Generac Tune-up and Full Load Test

[@MrTonyPiscatelle]

My exact generator that I rely on at home. She resides in the garage, topped off with fuel but she gets ran every 30 days weather we need it or not. She's about 14 years old and hasn't skipped a beat. Nice work James !

[@ericchalifoux3638]

That's also what I used to do... One of my friends pointed out to me that even if I start it once a month, the gas still gets old (ie. It may take a year to use it up), so it's best to use fuel stabilizer or keep it empty and fill up you gas can more often (you can simply put it in your car to use it up) thus you always have fresh gas

[@MrTonyPiscatelle]

@@ericchalifoux3638 So how long does it take to do damage or mess something up ?

[@MrTonyPiscatelle]

@@ericchalifoux3638 14 years doing it my way and 0 problems. Tell your friend he isn't right !

[@2010stoof]

​​@@MrTonyPiscatellenon stabilized ethanol gas is only good for 30 days they say. Stabilized gets you a year or two they say. The ethanol attracts water. I use stabilized ethanol free gas. I have successfully used gas that's 2.5 years old (stabilized non ethanol) with no issues. Also the ethanol dry rots seals and gaskets over time and will turn the gas into gunk in the bowl. So at the very least drain the bowl. There's usually a drain on the bowl. If you keep that empty you'll mitigate a lot of varnish and gumming issues.

[@MrTonyPiscatelle]

@@2010stoof I will repeat myself---14 years in the garage on regular unleaded fuel. No additives nothing and no problems ever.

[@coaterdave]

Great general maintenance video. For those of us that have gone weeks without power, the importance of keeping that generator in tip top shape and ready to work is paramount.

[@rogerandlyndabeall3840]

Vote Trump!

[@RadarrBec]

Good day, Mr. Condon. Your repair videos are the best I've seen and you've given me the confidence to tackle starting, surging and all around maintenance of all my own machines, as well as my friends who have issues with theirs too. Thank you so much.

[@richb419]

Hi James, years ago I started applying Anti-seize to the spark plug threads before installing the new ones, I did this because the Champion plugs were known to take the threads out in aluminum and magnesium alloy heads. Rich

[@brianwood5220]

Stanley will be delighted with the job you've done on this. It made a nice video too. Thanks for sharing, James.

[@BruceBoschek]

It's a pleasant change to get to go through a machine that has been stored inside and at least to some extent taken care of properly. Of course, we Condon acolytes know that the fuel should not be stored in the tank, too many fuel filters can spoil one's day and the pilot jet is one's best friend, but we cannot expect that of others. Nice job and always something new to learn. Thanks Jim.

[@jcondon1]

It’s nice to get an easy one once in a while. Working on 3 other videos now that all resulted in complete engine tear down. Those make a better video, but much more work and waiting for parts.

[@BruceBoschek]

@@jcondon1 We enjoy them all. Thanks again.

[@daboomer2277]

Good morning James. You made my day nice. Nice cup of coffee and sitting on the porch ❤

[@renbek100]

Always a real pleasure to watch and listen to, very informative as always, a big thank you James, I'm looking forward to the next one

[@4Truth4All]

An impressive machine! A great maintenance video. Stanley has a gem with this one, his wife should take comfort with having this one standing by.

[@RiverratGoRVing]

James, your knowledge and expertise shows and you're helping a subscriber show that that you are a DYI'ers best friend. Keep posting, and Thank You for your time in making such informative content. Michael

[@buydirectusa4954]

Your videos are teaching me. Been going through and watching the older ones. Gave me some confidence to figure out what was wrong with my lt1000 lawn tractor. One thing i did was stop using ethanol gas in it. Destroyed the lines and rubber gaskets. 😮

[@Amy_McFarland]

This was a nice change of pace working on a machine that really had no issues. Hence, how important it is to keep them tuned up and performing regular interval maintenance. Your average consumer does none of the above unfortunately.

