ETQ Generator Leaking Fuel When Running - Bad Needle and Seat?

[@paultice610]

Those are shipping brackets To keep it from moving around too much during shipping they are supposed to be removed before running the unit I mean the red bracket

[@MrTonyPiscatelle]

Agree with Paul, shipping brackets and used on other types of equipment also for shipping

[@paultice610]

I know somebody that bought the open frame harbor freight 8750 inverter generator it has the same red brackets but the manual says to remove them be for using the generator

[@tomschmidt381]

@@paultice610 When I saw the brackets in the video I assumed there were shipping protection. Interestingly, I have a Predictor 8750 and it did not come with shipping brackets. I assume HF sources stuff through different factories so it might be factory specific.

[@simonilett998]

Yep, shipping brackets to keep things stable during transport, supposed to be removed prior to using the machine, but... 'someone' didn't read the instruction tag🤣👍

[@anthonycphillips2430]

Paul is correct. My generator came with shipping brackets. Purpose is to keep the generator from getting knocked around during shipping.

[@timd1833]

James: Hand me a screwdriver. Me: Philips or flat? James: Doesn't matter. I'm going to use it as a hammer! 😅😅😅 Great video!

[@iamnoone.]

Shipping brackets. When unboxing there's a yellow tag that tells you to remove them

[@thomasmathewson6229]

My Wen DF11000 Dual Fuel generator had those same brackets. They are just there for shipping, to hold the engine solid. My manual said to make sure that they were removed before use.

[@JamesDeese]

Like you said, "Not every generator has to be a basket-case." That tank definitely got by quality control. Another great job.

[@martyb3783]

I agree with you, I would guess the L brackets are there to protect the genset during shipping and should be removed before use. Great video as always!

[@krisw8597]

Awesome as always! Question though and not arm chair quarterbacking you. Would JB weld work for that tank? Thanks!

[@phillipharris6687]

I was going to say the same thing!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Looks like the AVR Is Weak good video and the motor sounds way healthier @James Condon

[@michaeltarasenkoop2389]

James I still can’t beleave how Mandy brands of generators there are out there ! What brand is one that doesn’t break down ? Or are all generators are just a pile of parts from several factories ! Then put together in every company that puts there name on them after assembly?

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Is it just me or were the red Bar stock was is the bottom of the engine block and power head mount locations chipped and broken away a bit @James Condon

[@wesleypulkka7447]

James, the ells were most likely attached for shipping to be removed by retail dealer. If this was sold in a big box outlet they gave it to the customer in the original container. My guess. Love your videos!

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

Nice work James .. I think the failure to remove those shipping brackets caused major vibration under load may have caused that tank weld to crack . Although it was a bad looking weld job !

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Have you had any issues with the carb gaskets being left on the carbs and putting it in the harbor freight yellow Degreaser? @James Condon

[@spencerwood1142]

I always love your videos! Informative, entertaining, and just awesome!

[@RustyNail5856]

A Great video, you got lucky on the Gen, it look's like brand new. not to bad of a problem, that was an pretty easy fix. great video, keep up the great work.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks 👍

[@RustyNail5856]

@@jcondon1 . Welcome.

[@kpdvw]

James you can repair the tank with JB weld, wire wheel it super clean down to bare metal and give it a try....

[@kpdvw]

the red angle bracket by the engine mount is a possible shipping block to be removed before use!

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Great repair on the brushes! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmW6mpaVn9lkga8 Also the voltage drop could be a loose spade connector or plug. I'd double check. 11 volt drop under load is significant, but as you pointed out, could be normal with the AVR. Typically its not the AVR, but an insufficient sized DPE will cause that much voltage drop if not a loose connection. The exciter winding is a current source not a voltage source, so undersized winding limits the current forcing the AVR to drop voltage under heavy load.

[@throwbo]

ETQ is a bottom of the barrel brand and surely sourced the cheapest genhead that they can find. Almost every Chinese part (genhead, motor, even individual components like carbs and AVRs) is available in "Economy, Standard, Premium" grades. Guess which ones ETQ bought?

