Generator Won't Start? - Check This First! - Video

[@sherrimartin9875]

Love the no nonsense video and the way you get STRAIGHT to the point unlike most other videos. This was great information. Thank you for being a professional and not trying to be a comedian.

[@pamelaburgess-v2d]

I just followed your instructions and now my propane generator started right up. Will pick up a new little sensor device ASAP. Thanks big time!

[@Lordellis]

You are the man ! Fixed it right up after struggling with giving her everything I could think of. Oil changes, slow valve opening , Leveling it like an engineer, brushing the spark arrestor , reading the manual over and over and who knows how many KZbin videos. Thank you so much ! L.B.

[@Whyme103]

Wow, my generator sat for 5 years, I bought it brand new ( my first) and for the life of me I could not get it started. This video helped me figure it did not have enough oil so I added of course and low and behold it started after one crank, thank you very much.

[@gardenfork]

Brilliant short term fix Don - Eric.

[@donyboy73]

hey Eric, let's do a video chat for your channel soon!

[@CoreyW75-ck7tf]

@@donyboy73 hey bro. I have the same 4000/2800 champion Where are the fuses. It worked other day but then power went out and for some reason, no power from outlets.

[@diegoeduardonunez7097]

I saw this video a few months ago. Today my generator did not start. Went back to my computer, search this and unplugged the sensor. Magic! I could start it. I will now replace it. Should be easy, but thanks again for your usefull information. You are a great teacher. Greetings from Argentina :-)

[@JC-lf8pr]

Thank you! We had a situation where we were leaving with our RV to camp with our Champion generator for power but day before leave it would not start. I watched your video, made sure the oil was full, unplugged the sensor and we were able to use the generator for a enjoyable RV trip.

[@paulsergojan1541]

Direct, to the point, valuable information. Well done. Much appreciated!

[@donyboy73]

Thanks Paul, have a great weekend!

[@Honestandtruth007]

@@donyboy73 You Always give us Great Tips and thank you and God bless 👍👍

[@brianbaker359]

Absolutely you can count on Don to provide excellent advice. My Firman generator normally starts on first pull but not today when I really needed it but I pulled and pulled and nothing, no spark whatsoever. I head to KZbin and watch Don’s advice on the low oil sensor being a major factor in a no spark condition. I get down on my knees to check the oil level and notice the oil plug is wet and sure enough it was not snugged down tight and obviously leaked too much oil which I never spotted the leak as it was covered. Topped up the oil and it started first pull. Thank you Donny from one of your long time viewers and supporters at Lake Talon, Ontario.

[@donyboy73]

greetings from Muskoka!

[@luiscastro7204]

Saved me time any money.. removed sensor wire.. started right up.. now to replace sensor.. thank you

[@UR2Compliant]

I live in Northern California, near Lake Tahoe and we survive with generators, wood splitter's and chainsaws! Without this great information, the struggle is real!

[@biggestoaf]

Really helpful video. Thanks. I couldn't get my generator started. I simply hadn't put enough oil in it but it's really useful to know about the sensor. Now working perfectly. Thanks a lot.

[@patrickscahillii9365]

I just picked one of these up for free and I think this will help, thank you for sharing.

[@adrianpoesiat]

Thank you. Interesting. I’ve got two generators(I’m off grid). They’ve both gone down at once. I’ll run through your suggestions. Merci 😉

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Don! GREAT information...

[@donyboy73]

how's it going steve?

[@ianmccoll7907]

Very insightful. This was very useful and saved me much time and headaches. I have a similar 'ALDI Workzone' branded generator. I thought I'd serviced it fully EG, spark plug, air filter , new fuel. It wouldn't run more than 15 seconds. After watching your video, I checked and filled the sump with oil. Runs Now ! thank you.

[@kittygonzalez2827]

Wow! I’m stunned at the sensor! My Generac 5500 wouldn’t spark!, nobody even mentioned that. I love your accent, subtle yet interesting lilt!😎

[@hughbrackett343]

My #1 tip: Make sure the ignition switch is ON. I mean look at the thing and make sure it's pointing to ON. Many times I've turned the switch when it was already ON. Fantastic exercise for your arm and upper back. #2: If oil starts coming out of the plug when you loosen it, the engine isn't low on oil. Just tighten it back down.