[@jcondon1]

Was stocked and pleased to see the prior owner had actually adjusted the valves at least once and did it right!

[@tomschmidt381]

Great maintenance video. Nice having a stash of spare parts and being able to find the stuff you need. I purchased a similar rated electric start Predictor a number of years ago. As a geezer I did not want to have to use the pull start in the dead of winter. Agree with the other posts you want to run it occasionally to make sure it will work during an emergency. I run ours every 3-mo or so with a 1500 watt space heater as a dummy load and run the tank empty. Something else to keep in mind with an electric start genie is to use a low power battery maintainer to keep the battery topped up.

[@jcondon1]

Good point. These series generator do not charge their own battery and even if that did, it does not maintain it when the generator is off. The charger that comes with the generator is manual and will boil the battery if left plugged in. A battery maintainer will keep the battery healthy for many years.

[@tomschmidt381]

@@jcondon1 Agree, I was surprised some of these electric start generators do not charge the battery when running. As much as I'm a Harbor Freight fanboy I went the gold plated route and purchased a Deltran Battery Tender junior. Unfortunately they have gotten pretty pricey over the years. I recently replace the 8 year old Predator battery. It was still testing fine but figured I was pushing my luck.

[@toxin911]

im going to look at 10 generators today because im bored, watching your videos taught me a few things about the electronics

[@jondrake5812]

Wow, you have a rock solid step by step procedure for fixing these. Your attention to detail and editing is really amazing

[@chipsatterly4902]

Absolute and excellent "clinic" on how to maintain an already functioning portable gasoline run generator . Step by step recipe for success! Thank you!!

[@timmoore8036]

I have the same generator. It's 9 years old and has been a real workhorse. The only issue was the hour meter stopped working. Thanks for the great video! Really appreciate your in depth troubleshooting, and your videos are always are a pleasure to watch!

[@keepingj]

I have the same generator, never stored outside in the weather but stored in a cold shed. The paint on the stator peeled off and rusted as well. I had an issue with it and thanks to your channel, I fixed it!

[@curtisking2962]

Good morning James, great maintenance video. Enjoyed it. See you next week.

[@YukonHawk1]

Whether your vids are short or long, they are always informative. Don't forget to always treat your fuel with Stabil or any other type of fuel treatment.

[@MothKeeper]

And then watch the carb fill with jelly and become a nightmare... The fuel stabilisers are an expensive gimmick, do as he says and leave the carb dry and you won't have problems... You must be a sales person with advice like that.

[@MazichMusic]

I use Stabil in regular gas, however, when I buy ethanol-free fuel, I do not add anything. Working well for me.

[@MothKeeper]

@@MazichMusic if you leave the carb empty then there is no regular or ethanol-free fuel to cause problems with the machine. Like he says change the fuel out every 6 months and no need for gimmicky products... Put the fuel from the machine into your car (truck) and replace with new into the machine, if you have a diesel car (truck) then switch between mower, snowblower and generator.

[@cheapcookies]

Good video. To keep the fuel fresh, I run my generators every major holiday for 1/2 hr or so and then top them off. And I agree with the comment below about never-seize on the plugs, although it was not just limited to the Champion brand. I helicoiled many a VW head in my younger years after pulling out aluminum thread material with the plugs. A small dab on one side of the threads is all it needs - it's cheap insurance and the next guy will thank you. Oh yeah, I agree with you about inline paper filters - use the small screen type, the paper filters tend to restrict gravity-flow fuel feeds. And oh yeah too - I agree with shutting off the fuel supply to shut them off (empty carb) ...Noting spoils faster than a small quantity of gas in a small engine carb bowl in the warm season.

[@kd5byb]

Stanley is a great guy! Thank you Stanley! Hope this machine works good for you and the wife for a long, long time. And after Mr. James' laying on of hands, I'm sure it will.

[@daveslomski]

Unreal. Just bought this today from refurbished Generac.

