Sending this channel out to more friends.

[@donyboy73]

thanks Don

[@skipproctor8979]

Great vid Don! I'm getting those torch tip cleaners today. Been using slick bread ties up til now. They are no serrated. Best, Skip

[@edwardgalindo9607]

Always watch your videos. I use a torch tip cleaning tool also but never thought about cutting off the non serrated tips. Thanks

[@francisstorry6753]

Watch you for a long time ! You are THE MAN !

[@carlmiller1034]

Great tips Don. Excellent video and repair. Never really work on any generators (inverters), so great to see how they are assembled. Thanks again.

[@paulkillough3672]

You no you're a pretty smart guy and I appreciate all your video's man.thsnks

[@kevinkauffunger4328]

Thank you! I’ve been struggling with a Northern Tool Powerhorse inverter that’s identical to this. Your video saved me time & money.

[@jordancoomer4191]

Ask your guitar/string player friends for their old used strings. I've used them for years for cleaning carb jets. The 2 plain steel strings are useless, but the wound strings have are almost identical texture to the jet clearing tool in this video!

[@adamb1671]

Great idea !

[@EgressMan2006]

Great video! Easy to follow, very well done. It will be my go-to sight from now on.

[@donyboy73]

Glad it was helpful!

[@richardstrada212]

Another informative video for us DIYers. Thanks Don.

[@roygoodlaxson9681]

Very Good and Instructional. I enjoyed the video!

[@smacmoyle]

Thanks a million. This generator is basically the same as the Northern tools 2300 watt generator. The jet in the side was completely plugged. I cleaned it out and it started on the second pull.

[@biggaspirit1]

Nicely described and fulfilled thanks.

[@Slyder2828]

I had this problem on my Honda..bad gas sitting in the bowl..now I run the gas out to stall the unit then drain the bowl..no more problems😎👍

[@joshuakoppeis6146]

Very helpful stuff! Ive got a generator (3 years new) has about 30 hours of run time... not starting up now. Might need to watch all your videos! lol wish me luck...

[@whoryder]

Did exactly what you said on a Harbor Freight 2000 which looks exactly the same on the inside and it started right up. Got the torch tip cleaner from ace hardware. Thanks a lot

[@seanbrenton55]

My Hyundai 2000 (much older)turned out to be the spark plug, replaced with an ngk and it didn’t flood/foul anymore. It is still very sensitive to stale fuel and long periods of downtime. The compression release seems a bit too effective too. But with regular maintenance, it is a great unit to have around. Great vid as always Don!

[@MrKnacker74]

Thank you! I cleaned everything but the jet in the bowl. Generator hasn't ran in 10 years and the old fuel evaporated and left sediment in there. Good as new.

[@watermanone7567]

Very good video Dony. Thanks

[@jeremybrain5774]

Thanks for sharing Don . I’ll be looking for some torch tip cleaners.

[@shermankearns200]

Great job the idle jets are so small but you had the best job of making it a functional generator for the price of your knowledge

[@peterdoherty7282]

Thanks Don! I learn something every time I watch... even though I don’t have a generator! I’m going to get some torch tip cleaners. Always looking for something to clean jets with! Pete P.S. nice meeting you today.

[@donyboy73]

thanks again Pete for the beer!

[@peterdoherty7282]

@@donyboy73 Let’s get out on the bike soon... get you away from your shop for a bit! Maybe we can show the folks the fun side of the toys! LOL

[@donyboy73]

@@peterdoherty7282 for sure lol

[@Tigeronminibike]

Solid video! Good order of troubleshooting steps,nothing extra, right to the point.

[@hondavtrvic]

Great video Don. I have a Honda EU20I similar size I will be definitely bookmarking this video. Keep up the great videos.

[@brianbanks3044]

it's amazing that a relatively new machine wouldn't run on older gas or the jets would clog up so quickly...i wonder if he got it running with some starter fluid and ran some carb cleaner if it would have cleaned out the jets eventually...something like techron or seafoam???.....i have started snowblowers that sat all summer with gas in them and once they got running after that first start , they ran all winter long...maybe I just got lucky...also, I don't own a generator myself but always want to learn so Great job Don...thanks for your time

[@garyrichardsjr7645]

Excellent Video! So clear and so well demonstrated! Thank You!!

[@leandrocervantez9014]

Thank you so Much.. this video helped me, although it was a different brand and the setup was a tad bit different it still helped out tremendously. I watched other videos of my brand and none of them were as simply put as yours is. you got a subscriber for life

[@donyboy73]

Great to hear!

[@seastacker8582]

Nice work as always. I’m fortunate to have a station that sells e-0 locally. I also stabilize it when new. I hate those all in one switches since I like to shut fuel off and let the carbs run dry in generators and such.

