Honda EX1000 - Will It Run?

This 30 year old Honda EX1000 generator was sent to me from a subscriber who got it from the original owner. It is in non-running condition. According to the original owner it would run 5-10 minutes and shut down. The original owner swapped out the coil and the carburetor, but still the problem persists. Can it be fixed?
Oscilloscope: amzn.to/3sYHjSn
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Ignition Unit: 30585-ZA8-013
Air Cleaner Element: 17211-ZA7-000
Spark Plug: NGK BR4HS
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#GeneratorRepair #SmallEngineRepair #SmallEngine #DIY #Fixed #Troubleshooting #HowTo
#HondaGenerator #EX1000

[@jetrus2013]

I used to use an Epson ET-2550 kzbin.infoUgkxciSwynMJ7PnUvvx11rewiu-yFBkZTl53 , an early model of the ink tank style. It worked well, but had one nuisance that drove me up the wall; if you didn't put it in high quality print mode you'd get a streak across the page. I'm happy to say I have yet to see this with this printer. The print quality has been fantastic so far, the set up was super easy. All in all I'm very happy with this printer.

[@mikejohns3104]

James is so relaxed and well spoken when things don't go as expected. Something I need to work on.

[@SamCanada1]

Me too but if I was making a KZbin video, I'd certainly check myself.

[@ThacMan]

A complete small engine diagnostic seminar in 1 hour & 20 minutes. Really enjoyed this one. A awesome little vintage machine.

[@rgs4x]

Most repair shops would have given up. I applaud your tenacity.

[@kpdvw]

more easy money in selling a new one....!

[@RyeOnHam]

LOL, it seems he did give up several times but circled back.

[@joebrock9784]

It might be possible that just getting to slightly smaller hole wise in the oven model cars you might try cleaning the jet in the center of the car before switching the jet between the two carbs and it may work I would definitely clean it first

[@joebrock9784]

Just for future reference AutoZone in Nampa held himself bug and sodas O'Reilly Auto Part they can order it and have it the next day

[@rogercote5151]

​@@joebrock9784😊

[@jameshedrick7955]

Can't think of a better to start thursday morning than watching your video's with a cup of hot chocolate

[@ghall05]

Wow what a journey! This video should be used as a diagnosis masterclass! I love that you didn't simply throw a new plug in, but demonstrated the actual issue with the torch! I've been bitten by a bad spark plug before too and it took me a very long time to figure it out because I ruled it out as the problem at the very beginning. Another great video!

[@jimcourtney3451]

So one of the lessons here is always put in a new spark plug regardless of the problem. A few dollars can solve a few problems. I have learn more watching Jim's videos because each one is a lesson in patience and never giving up.

[@brendahall7483]

Wow… James that was incredible! You really conquered the challenges of working behind the original owner and his DIY miscues. I forwarded him the link to your video… he will probably kick himself when he realizes it was a $4 spark plug fix. He said he had worked on it for about 2 years. He gave it to me thinking maybe I could fix it (since I fixed the Ryobi inverter generator which only needed valves adjusted and fuel switch replaced). I now know there was “no way” I could have fixed this Honda. The multitude of problems you encountered is far beyond my mediocre skills. Your calm patience and perseverance in troubleshooting is admirable. You’re an awesome Guru and I love to watch the Master at work. Keep ‘em coming!

[@Chris.Y.054]

Brenda, Thank you for sending Jim this generator. It is my favorite of all his videos to date.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks Brenda for sending this one. I thought this would be an easy one. Spark issues like this can be very difficult to diagnose. I have never seen a plug fail in this way. This one almost had me beat.

[@redmondjp]

@@jcondon1 Well I had a plug that was kicking my butt for the past three years on a Deere F510 mower - super hard to start (thought it was a fueling issue) but once running it ran perfectly all day long. And the stupid thing is, I killed the starter these past few years because of this, all while a few feet away I had a brand-new spark plug sitting there for that machine the entire time. D' op! So I agree, change the plug (with the correct one)!