[@tiredoldmechanic1791]

We used to do a lot of welding on gas, diesel and hydraulic tanks. Our preferred method was to pressure wash them with a hot water pressure washer with detergent but CO2 or nitrogen gas was an option. I have even used dry ice which is just frozen CO2 when I had to do one away from the shop. On those small removable tanks you could use dish washing detergent and water to clean the tank then use air for a while to vent out any fumes. I've seen people pipe exhaust from an engine into a tank too, using carbon monoxide to prevent ignition.

[@benjurqunov]

Little do they know that carbon monoxide is a flammable gas !! Seriously, look it up.

[@coreybabcock2023]

Crazy

[@adeelahmad282]

The red L shaped brackets are installed in factory to prevent any possible damage to the engine mountings during shipping. New generators out of the box usually have sticker or multiple stickers mentioning clearly to remove those brackets before use. The first owner didn't pay attention or didn't have the capacity (tools) to remove those red L shaped brackets.

[@alfredocuomo1546]

The red brackets were most likely to stop sear load on the isolators during shipping as you said. The isolators control downward load were in shipping they might be exposed to lateral loading causing a breakage issue. Also they are two types of needle & seats, one where the needle has a rubber tip into a brass seat or a solid needle with a rubber seat inserted in the fuel inlet tube. the one in this generator may be getting hard but since to tested it to 9 psi that most likely is good. Good video as always.

[@robertmoore2527]

Shear

[@alfredocuomo1546]

@@robertmoore2527 Thanks, I stand corrected. LMFIAO

[@AP-514]

James can you adjust that AVR while engine is Running ?

[@jcondon1]

Yes, but do not recommend it since close to moving parts and high voltage.

[@keithking1985]

Mr Condon iv a generator that's giving voltage to work a TV some lights fridge, it's meant to 8.500W but won't power a microwave. Now the microwave runs. But food comes out cold and the TVshuts down when a kettle's turned on. Its giving out voltage but the current seem to be missing. Anybodies help would be appreciated... P.S. im 220v/240v 50Hz Ireland 🇮🇪

[@mjg263]

Nice to have an easy one for a change! I would’ve liked to have seen the weld on the replacement tank, did it look a little sketchy too or was it smooth? Great vid as usual, thank you sir!

[@benkanobe7500]

Based on the two (amazing) identical generators with the same failure mode, why didn't you clean the slip rings and as Preventative Maintenance replace the brushes (I agree they look nearly new)? Shimming them to the center of the slip rings was really smart! I keep watching because I keep learning. Thank you.

[@TheJimbob1603]

How about showing a DIY propane conversion sometime? Excellent series!

[@kevinblevins2612]

Don’t blame you for replacing the tank. I would repair if I was keeping it , but I don’t like fuel leak “repairs” on things that I will sell. Too much liability!!!

[@eDoc2020]

It appears the duplex outlet is on one leg and each leg is only 13.5 amps so you were excessively overloading the alternator with the 3000w test. For such an overload a 10v drop seems reasonable. The AVR can't work when all the load is on one leg because it only monitors the total voltage and can't correct imbalance. It probably was putting 131v on the unused leg when the overloaded leg only had 111v. Of course there's the big question of _why_ it would be wired this way. On a generator of this size it would be more useful for everything to be on one leg.

[@curtdunlap6818]

Most likely the red brackets are shipping brackets, much like the freebie front-loading washing machine that I got years ago that "danced" across the floor when spinning. That machine lasted me many years following the removal of those shipping lugs!

[@Doomstrader]

My first job ever was helping my best friends dad rebuild Briggs in his basement. By the time I was 14 I could do everything on those engines and it started my love for all things Varoom! These videos bring back so many memories I appreciate it. I never know what to do with the old gas? Do you burn it in something ?

