Generac Generator Valve Replacement - Generac 4000XL

[@ItllBurnOff]

I just fuxed a 10000exl that I got for $150. They said all the oil seals were bad. It was actually the float stuck open from bad gas in the needle valve. It blew lots of smoke and ran terrible. New carb installed last night and it runs perfectly. Thank you James, you helped me get this little gem running!!!

[@YukonHawk1]

That's a really great genny you have. Well built.

[@jcondon1]

Very nice. The OEM carbs cost a lot of $$$. Did you try the clone?

[@mikesbarn1858]

I’m nominating you for the Mustie1 award for your work on engines and the Tesla award for your work on the coils.

[@brewski118sempire]

I would love to see a crossover.

[@jameshedrick6839]

I watch both of them

[@christophermarshall5765]

@@jameshedrick6839 same. I stir Mustie up sometimes.

[@KYKAYAKER274ey1]

Awesome idea

[@drunkingsailor2359]

Alittle trick when installing those two piece keepers is a dab of grease on the keepers to hold them in place while releasing the spring also give them a tap with soft mallet to insure their locked in place and well seated.

[@oemytech]

I was about to say the same thing. It's what I was taught by real mechanic back in the day building SBC's.

[@Bri-tg6xr]

I use an old tub of expired vaseline just for this purpose, works great for holding tiny screws to non magnetized screwdrivers also!

[@josephroberts6027]

I use an old pressure washing wand I curved the last 5" of to pressure wash the inside of gas tanks with! They do fill up fast , but it cleans the crap out of them.

[@andyhamilton8940]

Bad idea for a plastic tank IMO

[@franleck]

On tanks that are easy to remove, I toss in a carton of BBs and shake it around. Strain the BBs through an old colander to reuse. Works great.

[@banderson5144]

These cylinder head rebuild / cleaning videos are always the most satisfying

[@adnacraigo6590]

Glad that you could save both generators. You have a great understanding of how they work.

[@elcomandante9299]

Not a bad way if spending one thousand$ on 2 generators.

[@Farm_fab]

Vinegar might be a better solution for removing rust from that plastic tank, Jim. I recently cleaned up a mower wheel with vinegar in a bucket, then soaked it in baking soda and water for a bit to neutralize it. I then dried it and primered it with rust converter just to make sure it will hold up.

[@erik_dk842]

Muriatic acid is better and faster, especially in a plastic tank, where it can do no harm.

[@Farm_fab]

@@erik_dk842 the risks from vinegar are far less than muriatic acid, and most adequate for the plastic tank. Even vinegar can damage clothing, but muriatic acid will do far more damage, and not PPE is required for it's use.

[@michaelhuey4187]

James rolls the dice with another Chineseum carb - and WINS🎉 I’m glad it worked out for you👍

[@Bulletman426]

Another excellent example of being a good mechanic. Great job bringing it back

[@Vicmon]

Never got a reply back from u about a question I had but, i kept at it and figured it out. I didn't want to do all that work so I found a replacement valve spring retainer that works ! I bought a valve kit from a different motor for $13. Or you can buy just the retainers for $10. Now I have a working generator ,without taking off the head .

[@wildefox1478]

You got 2 generators intending to use both to make one good one but end up with 2 good generators, awesome work James!

[@somerandomguy3868]

As always great job, couldn't help but notice the nut rounder on the drain plug, and that's fine with me, if you turn the wrench around it will load the tool so it's less likely too damage the drive surface of the plug, either way I know it's you doing it and if you did damage it you would likely replace it

[@jcondon1]

I would replace it for sure. A couple years back I paid someone to change the oil in my RV. Next time I went to change the oil, found the drain bolt completely striped out. Had to us an extractor to get it removed.

[@Roy_Tellason]

They *do* make square sockets. At least Snap-On does. A number of years ago I was putting together some metal shelving and the supplied hardware included square nuts, so I now have a socket to fit those.