[@1425race]

A quality tuneup on a quality machine James, it will now give many years of service at full output if looked after.

[@mjg263]

Nice to have one that’s not a basket case once in a while. Personally I like to store my generator with no fuel in the tank, if I need it there’s always fresh fuel around. When it gets put away after use it gets an oil change and all fuel gets drained out of the tank / carb, then it gets cleaned out with compressed air. Might actually need it this summer, the weather’s been getting kind of crazy this year!

[@gmlover82]

I’m in the same boat, have a Generac that’s great, but my wife can’t start it. Will be looking for an electric start in the future.

[@dougaranda6187]

I’m so glad you took the protective wrap off the gas cap!

[@DavidBoggs-h2z]

Well done and that cover for the air box was a nice looking part also. Really cool.

[@drunkingsailor2359]

Love Thursday mornings, Thank you James.

[@michaeltarasenkoop2389]

A suggestion instal a three quarter angle iron around the platform that the machine sits on to prevent it from falling off the platform ! Just in case !

[@tarstarkusz]

Ethanol gasoline has made me a believer in plastic gas tanks and plastic carburetors. Modern cars have a near air tight fuel system so water is not as big a problem. Plus, gas rarely sits in cars very long. But lawn equipment and generators are a whole different story.

[@robertcochran7103]

Thank you for a really nice explanation of how to tune up these units. I do wonder how the rust came to be on the stator shell. Perhaps the entire unit was left outside or in a very damp location.

[@Ronl53]

You should monetize your channel. I wouldn't mind seeing an ad or 2 if I knew you were making a few bucks. Thanks for your videos. I have learned a lot from you.

[@thesilentonevictor]

Experience pays off

[@Asidebar]

James is a master on generator repairs.

[@miguelangelguerrerochan4567]

Hello i got a problema on a onan Cummins 6300 LP the problema is the Hertz es ok 60 but the volts is 160 some time more thanks i love You videos

[@ThomasHofacker]

Great video. How do you research parts and specs for all the machines you repair. Please simple mention it in a future video. I’ll watch. Thank You.

[@alexcapuchinojr1288]

Your videos are really helpful to keep your mind machinery running thank you keep up the good work

[@DanKoning777]

While I'm not in need re: fixing a generator or any small engine, these videos still help me just the same-lunchtime is never better than when I see a new upload. Question: did you mean the "Amazon plug" that you bought may be a fake and purposefully mismarked-and Amazon allows it? 🤔 hmm

[@jcondon1]

There are a lot of counterfeit NGK plus out there. Not saying that one was, but I always wonder when ordering from Amazon or eBay. It’s hard to spot a fake.

[@johncourtneidge]

Many thanks to you and to Stanley. Odd/sad that there was so much rust on it.

[@nicklutz61]

Awesome video. Was waiting for a JC excellent generator service video just a few weeks away from the infamous Florida hurricane season. Many thanks! ❤

[@martyb3783]

Nice work. Its interesting to see how much these generators vary in THD. It seems to me that the single cylinder gensets generate a catywampus waveform under a load. I wonder if putting a heavy flywheel on it would smooth that out. Great video as always.

[@Demoralized88]

A heavier (or larger diameter) flywheel would help THD on single-cyl engines but simply isn't worth the weight/size as practically all modern electronics are completely unaffected by THD and frequency being off and only need close enough voltage and for the frequency to not be more than like 15% low which nothing ever comes close to. Those specs haven't been important for at least a few decades now

[@geoffreyhall7843]

I hope staney watched your video and can appreciate your thoroughness . Good fixes as usual. Did you forget to fix the time guage? I might have missed a few minutes.

[@jameshedrick605]

Worked on the same one for a neighbor after we had another F1 tornado come through southern Ohio the 2nd time in the last month and a half

[@stephenhair5501]

How do you adjust voltage output and hertz? I have a Generac that is 7000 watts running. Great video. Thanks!!