[@jdirosa1]

Hey James love your videos , I have a predator 3200/4000. From watching videos I believe I need a rotor. Have no resistance across the slip rings. Is there any place you recommend I can get a rotor or a whole new power head. I believe the stator is good but not 100% sure on that either. Engine runs great I would hate to dump it, would rather try to fix

[@THEFALCON58]

Hi James, nice job

[@Darryl603]

I saw a review of this same generator by vminnovations and it showed the same red brackets. Maybe they are just intended for shipping purposes but then the owner's manual would make mention of it if that were the case. Puzzling...

[@williamwaters4506]

Regarding the gas tank leak. There is a product called J-B weld, it is supposed to be as strong as a real weld. You might know about it but I thought I'd mention it. I have used it and once it hardens, it is extremely hard.

[@craig162]

Can you make a video on generators (I prefer inverter generators) to stay away from? So many are rebadged and you have said that some are impossible to get parts of info on. Some are easy to tell, but it would be great to know which bad clones to stay away from. With your skill and knowledge, it would be a great video. Thanks.Craig

[@leskobrandon538]

110-130v ac is considered normal range voltage by code from the utilities in most states...

[@throwbo]

No it's not. Standard US voltage is 120V +/- 5% which gives you 114 to 126V as standard. 110 and 130 are out of spec. Most things will still run but bulbs might be too dim or too bright, etc.

[@leskobrandon538]

@@throwbo that's from the NEC, but in real rural areas, anything between 110-130v is acceptable as most AC/DC transformers in consumer electronics are rated for such voltage...since led bulbs are in the overwhelming mix now, brighter and dimmer output is not an issue like with incandescent bulbs of the past... While living in South Bay Torrance CA, block neighbor hood had a problem, I brought home from my work a Yokogawa chart recorder I used to prove to SCE (My employer) that the substation for that area was over loaded as the outlet power was switching from 87v to 135v every 1000cycles.. too much reactive power being pulled from the line on hot days causing line voltage to collapse... I worked at SCE Long Beach Gen Station as a control room operator.. But didn't really know the distribution side regs.. they told me that my measurements where out of their spec of 110v-130v and that they would investigate the problem... The problem was corrected after that with a nominal 115v at the outlets... At the plant, we always maintained the terminal voltage (potential) of the generators transformers at 13.8 which would set up the step up transformer voltage to 230kv... Just a little back ground...

[@andybonneau9209]

Your guess that those brackets were for shipping purposes was what I was thinking as well. Made in China goods don't typically have very good literature.

[@rogerrabbit6522]

Definitely shipping/transit brackets. If it was sold from a shop or local distributor originally chances are they were supposed to remove the brackets before selling to a customer.

[@amazing_bobson]

Back in the mid 60's I worked in an auto repair shop. The owner was a professional welder before he got the shop. We were the only one's around who would weld gas tanks. He said never put water in them as you can still have pockets of gas vapor. After pulling the gas tank off and dumping it out, he would run a hose from a vehicle tail pipe into the fill tube on the gas tank. He would take the gas gauge out of the tank so the exhaust would circulate. He let that run for about an hour which evaporated the gas that was left in the tank and filled the tank with carbon monoxide. He said that lowered the oxygen level so the gas fumes wouldn't ignite. We did this in a well ventilated area with fans running. Some times, in the winter, he would pull the hose and plug the two holes with wet rags to seal the carbon monoxide in. I was the one that got to hold the tank steady and wedged in place so it wouldn't move while he was welding. Just a touch nervous the first couple of times but probably helped him 8 or 10 times. He died of old age. Now the disclaimers...Don't do this if you don't know what you're doing. I do not recommend this operation. Don't use water!!

[@RMJUDGE]

Shipping brackets, painted red so they are visible to removal.

[@davidfrank2824]

If you run into problems with the gas tank like you did with this one there's a very easy and inexpensive fix. They sell at the automotive store a gas tank patch type of epoxy. It looks like JB weld but it's purpose is for gas tanks. You cut a piece of it off and use your fingers to mix it all together. It doesn't take long for it to set up and it last so far over 10 years on my pickup truck. I had all intention of replacing the tank when winter was over. Like most things other stuff was happening and the tank just was not leaking any longer. Even to this day 10 years later there is still no leaks.

