Generac WheelHouse Generator / Seized Briggs Engine - Will It Run?

Picked up this Generac WheelHouse generator for $25! The listing only stated that the engine did not run. Turned out to be more then the typical carburetor issue.
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#GeneratorRepair #SmallEngineRepair #SmallEngine #DIY #Fixed #Troubleshooting #HowTo

[@markmidecke6364]

Hi James, I'm a 68 year old, newly retired guy who was a trained auto repair tech as a young man then I spent 46 years running a retail grocery business. I never lost my love for mechanical repair and occasionally though engineering might have been my calling. So, I'm considering small engine equipment as a paying hobby. That's where you come in. I recently discovered your channel and frankly can't get enough of if. Some of your tendencies reflect that of an engineer You've already provided me some short cuts in the restoration of a toro snow blower and a Coleman Powermate generator. Thanks for what you do.

[@andyjame1971]

We have used the kzbin.infoUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!

[@davidbohner2061]

Really respect your cleanliness and attention to detail. A pleasure to watch. Great job👍🏻

[@davidclink2032]

Love your channel and Mustie1's. Learned enough to repair several small engine devices. Very professional explanation and thorough enough detail to take appropriate action. I don't do it for $$$ just helping others.

[@daboomer2277]

I watch Mustie1 too.

[@michaelwalsh90]

Thanks for not putting all the ads in. Great work

[@ricdenali4213]

Thanks for explaining the stator check.

[@user-gz2jh9vq1e]

I picked up the Briggs and Stratton version of this Generac. I thought the power head was going to be bad. It wasn't making power, the brushes are no good which is not a huge problem but the resistance reading on the slip rings were 25.3. Got that sinking feeling that the rotor was bad. Referred back to this video and when you said the readings are pretty low on these older units you put money back in my pocket. You are better than a manual. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks!

[@davida1hiwaaynet]

That looks great. Almost like new after your cleanup and restore.

[@fitter70]

I have that exact generator I picked up about 20 years ago at home depot. I eliminated the quick disconnect for the fuel tank next for the fuel tank altogether never used it used it. Just another spot where a leak can where a leak can develop. Your video is very informative. Thanks.

[@sweetlou5902]

As always, great video James.

[@reverendragnarok]

I picked one up used a few years back and I love it. Came here looking about the engine model (considering converting to NG) but stuck around just to watch the cool video; thanks!

[@joesinakandid528]

Really well done. Not only, somehow, getting it running - but explaining, exactly, your reasons for doing what you are going for. The water surprised me - a lot. I checked the oil level just like you and made the same OOPS conclusion.

[@RippedWookie]

I had one of these before I sold it. Pulled first start like yours. No complaints from it but it didn’t make for a good RV neighbor when camping. Thanks for the video

[@wallacejeffery5786]

Very patient and thoughtful approach. Learned a lot! Thankful for your explanation

[@t.c.2776]

Thank you... I've got a Wheelhouse 5550 that's hard to start in cold weather and have not had the time to investigate... your video gives me things to check and should be an easy remedy...

[@willmacleod1742]

One of the better repair Vids on youtube, Well done.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks

[@Al-Fiallos]

I really enjoy watching you and Musti1 (and others) resurrect functional equipment that otherwise would end up in the trash heap. I learn a lot from your trouble shooting process. Kind regards, Al.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks. I love watching him too!

[@sureshkumarc.k6534]

@@jcondon1 every gearhead loves and wishes they were him

[@loveydovey4u]

Great job!! Just like my generator🥰. Bought mine used.. Replaced the on/off switch and the sucker never let's me down !!!

[@jcondon1]

Its a nice generator. Not much to go wrong as long as you have oil in it and keep the fuel fresh.

[@generaldisarray]

Great video, as always. From trash to a nice, tidy generator 👍👍👍

[@jcondon1]

Thanks 👍

[@michaeltarasenkoop2389]

Getting the gen up on the bench you have a chain hoist to lift the machine up on to the work bench !

[@rstephe]

Nice work. Way to chase down the issues one at a time.

[@arthurbiringer5676]

Excellent job! Another genset has a new lease on life!

[@lorenzodelacruz1887]

makes me not take my small engines for granted. Thanks for the show. 32 dislikes, must be jealous

[@MsDave64]

Fine job. I liked the attention to the details and the cleaning as you go. Looks brand new and runs good too.