[@ms767210]

@@jcondon1 The thing that leaves me incredulous is your never give up attitude and mountain of patience. Who would have thought fixing generators could be so interesting.

[@tubemember21]

My family has a 40 year old Honda EX800. It is used at our off grid camp site to power lights. It has thousands upon thousands of hours on it. The only maintenance done is oil changes and spark plug replacements, plus strictly ethanol free gas. Amazing machines that are a testament to Honda's quality. Good find.

[@marcelcanuck]

Honda's are #1 , i was lucky to find a 1980's ex500 at the landfill of all places , the guy let me have it for a 10 , got home cleaned the carb and it works like a charm

[@FishFind3000]

I much prefer the older Hondas that are Japanese made. Everything now is made in China. I’ve got 3 Hondas and all were tossed away. All beat to hell and all run today. All 3 are a bit down on power since they were all abused with either no air filter, low oil, or both. A little bit of love and a couple of bucks and there all still perfectly useable.

[@douro20]

@@FishFind3000 New cylinder and rings and they'd probably run like a top.

[@marcelcanuck]

@@arranscotter5422 i'm thinking it's better quality muffler engineering and materials , same like the old trx 350's 4x4 , sit it beside the same year Yamaha and won't hear the Honda running

[@douro20]

@@marcelcanuck And valve timing. Honda engines often have the exhaust valve open a bit early to keep pressure from building up in the cylinder when the piston comes back up in the exhaust stroke.

[@GaryJRanno]

I own that exact same generator. I had not run in a number of years. Because of your video I pulled it out And started it. It ran perfectly. I hooked it up to a load It drew down for a second or so and then ran great. Probably one of the best generators they ever made. But you have encouraged me to service this change the fuel clean out the bowl change the oil and fuel filter. Thank you very much was a great and informative video.

[@stevenholton438]

Me three!

[@marcelcanuck]

isn't it awesome this channel has no adds , much appreciated👍

[@jcondon1]

I do on older videos, but not on the new ones.

[@marcelcanuck]

us old guys need as little distractions as possible or we loose our train of thought lol , great video

[@parvirdee9957]

Agree with Bob, this is one of your best videos to date! Your calm demeanour is very therapeutic. I almost want more problems to show up so I can see you solve them. Feels like I’m there with you. When I saw you pull the rope the second time(19:55) I could see that the rotation was still clockwise. I was screaming at screen trying to tell you you’re not getting spark because of same rotation issue. Keep them coming and if you ever need a helper give me a shout!

[@breikowski]

Great job, the coil trick was genius. Would of never found that. Probably one of your best videos to date! Thanks!

[@Farm_fab]

Jim, are you familiar with the earliest history of honda generators? Using this phrase, you can find the link to learn more. "In 1946, a small engine designed for portable army radios was turned into a useful tool for people’s daily lives." The most reliable generators I have are either Honda powered, or are a clone.

[@barthanes1]

Nice work. This one was really interesting. The ones with multiple problems are always the hardest. Bench proving that the sparkplug is bad is really going the extra mile.

[@williamvaughan1218]

Definatly never thought of bench testing a spark plug. Ive bench tested o2 sensors but not spark plugs. The way that plug failed is classic though my eb5000 did that during that winter storm last year. Luckily I keep new plugs with all my generators.

[@randomgenius8551]

One hour and 18 minute video about tinkering with 30 year old generator and I wish it was longer. Loved it.

[@mitchrenee]

Your patience with this unit is amazing. It reminds me of a Honda lawnmower that I repaired, I put it together and tore it down 4 times until it was fixed.

[@terrystover7365]

I began small engine repair when quite young and I'm now an old man and still am interested and somewhat active. For a few years I pursued it as a sideline business until it covered me up due to working in supervision for Ford Motor Company. I admire your trouble shooting my friend, you are really good.

[@cbauer72]

You ought to save your knees and back and get yourself a dedicated workbench to put these things on. I'd say my back hurts in sympathy for you, but it always hurts. Great vides.

[@Rorschach1024]

Clif is right. the hydraulic lift tables that harbor freight sell are a godsend to me.