[@andyhamilton8940]

Love the Mustie 1 battery terminals( vice grips)!

[@tudomerda]

A detailed video focusing on the effects of moving the governor/throttle spring affects Hz would be nice.

[@Ivansgarage]

The Jenny Master has struck again.... good video again...

[@jhonydelacruz9189]

Sir I am from the Philippine I'm always watching your video. Sir I have a 1k watts generator and I have aquestion why my governor doesn't rev up when I load?

[@ProjectMadness]

Weird how similar this model is to the xt8000e i have, I wonder how bad the THD is on the XT vs the GP

[@lawrencecavens5760]

I always thought that the posted rating was the surge max and the actual rating being in the safe zone would be 5500 watts - or about in that area being 20% less of the total output.. Or Am I wrong??

[@hugh007]

Decades ago, there was a product called 'dry gas'. It was supposed to eliminate moisture in gas. This was before E-10. While methanol is murder on engines, would dry gas or another product combine with the water and gas to eliminate the problem. Any suggestions?

[@js1657]

As an owner of GP7500e, the first thing that is evident is the fuel tank is fabricated from sub-standard material! If there is a pile of debris in the float bowl (rust) it is from the break down in the tank seam from fuels containing Ethanol! Always drain the fuel tank after every use.

[@thepubliceye]

What would be good to treat steel fuel with to prevent rust? Our gasoline is hygroscopic as well as corrosive.

[@jcondon1]

Not sure. I always keep fuel in my metal tank, but rotate it out 2 or 3 times a year and have not had an issue.

[@minouchat]

with your videos we always learn something. Thanks

[@danielcovel6236]

Thank you for the information given by this channel

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Only 40 minutes, looks like a single cuppa tea today!

[@richardwalters1803]

Great video, everybody should learn this type of maintenance

[@JesseRobergeCourtierImmobilier]

Hi once again👋 What would be your best generator for my cottage ? I need 3000w and don’t want to pay high premium for Honda… I live in Quebec up north and our winters are mighty cold and the generator will be outside but in the shed, I’m looking to buy new and use it ONLY for the cottage electricity ⚡️

[@louieuribe3343]

I’m working on a Troybilt 5550 genset powered by a B&S 10 HP engine. Owner states it does not make power. I’ve started the engine and confirmed powerhead is not making power. In checking the resistance on legs 1 & 2, via 120v receptacles, no resistance was detected 0.00 ohms. It wasn’t open circuit (OL). Checked the 240v receptacle and it measured exactly the same resistance, 0.00 ohms. If no resistance is measured with meter, does that mean the stator is bad? I removed the stator cover and I don’t see any broken lacing or burnt windings. Would a bad rectifier / brush holder cause a no power issue? What other test can I do before I call it on this genset? Thanks, Louie

[@andygomez2846]

Thanks for the videos. Hopefully they can help someone in need.

[@robertmailhos8159]

A lot of the time the finish coat is a dip style or spray on powder coating

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

Jim, would you kindly identify the tool you used to install the spark plug?

[@spartanj2957]

I always learn from your vids . My 1 1/2 yr old Generac 8000 with 4 hrs run time will not start in winter with choke on full or any position.After 3 attempts I stop,and ass I walk away I smell gas ,so I come back in 10 min and it starts.Any ideas how to get it to fire up on full choke when cold. I call my dealer 4 hrs away and they would only say it can be anything ,standard line.i need to haul it there and I have no way to get it there. Keep up the vids Thanks!

[@robertward5057]

James I have a 2005 troybilt pony tractor mower, with a 17.5 hp b&g engine It needs rings but I don't have any idea what type socket it takes to remove the rod bolts it's not Allen, torx, or hex, can you tell me?

[@MrCrystalcranium]

How does the fuel get water in it besides direct intrusion from rain or other sources? Is it the ethanol absorbing water from humidity? Another outstanding and enjoyable video. Thanks so much!

