How To Fix a Generator That Won't Put Out Power

How To Fix a Generator That Won't Put Out Power. Portable generator runs but fails to produce electricity? A likely cause is from the loss of residual magnetism. Try this Fast Fix first before taking your generator into the shop for lack of power. There are a couple of methods to restore the residual magnetism, I’m going to show you the quick and easy way. This is called flashing your generator.
This problem typically happens naturally from not being used or from the load on your generator being connected when the generator is shut off. It can also happen from running a generator with no load for too long. A generator needs a small amount of magnetism left over from the last time the generator was running in order to produce an even stronger power output.
👍Please click the like button and tell me what you think of this video in the comments section below. 👇👇👇
✅Click here for a NEW generator ➜ amzn.to/32J4ml2
Check out these other informative videos:
👉How To Fix A Generator That Won't Stay Running ➜ • How To Fix A Generator...
👉How To NOT Emergency Start Your Generator ➜ • How To NOT Emergency S...
👉Biggest Mistake You Will Make When Adjusting The Valves ➜ • Biggest Mistake You Wi...
👉How to Start an Engine Without A Starter ➜ • How to Start an Engine...
🔧WELCOME to the Steve’s Small Engine Saloon KZbin channel! Here you will find a vast library of easy do it yourself repair videos for all types of small engine equipment like chainsaws, weed eaters, hedge trimmers, brush cutters, leaf blowers, lawn mowers, pressure washers, generators, riding lawn mowers and so much more. I have been a small engine mechanic for over 30 years and my videos are absolutely loaded with tips and tricks that I have learned and want to pass on to YOU. 🙂
👉SUBSCRIBE for more free repair videos ➜ / @stevessmallenginesaloon and don’t miss another video by turning on the bell notification 🔔
👉JOIN this channel to get access to perks 🤩 here ➜ / @stevessmallenginesaloon
⭐Members-only have cool access to badges, emojis and exclusive content as well as a way to help support the channel.⭐
You can connect with Steve here too:
✅Visit Steve’s WEBSITE ➜ www.stevessmallenginesaloon.com/
✅Visit Steve’s PARTS & TOOL STORE ➜ www.amazon.com/shop/stevessma...
✅Follow Steve on FACEBOOK ➜ / stevessmallenginesaloon
✅Follow Steve on INSTAGRAM ➜ / stevessmallenginesaloon
✅Follow Steve on TWITTER ➜ / stevesaloon
❤️Thank you for watching!! If I saved you some money with this video, please consider supporting my efforts with a donation ➜ www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
💡If you have an idea or suggestion for a video, please fill out this form ➜ www.stevessmallenginesaloon.c...
If you choose to try one of the suggestions made in this video, you do so at your own risk. No information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any kind. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from the improper use of tools, equipment or information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the viewer and not Steve’s Small Engine Saloon Inc. Please ensure that you take all proper recommended safety measures before attempting any project. Steve’s Small Engine Saloon Inc. assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
#stevessmallenginesaloon #smallenginerepairs #smallengine #repair #troubleshooting #engine #howitworks #lawnandgarden #generator #generatorrepair #honda #tecumseh #champion #briggsandstratton #kohler

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

✅Click here for a NEW generator ➜ amzn.to/32J4ml2 Check out these other informative videos: 👉How To Fix A Generator That Won't Stay Running ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2fdYq2aadCIgas 👉How To NOT Emergency Start Your Generator ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4aznYaVlK2oiaM 👉Biggest Mistake You Will Make When Adjusting The Valves ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWiuZohmbbmAppo 👉How to Start an Engine Without A Starter ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3SylpSwhsecfMU You can connect with Steve here too: ✅Visit Steve’s WEBSITE ➜ www.stevessmallenginesaloon.com/ ✅Visit Steve’s PARTS & TOOL STORE ➜ www.amazon.com/shop/stevessmallenginesaloon ✅Follow Steve on FACEBOOK ➜ facebook.com/stevessmallenginesaloon ✅Follow Steve on INSTAGRAM ➜ instagram.com/stevessmallenginesaloon/ ✅Follow Steve on TWITTER ➜ twitter.com/SteveSaloon

[@Mate2Frio]

"Generator's not working" "Well, you know the drill"

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

LOL! Right on Buddy..

