Neglected PowerStroke Generator - Will Not Start

This PowerStroke generator was stored outside. The tank is rusted and full of debris. The carburetor has what looks like mud inside it. Will it run?
I use Harbor Freight Super Heavy Duty Degreaser in my ultrasonic cleaner.
Visit My Amazon Store:
www.amazon.com...
Tank: 310711111
Kill-A-Watt: amzn.to/3AYf6ij
Ultrasonic Cleaner: amzn.to/3wKY4S6
Wire Wheel: amzn.to/3CLrJhO
Carb Cleaning Tools: amzn.to/3RqvsWs
1/4" to 3/16" Fuel Line: 570358161
If you want to donate to the channel, you can use the KZbin "Super Thanks" feature.
#GeneratorRepair #SmallEngineRepair #SmallEngine #DIY #Fixed #Troubleshooting #HowTo
Fixed, Generator, Small Engine, Troubleshooting, How To, How-To, Volts, Hertz, PowerStroke, Power Stroke, Bad Tank, Will Not Run, Rust, Gel, Jelly, Rusted Tank, Tank Replacement,

[@thethriftysuburbanite5251]

Your attention to detail is first rate. It shows not only in your mechanical work, but video production also. Great job!

[@jonminer9891]

Hi, James. The generator suffered from both poor maintenance and a bad environment. Both water and dust in the tank contaminated the carb. The. The new tank made it better than the original. It was a quick catch to see the leaking gas. Luckily, you didn't have to work on the carb to get it running. You cleaned it up and painted it up to look almost new. I don't know how old that generator is, but it certainly doesn't look its age now. Good job! Thanks for sharing! Stay Healthy!

[@tristanschaper281]

I liked your negotiation on the buy price! I do the same thing. If the seller cannot get it running, my offer price drops quickly. You did well on this. $50 for the cords and $50 for the gen.

[@fduran6993]

And the fuel too!

[@tomschmidt381]

That was may take when I first heard the $200 price. Glad he was able to get the lower price. Always a fun watch and trying to guess at the beginning what problems he encountered based on video length.

[@knowone6214]

LOL that back flush sounded like a toilet flushing

[@RC-fu6hg]

It’s perfect Thursday morning. Coffee and Condon, what a relaxing way to start the day. Thanks for awesome video. 👍

[@moba2k]

Video production, storytelling, mechanical and small engine troubleshooting and diagnostics. Thank you James Condon. I watch them for learning AND find them therapeutic. James is the Bob Ross of KZbin, only his medium is the canvas of dilapidated, broken, run-down engines that will be spotless and in working condition.

[@classekaka]

You deserve an easy fix once in a while. Good job and great content as always.

[@jerryhouston5400]

Had a guy give me a generator because it didn’t run. Smart move asking them to show it runs. Learning a lot! Tennessee checking in!

[@BradKnapp]

Thank you for this video, because of it I was able to do my very first carburetor rebuild and get my generator back up and running.

[@tombarker2369]

1/4 inch to 3/16!!! who knew--something i will keep an eye open for. That info alone was worth the video for me. Thanks again.

[@r8118830]

Straight fuell ine reducer connectors are fairly cheap and come in a variety of sizes. 1/2 inch to 3/16 inch is the most common size. Metric sizes are common too.

[@jimdavenport4484]

What a great generator 👍 surprised the new tank did come with a screen.

[@melvincapps5975]

Man you help me out every time I watch your videos

[@jasonm6468]

I amazed a person who have an expensive piece of equipment like a generator and not store it some place where it would be protected from the weather. An inexpensive tarp would have done the job. Great video James! I appreciate your attention to detail.

[@rockystelone21]

Brought a Kawasaki powerpartner 7.5 kw in 1999 ....wife is amazed that it still starts and produces power

[@philliphall5198]

They must be wealthy or government employees Would take very good care of every thing I have and AllWAYS will

[@kenjohnson5498]

Iv'e got all my friends using your tea ball method for holding smaller parts. So much better then fishing through old cleaner solution to find the needles and jets. Also for the rusty tanks i bought some triangle shaped ceramic pieces and put them in the tank and shake it on a rope until the rust is gone and you can wash them off and reuse for years.