[@Roy_Tellason]

@@jcondon1 Worst oil change horror story-- My late lady took her Subaru to a "Grease Monkey" to get the oil changed. From where I sat in the waiting room I could see the "mechanic" get on that drain plug -- with a pipe wrench! He then proceeds to apply totally absurd amounts of torque -- in the wrong direction! The end result of this was distortion in the metal of the oil pan to the point where it wasn't gonna not leak, so they gooped it up with some kind of epoxy and then couldn't get the plug out, then telling us that the only way that they could change the oil was to suck t out through the dipstick tube. Many furious phone calls later, ending up dealing with "corporate", there was agreement to fix it, which was done by somebody else, at their expense -- the oil pan was replaced. I'll never go there again...

[@ericvaughn1126]

Nice save on this one too, man! Two not running into two running AND making power is a win for sure. Glad you could get the valve kit to make it happen on this 2nd one. Keep em coming JC!

[@MitchEllis-dn9lf]

You really gotta love that rollock soft nylon bristle brush you use.

[@Farm_fab]

That Fram filter reminded me of a parts house that discontinued a bunch of small filters. I was able to get the bunch dirt cheap. I gave a bunch to a church camp and they were able to use them on a Deere mower they had recently (at the time) bought. Some were for motorcycles, but he said the thing that mattered was the microns and the fit. The filters were a good name brand, too.

[@chadmock5883]

Fram isn’t a bad filter for the price. Change oil and filter at acceptable intervals and it’s fine. I would not use Fram on extended intervals. Otherwise to each their own.

[@Farm_fab]

@@chadmock5883 I've use several different brands over the years. On the small stuff, it's not near as critical as transportation engines.

[@AlfOfAllTrades]

Given the track record of clone carbs, I have to say the ones you used on these Generacs work really, really well.

[@patricknichols7399]

Mr. Condon, thank you for the continued videos. I think every diyer and some professional small engine techs can benefit from your work. Great hard work.

[@vernonvickers4852]

V

[@CSkwirl]

So happy you changed that exhaust, looked like it got dug out of a swamp!

[@francisbailey3831]

Hi James, Generac are great units if taken care of. I have an 7750 EXL, which purchased in July 2004. Still working great, get's a monthly test run with load. Kept in an out door enclosure. I look forward to you weekly video's. The unit has been maintained as per manual. You are the Master at generator repairs.

[@elcomandante9299]

Any unit remains operable if taken care of.

[@philliphall5198]

I agree

[@sdaroota]

9:00 those suction cups for the lapping, can be fitted to a socket bit on a drill, and can make a quick job of lapping the valves. I've done this a few times on my small engine motorcycles.

[@MrJimmynadeau]

Yes or stick a slight too small rubber hose over the stem and chuck the other end of the hose into the drill. It works like a perfect tq limiter

[@willsmith4950]

Many thanks for this. Paid a good-used price for a pressure washer using the same engine. Same problem. Looks to me like they used the same (or similar) keeper from the 6.5hp engine on the 7.8hp only to have this trouble all over the place. The upgrade kit uses split cone keepers just like a big kid engine. I will refer to this video when r/r the head on mine. Very clear and complete with torques.

[@Silent-Lucidity]

I have a generator in storage for the last year. From your videos I can refurb the carb and make it run again.

[@Willy12927]

Watching your videos reminds me of when I was a kid and we would go down to the local car garage. The owner would let us go back into the work bays and watch the mechanic work. He would tell us what he was doing and why and also answer all the questions our young minds could think of. Of course, that was over sixty years ago, before all of the liability concerns and OSHA rules and regulations.

[@davidfoulk3078]

Finality and completeness are traits found in people with OCD. Great job on fixing them both….I feel your pain lol

[@mjg263]

Very nice job once again! That thing under a load is giving you more voltage than we are getting from our power company right now. I noticed everything slowing down so I checked with my Fluke and we’re getting a consistent 100 volts sometimes dipping to 99!

[@jcondon1]

Thats a little low, unless you are in Japan.

[@mjg263]

@@jcondon1 yeah I might have to go around and change the taps on all my universal voltage equipment from 120 to 100 lol!

[@lot27a]

Love these videos James! I have a myriad of small engines in my care. Thanks to these videos, I'm gaining confidence that I can keep them all running for a very long time. I've replaced many carburetors with success but now I'm itching to do a top end or complete rebuild. Love to build a high performance go-kart engine. Keep 'em coming!!