[@williamwasyluk4244]

YUP...LOL

[@kurtyoung6769]

Fire drill

[@richarddicktaylor219]

A pun how shocking!

[@bibazoid7416]

@@richarddicktaylor219 lol

[@DaPittBull911]

Just went outside to check my generator and sure enough it was not producing electricity, it hasn't been used or fired up for 6 years, thanks for the tips and tricks. It works again!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Buddy! You're Welcome...

[@MrTheHillfolk]

If you run it once in awhile (monthly ) under a load it will be able to maintain residual magnetism. If it was a Briggs they have an updated regulator that "wakes up" at a lower voltage from low residual magnetism though.

[@markforeman3101]

Yes it really works

[@mannys9130]

Is the gas in that tank 6 years old too? 😨 If it's diesel, is there bacteria growing in the tank? Both are big problems. :( It's best to run a generator every month or two and put a space heater or something on it for a bit to draw power. Even "stabilized" gasoline won't last over a year though.

[@DaPittBull911]

@@mannys9130 unfortunately it was pulled the tank an drained it filled it up with some good ol sunoco 93 octane an boom fired right up on 4th pull. Smoked a bit at first then ran like a top.

[@jonnyg9330]

We need to get this guy a beer sponsorship

[@mikebidus7166]

Variety is the spice of life.

[@exquisitehubgh2144]

😂😂😂😂

[@petersack5074]

@@mikebidus7166 ....hm ?? had turmeric and cumin in my eggs this morning....

[@NormEZ]

The one dislike is the person that had a spade bit in the chuck when they tried the drill technique.

[@adamdorris4081]

Said the same thing before I read the comments. I could imagine how much that would hurt with a 1" paddle bit.

[@eosjoe565]

That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. They obviously had a wire wheel in the chuck. :-)

[@jasonchampion9932]

I would like to see someone do it with a metal wire fly swatter in the truck with just a little Bend in The Wire😳😵😳🤪😳

[@MrPaco1013]

No it was the guy that gave me his old generator that didn't work and watched me flash it in front of him and drove away with a working generator. Lol

[@NormEZ]

@@MrPaco1013 😁

[@trentmajor7042]

I believe it's called exciting the field.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Yup! I have heard that too...

[@bobmcl2406]

I thought "exciting the field" was when you start a race at the back, and pass everyone going into the first corner! 😁

[@Orlena2525]

I thought it was when you are at a sporting event and someone streaks across the field naked

[@ericstalker1774]

The Reading Channel (nnn

[@wiscodyne]

I'm an electrician and we call it flashing the field, basically attempting to induce a voltage into an old electromagnet

[@michaelbailey5480]

Mate. You are a legend. Got the gene producing power. I’ll add, mine needed more of a kick than spinning with my hand provided. I connected my battery drill to a drill bit that could also be attached to the corded drill. I made sure the torque was set low and did exactly as you said but spinning the corded drill with the battery drill.

[@martymcgill1312]

I make a habit of starting every small engine I own at least every couple months, and letting them run for a few minutes. I will put a load on the generator to keep everything clicking. Good video, cheers.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Marty...

[@BigDmike24]

I do the same thing. But never knew this trick on flashing

[@rosalioperez4207]

Doing this keep your equipment on good mechanical condition and ready

[@jawnjw]

That's what your supposed to do there built to run not and not just sit.

[@bryandowdey1779]

Good tip Steve! Much safer than shocking the generator coils which could possibly damage electronic regulation circuitry in the generator. Always enjoy your videos. Full of good, solid and sensible down-to-earth practical advice.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@chrisdickens1130]

Just tried this on a old generator I was going to toss and now it’s working thanx Steve

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@deme7063]

better send Steve a case of Molson

[@gypsywolf58]

Steve, you're amazing! I live in California and PG&E, Just turned almost the entire states power off, to "prevent wildfires" due to their lack of past maintenance, and a major lawsuit, from a neighboring PH&E CAUSED wildfire(Paradise camp fire) causing a huge devastating loss, of a beautiful mountain community, and a gruesome, death and experience, for many people. I dont have a husband, to do the repairs you reviewed, but thanks so much yo your channel, Mom and I ( ages 60 & 79) I can do the repairs, that you so kindly have taken time to inform us! SO GREATFUL, THANK YOU!!CHEERS, AND HAVE ANOTHER BEER FOR US!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...and Thank You...