[@warrenporter302]

i adjust the avr while its running. is this a bad thing?

[@jcondon1]

Not for the AVR. Just need to be careful when doing it.

[@BKD70]

I've done the same. No problems.

[@terrykeller8774]

They come from manufacturer for shipping. They are to be removed and disregarded after setup...

[@spartanj2957]

Off subject my gen ,new Won't pull start as it did 5 mo AGO when I got it . It does start and run fine with batt.start.any ideas .

[@savard02]

Regarding the voltage drop, could it be a bad or resistive connection between the power head and the outlet? If there is resistance in the connection (bad wiring or oxidation) it will lead lead to a lower output voltage as the current increase in that path. The voltage might be good from the AVR standpoint but dropping between the power head and the outlet.

[@darkwing4475]

Sounds to me like half of the AVR circuitry has stopped working,, Like when a diode goes out in an alternator,, it will only charge a little and not a lot,, 🙂

[@transmitterguy478]

Those are shipping brackets that are put on when the engine mounts just came off the manufacturing line and haven't cured yet. Them Chinese are so smart.

[@coreybabcock2023]

Is it possible to get a 3 to 5 psi pulse pump and draw fuel from my vans gas tank via a separate pickup installed at the top of the fuel pump assembly and run a line to a quick connect then to my generator on the back of my van ? And use the generator 12 v to power the pump so the pump only runs when the generator is going?

[@jjackflash8907]

If you ever need some wires of a known size , buy a pack of guitar strings. You will have wires for years.

[@TheCrittercam001]

Been watching your great repair videos for years now and just realized I hadn't subbed...doh!!! Well I'm subscribed now so thank you once again for these informative and very well documented videos James♥

[@theodorekulenics4569]

Ok I removed the brackets and the generator started to make a grinding sound in the power part of the generator.what could be causing the noise all of a sudden.TK Akron Ohio

[@davidduvall4655]

That tank looks like somebody tried to repair it. If it came from factory it would have paint over the weld.

[@bobadam7021]

James you should do a youtube short with clips of various carbs in the ultrasonic overlaid with sad music and a memorial plaque at the end.

[@p.s.vanderpool6770]

Those Red Brackets are for shipping only and when you unpack your new generator it has a unpacking sheet that says to remove those.

[@jonathanfenne4948]

Running that machine with the transport locks in place may have lead to the fuel tank fracture. That shutoff valve is quite a lever against the thin walled tank.

[@kurtyoung6769]

I don 't the the AVR is bad. I think the engine is underrated for that load. Chinese have a bad habit of exaggerating specs

[@stephenlanggaard5675]

Hi James, They look like transport brackets to me ! and as such, they need to be removed.

[@ericvaughn1126]

Nice easy fix and cool tip on aligning the brushes on the slip rings. Very cool video transition fading IN the oil funnel in that shot. Thought I was seeing things for a second there! I'll have to see if Camtasia has that feature for videos that I do here and there for work.

[@nathanbelnap9670]

I caught that too, nice transition

[@ws6780]

WHY NOT TRY SOME JB=Weld to repair the tank?

[@matthewroot3939]

You can fix the fuel leak on the tank with JB wield or similar. No fire hazard.

[@d1bergman]

I bet they are for shipping only so the rubber bumpers (mounts) dont tear loose during shipping

[@AnwarKhan-dw8cj]

red brackets are for shipping because of resonance from the ship engines must be removed on startup,same goes for big electrical motors etc to avoid false brinelling of bearing roller elements

[@arthurbiringer5676]

That genset appears to have been used very little and was properly stored.

[@jcondon1]

It was properly stored and looked like new.

[@jimthesoundman8641]

16:44 I think it's time for JB Weld to the rescue. You could fix it right up like new.