[@marz6250]

Rrrr5t6

[@deangentles4966]

Hi James well you did it mate You got the second one to run as well nice to see this old model with a oil filter it will last for another 20 years a good class to sit in today James thank you

[@jcondon1]

Thanks Dean!

[@paulmonk7820]

Another thing I have found good for removing film deposits from any container is a fine gravel in soapy water, and shake it up well.

[@davidcurnutt9584]

As a subscriber and a fellow KZbin mechanic, I would like to recommend that you grab a can of Sea Foam Deep Creep and use it in the place of PB Blaster. It is an amazing and more efficient penetrating lubricant. I found it through watching Project Farm on KZbin and can attest that it is a truly great product.

[@kendoeditionfuego1619]

desde Cuba saludos, mi generador eléctrico de 4 tiempos estaba trabajando y se me apagó por completo, verifiqué si era pérdida de combustible pero no, aún así le eche más combustible y luego no me encendía, lo dejé reposar y cuando volví a encenderlo hizo un sonido fuerte que venía del carburador, y un pequeño humo blanco por el sistema de respiracion del generador, y cuando me di cuenta habían gotas de aceite en el perno que sujeta la Cuba del carburador, y entonces cuando lo enciendo no genera bien las revoluciones y se apaga, ese generador no tiene sensor de aceite así que puedo descartar esa opción, limpié el carburador, limpié las bujías, abrí el departamento de las válvulas y estaban llenas de aceite, en resumen amigo el generador no me dura encendido ni 10 segundos, y compresión tiene el generador, usted cree que el sobre lleno de aceite haya dañado al motor, o a las válvulas? Cuál es su punto de vista.. mi generador es de 2000watts le agradecería mucho su ayuda.

[@Micko350]

Being an Aussie, I've never heard anything bad about Fram until I just searched after you said 'yes I used a Fram'. I only thought they had the one quality (the Fram Filters we get over here are all Orange & ridiculously expensive) I have used them on my Drag & Oval Track cars for over 30 years without incident!

[@Toby1952]

I used to use them also, then I ran across this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4Wxe397i512fZo I have since changed to WIX.

[@2OO_OK]

The female end of a 3/8 drive extension may fit that square oil drain plug. A hex or rod coupling nut makes an adapter so a socket on the male end of the extension can be turned with a ratchet and another socket. Thanks for your videos, I have learned a lot from them.

[@joesinakandid528]

Ever wonder what those funny looking sockets are that you don't ever use? The ones where the "shoulders" of the points are narrow and pointy? Not 6 point nor 12 point? They were used for the old square nuts from long ago.

[@philliphall5198]

This is what I enjoy doing and rebuilding engines I AllWAYS tap valve to make sure keeps are in place

[@lv_woodturner3899]

Informative and interesting. Thanks for the video. I hope I do not need to replace valves on my 7000EXL, but good information if this is needed in the future. The new valve retainer with keepers is a lot better design than the original. The fuel tank had an amazing amount of rust from the small amount of steel in the float. The generator was obviously left out in the rain for extended period of time. The crack in the cap can let in a lot of water over time. Dave.

[@arthurbiringer5676]

Great job as usual! A new lease on life for another genset!

[@donaldelrod9172]

on cleaning those gas tanks, you may want to use the andrew camarada method of after you drain the last of the cleaning liquid, throw in a rag or two and blow in the fill hole with compressed air. the ramdom activity of the rags seems to get to every nook and crannie of the tank.

[@YukonHawk1]

Another two for one deal👍👍😎😎. That's awesome that you got it up and running just in time for hurricane season. Great deal for sure. I loved how everything cleaned up and that the clone carb worked so well. Great tip on how to test the oil sensor switch.

[@elcomandante9299]

I don't think hurricanes go near that area.

[@YukonHawk1]

@@elcomandante9299 were in the NY metro area. Unfortunately we sometimes get slammed with them.