[@mechanicmike2858]

Great tips Steve I don't think I have ever seen this trick

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Mike...

[@user-ns7xx8mm8k]

Just went out and bought a multi-meter and got mentally prepared for a long drawn out day. Stumbled across this video and figured what did I have to lose. Well, wouldn't you know, it worked. Saved me a ton of time and aggravation. Great video, thanks!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@gardenfork]

Great info Steve, you have saved several marriages with this one. - Eric

[@critterallywithjohnernest.]

I've never even heard of a generator not working when its running. Nice to know this if it ever happens to me. I've been doing electrical work for many years and never encountered this. It's a never ending learning process and i thank you and others for sharing your knowledge. Thank you sir!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@Smalltechguy]

Now that is a good easy trick to try. A neighbor called me and told me that his Honda generator isn't charging or it's tripping the breaker. I need to make sure what its doing. I appreciate your channel Steve. It's been awhile since I have been able to make a live feed when you and the others had gotten together for my Echo issue. That hand held blower still doesn't run...lol

[@jerrykast7713]

Thank you so much Steve. Once again you have proven that you care more about helping people than you do about making every last dime. May God bless & prosper you!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...and Thank You...

[@JimCaillier-bk1tz]

Right on Steveo. Thx. I'm grabin a tall Bud -n- heading out 2 shed rite now 2 try it . Then I'll work on generator

[@willdwyer6782]

Screw the microwave. Keep the freezer running.

[@willdwyer6782]

You can't eat a hair dryer.

[@jasonchampion9932]

But you can eat a hairy pie lol

[@mxh5647]

I disagree! let's get the water flowing first so fire up the well pump, then the furnace, then the freezer.

[@davef.2811]

Priority: 1. Keg cooler. 2. Old garage beer refrigerator. 3. All other ancillary items...

[@wildefox1478]

Great tip Steve, thanks for sharing! I actually learned the corded drill flashing trick from Donny Boy on KZbin but it's an excellent and easy trick for others to try who don't know of this simple trick to re-flash their generator. I have an old 1978 Pincor 4500 watt generator and this trick worked like a charm to flash it when I needed it!

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

I use a 4 inch grinder and run the wheel on the ground for 2 or 3 feet. Same idea, just a bit easier than a drill chuck. Keep the vids coming!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Awesome idea....

[@xxwalhalaxxmozza7415]

I’m going to do this tomorrow but my grinder is 115mm 110v, the gen is 110/230v so obviously I’ll use the 110 socket, not done this before or heard of it until Utubing tonight... let’s see what happens ? Just bought this generator, £50 been out in the rain for 3yrs, had to clean carb and rust off fly wheel/contacts, engine now runs fine, Honda gx160 🇬🇧

[@alanlake5220]

Backwards i take it, in the opposite normal rotation

[@Rishnai]

Safer-and, if you bring your generator to a help-a-buddy job and it won’t output power, you can get him with the WORKING version of the “kickstart the saw” trick!

[@joesinakandid528]

@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon Yeah Steve, UNTIL the genset suddenly starts making Pixie Juice and the grinder goes for a run. 😲 - Joe -

[@billhudson7537]

An interesting way to "flash" a generator. I have restarted a 200KW ship's service generator by flashing. But never thought to use something so simple. I love it. Been an "old school" electrician for well over 50 years. How about starting the gen-set and have that spin the drill. Then plug the drill into the power plant. The day I don't learn something(!), I'll go out to the back yard and start digging the 6 foot deep hole. Keep up the good work!

[@oldpower7528]

Nice video. I have been energizing (or Polarizing) generators on old tractors, cars & harley's for years. It is simlpe but alot of people get scared by electricity. Keep up the good work. You are helping a lot of people.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@dyiguy7307]

Just bought a Coleman powermate 5000 not running for $20. Cleaned out the carb, fresh gas, and new air filter. Fired up and had no output power. Tried the drill method and BANG! She’s working great now. Thank you so much!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@ginsudan]

WOW! I found this Kohler 1750 MBM25 along the hwy. I watched a couple of your videos on cleaning the carburetor of a Briggs and Stratton 4hp, replacing the fuel tank, and replacing the fuel pump diaphragm, and now the motor runs great. The generator did not have any power output. Hmm, I wonder... yes you did. Followed instructions and now the genny is putting out power. Thanks so much.💯

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great to hear!