[@vincebrown5158]

Really smart idea to use a tea basket for the small parts in the ultra sound.

[@butler386]

Wow sure was a dirty looking generator when you got it. After you detailed it and cleaned the carb, added a new tank and it is better than new. Fantastic purchase and rejuvenation. This should be a good generator for someone. Thanks for the video.

[@andrewgrace4410]

Great work James, cleaned up well😊

[@michaeltarasenkoop2389]

What a little t l c does for the looks of the gen ! Adds to value of machine instead of going to junk pile ! Great job James not afraid to get hands dirty !

[@waynec3121]

I had a laugh for myself,I half expected the tank to be green when you said Ryobi.

[@mjg263]

Wow, that thing was a MESS! I bought this exact same generator last year in great shape but with a partially blocked carb for $200 and it was definitely a steal. It came with a 75’ 10/4 cord with twist-lock ends for my whole house hookup. It’s a great generator, my only gripe is the low ground clearance makes it a pain to change the oil (have to put it up on blocks). This replaced my old 3000 watt Mickey Mouse generator that I bought from Pep Boys back in the early 90’s (which I sold for a decent price). Power hasn’t gone out since!

[@tomlee7966]

really nice turn around on that one. great job again James

[@calvarybuilders5689]

James I'm proud of you, you are a true mechanic now that you have used a rag to clean with and not baby wipes! 😊

[@PeterLawton]

Is that the metric? I better go buy rags, then! LOL! Hey, I got a sticker that says, "Certified KZbin Mechanic". Would that be a substitute for the rag qualification or a prerequisite? 😄

[@sgtJOOSEcapeS]

Great morning for a content I can relate too💯...thnx

[@rayshutsa6690]

What a great deal for genarator it did suffer from poor maintenance and a very contaminated gas tank. I have learnt proper storage and maintenance. Great job love your channel and always waiting for the next video. ❤🇨🇦

[@russwalker3119]

clean up the Stator with Brake Clean, which won't damage electronics or plastics or rubber, anti-seize on the heat shield screws for easier disassembly later

[@dleland71]

I thought of the anti-seize too. Such a simple step.

[@hectorarroyo2285]

Greetings Mr. James, great job with that generator. I really enjoy watching your tutorials... thank you for teaching us your knowledge, thank you very much... greetings from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 !!!

[@Billgreenable]

Thank you very much for this video James. I have the same generator and it quit on me in the middle of hurricane Lee. Your tutorial gave me the courage to take the carburetor apart, cleaned it and put it back together. The engine works now better than ever. Had never dismantled a carburetor before so it feels great to have conquered that. Cheers.

[@ThePheonix2009]

Another fine job. You made out like a bandit on this one. When I clean a carb I always blow air through the needle seat area. I don't blow air the other way unless I want to get the rubber seat out.

[@mp-xt2rg]

What a good gas tank design. I love it when water is funneld into the tank by design.

[@YukonHawk1]

Great deal on that gunny. Great fix.

[@UhBuddy1976]

Great video, my man! It makes me glad mine has a plastic tank. It was neglected like that one and I had to power wash it and couldn’t totally cover the generator head, but I covered the part at the back where all of the wires and brushes and that good stuff, anyway, I washed it and painted parts of it. Scrubbed rust off and things like that and it come out looking like a five-year-old generator instead of the 18 yrs old that it is. Paid $75 for mine. 8500/5500 watts

[@linos9457]

James, your videos are spot on. The tank in this video saved me. Never a disappointment and well done. I’m a big fan! Thank You

[@johncourtneidge]

Very well done, James. My petrol-driven lawnmower sat in my allotment shed over winter. It wouldn't start in April. I feel rather confident that, having watched your videos that I might tackle it. Let's see.

[@DubDTube]

Great vid, downloaded it just in case an apocalypse rolls into town!

[@jeffreyarnold5278]

Great job, fixed one my self yesterday, it had a plugged spark arrestor on the muffler. Bought it for 25.00.