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

Another great repair James , I sure ENJOYED !! That one was well worth fixing..Thanks

[@28YorkshireRose12]

There is a poetic justice in this video, in that the poor old scruffy dog, after being robbed of essential parts, is rewarded with brand new replacements to bring it back to life again. All it needs now is a new handle and a pair of wheels to make it mobile again. - Turned out well in the end! Now, we need to get our stash opened up and take a look at some of the machines stored away in there.

[@rayshutsa6690]

Thank you for another great video. Always enjoy watching you fix the generators and anything you fix. Great work as always. 😀🇨🇦

[@williamwhitehead8362]

I've started cleaning those up and I paint the exhaust muffler and pipe with a high temperature primer paint seems to stay on keeps them from rusting!

[@piconano]

I wish I had a generator. Then I could break it and fix it. A clone carb for under $20 is why people don't bother repairing things. I don't blame them one bit. As you said, the needle is probably $10 which is crazy.

[@AnwarKhan-dw8cj]

Great job james , was waiting to see what was repair for this next one

[@barry2b225]

I have one with the exact problem, retainer broke in half on the intake valve, I found a chinese retainer from another engine, it was a little sloppy and worn center, that lasted a month or two, and the stem worked its way through the center, So I dug around in the shed and found some honda valves the retainer was slightly larger where the spring went around it, but a slight pressure and twist it went right on, and the stem seemed to fit perfectly, but it has a cup cap on it, so I am going to put the cup cap on and set the clearance, looks like it is more robust than the original. we will see.

[@simonmorris3964]

Keep em coming and now it’s time to start another small motor….(lawnmower).

[@inthemorrows]

That's the same valve spring retainer as on my predator 3500. That retainer is common and under different part numbers. I linked a place to purchase it but I guess my post was removed?

[@josephroberts6027]

I have had several posts disappear as well.

[@jcondon1]

KZbin sometimes removes posts automatically if it looks like spam.

[@mistastabs5840]

Another great video, I really like the tips and tricks you add in... Thx. Could you at some point show how you built your alternative fuel source for testing?

[@lawnguru2344]

Great job man...Only bad thing...Fram !!! LOL.

[@redmondjp]

They get too much of a bad rap. The 1971 Ford LTD that we had in the family for 30 years, had over 230K miles on the original engine (with only a timing set) and all it ever had was Fram oil and air filters. I don't typically use them myself, but they are still better than no filter or an old clogged one.

[@p71collector]

Fram filters make great targets to shoot at the range. :) The orange color makes them easier to sight in. They are total junk to use on any engine.

[@jcondon1]

I agree. Have since educated myself. Seems like Wix would have been a better choice.

[@p71collector]

@@jcondon1 Yes, Wix and Napa (made by Wix) are excellent filters.

[@larrykelly2838]

Great learning program, i learn something every time, way to go Doc.

[@kpdvw]

James Condon, the Generator Wizzard extraordinaire...!

[@apollorobb]

The XL's are good Generators Ive owned quite few and worked on a few as well . That one sounds like it may need a Spark plug it has a little hitch in its giddy up .

[@elcomandante9299]

U can tell it needs a sparkplug by the sound? OMG!!! Never heard that one before.

[@Maine307]

gonna be another great video .I will watch after work!! I needed this model looked at too! Cheers!!!

[@ericd2791]

i did not watch this one, boy where was my mind. oh wait i had no power on that day, but been looking in-to Generators.

[@matthewanderson7766]

Really need a small sand blaster to clean up flywheel and engine blocks

[@jcondon1]

I agree. Need more space first.

[@brentsrx7]

Why aren't small engines designed like this anymore? That head has an optimal bolt pattern and a domed combustion chamber. The casting is really clean.

[@jcondon1]

The generac XL series was well made. Both the engines and the generator.

[@wotknot1757]

Wow, after watching the first video, in my mind I said "well, this 2nd genny is going to wind up a parts machine" .... never shoulda doubted your ability to resurrect the dead. Nice going there James. Got a question and please forgive me b/c I know it's been asked before but I've watch so many videos that I don't remember which one. But ...... where did you get your temporary fuel bottle? I've looked and looked online and all I've been able to come up with are 2-stroke mixing bottles. I'd like to find something like or similar to what you've got but have had no luck. Thanks @James Condon, another interesting video. Appreciate it.