[@troymurphy6471]

For real

[@sinx2200]

Check the new vids he’s got one now 👍🏻

[@johnstacey-uj5pw]

F77

[@qfdforme]

He has a lift table but did not use it.

[@jerrybootneck1736]

Well this one tested your grey matter to the limit James lol. Well done, another win chalked up.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Very rare hard to find 30 year old Honda Ex1000 super impressive condition @James Condon

[@jcondon1]

It might be a keeper. It is a very well made vintage generator.

[@Marcelo-56]

@@jcondon1 Hello James, in addition to all the people who follow your videos, we are also Latinos who live in South American countries, and we are pleased that you enable subtitles in Spanish. (I am now using Google Translate to be able to communicate with you👉)

[@nnan0001]

I've never owned a generator but I love watching you fix them. Such patience. I think I would have put a bullet through it and tossed it over the back fence.

[@troyyarbrough]

I had a 1968 Ford pickup with the 300 inline 6 cylinder engine in it. It would run perfect on all 6 cylinders when cold, but once it warmed up to operating temp it would start mis-firing on one cylinder. It took me forever to figure out it was a spark plug issue. This video reminded me of that time many many years ago.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks. Up until recently, never had a spark plug issue. Since this generator, I have come across two others.

[@troyyarbrough]

@@jcondon1 I worked on automotive engines for years, and I only ran into a spark plug issue such as this only once. So, I'm guessing it's quite a rare occurrence.

[@somethingelsehere8089]

OMG, that EU7000is you showed at the end - fuel injection and $5500, wow. I dearly love the little Honda you fixed up - the vintage-ness of it.

[@rayshutsa6690]

I applaud you for not for not giving up and doung a whole engine diagnostic.

[@DeWittPotts]

That was really interesting. That's the first time I have seen a spark plug go bad like that. I admit that I don't have the most experience but I have been using small engines since the 1960's and have serviced them all from lawn mowers to tractors. Great job at trouble shooting and sticking with it until you found the root problem.

[@jharding32]

So does he just edit out the parts where he throws stuff at the walls and screams?

[@extrarockersworld8271]

That’s how I do it 😂😂😅

[@DavidBrown-lq2qp]

Good video James, there is no quit in this guy.

[@bobjones9727]

You are a talented and patient troubleshooter

[@prodkey]

What kind of wizardry is this? You sir are an inspiration! Way to stick with it! Most of us mortals would not have a clue on even what to test! Still need your lift table!

[@tphilpin]

For drilling holes in sheet metal you will do well to purchase a step bit for ease of drilling and concentric holes. Enjoy your channel. Great sleuthing on the coil / rotation not to mention the bad spark plug

[@jcondon1]

I agree, thanks

[@navvet4518]

Absolutely.

[@ShainAndrews]

Yup. Step bit fir sheet metal. If nothing else your hands will appreciate it.

[@markroth9827]

I wish your videos were available 40 years ago. Thank you.

[@tedheierman1181]

Yes, very cool baby generator! Glad you were able to keep it out of the landfill!

[@briandavis7811]

Challenges add to the sense of accomplishment 👌

[@richardbaker3621]

James you deserve the golden wrench award for this one! A spark plug that works fine when cold but fails when engine temperature comes up. You proved the plug had a problem using a torch and ohm meter. Hail King James! Now I know why I keep watching your videos.

[@jamesmcmanamy4704]

Some people just throw parts at a problem until it goes away: you find out what the problem is first, then fix it. Well done.

[@Bill-xc8le]

I had that exact same problem on my generator, I gave up and took it to a small engine guy and he diagnosed it the exact same way you did, except for the torch and meter test on the plug. I almost wouldnt have believed him if I wasn't there watching him!!

[@waynestefinashen239]

Thought you found the problem when the plug boot measured 10K but that is what the short Honda boots normally measure whereas the longer ones read around 4 to 5k like you mentioned. Very surprising to see the plug being the issue at the end but good test with the heat and ohm check. Only EP tip i can give you is get a Pender lift to work on when your bench is loaded because the first thing to go when you get older as i am is the knees. Thanks for another great video the OLD MAN at EP over and out!