[@jcondon1]

Nice

[@markyoung7470]

Another Video Masterpiece from James' attention to detail is just first-rate some outstanding camera angles to show how things go together are very helpful. I have learned so much from watching James video's he is the GOAT of small engine and Generator repair and maintenance! James, I loved your review of the maxspeedingrod inverter on the break end of a small engine and the amount of metal in the oil was eye-opening.

[@watermanone7567]

Great find, thanks for the video.

[@RustyNail5856]

. James, great job with that generator. I really enjoy watching your videos.

[@Robsenginerepairs]

Hi James always enjoy your videos all the best buddy

[@peadenl]

You have a consistent methodical approach to your troubleshooting and restoration decisions. Also the way explain each step makes your videos an excellent learning resource. If you soaked some penetrating oil on those rusty bolts, you might not snap quite as many. Another technique is to heat red hot and quench with water. Your videography is better than anyone else doing this kind of work. Really enjoyed watching them!

[@johncourtneidge]

Yes!

[@davidr5196]

First, let me thank you for all your videos. Those of us faced with the possibility of needing to rely on generators for power are in desperate need of the kind of excellent practicum you provide-it’s tremendously useful! Would you please consider making two general orientation videos, one for traditional AC generators and one for inverter generators? I know this might seem tedious and unnecessary, but not everyone knows what an AVR is or how it functions ..... maybe something based on a flow chart? (Or might you know of an existing resource for something like this?) Please don’t take this as meaning I think your regular videos are in any way mistargeted.... they aren’t! Some of us (such as myself) just lack some of the basics that you build upon and would like to be able to make better use of the great stuff you making available.

[@MrTonyPiscatelle]

That's a $400 shine job right there ,,,NICE

[@chuck020950]

Just wondering? What would be the selling price. I am guessing $400.

[@xcalibre222]

It's a shame how a lot of people store and maintain (or not maintain) their gens. They buy these to have power during emergencies but ignore them for years, then expect them to work when needed. LOL. Inside storage is the only way to go with gas tank empty. Never leave them out in the weather full of gas or this is the results. Thanks for the Vids Jim. :) What's with those pornos leaving messages with links? That suks! :(

[@markmoran9716]

This is the best content on youtube. Great videos, great troubleshooting and James is just such a nice guy.

[@ericvaughn1126]

Excellent find and save, Jim! $80 Ryobi tank is way too convenient too. Do you ever tell the folks you buy from that you have a YT channel and that they may see their unit getting fixed there if they are interested or curious? This one reminds me to follow up with a neighbor to see if he ever moved his generator indoor and out from under a lean-to that he has on the back of his shed!

[@jcondon1]

I do not tell people that I have a YT channel.

[@jeffclark2725]

Well said ive had enough machines ive picked up cheap or free, and when i get them going again , sometimes they want to buy them back,

[@A_Man_In_His_Van]

Telling people to check out what you do would just bring problems. A jealous previous owner, when confronted with the fact that they are a neglectful dolt, that ruined a nice generator would bring nasty comments at least, and charges of theft by swindle at worst. Some people have no shame.

[@ericvaughn1126]

@@A_Man_In_His_Van Oh I don't disagree! I was half concerned that Jim might tell folks their equipment could wind up on his channel. I was more curious than anything and wouldn't begin to speculate what legal risks, if any, there might be.

[@jeffclark2725]

@@A_Man_In_His_Van Agreed there is a mehod to it,or just dont confront them you fixed it , but you used the good parts to bring something else back to life

[@adobedoug2564]

James this content is great. I think it’s great that you make it to help folks. I also think you should monetize your channel.

[@weswest8666]

I just picked up my first generator project, it’s only 800 peak watts but it’s a two stroke and was only $20!

[@ebfromwyoming4118]

Great job sir enjoyed seeing you on youtube with all the other mechanics talking

[@haneyoakie14]

Infinite improvement! Because when you start at zero, anything is infinite % increase from zero.

[@dondicey6528]

In the PM (Preventive Maintenance) class I used to teach, one of the most important part was cleaning! Cleaning IS inspection and you always find stuff as your washing, wiping, drying etc. so good instruction technique! Good also for buying a used car! Wash and wax it before you buy it! Thanks.