[@jcondon1]

I added it to my Amazon store under "tools" www.amazon.com/shop/jamescondon

[@jameshedrick6839]

I do the samething using fram oil filters. Cheaper than oem and they work just as good

[@chadmock5883]

I wonder if maybe soaking some of the rusty chrome parts in vinegar may bring them back to usable shape?

[@hunter5369]

Nice work, James, buddy I have one exactly like those generators, only one problem one of the 120v outlets dies not produce 120v, been that I am in Nicaragua and I live in a farm do not have access to a tone to fix it for me, what can I do? Any ideas?, love your videos man and you are so inspiring 👍👍👍👍

[@jcondon1]

Would isolate the generator legs and test the ohms of each coil, test each coil to ground and each coil to each other to determine if there is a failure in the stator. It is not possible for a generator to power up one of the outlets and not the other unless a failure of insulation in the stator or a wiring issue like a corroded connection, bad circuit breaker or bad outlet.

[@aymannabil9]

Wow great and clean work awesome 👍... recently I dismantled my 5kva generator and I replaced the timing gear and now I'm gonna replace the both valves but I have one doubt which is what type of that red color lubricant that u have used on the valves and what if I use an engine oil instead of that?? My regards

[@jcondon1]

Engine oil is also fine. The red stuff is permeated engine assembly lube.

[@aymannabil9]

@@jcondon1 thank you so much Mr James you are my hero ...I'm just following your steps ... I learnt from you everything about the generators and here I'm assembling my generator new parts according to your steps and hopefully it will run 👍 My regards 👍

[@nosaltiesandrooshere7488]

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

[@wazza33racer]

It is a deep and philosophical conundrum to consider.........is a Fram filter.......better than nothing? Boy, did that genset sound good with the new carb )) I was working on a Keihin FCR-39 flat slide (not a clone) today on a dirt bike.......and unbelievably the Air/Fuel screw was never correctly installed from new.......it was stuck in the lower float bowl housing, since the hole for the screw had never been drilled out to the proper size.

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

Where did you find the air filter housing? I need to get one but can't locate. Thanks James!

[@mead6754]

My favourite channel

[@ccroson7935]

I see you primed the filter I do that as well but I was always wondering if that’s what you’re supposed to do I don’t ever see anyone else doing it on KZbin you’re the only one that I’ve seen to do that so is priming the filter a good thing?

[@jcondon1]

It broke off that jack with no issue.

[@davedemo8229]

hey you ever try evapo rust rust remover? The valve cover and exhaust cover could really use it.

[@calopii]

Did you see this? kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5Ovo4FvhbymmKM

[@jcondon1]

Yes, it works well.

[@waynebrundidge206]

Enjoy the video as always, you make me feel like I’m sitting in a classroom. One question, what grit lapping compound do you use for your valve lapping?

[@jcondon1]

That's a good question. Got whatever they had. I I use Permatex Valve Grinding Compound

[@Roy_Tellason]

@@jcondon1 A long time ago I picked up that tool and two different grits of compound, in a kit. Most of it still around from that one engine I was working on way back when. I think I got it at Pep Boys, but am not 100% sure.

[@AZVIDS]

Nice fix again James👍👍👍

[@kevinjones1717]

what tools and cream do you use on putting new valves in please Kevin Jones

[@jasonpowell6586]

Love the videos! Reminds me oh Bob Ross when I was a kid!

[@ericvaughn1126]

A day early!? Must be going on vaca soon. We'll be at the beach next week. Busy with work this morning, but will catch up on this one this evening.

[@jcondon1]

Was on vacation when I scheduled the video release. Lost track of time.

[@philliphall5198]

The valve replacement kit is HD and will not break like the ones you had on it

[@Vicmon]

Hey James. I have the same generator can't find parts either . All I need is 1 valve spring retainer. I can't seem to find anyone that sells it . I did see u bought a kit . There are a few incorrect part numbers online I was wondering if you knew which one is the correct one that I would need without having to buy the whole kit.

[@DeadKoby]

Wheels and handles and it's ready to serve a new owner.

[@elcomandante9299]

Wheels and handle add another 100$. Not worth it in my opinion.