[@jcondon1]

Thanks. Been looking at lift tables, but have not found one yet I like. Will check it out. Still have a little time before the knees give out.

[@waynestefinashen239]

@@jcondon1 Got our hydraulic Pender style lift from Canadian Tire on sale $100 great deal many years ago. Think they run around $250 now

[@waynestefinashen239]

Troy we are in Southern Ontario, Canada and i believe all the Menards are in the USA. Buffalo New York is only 20 minutes away from us but with the pandemic testing and border crossing now not worth the trouble to go there. In the future maybe we go to a Menards i hear they are great.

[@Chris.Y.054]

Incredible troubleshooting Jim. I always look forward to your videos.

[@waynebrundidge206]

I would have said use hose or fuel line in the hole with wire through it. Good job on the repair. Good Thinking outside the box. Did not expect the heat problem with the plug.

[@jessemurray1757]

I have an EX800 that looks just like that but it's silver. Still works perfect.

[@brngrofdeth]

Love your attention to diagnostics and the detailed descriptions. You are truly a "real" technician. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. Coming from an auto mechanic to you.... Love and blessings from Ontario Canada!

[@bruceaux174]

James, you’d make a great brain surgeon. So patient and methodical.

[@pn2543]

the Bob Ross of generators, very therapeutic, there are no bad generators, only happy little accidents

[@darkwing4475]

Back when I used to ride dirt bikes,,, the fist thing we always did when a bike acted up was to change the plug,, lol,,, I have really learned a lot today watching you work on this little generator,, My generator is a Predator 3500 Inverter with electric start,,, Is a really nice unit,, I am sure that I can repair most anything on it now from watching all of your videos,, :-)

[@w056007568]

I'm delighted to see you eventually succeed in your mission to get it to run correctly. When I think back to all the trip hazards along the way it must have been frustrating to find that the original issue remained. Well done for spotting and dealing with that and all the other issues you discovered along the way.

[@Cully4x4]

Whooooe! That was a doozy. Congratulations on working your way through the possible issues, and coming up with the final reason. I, too, would not have guessed that the spark plug was faulty. I learn something every time I watch your videos.

[@sunbeam8866]

Fascinating! I wonder how many of the extra problems were from the previous 'repairs'. Someone gave me an early Honda shaft-drive self-propelled mower that was run low of oil. The engine appeared to be seized, but when I started to remove the flywheel nut, it started turning very reluctantly. So I put oil in the crankcase,and ATF in the cylinder. With a dozen or more rotations, it freed up like there never was a problem. After a new bottom crank seal, which included learning all about that weird Honda blade clutch & brake unit, then cleaning all the 'jelly' out of the carb, it fired right up! Like your generator, everything's metal on my old Honda, from the heavy alloy deck, to all the painted steel engine shrouds, covers and air-cleaner. Everything's plastic on the new ones, even some of the decks!

[@daleyurk4369]

Good Lord! I would have been pulling my hair out over that thing. Very nice persistence and great detective work!

[@rich3500]

Wow this is one of your best ever repair videos! I wouldn't mind betting the original coil and ignition module are probably ok and would work fine if you put them back on the machine. The issue of course is that a coil with built-in electronic ignition won't like having an external ignition module connected to it, which is why the new coil didn't work. Many years ago I did some research into these contactless ignition systems and looked into the various patents. There used to be a kit called Atom Computer Ignition which was made in Australia (now out of production) which was designed to replace points and condenser on older engines. Different versions were sold for different applications and the circuitry was slightly different in each one. They worked by replicating the action of the points and condenser: when the magnet passed the coil, the circuit turned on and when the primary current reached a certain level it would turn off (same as the points opening) and the high voltage would be induced in the secondary winding. Another popular kit was the Nova universal ignition module which someone else mentioned. These were also sold as Omega electronic ignition. The Nova has an advantage over the Atom and most other makes in that the circuit senses when the primary current reaches its peak and then it turns off. The Nova is still available online. It has two terminals, one is connected to ground and the other to the coil. As the polarity of coils and flywheel magnets varies you may need to reverse the connections for it to work properly. If you ever have another generator with a faulty ignition module then chances are a Nova will work and will be a lot cheaper than an oem part. Best wishes Richard

[@jcondon1]

Thanks for the information. Will keep that’s in mind and it will no doubt help others facing the same issue.