[@er1073]

I didn't catch this last year I like the design. Briggs&Straton make tough engines. Take it back to the guy that gave it to you and tell him you will sell it to him even if he doesn't want to buy it he may know of someone that needs one. Thanks for sharing this video with us. Ed

[@lazaromarino9200]

Great, constructive, informative video. Really admire the way you work. Also looking at your spare parts stash...... I don't mind my hoarding parts!

[@biggaspirit1]

Very helpful thanks. A good result..

[@marinellahobbyfarm-manongb4891]

Just subbed...Thk u, just picked one up for 90 bucks, not running, motor turns freely... hopefully i can do what you did... great informative vid.

[@themowerman]

Hi new here.. Good video well from start to finish I thought the engine was done.. but a fantastic result.. now she runs and powers as it should.. ta for the video

[@jcondon1]

Thanks 👍

[@KentuckyFriedFixes]

Great video James! All you need to do now is to tear the engine down, polish the aluminum from the crank journal, install a new connecting rod and you'll get several years of service out of this one. Or you can leave it as it is and use it until the connecting rod comes out. Nikki carbs are bad about leaking past the needle valve, if you don't replace it with a Walbro you'll probably gonna have a crankcase full of gas the next time someone forgets the fuel shutoff at the tank.

[@watermanone7567]

Good work, great save. Thanks

[@uzi1951]

I have the same one with the same problem, perfect video so now I feel I can work on mine.

[@AnwarKhan-dw8cj]

little baby one today good for outdoor projects nice one today james

[@frednetherlands887]

Thank you.

[@FernandoDIY]

wow, that's another great find.thanks for the video

[@jcondon1]

thanks

[@PaulHigginbothamSr]

For sitting in a barn for years this cleaned up like a new penny.

[@lavina58]

Nice generator 🙌😊👌🍀👍

[@jeffvickers9390]

Informative and well presented, thanks. And no “um” every fourth word. 👍

[@jcondon1]

I do have an "um" problem. Been working on that.

[@rancelynch6514]

I have learned more from you about how to test and fix generators and the engines , to the tune of watching them several times over just to reinforce what you explain. I never noticed the "ums", I did notice how well you explained what you were doing For me the "ums" are just fine. Please keep up the videos even repeat generator problems are very interesting, I just get that much more from the video.

[@jcondon1]

Rance Lynch thanks

[@grimreaper-hn9bw]

@@rancelynch6514 a tricycle

[@gleg8892]

Fine work

[@arthurbiringer5676]

Great job as usual!

[@sambontrager842]

Ur lucky to save it since it was seized. 2 thumbs up

[@jcondon1]

Thanks

[@deangentles4966]

Hi James you were so lucky that it was not seized .A good call on your part mate, and you got a good gene out of it good video

[@jcondon1]

Thanks Dean

[@ineedtochange2867]

I hate mine - I can never ever get it started - I'm 62 and kind of small - I have to stand on a 5 gallon paint can to pull the cord I'm ready to dump it for a key start or a push start - My Georgia born neighbor got it started but not me - I've done with it. Thank you for showing us how to clean it for the sale. A guy will be able to get this started.

[@andrewgrace4410]

Nice find James, good thing that breather hose wasn't connected to the airbox when that water gushed 😊

[@chavescrave]

nice one sir. great save

[@jcondon1]

Thanks 👍

[@hectorarroyo2285]

Thanks!!!👍👍👍👍👍😁

[@MLDIYSH]

This generator is actually one of the most reliable gens I have. I bought it in 2015 used on craigslist. Probably started it 3-4x throughout out the years. Didn't start it for a good 3yrs. Started after the second pull. I wont sell it b/c of this very reason. Simple motor and easy to repair. Absolutely love.

[@jcondon1]

I like the 10hp Briggs. They have plenty of power and run well.

[@MLDIYSH]

@@jcondon1 absolutely. I grew up loving brigs for its simplicity. If only they can make them more quiet - I’m not going to spend Honda money for a quiet motor 😅.

[@paulboomer7109]

Love that tank they should all be made portable .

[@dan-o9746]

Great idea. Even has a handle. Will make refueling easy if you don't have a gas can.

[@CajunGreenMan]

I'm guessing you learned to use fuel line to hold gas for testing, and a white coffee cup to check fuel quality and debris from the same place we all did, Mustie1. I haven't noticed any 'ums'. You're a very detailed explainer just like Mustie. Keep up the great work!

[@jcondon1]

Definitely owe Mustie1 for the white cup idea and a bunch of others. Thanks.