[@elcomandante9299]

Wheels and handle add another 100$. Not worth it in my opinion.

[@jcondon1]

I agree

[@bigdanc.8429]

I have an 17 or 18 hp engine on a riding mower where I changed the oil and apparently the oil plug vibrated out without my noticing then a while later the engine abruptly stopped. Is that repairable or will I need to get a new engine. I don't remember if it's a Briggs and Stratton or a kholer.

[@jcondon1]

Anything is possible, but no way to know until you take it apart, clean it up and measure up. It would cost less to locate a used engine. Generator engines are hard to come by which is why I try to fix them when possible. But if more then $200 in parts, then not work it.

[@Golfingferdie]

I have used Fram for all my life and all oil changes, All my cars and trucks had Fram. Never on issue with engine oil or oil system. also Use Penzoil, straight 30 for older vehicles. I hate he new oil systems for cars. Crap filters and thin oil that is way to expensive!!! Use to be so easy. Guess all things must come to an end.

[@leskobrandon538]

Being that the retainer is superceded to a kit with different vlv retainers, it's probably a good thing and won't break again..

[@elmertudball7671]

On and unknown engine I would have pulled the oil filter first and checked it for metal before I did any more work!

[@MrCarl312]

It looks to me that it would be easier to clean the tin when the parts are off the motor.

[@MrCarl312]

1:02 It actually says another part number (newer) will replace the old part.

[@jcondon1]

Yes, but that kit requires much more work to install then replacing the valve retainer.

[@MsDave64]

IDK, I think that being as the new valve kit had revised parts with improved keepers and distinctively different stronger looking red springs, that I may have opted for the tighter valve clearance. Could have been the reason for the revision in the first place.

[@jcondon1]

Not sure. That clearance was tighter then I normally see. Usually as the valves wear in, the clearance decreases.

[@iandennis7836]

Nothing wrong with fram filters, I used them when I ran a mobile auto service and repair business in the '90's and on all my own vehicles. I would expect that the quality of all components has gone down somewhat, certainly this is my experience.

[@Toby1952]

I used to think that to, but then I ran across this video .. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4Wxe397i512fZo

[@Mr_Meowingtons]

that's because it was then 90's as from the 2006+ there complect trash and and we had one collapse in on itself destroying the engine...

[@MrHoneybeeScratcher]

I'm confused how you find all the specs for the generators, I've been trying to find the valve clearance on a Generac 3500XL model 09441-2 & can't find it anywhere? Thanks James

[@jcondon1]

You need to search using the engine number instead of the generator number. Should be on the side of the block. When no information is available 0.004” intake and 0.006 on the exhaust should be fine.

[@meesau2112]

James great video nice job on saving the generator....I have the same exact generator the idle control doesn't work on mine, how would you troubleshoot the idle control circuit? When I turn the switch on the idle stays the same is it possible motor on top is bad?

[@jcondon1]

It could be. There is most likely a bridge rectifier suppling power the the control board. Would check that the board is receiving power and that the idle switch works. Also you can check the wire voltage at the idle solenoid when the idle switch on to see if you are getting any power there and/or check the ohms if the idle solenoid and manually operator it to make sure it is not stuck.

[@meesau2112]

@@jcondon1 Ok thanks for the response thank you sir

[@andyhamilton8940]

Try a little woke a cola and wadded up tin foil on that rusty valve cover James. Nice job as usual.

[@williamwhite1348]

Great video on these Generac's. After listening to your comments about the oil filters on these units I double checked my free 4000xl and discovered it does not have an oil filter or a provision for one. Do you know if I can update my generator for an oil filter. I got it running very well after some work and would like to keep it running that way. Thanks Bill White

[@jcondon1]

I do not think you can upgrade it. I just picked up a Generac 5500XL and found the same. No oil filter but it does have an oil pump.

[@williamwhite1348]

Ok Thanks for the reply.

[@itsjustme1949]

Love the videos but wish you would show the products you're using, i.e. penetrating oil, and also the equipment. For example at 5:30 you're using a "scrubber" to clean the cylinder/valve head. Would like to know what you have attached to the drill. Thanks.