[@comodice905]

How does dropping a generator affect it during shipping dropped and bent frame put a big ding in the frame. Starts and runs

[@markmoran9716]

Nice to see something that is an easy fix. They don't all have to be complete tear downs.

[@zoltanliszkai2162]

Speaking of that have you seen the linguoer-mechanic channel?

[@jcondon1]

Yes

[@tomlambert9617]

To solder aluminum wires use a high tin solder made for aluminum and not rosin flux solder.

[@donprater2754]

I can’t believe they wanted 68 dollars for it?

[@raymondj8768]

is that a shipping bracket bro ??? i had one on my wingen 9500

[@robertbelcher2273]

where can i find a AVR board for a vertical generator with a briggs engine, the first one i have ever that is vertical under the engine

[@michelbrown1060]

3 kw for $300 ? ? ?? Here in Québec they cost over $600. ! ! !

[@r8118830]

You could try Hytek PU92 Fuel resistant adhesive/mastic. Flexible adhesive for bonding or gap filling. - Resistant to diesel, oils, petrol & water. Tack free in 40 to 60 minutes. Supplied in 300ml standard mastic cartridges.

[@CARLOSTREUIL]

Have to ask. Why not just clean up the surface of the tank and use JB Weld?

[@BIG.STEVE13]

Jim all you need to do is solder the tank where it leaks just make sure its all clean around the weld I've done it and it still working to this day

[@tbas1972]

That red bracket is a shipping bracket and must be removed

[@DragonwoodDesigns]

Thanks for getting me started buying dead generators and reselling them (working, tuned up, cleaned out and ready to go)! I have cycled through about 25, so far. All portable, gas powered 3200 to 8750 watts. Best deal ever: (And I'm keeping this one!) Got a call, Was I interested in a Generac Guardian 16kw for $225.00. Battery had exploded. (Common with these older 2007, units.) The hard part was cleaning up all the oil that spilled out because I had to bring it home upside down in the back of an SUV, Tried running it from a small BBQ propane tank an 11"WC BBQ regulator. (good for 60k BTU) Wouldn't stay running. Needs 245k BTUs. Hooked it up to Nat Gas and runs perfect! Also came with a 20 amp Transfer switch/Load Panel. Everything works!!! Problem is the permitting and required professional (licensed) installation. Green tag required to reinstall the meter. This is when installed as the primary disconnect from the utility service. The load panel has more circuits than my main panel! Solution: Install as a sub panel and move about 12 circuits to sub panel. Main panel now has 1 circuit: 2x100 amp double to "Sub-panel". Once installed, over $12,000 (installed) for $225 and about $500 in wires, gas lines and a battery! Thanks for doing what you do and getting me into it, also!

[@DragonwoodDesigns]

If you want to see it, it is here: drive.google.com/drive/folders/14VRrscGXwG2JWjyXV7IP_f2Ukiv-LaaA?usp=sharing

[@daveschroedersworkshop4479]

I agree with you James. I think those little red brackets are strictly for shipping. Don't know why they wouldn't have been marked "Remove Before Flight" though. LOL Nice video as always!!

[@jacquejecker4435]

Agreed. It is typical for some companies to install shipping brackets that are usually painted a bright color like red, orange, or even sometimes yellow, so that they will attract the customers attention. Don't know why there is no reference to them in the instructions.

[@cindymiller2216]

Red brackets are for shipping, to be removed

[@erik_dk842]

Maybe the vibrations from the solidly mounted engine caused the fuel tap thread weld to crack?

[@throwbo]

Unlikely - the tank is bolted to the frame and connected to the engine only with a rubber hose. It was probably just a manufacturing defect. Sloppy weld and then hide your sins with paint.

[@erik_dk842]

@@throwbo With the transport brackets in place, disabling the rubber mounts, the engine IS solidly connected to the frame, as is the tank.The fuel tap acts like a long lever.

[@jeremymcauliff8485]

How long before we get an ultrasonic cleaner teardown video?