[@fredzbike64]

Thanks, i bought a new one, he runs one minute and stops, many tries, but there was not enough oil, thank you very much 👍🏼😊

[@CANA_PR]

Thank you for this video I’m in Florida today September 28, 2022 and I pull out my old generation and I was frustrated trying to turn it on and I’m less than 40 seconds of this video I was able to find the problem and just adjusted it and… 🎉🎉🎉🎉 it’s on right now 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 3:37pm thanks for your help ❤

[@erok4124]

Nice tip. Love your channel. You’ve saved me tons of time and money in the past few months. I live in NY and get a decent amount of snow. Your snowblower tips were a life saver. Thanks again keep up the good work.

[@smokymtnrambler]

Thanks for the great info. I’ve got a brand new one that won’t start. Didn’t try to start it til warranty was expired. Thanks.

[@mekhlou3]

Thank you so much for this fix ! I spent hours trying to clean and do everything else ! Now you need to do a video on how to change the damn oil sensor !! :)

[@ricardorodriguez9508]

You Da Man!!! 👍👍 I appreciate you for posting this video!! I would turn my generator on every 2-3 months as recommended but for some reason when I actually needed it it wouldn’t start. 🤦🏻‍♂️ Well you video led me right to the issue!The oil sensor was out on my 2 year old generator. Was able to use it because of disconnecting the oil sensor. Thank you 🙏. I appreciate it!

[@CALVINLNIKONT]

Incredible tip! I never knew that it could be that easy to fix. Thankfully, I always check the oil before I start any of my machines.

[@petersack5074]

atta boy !! old school methods, are DUMMY PROOF.......peace and safety to you

[@lesfogerson1092]

My generator shut off after running for 30 seconds and wouldn't start again. I disconnected the oil sensor and still nothing. I found out that the needle valve was leaking and fuel diluted my oil to the point the sensor shut it down. I had to install a shutoff valve on the tank. Thanks for the great videos.

[@1kld5mnb]

Hey I'm in sw Florida after hurricane Ian and this video just helped me out so much. The generator wasn't starting after working fine 8 days in a row, I checked the dip stick and it seemed fine but after watching this I figured I might as well top the oil off before taking off the sensor. I put fresh oil in and it started right up. Thanks so much for your useful and easy to follow video.

[@quercusrubra777]

I bought a new belt drive pressure washer that had a Honda GX390 engine. It ran for about 10 minutes and cutout twice, then died. I could not get any spark. I added more oil than required and it started up and ran fine for 10 hours. Sensors are a blessing and a curse.

[@SAVagex_CODM]

Thank you so much, I just tried it now and it worked. Thanks for this video🙏

[@KSMike1]

Older generators typically have a mechanical switch inside the crank case instead of an external module. The switch gets stuck during storage, preventing starting. These will usually free up from vibration if you can just get it started, so - same thing, disconnect that wire, start it up, reconnect the wire.

[@DaveSteen]

I have one like this, has run every since, there was a video showing how to rest the oil sensor by doing this. Good to know there could also be another part to look for

[@donyboy73]

I used to see that on older generators with briggs engines

[@toddk8555]

These generators actually do have the low oil sensor in the crankcase. Just a little float mechanism. This part he is showing is a grounding diode that the low oil sensor connects to so it can cut spark if the oil is low.

[@bigpardner]

@@toddk8555 I was wondering why the object he was displaying had what to me looked like a yellow and black wire, but wire to disengage coming out of the engine was different color. That wire coming out seemed to be connected to a yellow wire. Would that yellow wire be the short yellow wire, along with the black wire, connected to the diode? Would disconnecting the black wire, whatever it is connected to, serve the same purpose ? What the is the usual problem, the diode or the sensor inside the crankcase ?

[@adeyemibabatunde1814]

@@toddk8555 Please what is specification of the diode(voltage, current, type of diode). Why is diode needed for grounding)?. Thanks

[@snottocare]

Thanks so much! This is exactly what I needed to do! Well explained and so helpful!

[@Tbizzh]

I'd say the first first thing to check is that the switch is on. I had two generators brought to me that started first pull after I turned them on. Good video as always!

[@THEMOWERMEDIC1]

People aren’t going to bring a generator to the shop bc the switch was off. The floats stick inside the engine and the loading and unloading of the machine plus the car ride freed up the float.