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

I have a 6500 running watt generator that I haven't used in a year or so. However, I only run non ethanol gas and, even though it has a fuel shut off, I drain the tank after every use. Seeing this video reminded me that I need to put a couple gallons in the tank and "exercise" it before winter just to make sure it's still good.

[@brngrofdeth]

Excellent job as always. Would expect no less from you. You are a great man! Love and blessings from Ontario Canada!

[@CARLOSTREUIL]

Another excellent video. I only have one question. When you were cleaning the unit waiting for the tank's arrival did you pull the generator cover and clean the wiring/contacts? I noticed that you did it on another of your generator rehab videos.

[@brianwood5220]

Not too much to do on todays release. However, as always you made it look effortless. Thanks for sharing James. Hope you and the family are all keeping well.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks Brian

[@evanwarrenchuk4003]

Thank you for the video I have in barreling down on me in Central Florida thanks a million

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

That car runs smooth and wow at the Power its making and hertz are dang near dead on not bad at start up @James Condon

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Cleaned up a hole lot better then I thought it would very nice @James Condon

[@aarongrabowski3775]

Great job bringing it back to life. That was a great purchase.

[@donprater2754]

James I love Your channel it is so interesting. Thanks for the journey!

[@chriholt]

Beautiful job as always!

[@billabernathy1541]

Very nice score and repair, James. Thanks for sharing.

[@d.d.5633]

Make sure you set the correct mud-to-air ratio on that carburetor.

[@hanksbud2544]

Thank you James.

[@barthanes1]

It baffles me that the designers would engineer a rain puddle on top of the gas tank. It's almost like they want it to fail so they can charge you $200 for a new one.

[@marynunn1708]

I agree completely. Dumb idea. Guessing the Mfg’s safety design team insisted on extra room in the tank for fuel expansion in warm weather when the owner fills the tank to maximum.

[@FishFind3000]

It helps with fuel spills, holds the fuel there for cleanup. Most will direct the extra to spill off the machine with a channel.

[@AZVIDS]

Functional obsolescence?

[@barthanes1]

@@FishFind3000 Then they should have made the fill neck tall enough so water doesn't go in the tank. It's still a stupid design. I don't care what their justification was.

[@coryhull9328]

First off a generator of this type shouldn't be ran in the rain nor storing them out side isn't that great for them either

[@THEFALCON58]

Hi James, nice job

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Runs very well with 3000 watts on it Nice @James Condon

[@williamyorkolepossum]

Way to go there James. Enjoyed watching you work...

[@Jim-ie6uf]

Another great video.

[@martyb3783]

Another interesting and entertaining video. I always look forward to watching them. Keep up the good work.

[@gschaeffer8724]

You did a great job on this as usual! That sure looked like mud in the carb bowl and the tank. Looked like new after you cleaned it all up. Very nice work sir!

[@chavescrave]

Nice work Jim.

[@wildefox1478]

That carburetor was really nasty, it cleaned up well though and ran the engine fine, great work James!

[@jeffclark2725]

Great video, that was a good score just for a parts machine

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Oh my goodies at the amount of water in that carb and yikes it looks like black mud like garden soil @James Condon

[@mikesbarn1858]

Good safety points. Any day that you don’t immolate your self is a good day.

[@ddblairco]

nice fix, good call on the ryobi fuel tank

[@jayjudd6518]

Congratulations another good show. Was surprised it started. That’s takes the trouble shooting fun out out of the equation. Did you change the oil ?

[@tonybuxton5154]

...really appreciate your time and efforts spent providing informative, practical content in such a professional manner....do have one question...have you ever considered a lift table?...all of the bending and whatnot can be cumulative and have an effect years into the future....take care and know that we value what you do...

[@kendledoll1597]

Have you ever used east off oven cleaner to clean these off it works great on engines and transmissions

[@jaycahow4667]

I am surprised you never put anything on the plastic parts like the air box, something like Amour-All to protect and give it a clean shine.

[@RayBenson45]

Great video always enjoy learning

[@arthurbiringer5676]

Another successful resuscitation!

[@philippebelair3372]

Great work ,video info. and clain .... etc... Merci ,thanks .

[@passenger6735]

To get 3/16 pipe on to a 1/4 hosetail put the pipe in some hot water and it will soften it enough to push it on.