[@jcondon1]

Rain, from the humidity in the air being absorbed by the alcohol, condensation on the metal tank and maybe contaminated fuel as in filling the tank from a source that had water in it.

[@MrCrystalcranium]

@@jcondon1 Ethanol wreaks havoc on these small engines. Where I live in PA, the only source of ETOH free fuel went out of business several years ago. I have to clean the carbs on all of my power equipment once every few years. There's a white precipitate that clogs passages and jets that a friend told me was because of the ethanol. I think he's right because it isn't oily or greasy. It's a water soluble contaminant. Have a great holiday weekend!

[@robertsimpson7113]

When setting valve clearance you mention that when you tighten the lock nut that the clearance frequently tightens up. Why not do initial setting .001 larger to accommodate the change in clearance when tightening the lock nut?

[@jcondon1]

Have don that successfully, but seems to not always be predictable how much it will close up.

[@johnnyleechong7603]

James, Love your videos. Can you tell us what decreasing agent you are now using in the Ultra sonic?

[@vadimalexandrov3944]

Maybe only you can help me. My EX17 Subaru leaks fuel through the cap while running when it’s more that a half of the tank of fuel. What can cause that and how to fix it? Thank you.

[@anthonysummy6944]

I would have tried 8000 watts for a short time, just to see how well it held up, if at all. You might have been pleasantly surprised.

[@jcondon1]

It probably could have done it.

[@derekadams729]

Hi James. My house 3500kva generator is blowing light bulbs and my fans just stop running about 30 minutes after start up. Any ideas what could be causing this problem. Could it be the voltage regulator.

[@randallfawc7501]

James; what is the best product to use for cleaning out a plastic gas tank that had old gas in it long enough it slowly evaporated? Thanks in advance! Randy

[@edwardestes8038]

I have a newer Generac 8000E i bought from Menards this last January just in case this one storm was going to hit.I probably should have bought a whole house set up.But at the time wasn't ready to spend 3-5 grand.Maybe one day James.......i was hoping you could show how to back feed into house, say through the 220 that runs the AC condenser outside.I do understand that when doing that you must kill the main feed back to the powerlines coming in the house so the utility people don't get zapped.Just an idea that i think many would like to see.Your content is always great and very interesting. Thanks

[@jcondon1]

I would not show that, but a lot of people do that. I back-feed my panel using an interlock and a power inlet through a 30 amp circuit breaker. It is basically the same thing, except legal in most states and you cannot feed power into the panel unless you first turn the main breaker off feeding power in from the utility. It is a mechanical interlock to keep you from making a mistake and feeding power into the grid which would be bad for the person repairing the power lines and bad for your generator.

[@benrobles752]

Get an electrician to wire in a transfer switch.

[@davidduma7615]

NO. Dont back feed. Install a proper inlet box and transfer switch.

[@edwardestes8038]

@@jcondon1 Thanks James....as you see in my comment.....i do understand the idea of danger to people who work for the utility comanay here.I understand to kill the feed comming in from our 220VAC main across the road.I am talking with a electrician about this now.Your vlogs are great.Keep them coming...!!!!

[@2010stoof]

I can never find specs on valve cover bolts or pretty much anything. Whats the aoec on that? Also if incant find out whats the general clearances on valves? My aipower ones only say the check and when but bit what its supposed to be? Without many hiurs i wonder if mt issues with that one aipower is wrong valve clearance. 🤔

[@GNX157]

James, there are a few sites or YT videos that show ways to help verify genuine NGK plugs. That said, most of the counterfeiting is with the more expensive single and double iridium plugs that usually retail for about 18-20 bucks. It’s like, no one makes a counterfeit 1 or 5, they go for higher as it’s just not worth it otherwise.

[@JohnLafitte]

Other than sitting outside for some time and some surface rust, it looked practically new.