[@Big_John_C]

Damn it Steve, I hope my usual Garage sale people don't watch your channel or I'll lose out on the "Broken generators" I could have purchased cheaply in the future lol. I've been doing this for years.

[@troydanielboy]

OMG. I went right out with my drill, and in TWO minutes I had fixed the problem. THANK YOU THANK YOU. I had to return a woman's money because I sold it to her and it didn't work. So I took a chance and this video was the first one. SO happy. Now I can sell it again as a working generator.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Excellent!

[@dansouthwell256]

Worked for me! Gave up on a generator like two years ago when it stopped putting out power but ran fine. Had an ice storm today and lost power. Having a hook up to power my house off off the generator I gave this method a shot. Worked almost immediately

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@kgs2127]

Saving this video for my Son, will come back and comment if it works❤

[@kgs2127]

I believe it worked, YAY!

[@larryfarquhar8211]

Steve, love your videos! I have been watching your videos on generators. Excellent information! I also am an ex-electrical lineman here in Texas. The only thing that I wish had been mentioned when talking about using generators during an electrical power outage, is to warn folks about the possibility of a back feed onto the power company side of the electrical system! During extended outages, we have experienced situations where someone had rigged an extension cord from their generator to a wall plug so it would backfeed the house electrical system and they could run different appliances without unplugging them! If they do not open the main circuit coming from the power company side of the system (either disconnecting the electric meter, opening the main breakers, or another means of keeping backfeed from going out to the main line servicing the house) there is a possibility of placing high voltage onto the lines that power company linemen are working on! Transformers step high voltage down to low voltage supplied to the house. Fed back through the low voltage side steps it back up to high voltage! I know this is long and drawn out and that most probably know this and linemen try to protect from thi, but it has happened and lives were lost! Again, I apologize for the length.

[@scottiversen9234]

I had no idea that would work. I have had my generator not put out juice before. Now I know how to fix it. Thanks so much.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@tractorman6026]

I just went outside and tried this drill trick. And it worked! I was about to give up spinning the drill, and then it took off. Before my generator stopped producing power, I observed some smoke out of it and smelled electrical. When it fired up right now, I smelled the same thing. I suppose it's the brushes. Multiquip 6000. Thanks man!

[@docblanchard6166]

Thank You!!!! I used the power drill and a battery operated drill with a drill bit. it took 2 mins and it WORKED!!!! Thank you so much!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@OldJoe212]

Steve, as an old, retired phone guy, I've been using generators for a long time. We (the phone company) hasve big generators. The one in my office was 600KW. We routinely ran them once a month under load. When I bought my home generator, I started running mine monthly. I have a 5.5 KW. I plug in a couple of hair dryers to give a load. Not using it is the worst thing you can do.

[@1keykneedeep]

Great video Steve. I've gotten that stank eye you speek of. Upon storing my generator from its last use - I failed to drain the last aprox. quart of fuel still in the tank and carb. Had to clean and flush everything in a cold garage under flash light and candle light 1130 at nite. But I went from zero to hero in no time.

[@timidater4803]

Used this years ago and worked like a charm on my old Honda, Steve Rocks!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on ...

[@danielsteinlicht5197]

I bought a 4500 watt generator for $20 today. Runs but doesn't make power. It took me longer to watch your video than to fix the generator. Thank you so much

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Danny! You're Welcome...

[@printxii]

Generator needs a very small magnetic field on the armature to get the controller feedback and start to magnetize the armature coils. 2 ways to lose this field is ether you drew to many amps or sitting to long.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

That was EXCITING!

[@armyofshea7941]

Always love a free fix. Thank you Steve.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@freightshaker2311]

Can't wait to try this. My generator is brand new, sat for years then when I finally tried it, it puts out 1.8 volts! Changed the AVR, brushes & cleaned the contacts & put out 3.8 volts, not enough to run a single LED. So hopefully this will save some money, Well worth a shot.

[@juansoria4086]

Well?

[@yardbirds1010]

Thank you so much! I just picked up a really nice generator for cheap and did this trick using an angle grinder! Been watching your videos for awhile and I appreciate you putting out more content

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great to hear!

[@TractorWrangler01]

This works. I've had to do it a couple times before .

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Buddy...