[@davidregan9872]

I usually watch Mustie 1, but I seen this video and wanted to check it out! If you haven't watched him then check him out too!

[@Popeyes66]

Great video James. This has taught me even more never to give up and to check everything. Such a simple fault that could ordinarily be overlooked . Thanks for sharing your frustration with us .

[@Ajsmountain]

Excellent video. There have been times I may have thrown this generator off the roof, on video of course. 🤣 Thank you for taking the time to video your adventure. Much respect!

[@robertmailhos8159]

That repair job took longer than I expected but you got it done

[@zonie1953]

It helped me James, I would have never figured out how to test for a bad plug ! You are a genius , Thanks !

[@dquick282]

Awesome job again!! Like many other comments, bench testing that spark plug was genius. You have definitely gave me another tool for my arsenal.

[@rddavisdigital]

As many others have commented, there is a wealth of information in this video. I can’t count the number of small engines I’ve repaired, non-professionaly of course, in the past 60+ years, and I have never seen a heat sensitive spark plug. Who’da thunk? Thanks so very much for the time and effort you put into this project. Thanks too for the video that allowed us to look over shoulder.

[@paulsto6516]

your tenacity is mind blowing!

[@sirgreybat5954]

Really enjoyed this video! Your determination to see this problem to the end is evident and it's impressive. If you got frustrated at anytime during the process (I sure would have), you didn't let it show. A mark of a really good content creator.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks

[@judgeguilty]

I always learn something from your videos. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@10thAveFreezeOut]

I can't believe you figured out that the coil needed to be backwards. That's some ninja-level stuff.

[@alasdairhamilton1574]

Great diagnosis, bloody spark plug😱, who would have ever thought heating it up and checking 🤗. 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@BenJandrell]

Well done for persisting James...this is how we all learn! 🤔

[@navvet4518]

I give you huge props for perseverance. I had a Yamaha banshee that had a bad spark plug and I chased that problem for months! Like you, I had never seen a bad spark plug in my life. Great video on a really cool retro looking generator. Can’t wait for your next one. If you have a hole in a piece of sheet metal that you need to insulate quick and dirty, try piece of small split loom.

[@stephenmcgowan8572]

Your troubleshooting is above and beyond anyone else. Nothing rattles you. Great video!

[@jayyoung5423]

Again as always, master class James.

[@plainsight7816]

Hello Jim, new to your channel but love the content. Thank you! I'd like to suggest that whenever drilling in sheet metal, forego the common twist drill and instead use a quality step drill. The results will amaze you.

[@whitesapphire5865]

That's about right for these old Hondas. We've had a fair few with just this issue, but it's usually the ones with the micro-spark plug, and they're not so readily available, and not cheap. It's rather more unusual for standard plugs to fail this way, but not unheard of. We had a van back in the late 1970s which did exactly the same thing, first on one cylinder, then a second, and eventually would give out all together. I have no idea what happens within the plug, but it's quite evident that the insulation begins to break down somehow, and becomes electrically conductive (leaky) to the point it causes a misfire, and eventual failure. My dad chased that fault for days, and the plugs always checked out fine. It was a contact at 'Road Motors' who pointed him in the right direction. So fear not, you're not the first to be led a merry dance, and you surely won't be the last. I'd be very surprised if no one watching this video had learned from it!

[@jcondon1]

Its hard to imagine how a plug could fail in this way. It was not an easy fault to find.

[@bfe671]

Not sure why you don’t have at least 100k subs. Your channel is too addicting. When the JC class is in session, I’m seated and you always have my full attention

[@gaetansimard1594]

Wow! One of your best video, like we say in French …c’était un problème pour homme! Bravo, your the best.