[@bobcarry4820]

Wow, thought you had a free energy machine when it kept on running on a few shots of fluid. Never seen that before. Ha ha. Keep up with the videos, pure entertainment for a thinking mind.

[@somerandomguy3868]

Nice save, it could have gone either way, looks like it's got some life in it

[@jcondon1]

Plenty of life left in it.

[@hectororozco3963]

Thank you so much to share your patience and dedication to fix good things,is there available to buy a generator? Let me know ok tks have a nice day

[@darrencucinella7815]

$25.00 and a little time. Nice generator. Good job.

[@jcondon1]

Its rare to find one that is not hopelessly broken for less then $100.

[@mikeshobbiesandrandomstuff]

Awesome

[@PaulHigginbothamSr]

What I wish was more companies would have quick disconnect tanks like this one. Seems like a good way to fill the tank And bring it back and put it on. Of course just when you need to the service station has no electricity to pump your gas unless you get there during the storm. I have cans full anyhow.

[@jcondon1]

It was a good idea. I like the Ridgid I added the fuel pump to. Can just run a fuel line to any gas tank. The generator does not need its own gravity feed tank anymore.

[@seanmckay3392]

This video got me to subscribe

[@jayurban4313]

Pretty smooth sleuthing on finding that kill switch grounding out on the test run... I was puzzling was it could be...

[@LK-mr9pf]

Watched many of your "addicting" video's. Great quality and the angles to see what your doing is perfect. You are for sure a good mechanic. Bring back dead stuff is really cool. I hope you don't keep all the stuff you fix. quick question - In many of your videos you use a mixture of water and a green cleaning solution in your ultrasonic cleaner, what is that green stuff and what ratio to water? Thank You!!

[@jcondon1]

Louis Kwan thanks! Sadly I sell pretty much everything I fix. The solution is Harbor Freight Super Heavy Duty degreaser.

[@michaeltarasenkoop2389]

James ? Question do you sell the generators you fix and if so where can you buy one ?

[@bulkchart3239]

this is why i always change the oil first. then change it again after the engine has been run.

[@raymondgarafano8604]

I think that the windings + resistance on many come out to between 50 to 70 ohms.

[@donaldsmith3048]

I would have added a fuel filter. I have one of them and they run good when I have a Hurricane. But they do tend to have trouble with the carburetor getting dirty.

[@John-uj9zy]

There is a small fuel filter that is part of the fuel shutoff valve on the inside of the tank.

[@fitter70]

I've watched several of your videos they are very good. Just wondering if this model doesn't have AVR how does it control voltage? Also what spare parts do you recommend having on hand. In case my generator goes down during a Power outage?

[@jonmanuel4597]

Another very informative one. Good work. What do you do with the old gas? Can it go into a car/truck?

[@jcondon1]

It can be. I remove the water from it and filter it with a coffee filter. I make sure I have about a half tank of fresh gas and mix in a couple gallons of the older stuff. The only concern is the car fuel filter. Often they are inside the gas tank and expensive to change if it clogs up. Recently though just been running it in my lawn mowers. Just do not want to run it on a piece of equipment I am working on because then I do not know if the run issue is the gas or something else. If the gas is really bad I do not use it. I have a friend that works for a company that collects hazardous waste and he can take the really bad stuff off my hands.

[@jamesreed6121]

I just bought a Generac Wheelhouse Generator. Cost me $250 the only problem that I am aware of is that the fuel line from the tank to the carb is broken and need replacement. The hose is old and One of the Quick connects is broken. I checked on line and the only source for these parts (Briggs & Stratton) want a tone of money for the parts. My question for you is would it be okay if I replaced the hoses and Quick Connects with parts available at home Depot or my nearest Hardware Store? I have been trying to catch up on all you videos there are a lot of them. I really appreciate what you do and in my case I think your videos help. I'll keep you posted on the progress I have with the "Wheelhouse". Thanks in advance! KOKO! (keep on keepin on)

[@AutomationDnD]

the first couple times you got a wrench on it-- the crank seemed to _"budge"_ *everSoSlightly* after a back N forth a couple times it began breaking, for real

[@us2tohell]

Great video as always! Keep it up. What compression tester are you using?

[@jcondon1]

Just a cheap Harbor Freight one www.harborfreight.com/Compression-Test-Kit-8-Pc-62638.html

[@us2tohell]

@@jcondon1 I was told they are not accurate, with you experience of using it how accurate do you believe it really is?