[@jnav8216]

I had an old Coleman generator that no one wanted to work on. Has not worked in years . I tried your suggestion and it started working right away, including the 12 volt DC plug . Thanks a lot......

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great to hear!

[@garymcdonald6529]

Never new that they might need to be excited, I’ve excited alternators so it makes sense. Got a brand new generator never been used and it’s 6 years old and would suck if it wouldn’t work, good advice.

[@thepope4970]

Great segment. You can do the same thing but use a angle grinder and board. Just roll the edge of the grinding wheel backwards on the board a couple of feat. Then release the trigger switch and engage it. You may have to do this multiple times but at least you don't have your hand on the service end of a drill if it starts working.

[@rzdrummer326]

You can also use another cordless drill and a 1/4 inch extension to turn the corded drill. Just lock the extension in the chucks and make sure your drills are going opposite directions and you wont have to do it by hand!

[@user-ft4nw7vt5d]

What happens if the corded drill takes off on you with the other drill attached?

[@mikeagho9816]

Thanks for teaching me this I am planning to open a generator shop.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Best of luck!

[@george8668]

Steve thank you for this video ..you was right on with the problem .. after tearing my honda eu3000 inverter apart ... to the point I was ready to give up ,when I found this video .. you saved me alot of money for a new one ty you definitely know your stuff

[@Grandman110011]

Awesome. Hope your legacy survives the test of time. Tons of thanks. This video will probably save lives. Cheers.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Hope so!

[@johnpokrzywa3688]

Used to do this with car generators by momentarily connecting the battery to the field terminal and starting the engine later when things were not yet moving. We called it polarizing the generator. Alternators do not need polarizing as if in a car as the battery supplies the field voltages and it supplies, of course, alternating as opposed to direct current.

[@kenspringtx8909]

Wow!!! This worked!!! I used my cordless impact to turn my 1/2" drill... Took about 5 minutes but bam!! It worked!! Dude you are awesome!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad I could help

[@kevinsomsanouk3429]

Thx Steve! I’m a detailer and you just solved my problem and help me up and goin for tomorrow’s work! Try it guys!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great to hear!

[@redgreen6505]

Nice drill. Looks like mine.

[@tinpony9424]

Another thing learned, another thumbs up! I knew about generating a bit of current with a corded power tool, but had no idea it could be used like this. Cheers, Steve. Hey, I went on a date last weekend, but didn't ask for another one, because there was NO SPARK!

[@travelman7910]

Been a mechanic for a long time....I was very skeptical that this would work but damn it did! Thanks Steve!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@rocpile1141]

I completely agree, thank you very much Steve!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...and You're Welcome...

[@fosterweb6654]

I've heard this called "flashing the field." When I did it, I chucked a buffing attachment into the drill to give me something soft to hold onto. Unfortunately, I told my neighbor about "flashing the field" and he went out to the nearest pasture and opened his trench coat. I don't think that helped his generator at all...

[@danburch9989]

Probably scared the hell out of the cows and made the bull laugh.

[@lardy70s]

I bet he "generated" a lot of interest lol

[@DP-hy4vh]

The drill method restores the residual magnetism in the laminated metal of the rotor and stator. When the generator starts, the residual magnetism generates a small voltage to a capacitor which is repeatedly fed back to the stator coils and generates a larger voltage until it levels out at 240 V AC. The 240 V output voltage is split with a neutral wire connected to the center of the output coil and makes two 120 V outputs.

[@juansoria4086]

Currently having this issue. Almost new generator turns on but there no power out of any outlets on it. The meter reader screen says 240v+ while it’s running. Do you think it’s a magnetism issue? Im going to try the drill trick tomorrow.

[@hickorystx]

Terrific and smart tip!!! Will certainly try this and pass on the info. Thanks Steve!!!

[@markrandall1456]

Amazing II ! This will be good to know. I work with Southern Baptist disaster relief and we use many small generators. Great info to have in our tool box. Thanks front Texas! :-)

[@craigtimmons3468]

This is an Electric Beer video with power being generated by the wife peddling the bike hooked up to the generator, exercise and power all while you drink the beer.🤣🤣🍺🍺

[@kurtyoung6769]

Let me put a voltmeter on my Makita drill and see if it produces voltage.....be right back. You're right! It made 3.5 volts ac if I spun it as fast as possible.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Awesome! Thank You...