[@moosanouman]

Your videos are so informative and interesting

[@deadairconversion]

James, great video. I have an EX800, and it runs great. However, based on my experience, I’ve noticed it doesn’t like Ethanol based fuel very much, especially under a load. By adding K100 fuel treatment, it helps to stabilize and burn the fuel better. Of course Ethanol free fuel when I can get it is ideal. Man, you sure put in the effort! These older Honda generators are little gems, it’s unfortunate some parts are hard to come by now.

[@fairviewCGC]

Most enjoyable to see one of these generator repairs that show the real world. And your tenacity (tried to find a better word for it but couldn't) is amazing

[@mattlitton8066]

I broke down and bought a deburr tool for situations where you were in with drilling that hole in the cover. Makes its smooth as a babys bottom, and looks much better then hitting it with an angle grinder. I mean you're the pro here... I just really do use mine more then i thought i ever would.

[@barbaraneville5036]

Just goes to show that someone changed all sorts of parts before you were gifted it and created more problems than it initially had Spark plugs have been known to breakdown and that is why they are a service item 🙂 Nice informative channel But as others have stated a workbench or similar would keep you off the floor

[@brngrofdeth]

This comment reminds me of my automotive instructor calling it a bushel basket special. Everyone was in a car trying to fix it and then gets towed to your shop with all the parts in the trunk and ask you to fix it. That always costs more!

[@danmackintosh6325]

Interesting, this was a real mixture of issues mostly created in frustrated troubleshooting of the original fault. Something that comes to mind when you mention the resistor plug (apart from to mention that I've had many, many failures of NGK "R" plugs in different applications. So much so that I refuse to use them now if I can get a non-resistor alternative) is that you have a resistor plug AND a resistor cap, I was always led to believe you use one or the other never both together. Personally, I feel like they're outdated now anyway since the RF interference they were designed to suppress is largely irrelevant in today's high-frequency, digital world. (Only thing I ever knew really being interfered in a noticable way was analog TV signals). Liking the channel, this is the first of your vids I've watched and will be back for more 100%. Thanks for sharing, from the UK.

[@mbsevans]

I watch a LOT of your videos and I gotta hand it to you, this fix was impressive due to your tenacity. She’s a nice albeit older small genny, but satisfying to get this little Honda working right. Good job.

[@piconano]

You are the one and only "Generator Whisperer" ! Be proud of that. I know I am 😊

[@FishFind3000]

21:35 there’s a slot right behind there that looks like it’s for that coil wire and that protective rubber boot. At 26:30 you can see the hole right below the wire on the engine side.

[@jcondon1]

The cooling fins prevented the wire from exiting at that location. Not to mention I could not make that angle :(

[@caseyc870]

Thank you @jamescondon Im so thankful you're sharing valuable information on not only trouble shooting but the back history of some of those components that are no longer common like you did. Between you and Musti1 and watch wess work I have learned an incredible amount of troubleshooting insight that's really paying off for me. God bless you!

[@richmill6043]

Wow. I have worked on many small engines and never suspected that issue. Thanks! We learn something every day.

[@docsav1331]

Wow, this mystery ranks right up there as one of the best! Time to start calling you “Sherlock James” well done my good man!

[@watermanone7567]

Great find Jim: I thought you might have had an issue with fuel flow thru the filter or a fuel cap not letting in air when fuel was being lowered. I always change customers plugs when servicing engines, although some people don't want that done. I think it saves lots of issues. Excellent video. Many thanks and Happy New Year.

[@jcondon1]

After this, I would say always change the plug!

[@stevemorris3710]

@@jcondon1 Almost 30 years ago I had a 2-stroke engine that kinda had me beat, until a guy I worked with told me to change the plug! After that I don't even look at peoples engines, until I've put a new plug and fresh fuel in. Great video.