[@donyboy73]

I've had a few people come in with the switch off and sometimes no gas lol

[@petrag.4092]

Thank you for sharing, the video encouraged me to continue troubleshooting. Success, the problem with ours ended up being a dead battery. All is well, now!!Thank goodness, just in time for the cold days ahead. 🙏👍

[@Honestandtruth007]

Great Tips and Thank you so much....Don 👍😅❤

[@kemalouis5630]

Thanks a lot for this video. I just tried it and it worked. 🙏❤️

[@frankie7508]

Danny boy you are the best! Now the low Oil sensor begs the question, What did we do before we had them??? Everybody knows the answer here. Simply check your oil level bubble regularly!!!!! 😊

[@paullemay3218]

Great tip. Thank you for sharing. 🇨🇦❤️

[@donyboy73]

Thanks for watching!

[@UDSBAND]

thank so much that what was wrong with mine now ii have a/c in the camper again and just order new part ........ you the man

[@effinanderson3620]

Thanks maan!! My geni is now running!! 🏴‍☠️

[@Bighand4]

Thanks a million! I have a defect oil level sensor on mine. No other youtube video showed this. My generator is almost exactly the same as yours. But mine is called Ferm pgm1008. I unpluged the sensor and the generator started imiatly :-)

[@THEMOWERMEDIC1]

Great tip! I’ve seen the actual float inside the engine go bad as well due to lack of maintenance and it gets sludged up and sticks during storage, Especially on Tecumseh and Briggs engines

[@donyboy73]

hi Jeremy, have a good weekend buddy!

[@donyboy73]

email me at [e-mail]

[@MaryGwenDungan]

I'm in WNC, and this happened to my generator right in the middle of Helene. Got it going again by topping off the oil. Good to know why it happened.

[@ragnardanneskajold1880]

I pulled on my for an hour! Checked oil, all good. Unplugged the sensor- started right up.

[@janinewiggins-barr2447]

Thank you so much, no muss, no fuss. Appreciated!

[@feleciacolbert5284]

Thanks so much. I got a Champion 3500watt generator. I have started it put oil and gas in it but I hope I can start it again. It’s remote start and I know I have to enable that switch.

[@frederickbronson6055]

Yeah boy. Simple, my generator is fixed. Great job brother.

[@donyboy73]

Glad I could help

[@gordbaker896]

Great Tip. Also make sure the Switch is ON.

[@donyboy73]

yes lol, seen them come in with switch off!

[@victorjohnson749]

Great very informative video. I just have one question. Starting at 2:28 what did you mean?

[@josephrich6014]

I don't own a generator,but do appreciate the info/tips. Thanks

[@donyboy73]

Thanks Joseph!

[@ronc8739]

Just purchased a new champion generator yet would not start, I disconnected the low oil senor at your suggestion started up after 3 attempts. Thank you very much!

[@scottfirman]

I love how the decal on the front even shows an oil can on it. You always have great tips. Keep it up. Mabe you won't show this old dog new tricks but these new kids need someone to help them. lol.

[@GripFreak]

No one knows everything including yourself (old dog) but with the right mindset you can ALWAYS learn something new even if it's not how to do something. Peace...✌

[@petersack5074]

@@GripFreak correct, for the TRUTH, always try to have an 'open mind' as a child in school, but, with mature wisdom, filter out the bullshit....reject it and hold fast ' to the truth '' shalom to you....

[@DoravilleN]

Thank you for the direct knowledge I needed this you're a life saver

[@michaelspencer301]

I have a generator that has a lite on that flashes if it's low on oil. While cranking it will flash letting you know why it won't start. Thanks great tip. 👍

[@seangalvin2168]

Thanks, great video, easy to follow and spot on for the fix.

[@13oaks45]

Hey Donny, how hard is it to replace the float inside the crank case?

[@joeyg-smallengine1116]

That's a great tip Don! I'm sure this video will come in handy for alot of people this summer! Joey from Ottawa

[@donyboy73]

hi from ontario as well!

[@tyroneclarke1666]

Thank you for sharing. I’ll keep that one in my memory bank. Cheers

[@robertweir9034]

This is very good advice and presented in a very clear way where clarity is easily understood, or should be. I always wondered how the low oil sensor is wired in a machine that is equipped with one. It seems to be wired it series with grounding the spark output and therefore, disconnecting it, takes it out of the circuit. I wonder what a continuity check would show on the sensor.