[@raygorham8309]

Worked like a charm. Saved me a two hour drive into town and a repair bill. Many, many thanks.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome!

[@MrAlvin007]

I tried this drill hack on 07 September 2022 - it worked....!!! Thank you for the tip advice

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Excellent!

[@analyzer4226]

I heard two other methods. One is to have the breaker on as you indicated with the corded power drill attached and attach a shaft to a cordless drill and trigger the cordless drill and corded drill at the same time, doing this with the generator OFF and NOT RUNNING. Talk about zero effort! - There is another way... IF, under that generator shroud there are terminals marked "F+ and F-" these are the field winding connections from the generator to the regulator. Flash the field by placing the F+ to the positive of the battery and the F- to the negative of the battery for only 5 - 10 seconds. Done deal. The WARNING to this is not to hookup the battery to the regulator as it may turn it to toast. Here is how dieselduck describes the procedure for a 12V battery... To restore the small amount of residual magnetism necessary to begin voltage buildup, connect a 12 volt battery to the exciter field while the generator is at rest, as follows: Remove exciter field leads F+ and F- from the voltage regulator. CAUTION: Failure to remove the field leads from the regulator during flashing procedures may destroy the regulator. Measure the exciter field resistance from the F+ to the F- lead. You should be able to read some resistance as you are measuring a continuous winding. An infinite resistance reading would indicate an open in the exciter field. Also check to be sure there is no path to ground. Connect F+ to the positive pole of the battery. Hold the F- lead by the insulated portion of the lead wire, touch F- to the negative pole of the battery for about 5 to 10 seconds, then remove. Reconnect F+ and F- to the regulator. Repeat the procedure if the generator fails to build voltage.

[@gordbaker896]

Remove Regulator leads first.

[@843SouthernPride]

Then after you successfully Flash your generator, you can return to your wife and see if she will Flash you

[@lilrey4612]

Ben Sanders lmaoooo

[@kevinselwa8883]

Thanks so much, this just fixed my DEK generator after replacing the bad carb. Engine ran but no power. After this trick, just a couple of spins on the drill, power again. it works great. Time to take down the craigslist ad!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Awesome! You're Welcome...

[@marshallborder9089]

Thanks Steve , bought a new generate 8500 series generator , ran it a short time many years ago - but ran all the fuel out of it before I stored it in the garage . Hopefully it'll run when and if I ever need it .

[@macsair]

Just take a candle with you to the workshop, crack open a beer and sit in silence with your best friend.... a Krombacher beer. No need for power in the workshop.

[@williamcrane8236]

The REAL unstated reason you need to start your Harbor Freight "Tailgater" generator every quarter. Reminds me, Its time.

[@jeff3741]

Went to Harbor Freight and bought a cheap drill on sale. My genny is working again!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

COOL!

[@beyondmountainshomestead2468]

Just did this to my Homelite 2500w generator...... worked out awesome 👏 thanks for the heads up!!!👍👍👍👍👍

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great to hear!

[@basails45]

We call it re-exciting the generator. Happens every time my gen runs out of gas with a load on it. Can also be re-excited with a battery thru the power outlet.

[@grantw.whitwam9948]

That would be thru the 12 volt outlet?

[@basails45]

@@grantw.whitwam9948 no i do it thru the 110v outlet. All it needs is a flash, you don't want to hold it on the battery as that could bad. Just a swipe across the terminal is all it takes. Have even done it with a 9v battery.

[@grantw.whitwam9948]

@@basails45 Hope I don't have to do it, but I always have a 110v drill.

[@basails45]

@@grantw.whitwam9948 ha ha ha and that's why this is such a great channel! Steve really knows his stuff!

[@scottfirman]

The first time I saw That, I was like" NO WAY!" The generator worked fine after that. The problem now? Cordless drills. I suggest every guy buy a yard sale corded drill just for this reason.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Buddy...

[@bengat]

That was exactly what my old generator needed!!!! Thanks for the video. I tried a 12 volt batter as well which also worked! I thought it was broken.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Excellent!

[@tomthumb1941]

Good tip Steve, I start mine every so often and run a drill a few times to excite the armature.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Buddy...