[@elcomandante9299]

Why would one need to know the products he uses?

[@itsjustme1949]

@@elcomandante9299 In case you would like to use similar products for comparable job.

[@jcondon1]

Most of the stuff is in my Amazon store www.amazon.com/shop/jamescondon. I mostly use PB Blaster and WD40. That brush on the drill is a 3M plastic roloc bristle brush.

[@marcelroebert6612]

Moet er maar 1 kleppenhoedje op? Leuke video’s hoor.

[@judgeguilty]

James - Thanks for your excellent videos. Would recommend converting a gasoline generator to propane?

[@jcondon1]

Depends. Gasoline carbs are cheap. Propane systems are expensive. Easier to swap out the gasoline carb then a propane regulator. That said, if you have propane supplied by your town to your house then might be a better option after a bad storm when the gas stations run out of gas.

[@lawrencepevitts2434]

What made the new valves not compatible with the engine? I bet you have quite an extensive library of manuals and documentations. Excellent video. Are you going to put a wheel & handle kit on it?

[@jcondon1]

The valve retainer and keepers were different. The kit was compatible, just a lot of extra work for a bad retainer design.

[@MrBubbahunt9]

Did the exhaust valve not have an oil seal ?

[@bradleybauder9043]

Have you ever swapped a power head one of these units? I have a 7500 exl that I just picked up for cheap. I haven't dug it yet but I was curious to see if it's possible if that ends up becoming a problem. Especially because so few parts are available any more

[@jcondon1]

Never have done a swap on these. Usually they do not need it. The voltage regulators are the weak point. A swap can be done, but only with another similar model generac. Here is a video I did on a beacon generator, removed the generator head (2 part video). It is essentially a generac 7500 Exl. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2TWc51ulpKrgNksi=6dHkkT51TVA-RKAf

[@sweetlou5902]

Just curious would vinegar have worked better in the fuel tank than denatured alcohol?

[@jcondon1]

Maybe, It would have been a lot cheaper.

[@brucemorehead8724]

James - have ever run across a Generac 4000XL where the automatic idle control switch no longer does anything? The engine just runs on at full speed. Have you perhaps dealt with that before?

[@jcondon1]

Have not come across that yet. Would check the switch. There is also a bridge rectifier that runs the electro magnet the pulls the governor arm to idle. Would check those things first. It’s also possible the idle set screw is too far in and cannot idle. And lastly there is an adjustment on the magnet that pulls the throttle to idle. If the magnet is to far away from the governor are then the magnet is not strong enough to pull the throttle closed.

[@brucemorehead8724]

@@jcondon1 The switch is good, the coil is good (~1600 Ohms), the wiring is correct, and no obvious damage to the control board. I believe the rectifier would be on the control board but can’t find reference to that in any of the wiring diagrams that I have. As a test I isolated the coil and found that about 24V DC (I don’t have rectified 120V to test with) applied to the coil will cause the governor to go to idle. Do you have anything that shows the location of the rectifier for that circuit? Perhaps a pointer to any more detailed documentation than what comes in the owners manual and diagrams would help me get past this roadblock...

[@davidduma7615]

Those suction cup thingies for lapping valves have been around for a hundred years.... Isn't there a tool you can chuck into a drill to do that now? Or is the back-and-forth motion important?

[@josephroberts6027]

You do not want to cut / abrade too much material from either surface, hence the simple hand tool to do that job. Plus you need to pick the valve up often to keep the cutting abrasive between the two parts for it to be effective. Hope that helps!

[@nicholasdellamorte4626]

Great Job as always...

[@jimmytwinsburg4734]

Excellent video, very informative. Do you happen to know the engine part number? I also have a 4000 EXL but I can't find the engine model number that matches anything? The info on the engine is ID 004276QEHC, 216CC. But I can't find anywhere that number comes up?? Keep up the good we, we appreciate your work and videos.

[@krisw8597]

Just picked up a mint 400exl. One problem though, valve broke off and killed the head and piston… hard to find parts for this machine cheap. Needs a head and piston, anyone know where I can get those cheap? And no Amazon doesn’t have that unfortunately…..