[@timberray9572]

I own that exact generator, I am always amazed when it starts because its my most neglected piece of equipment. There have been times where I have not started it in months, and mid winter in minus forty degree C it lights right up. I do use only non ethanol gas and change the oil when it gets dark, but that is all I have done to it.

[@Farmer-bh3cg]

Thank you very much for the tip! After the oil, It'll be the first thing I'll check if the generator quits for no apparent reason. Quick Question if i may: Does a good sensor have continuity or no continuity? I'm guessing a good sensor should have continuity. Thanks again for all your videos - they're always helpful.

[@BearE9090]

Great tip about unplugging the wire to check the sensor.

[@theoriginaljohngalt2450]

All the equipment he works on is always so clean. Either he cleans them off really good or people take care of their equipment.

[@donyboy73]

I cleaned it first!

[@adeyemibabatunde1814]

@donyboy73 Great video How is the sensor you showed different from a diode? It looks like a diode. The sensor should be on the crankcase where the yellow wire came out. Please send the wiring diagram of of low oil switch and ignition. Why is diode used in the low oil switch off circuit? What type of diode(voltage, current) is it? Thanks

[@richardmundo9709]

Thank you for taking the time to share

[@stellarproductions8888]

Excellent tip Don, and you are right. Those low oil shutdown sensors, while great idea and all, sometimes they go out, and leave people scratching their heads for awhile lol. I have a modern Westinghouse 7500-9500 generator, and its even got fancy features like electric start, auto choke, remote start, and emissions control module, as well as the low oil shutdown sensor. lol

[@foehammer8659]

Same here. Westinghouse WH7500E with electric start. Mine will start with the pull cord, but the electric start is dead to the world for some reason. Worked fine and then one day nothing. I can short the starter posts and it turns over as well. I assume this sensor is a likely culprit, but disconnect isn't solving my problem.

[@ynotctonya8037]

July 7, 2022/ Thank you for the tip. Vitle information and Very helpful out in the Country far-away from any shop...

[@WilliamSmith-cn8yk]

Thanks your video's are always very helpful

[@jonathanbosco8458]

Thank you for the video. I am always fascinated for a back up generator or generator for work so few read the manual or God forbid buy a shop manual for $15 dollars.

[@glevideo]

Thank you Thank You!!! This worked for me. I'm puzzled why reconnecting the sensor while the generator was running didn't make it stop. Flakey sensor? Is the sensor simply a thermal device that senses when the engine is starting to get too hot and then makes it shut off? But then why would it prevent the engine from starting while it's cold? I'm puzzled by all this.

[@donyboy73]

make sure your oil level is ok

[@anthonydefreitas6006]

Something else to check is the condition of the oil. I had problems starting my Honda generator after checking the oil level which was ok. The problem turned out to be. The needle in the carburettor was letting by causing the gas to drain down into the engine. This was thinning out the oil and the sensor didn't like the thin oil.

[@donyboy73]

I see that also

[@anthonydefreitas6006]

@@donyboy73 it had me scratching my head for a while

[@donyboy73]

@@anthonydefreitas6006 usually bad needle valve and seat, on some you have to replace the carburetor

[@jacquesmalan823]

Great video tips Don, thank you🎉

[@mike333h]

Awesome tip that could prove very handy in a pinch!

[@robertmarriott1878]

Thankyou brilliant very easy to follow hope you make more videos

[@savoielvis1]

Thank you so much sire!!! thx to you i manage to fix my generator!!! thx for the video!!!

[@donyboy73]

Great!

[@hickorystx]

Great tip Mr. Don. Thank you!!

[@LouieGiNYC]

Very helpful video. Question... how do I know if it's the solenoid? It ran a few seconds with starter fluid but didn't hold. Could it be the solenoid?

[@aritonaparks3521]

I have a question we have that same generator if not mistaken it was working one minute it won't crank and it was shooting oil out

[@muddyphins]

I'm ready for Ian! Thank You!!

[@mariolopez1613]

Very good advise donny I thank you much Merry Christmas to you and family from michigan

[@jafarhosseinzadeh344]

Thank you so much. Amazing explanation and fantastic helpful hints.