[@michaelshaley4356]

Everytime you get a power bill, go start your generator, let it run for 15 minutes.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

🤣🤣 Haha yes !! The cost difference is horrifying though ,dollars an hour to run a gen vs pennies from the grid

[@mannys9130]

@Mr Ed That's my thought too. The bill reminds you to do the generator test. 😁

[@neosiss7120]

I cant hit the skill check

[@maddog45auto66]

Thank you very much for your tip. It worked, I took 2 drills and I put a wooden dial and started spinning it backwards with the other drill and it took right off. Thank you again.

[@kennethferguson9828]

I just found your channel, but this stuff is GOLD. I'm fixing to go try ony generator. If your little trick works, wow lol I'd be the richest guy around, armed with this knowledge. I've heard a lot of different things but never this . Thank you and everyone that leaves helpful info in the comments, it is greatly appreciated.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Kenny! Thank You...

[@dougbrazell5407]

would love to see how you pressure test chainsaws.

[@mystuff1405]

Doug Brazell LOL.

[@jasonpurkey5127]

Hi Steve, Older generators had an exciter switch on them. This is to provide stationary rotating magnetic field. DC power is given to the exciter and the exciter is nothing but a coil and the exciter creates a magnetic field. I laughed 😂 so hard, when you said the stink eye! When I was married, all I got was hot tongue and cold shoulder 😂😂

[@catfish1684]

Worked on my generator thanks alot saved me alot of time and money replacing parts that I didn't need to replace

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@cjphillips987]

Thank You for reminding me of how we took care of this issue on the Cattle Ranch equipment ! I didn't remember until I watched your Video! IT DOES WORK !

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Our pleasure!

[@1pjlewis2]

I have heard this before. The reason this works is because the drill works like a squirrel cage motor energize the magnetic field.

[@ffggxfhhvgffhgdtygxyggeyhgfhfg]

Tell her to fix it if she's so smart lol

[@gregorysattler7021]

Good tip Steve! I wish the junk generators I get were that easy to get to make power. That is a good tip and should help a lot of people!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@stringal]

IT WORKED ! It's putting out again after sitting for over a year. THANKS!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Tony!

[@Marauder92V]

So this doesn’t work on inverter version of these generators?

[@gotmymojoworking2010]

I picked up a Free 6500w generator along the road. Took about 10 minutes to get to run had a bead of water in carb bowl. Ran but no power output. So I flashed as you said and I'm golden. Thanks

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Buddy! You're Welcome...

[@johnb5519]

Great tip.The same thing happens with one wire alternators, but I don't know if they are as easy to fix.

[@HozoSimba]

Thanks for this Steve..I'm in Cape Town and hadn't switched on my generator in a while. Used the coded drill trick and wala. 3mins is all it took. I'm back up and wify is happy 😅

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Fantastic!

[@texanoutdoors6409]

You need to do a video where you have left gas in your generator for several years and how to get it to run again.

[@mystuff1405]

Kerry Young Those people don’t deserve to have it run again.

[@chuckpatten7855]

Empty the gas. Remove the carb, completely drain it, clean out the jets (#60 twist drill in a pin vise), reassemble and install carb, fill gas tank, and start...

[@mannys9130]

@@chuckpatten7855 People that know how to do that would never leave gas in it that long. 😁 They know better.

[@markforeman3101]

Yep I done that and my generator started working again

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Mark...

[@brandonrayner5253]

That was exactly what I needed! Thanks!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad it helped!

[@richb.4374]

I've heard of flashing a generator before but not using a drill. Very cool trick! Thanks Steve.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@jasonmortimer7537]

Does it matter if you are in forward and spin clock wise, or in reverse and spin counter clockwise? HA funny I saw you spinning the drill backwards even after you told us to spin forward! HA! It happens!

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Try it either way , that's what I do

[@mato230]

The spinning direcition doesn't matter. Drill creates AC voltage no matter which direction you spin it.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

@@mato230 yeah well there's been plenty of times I spun it one way got nothing, spun at the other way off it goes. okay no big deal

[@mato230]

@@MrTheHillfolk it can be jut because you making beter spin in one way. Our hands has limits in some directions :) important is that you made it

[@bobt5002]

Where is them hamm’s Junior sent??

[@kcityguitars8676]

Worked like a charm! Thanks Steve-Owe you a beer!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@dennisemccormack5019]

Thanks for your very helpful video. Fourth turn on the drill and we had power. My son is amazed.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Awesome!