[@markae0]

Great video! Is there an engineering award for the worst design? That gas-tank that collects rainwater into the fill hole has to be a top award.

[@timd1833]

I agree! Why put that recess in the tank? It serves no useful purpose. Even the Ryobi tank has the recess but at least it can drain (if the angle of the generator will allow it).

[@JasonW.]

Design engineer's boss wanted to make it very easy to add gas. The engineer gave it a 14 inch x 6 inch collection area to easily spill gas into

[@davidwallace785]

Great video, top work as ever

[@lot27a]

Another diamond in the rough made whole again. Great job James. I noticed initially it had one of those white in-line filters. I could be wrong, but aren't those the sub micron type? The red one you used is basically just a mesh screen and I believe the proper one for these small engines. It's no wonder the fuel system had multiple issues.

[@anthonysimonhough9691]

Great find, I’ve found something similar but haven’t had as much luck with it

[@mtc0721]

James, great videos. Keep them coming. My question is how did you know that a $80 ryobi tank was same size as the $230 power stroke tank?

[@CapnBubbaa]

why are the load tests at 50% and not at full power load tests?? Is it because this type of Genset is not engineered to run a full power load, except for short duration of time, or they sag to much? Keep your great video's coming.

[@allpowercorp]

Love your generator repair videos!

[@jcondon1]

Glad to hear it!

[@r8118830]

This was another with gas tank rusting. I been thinking about the virtues of replacing tanks v cleaning them out. Replacing tanks is obviously the best but it can be grossly expensive. Asking over 200 dollars for a powerstroke tank is ridiculous. It is good that someone with as much experience as you knows that a cheaper different brand will fit just as well. Even the Evaporust you use is 20 dollars a gallon. Corrosive acids are not cheaper. What about using electrolysis? Its bound to be cheaper. I have used it for removing rust off iron plate but never tried it for inside gas tanks. The tank could be filled with a solution of washing soda [Sodium Carbonate, which is cheap]. A partially rubber or plastic covered connected iron rod is place in the tank with enough of its surface in contact with the solution making sure its not shorting to the metal. A battery charger is then connected to the end of the rod and the metal frame of the tank. The iron rod is the sacrifical piece but any old bit of mild iron will do. The material given off at the iron bar end looks horrid and bubbles of gas escape as well. The bubbles are hydrogen so this needs to be done away from possible sparks in an area with good ventilation. I wonder how long it would take to do any good? Has anyone tried this before? Does it work?

[@r8118830]

I did a bit of a search on you tube looking for someone who has done this. I found one by a guy who does motorcycles. Motorcycle tanks have the same problems as generator tanks.Here is the link address. This address will need to be copy and pasted to link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3S6YWR-e8eUrsU

[@DeadKoby]

I would suppose if you MUST keep your generator outdoors......do whatever possible to shield it from weather. I bet a dog-house would be better than nothing.

[@oldfarmer4754]

Have you ever tried putting washed gravel in a rusted fuel tank and shake it up to remove alot of the rust ? We do it all the time if there are no holes in the tank.

[@dondiego2262]

Hello James , I wanted to say I do like the tank improvement but am still a little concerned about it, I would like it more if the filler neck was longer. In the video it looked like it could have the same issue if it was set on an incline toward the engine end. I know Stant makes an extension for deep set radiator necks/caps. I don't know if such a thing is made for gas caps. I also think a brass bristle paint brush could help with the carb cleaning but again I don't know if such a product is made. All in all it looks like you scored a winner there , congrats. Thanks for the video I really enjoyed it.

[@robertrobinson6785]

I have a snow blower from MTD and was wondering do I need the spring that is on the float for the needle. Asking because I have a float and needle without a spring will this work? Great videos by the way. Thank you in advance.

[@jimmycake7143]

maybe a few sprays of simple green before power wash, nice jim

[@dj5752]

Another great video. Do you have the part number for the Rayobi fuel line with the different size ends. Thanks.

[@krg038]

Interesting why you didn't use your fuel bottle to initially test from how you described the tank. I guess starting with either since the carb was dirty anyway. When do you consider replacing a tank versus cleaning up the old one? Good video