[@AdrianRoles]

Thanks great tip on low level oil sensor

[@johnyuristy6137]

Exact same generator here. Have not had that problem, but did have similar on the 9 HP Chinese Honda clone I put on my ancient 50 year old snowblower. It would start, but when the oil got splashed up it would die, even though the oil was up full. I figured the float in the crankcase was set wrong. Instead of overfilling, I just unplugged the thing. And as others have mentioned, the Champion carb float valve can leak through. I forgot to shut off the tank valve, and over the winter the entire tank leaked on down into the crankcase, and some overflowed in the shed. Cylinder even got hydro-locked. Drained it all out, started over, no harm done, just some smoky start ups. Good to remember about this oil level thing. Kind of a poor way to signal low oil, turn off the spark?? How about a warning light? This is a machine that can supply kilowatts of electricity, and you can't have a light bulb on that?

[@marknye51.thefixitguy]

Hello Dony. Here is an issue I have with a Firman p03607 208cc generator. The recoil starter is hard to pull and will almost pull out of your hand . I've adjusted the valves. With the plug removed it spins easy but once the plug is installed it's really hard to pull start. Any suggestions form you or viewer's would be greatly appreciated. Mahalo

[@JB-171]

Scurried right out to the garage and located the sensor...just in case. Thanks Don!

[@Lone-Wolf87]

I have learned so much from you. Thank you very much for all the information that you share. Great video and great tip. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@donyboy73]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jbbolts]

great advice as always thanks.... My champion has a co shut off sensor thats very annoying it shuts it off even when im running it outside close to a wall and sometimes i run it in the car shelter and it shuts off there too... I'd never start it indoors so i need to eliminate that

[@donyboy73]

you could maybe run a pipe from the exhaust so it goes further out

[@mwholty]

Hey Don I have a new Champion 2500 inverter generator that is a real pain to start on LPG. (I will never use this in gasoline.) After frogging around between the choke and LP run setting it will finally run albeit after several pulls and a few ##?!!##. I seen a few utubes videos and some say all that’s needed is a new regulator or a different 20 lb cylinder. I would think if the regulator bad it should not run at all. Something is not quite right here. What’s your thoughts?? Need help!

[@donyboy73]

I would call Champion, they usually have good customer support

[@royevans7793]

I love watching your videos, you are a wealth of information!

[@donyboy73]

thanks

[@Lord72969]

Thank you. A very good video. Great advice.

[@tomcal25]

Question: The square sensor with bolt hole and two wires your holding in your hand. How does it sense oil level if it's not in direct contact with oil?

[@pacoblancosmith]

Great vid, Don. I cleaned out my carb as best I could and finally got the generator running. Oil and gas are good, disconnected the low oil sensor, etc. But when I shut it off after 30 minutes of running, I was back to square one with turning over (easier now though)but not running. Any ideas?

[@rpavlik1]

When you said "it has nothing to do with bad gas" you stopped me in my tracks... 😁 Good to remember tips for when I get a generator sooner or later!

[@RichardFallstich]

Too many people blame "bad gas" for problems that are really a result of poor maintenance.

[@troygilkerson7541]

Man you are good I watch this video and it worked thanks for the info 😊

[@brent1387]

You’re the Man .. Don.....Thank-you super tip!!!!

[@donyboy73]

You bet!

[@481brighton]

Thanks Don. Love your videos. You've helped many of us out with your vast knowledge.

[@donyboy73]

Glad to hear it!

[@mikemcgrath5905]

Thanks again for a great and informative video, Don! I learned something totally new to me. I wasn't aware of the location of that low-fuel sensor, or that it could often be the culprit when something won't start. Thanks for taking the time for all of us and sharing your invaluable expertise and knowledge! you're the best!

[@donyboy73]

You bet!

[@symbionesesla]

low oil not low fuel...

[@edwardcallahan4610]

Thank you so much for this video and all the others you have posted.

[@donyboy73]

You're very welcome!

[@garydingman1035]

I have a Westinghouse 9500 DF it will not run on Gasoline but will on LP Gas ? I’ve had it for 3 years only used it Once during Winter last year it ran the whole house no problem for 9 hrs . Set it up for storage. But now will not start on Gasoline only LP

[@gustavogarza3644]

Great news thank you very much for the info

[@nashguy207]

Great tips in this video Donyboy!!