[@jcondon1]

Paul Rubinchik it seems to be accurate. I have not had any issues with it,

[@Freema1219]

Love the channel so helpful and educational.. What is the torque spec that you put on the carburetor studs? I can't find anything on the Briggs and Stratton site or google. Thanks

[@jcondon1]

I do not have an official spec, but most likely when to 60 or 70 in-lbs

[@sambontrager842]

I giv u a pointer run the carburetor dry of fuel for storage. Will save u much problems later. Plz shut off fuel at tank.

[@1wtrahan]

Hi James , hey can you give like a general torque for the carb bolts . You make great videos I have learn a lot about small engine s from you vids Thanks so much .

[@jcondon1]

60 in/lbs

[@1wtrahan]

James Condon Thanks James Now I gotta get a torque wrench wasn’t sure which to buy think there’s two different kinds for torque it

[@vtwrench1]

Very informative video , I acquired on of these after my dad had passed , i brought it home and checked it over , found it had no oil in it. Filled the oil and fired it up ran for a few minutes then started blowing smoke out the exhaust . Found where the oil was going. What do you think a bad head gasket , valve ?

[@jcondon1]

If it keeps smoking then either oil is overfilled, a blow head gasket or bad oil rings.

[@ChosesinWon]

the smoke that was burning off at the beginning was the WD-40

[@John-uj9zy]

The fuel line quick connect becomes brittle and breaks. I replaced it with an inline fuel filter.

[@sambontrager842]

Ok thanku. Im not a pro but i been around.

[@willrobbinson]

Loading to 3kw resistance all ok but should be able to load to 5kw Resistance load ?

[@harryburford6629]

did you fix the black cover at the end of the generator wouldnd't take much

[@stevenmchenry9276]

Can you find a Miller Bobcat & a SA200 & do some work on those?

[@bigdtravels9938]

Is the float level adjustable on these engines?

[@bradleycaldwell1768]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. I have the same generator. The governor is not working. It does nothing at all. Could you exp[lain how to get to it?

[@jcondon1]

I have a few rebuild videos on this engine. See this playlist kzbin.info/aero/PLoj6DvbhMTzuAL7dA2IpH4spSRXEhhnLa

[@homesummy8034]

Curious why you didn't check the valve clearance on this one. I know it ran fine, but you're usually so thorough.

[@donaldsmith3048]

There is a oil drain under the pull start that is easier to use than the one on the side.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks for the info

[@donaldsmith3048]

@@jcondon1 I took a short pipe and color and extended it out where it is easier to use.

[@tedwpx123]

👍👍

[@rocko553]

EVEN HEARD SOME AIR

[@rudysaldivar4228]

Did The Lockpicking Lawyer get a side hustle?

[@imouse3246]

Their loss is your gain. Some people should not be allowed around machines. 😁

[@fredbach6039]

I have a hard time rationalizing all the dirt that builds up in those gas tanks with the lack of good filters. I mean we know the crud is going to get into the carb and we know what it's going to do. Starting with our 1948 truck I made sure I always had a filter or a frit right before the carb. Yes a second filter. If you want an immaculate carb then filtration is an absolute must. Unfortunately it can plug up during operation so the user has to be prepared to change it often. But running with no filter and sending all that crud straight into the carb to me seems stupid beyond belief.

[@jcondon1]

This generator had a filter in the tank at the fuel outlet. But a agree, ideally the filter would be higher quality and right before the carb. Not a lot of options on gravity systems. The pressure is so low that a second filter could reduce the flow.. But a lot of times, it will work.

[@rocko553]

IT DID LOOK THIN

[@jimewart5156]

What meter are you using to measure the HTZ and voltage, where are you hooking it up?

[@jcondon1]

The meter is call "Kill-A-Watt". I have more information on my community page about it. As far as the settings. Most generator manuals say to set at 61.5 with no load. Some even as much as 62.5 hertz.

[@rudysaldivar4228]

Can you move the governor spring to one of the many holes on the bracket in order to reduce spring tension instead of bending the tab? It seemed like that’s what they are there for. Just curious.

[@jcondon1]

Moving the spring will change the tension, but the sensitivity will also change which can cause surging or allow the engine to slow more then it should when under load depending on the direction you go.

[@rudysaldivar4228]

James Condon When you bend the tab you are shortening the “length” of the spring just as you would if you moved it to a closer hole. Not convinced. But I do love watching your videos. I’m a fan and I’ve learned a lot!

[@romuloescueta4547]

What was the cause of back fire

[@han050]

Great video , i missed where you checked the oil level sensor.