[@REDMAN298]

Nice work. You deserve to get lucky once in a while.

[@donyboy73]

Thanks!

[@MikeD-ne6ie]

Great video Don! Clear instructions and expert knowledge, you are the best! Thanks for sharing!

[@12345678989814]

I have a Ryobi 2300 watt that I bought when I got it it had less than 30 minutes of run time on it wasn't even broken yet and I got it used from a guy in the little side jet was what was stopped up it was surging clean the carburetor out and got it running like it should I got a fairly expensive generator for 290 bucks because it needed a jet cleaned out

[@douglarson5843]

This video made my repair happen. Thank you Dr.

[@chisel83]

Good video thanks Dony. I wonder if fresh fuel alone would have done the trick?

[@theresahofstetter1339]

This is a very helpful video. What you have here matches my Wen 56200i exactly.

[@shawnfinley5827]

Thanks Dony your videos are very informative.👍

[@joshbrucksch]

Another great educational video, many thanks!

[@adnacraigo6590]

You are a great teacher.

[@CliffMulkey]

cleaning the carb ports with the torch cleaner worked like a champ on my 2000 watt generator.

[@1hjehje]

A great repair. Thank you for the video.

[@mr1pearl]

Made that job easy nice work as always Dony !

[@jumer91]

Thank you so much!! Almost the same machine just different color and name. Would only run wifh starter fluid. I followed your instructions and it started on first pull.

[@nashguy207]

Great video with some great tips as always!!

[@royzach8519]

Love your videos and learn so much from them! Could I also use a mini/micro drill bit in a pin vise to clean a curburetor jet removed from the carburetor?

[@BearE9090]

Great tip about the eco mode for checking a dirty carb. Thanks

[@mtrcitykid2836]

FYI this is an exact match to a power horse generator model number 42411, bought from Northern Tool, like you said never heard of the name brand you had in video, but made exactly the same and mine was doing the same thing would run on either but not gas, thanks for the info on all your videos

[@circuitbreaker9001]

Had a generator like that but it was a Honeywell model. It would run but if you stopped it, it would not start. What I found out after reading the manual it stated to have the fuel tank full. Filled it up and it started. Found out it needed tank full to get the gas to flow to make it start. Bad design in my mind. Though I would share this

[@lyles637]

your videos are always awesome!

[@drewthornton4684]

Hi Don Have a good weekend

[@donyboy73]

thanks Drew, you too!

[@TheFiredragon52]

Thanks ever soft spoken knowledgable Donyboy

[@harrisonp3727]

Nice, thanks Dony.

[@robfahy3839]

Thanks. This helped me solve my problem.

[@queenstownkid]

awesome video should hit 100k views ..thanks don

[@NoName-jg8qw]

Going to try this tomorrow. Last thing i haven't done...

[@jimeckenrode1271]

I have a very similar generator with a different name. Mine surges and has almost since it was new. After watching this video I think I will try to fix it myself, seemed to be pretty simple.

[@hphillips7425]

I look forward to your videos I always learn something 👍🏻

[@gkinchla]

Great info as always!

[@CrazyCanuckFitness]

Excellent 👌. Thank you

[@norcoauctions]

don the master.. thank you don for sharing

[@billkrause4585]

What did you charge for doing that kind of job. Excellent video by the way, I never seen this kind of inverter/generator before and you gave us some good insight on it. Thanks for that.

[@sistakee1090]

Another great video!

[@Mr71chevyvan]

thanks for the instructive video. my harbor freight machine looks exactly like this one. a lesson i learned was to never use ethanol based fuel. the bowl collects water when you do. next i used pressurized carb cleaner on my jets to clean them.. last i always run freshly bought fuel thru a coleman style fuel filter before use just in case of contamination. BTW do you know if these engines use a crankcase breather element?

[@noone5846]

Thanks, very well explained. One question, fuel cup settings, what is it for? 😅

[@FritzMadness]

Whether you own a generator or inverter or not the knowledge is great, Kinda wondering, do you ever age? I seen your videos of 12 years and you still look the same haha

[@donyboy73]

lol

[@FritzMadness]

@@donyboy73 😁

[@barrylee.freedman2203]

How do you deal with all the bad gas from equipment needing repair ? Your efforts to teach are effective though often feel like I retain very little. However I found myself saying check fuel, spark and resistance on pull start - also crack fuel cap. Follow air flow from air filter to carb taking same approach on fuel pathway. You’ve shown starter fluid test before, I need to remember it in my decision tree. Somewhere else I saw non- fuel sprayed into carb to see if it caused a hiccup, I remember nothing else about it.

[@garrettmorrow1792]

Thank you so much all it was was that jet I didn't even know it had a hole in it because it was so clogged. It runs like new now and right in time for the hurricane.