[@MCOult]

Another excellent video, James -- thank you! Q: What is the foam backing you used? Q: NGK sparks from Amazon might NOT be NGK? -- Old Matt

[@jcondon1]

Below is a link to the foam I used. There are a lot of counterfeit NGK plugs on eBay and Amazon. Just because it says NGK does not guarantee it is. a.co/d/955Bpqn

[@johnclarke8180]

Awesome job James, I appreciate it!!

[@philliphall5198]

Are you going to check the tank fuel screen and add an inline fuel filter?? Seems all the metal tanks have a little rust in them even if it looks good, check top of tank for rust

[@jcondon1]

I ended up replacing the fuel tank pre filter and filter and removed the paper in-line filter.

[@andrewgrace4410]

Great machine and maintenance James 😊

[@avitiello100]

James, isn't there a water separator in the botom of that type of Fuel Valve Petcock. Unscrew that little bowl under the shut-off. Great videos. I greatly appreciate them. I have learned a lot from you. Thank you.

[@mafosa8519]

Which generac generator has the “positive oil pressure?” With the oil filter?

[@arthurbiringer5676]

Another great resuscitation with very little effort!

[@dwaynesimons-d2c]

Mr Condon, I run natural gas and no gasoline in my Wynco tri fuel so no rotten gas issues. Will I have problems leaving the generator outside with a tarp cover and wd 40 in cylinder?

[@jcondon1]

Would be better to store inside. If outside, I piece a plywood on top would be better. Tarps fail and trap in the moisture. Oil in the cylinder is always a good idea. It will save the engine if moisture gets in it.

[@alext8828]

I'd put an incandescent light bulb in there under the tarp with it. And leave an air space between the tarp and the machine.

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

Really nice unit! Thanks Jim!

[@sandorfeher5757]

Thanks your video(s) and the most important detail information... Have a nice day...

[@curtisvonepp4335]

I see FUEL FILLTERS ARE INSTALLED .

[@paulravitsky2898]

Where are you getting your Interstate batteries? I noticed it had a cranking amp rating. I have never seen this on any other battery and you can never trust the no name batteries to have the guts to crank an engine. Nice work!

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

This is one of those valve adjustments where, since they were both off just a titch, I would have tried tightening both without loosening the lock nuts. Sometimes you can get away with that rather than going through the whole process to maybe arrive at the same point.

[@jaycahow4667]

I am surprised nothing was done to rusted out Stater Cover.

[@rbedwar12]

Nice..looks like a great gen

[@richardphelan8414]

Jim out of curiosity ,just how many carburetors do you figure you have cleaned since you started working on small engines ? on lashing valves if it calls for .008 set the drag for .009 when you tighten the lash nut you will be right on your required .008 thou,

[@jcondon1]

Too many. Almost all of them need to be cleaned or should be cleaned as preventive maintenance. I would guess 400 or so. Only been doing this for the last few years.

[@tightropehikes]

Hey James. My dad died and left me his generac, it looks similar to this just a 3200 Any chance you’d rebuild it? I guess you could even keep it, I just hate to see it not running

[@larrykelly2838]

Runs like a brand new one.

[@danburch9989]

Have you or do you know of anyone who has connected a power line conditioner to the high THD output of a non-inverter generator and evaluated the output waveform and THD? I was thinking of getting a PLC but like most, I don't have the money or desire to spend $300+ on something that won't do the job. I already have a non-inverter generator but am reluctant to connect sensitive equipment to it. I can't find much on the internet.

[@stevezamarron3830]

Great work again 🇺🇸

[@peterouellette3874]

Nice going, James

[@kamrankhan78]

Love watching your videos. Awesome content

[@kensam684]

DID you ever have a lawn mower that i got it running but oil was coming out of the carb?

[@jcondon1]

Not the carb. The breather, yes.

[@harrycee656]

Surprised the fuel filter let the rust through.... Unless it was added after the rust got in the bowl.