[@wazza33racer]

10.37...........Straight 30 weight oil.............is James also an old skool Detroit Diesel 2 stroke mechanic ;) ?

[@jayurban4313]

I'm surprised there isn't a test that can be taken straight from the disconnected plug......

[@erik_dk842]

Crossing the river to get water

[@criticalevent]

Do you have a shop you resell these reconditioned generators at?

[@jcondon1]

Just sell them on Facebook Marketplace.

[@vladp7150]

Hi James. As far as portable generators go between this one and husky 5000 watt with Subaru engage you had on your channel. Which model would you recommend? Is one more compact or about the same size? Also which combo is more reliable in your opinion? Thank you in advance.

[@jcondon1]

Hard choice. The Subaru engine is better, but the Briggs powerhead (non AVR version) is more bullet proof. Would go with the Subaru.

[@416Burrito]

I have the husky 5000 with the Subaru engine. Works fantastic. Only issue I've ever had is the engine on/off switch. But I usually just shut the fuel off and let it run itself out of gas anyways.

[@user-gz2jh9vq1e]

Hi James, just need confirmation have a Briggs and Stratton 5550 same style as the generac in video. It runs no power, checked the stator thru outlets and got good readings checked the brushes and they were badly damaged. Checked the rotor thru slip rings good reading. Ordered new brushes cleaned slip rings still no power.. now readings at outlets height 1.1 and 6.2. Slip rings still good 24.3. Stator is bad but did I forget anything before calling it junk?

[@jcondon1]

Before calling it junk, try flashing it with a drill. Potentially it lost residual magnetism. I have come across a couple generators that tested well, but still would not make power. Unfortunately, testing with a multi-meter in ohms is not always accurate, because that test is only at a volt or two. When at 120 volts, insulation issues could become an issue that was not seen at lower voltage. Take a look at this video. It has not been released yet so the link may stop working at some point, but I think it will help you kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWLEm3V8rLhrm68

[@user-gz2jh9vq1e]

@@jcondon1 Hi James, just a quick update. Before I did any more test. I really looked at the stater as well as one can when still assembled. The slots on the stater were so rusted and corroded that when I poked with a test lead it actually crumbled. I know they have something to do with Eddy currents, but I don't understand that just yet, do you? Anyway, flashed with a drill nothing. Applied 12 v to the brushes and it restored magnetism. I wasn't going to so the last because of the condition of the slots, glad I did though. Have you seen slots in that bad of condition?

[@melkiorwiseman5234]

@@user-gz2jh9vq1e Eddy Currents: The moving magnetic field in the rotor causes an opposing magnetic field in the stator which magnetises the metal of the stator in opposition to the magnetic field in the stator. This makes the stator more difficult for the engine to turn. This effect is multiplied in a piece of solid metal. When the metal is laminated, the eddy current which creates the opposing magnetic field is limited since the current has trouble crossing the junction between laminations. Similar for the magnetic lines of force flowing between the laminations. A weaker opposing magnetic force means the generator runs more freely. Long story short: Laminations improve efficiency in this type of application. (N.B. I'm not an engineer; just a nerd) 🤓

[@MrDlsloan]

i have this identical generator that runs great but will not rev up when put under surge load any thoughts

[@jcondon1]

The engine should maintain speed. Does it slow under load? If so, but how much? It is normal to lose about 150-250 rpm.

[@rogermiller4017]

Hey james,,I e got a diesel Generator that's putting g out power,,but not charging the battery,,,any idea?

[@416Burrito]

Some just don't. Generac is notorious for that. No built in charging system for its own battery.

[@seanstevens9619]

Do you need a bigger ultrasonic or you just don’t fill it all the way

[@jcondon1]

Probably need a larger one. Got this when just starting out.

[@darrenmerrifield2566]

What site you find these generators on?

[@jcondon1]

Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.

[@natesnyder2710]

I have this exact generator my volts are high at 131-132v where should I go with it to bring back down to 122. The hz was also right on 60hz but dropsto 58 0r so with 1800 watt load

[@natesnyder2710]

Adjusted engine speed to 62 hz and getting 132v on each leg

[@jcondon1]

@@natesnyder2710 no AVR ion that generator. Running at 62 hertz will produce voltage of 132 volts. The only option is to slow it down a little. But will still run high. Usually those are between 127 and 133 volts with no load.

[@natesnyder2710]

@@jcondon1 so it is ok to use than I just inherited the generator. As I would like to use on my camper