[@greghowse3767]

For transportation to stop the motor from breaking the engin mounts

[@piconano]

The tank looks more original now, than the original did!

[@Roy_Tellason]

I would have tried a bit of JB Weld to fix that leak...

[@sgschwend]

Off the subject but I am trying to solve a starting issue on a DuroMax 10K. When using the starter the engine fires and acts like it is too far advanced by the crank slows down or nearly stops. I can see a key in the key-way. Compression is 100 psi, after resetting the valve lash. Any suggestion how to fix this? Such as pull the key and change the flywheel timing?

[@sgschwend]

Update: I did two retard to the timing and found those changes has no effect. I then cleaned the carb a second time using an ultrasonic bath. The result is the engine would start and run then quickly stop. The protection circuits did not appear to be causing this. I then monitored the coil output and found that it would create the spark voltage and then it would just stop (no spark). I have ordered an new coil.

[@johnhershey4010]

Look like a Harber Fright Ultrasonic

[@crisprtalk6963]

Why does it seem everyone up where you live sell stuff cheaper than where I am at in Alabama. Its interesting.

[@jcondon1]

Not sure, but when fixed they sell cheap too.

[@PeterLawton]

I hear JB Weld is good for leaky gas tanks.

[@robsteinhaur221]

Awesome, thanks for sharing.

[@davidwilles8577]

Looking at the old blue tank it seems to me that it shouldn't have that welding burn on the paint where the spigot screwed in and I wonder if someone before you tried to fix the leak by re-welding it. The red tank was painted red where the spigot was screwed in, not black like the blue tank.

[@jcondon1]

Maybe, but I had assumed it was the leaking fuel which stained the paint.

[@deangentles4966]

Hi James always like sitting in your class mate I agree with you the red brackets are for shipping and should have been removed As for the gene it looks little used easy jobs are always the best James

[@jcondon1]

Thanks Dean!

[@coreybabcock2023]

Those red things are the shipping brackets

[@itsallfabrication]

Thanks for the vid James.

[@DeadKoby]

Good work as always......... "Good enough for government work" doesn't cut it in James' work shop.

[@stephenlanggaard5675]

Hello James this is Steve from the UK, just a thought, why don't you go to your nearest Vape Shop and purchase different gauges of coil making wire, it's very cheap, anyway just keep up with what you do, it's very informative, cheers Steve.

[@whitesapphire5865]

Poor AVR response may well be down to an out of spec capacitor. If it was the case, there's not much you can do other than try another AVR. If you have a spare one, I'd try it out, just see if there's any improvement. These AVRs shouldn't be astronomically priced, if a new one is required. This is why I prefer current feedback excitation, but you just don't see that these days. - Honda are the past masters of that technique in small generators.

[@michaelstoliker971]

Those look like shipping restraints.

[@jesterr7133]

I have that same ultrasonic cleaner. My heating element works about 50% of the time, and it has done that since it was new. It seems to do better if I start with hot water.

[@jcondon1]

I always start with hot water. Although I just read that can cause the transducer to overheat.

[@throwbo]

The red brackets are a factory shipping brackets. They are red to draw attention to them. You are supposed to remove them when you unbox the generator for the 1st time. I have the feeling that this generator had little if any previous use. ETQ not a high quality brand (no QC on the tank - YOU are the QC dept. No mention of the shipping brackets in the manual, poor alignment of the brushes, cheapo AVR, etc.) but still a good deal for an almost new gen. I assume the old tank could be saved with JB Weld or some such without hot welding. Probably there was a tag or sticker on the gen that said "Remove these brackets before use" but it was ignored and discarded.

[@genemyersmyers6710]

Great video lots of good info thanks.

[@lloyddawson8807]

My 11,000 Watt WEN generator came with similar brackets, also RED ( so you would see them ) and my manual said they had to be removed before use.

[@mikesbarn1858]

I had a 49 cc engine ( bicycle kit) that purred at idle but fell on its face when revved. Went crazy trying to t/s carb. Valves were set way too tight. Quick adjustment and now problems solved.