[@danmackintosh6325]

@@jcondon1 Definitely, and if you can get a non-resistor type throw that in, from my experience with resistor plugs.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Wow what a gorgeous in amazing condition Honda generator @James Condon

[@wildefox1478]

It's pretty amazing the original issue was just a bad spark plug, the spark plug is often overlooked when troubleshooting, nice work James!

[@BBDragon66]

You seem to enjoy these troubleshooting challenges!! I enjoy watching them!!

[@kevgermany]

Years of motor bike, car, lawn mower engines has made me check plugs early on. But easy to say. Good spot on the coil, but... as you pulled it over after saying it ran anti clockwise, I could see it turning clockwise. Just a thought on the oil smoke. Could you be overfilling? Some of these motors expect you to screw the distinct in all the way to measure. You always seem to just check without screwing in. I hate these digging in the dark jobs, good work, good result.

[@erik_dk842]

There's a pictogram on the generator showing how to use the dipstick.

[@stevenn4393]

How do you like that KILL A WATT P3 meter you use? Do you recommend it?

[@tervonblue1]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@lot27a]

Amazing sleuthing James. I've learned so much from your videos. When you create the first ever generator museum, I would think this unit should figure in prominently. I knew it wouldn't beat you!

[@thepickn]

Wow you are thorough not giving up,fantastic work.

[@bsdiceman]

Do ignition coils have polarity? If so why? What is the function of the kill wire you refer to?

[@jimmyb1451]

@James Condon That makes no sense to me either. How can the coil make a spark in one direction only? Unless it's a timing issue.

[@karirautio]

Kill wire kills the spark by grounding it. There are no points anymore in the engines. Instead there is a pilot coil in one end of the coil. This is what I think: In order to get spark in right time, the coil must be in the correct way.

[@jcondon1]

Timing will be off when the coil is backwards. Also the spark is very weak. The weak spark might be related to the timing because the coil it trying to fire spark at the wrong time. Not sure.

[@karirautio]

@@jcondon1 I think so too. When the coil is trying to fire at the wrong time, then the magnets are in wrong position

[@simonilett998]

There are 2 transistors inside modern small engine coils. The coil has to be mounted the correct way around to trigger the first transistor to allow charge to build in the primary field coil as the flywheel magnet approaches the first pole leg, then the collapse happens as the flywheel magnet passes the 2nd pole leg. At that moment the 2nd transistor opens the primary field winding, which induces a high voltage into the secondary winding as the primary field collapses, which creates the spark.. That's also why the external ignition module that James identified was no longer needed with the black coil...but would've been needed with the original grey coil. (The grey coil does not have the 2 transistors built in). Hope that made sense👍🇦🇺

[@driesmarais663]

I have the Honda EX 500. It still starts like a new one. Very good generator

[@Willy12927]

Great diagnostic skills. These old Honda Generators were a piece of work. I have a 1986 Honda EX5500 water cooled generator which I keep very well maintained and it still runs just like the day I got it.

[@mathewfranco3211]

My new favorite channel. I know I’m late to the game but I had so much fun watching you work thank you sir!

[@colingraham1065]

Great job! You definately earn your Sherlock Holmes deerstalker for this one!

[@TheOriginalEviltech]

I was screaming that this was the problem! It is still very easy to make. You can also get the same type of a ignition module for the cheap 2 stroke bicycle engines. They have 3 wires, but they work on 2 just fine.

[@keithmatthews1673]

Well done! I always thought that spark pugs either worked or did not but your logic prevailed in the end!

[@arthurbiringer5676]

Excellent work as usual! I knew you could get it running perfectly!

[@philoso377]

James thank you for offering wave form on top of 126V and 60.1Hz data points. Very pleased.

[@chox2001]

Now that was some detective work right there. From start to finnish the issues would take most of us weeks to figure out if we ever did. The parts locating , diagram and technical details , electrical mechanical let alone fixing issues of non genuine parts . I thank you for so many lessons to learn what you know.

[@chriholt]

That was awesome, and an amazing bit of troubleshooting. Happy New Year!

[@vinatechcoy]

It's quite challenging. Thanks for posting. A lesson to learn, don't take anything for granted.