Dirty Coleman Powermate Generator - Left Behind

[@jayden4656]

I would buy any generator or small engine device from you with full confidence that it's a sound well running machine.

[@sgtJOOSEcapeS]

James fixes it up to factory standard 🧐and right after James does 120point inspection cones with🤝🏾 James C. Inspection stickers 🗃️

[@rapscallion70]

Me too. Do you ever sell gen’s James? Can you hook me up?

[@waynebrundidge206]

It runs and makes power. Some people say if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Wash it and us a big blow dryer. I love this channel.

[@stephensherlock5307]

I have this generator. I found it challenging to start especially in the winter when I needed most. I converted it over to propane with a kit from US Carb. Wow. What a difference starts and runs perfect now.

[@stephensherlock5307]

I have this generator. It always started hard especially in the winter when I needed it most. I bought a snorkel propane conversion kit for it from US Carb. Easy install. Works better than ever!

[@rodneywroten2994]

Mr. Condon thank you for this video. my Brother-in-law pass away a year ago. My sister would not be able to work one so she made me come get it. The very same condition like yours. took tank and carb off and thought maybe by chance might be something on the web. thanks for tips and tricks,

[@josephcarino5829]

You know what i like about you James, your not a butcher. Your a craftsman like me. Thid guy never worked in a meat market , No butchers here

[@austenj4539]

A bad photo in an advert puts almost everyone off. Well done for seeing the potential.

[@moseskioko1299]

You videos are so encouraging and educative to watch 💕💕💕💕

[@philliphall5198]

Your blessed with some great deals and were blessed because your teaching Us, really we are very pleased with your videos ❤ Can’t wait to see the finished results Thank You 😊

[@davidplaster4576]

Those older Briggs Vanguards are truly power horses, and very reliable. I had a generator just like that, the only problem was everyone complained about how loud it was. I thought about making a muffler to quiet it down, but ended up selling it. I didn't care that it was loud, it was reliable and could run for hours with little maintenance. I probably logged over 1,000 hrs without malfunction, I ended up painting the metal laminations due to it rusting up, more cosmetic than anything. The only real pain was the filter cover would interfere with the side of the frame on the one I had.

[@rich1953]

I have this same generator and have had it for 10 years or more. Have only really needed it when we lost power during snow/ice storm. Watched the olympics with neighbors and kept house warm over night and next day. I take it out every year and crank it and let it run for a few minutes. Every other year I change the oil and gas even though not used. Kept out of weather in shop. Been a good one.

[@martyb3783]

Wow what a great deal. $20.00? Nice. Plenty of room for profit after time and parts. Well done.

[@whitesapphire5865]

I'm glad you said those Vanguard engines are good! I like them too, and 100% agree on the Mikuni carbs running lean, but also, there seems to be slight design variations between one Mikuni and and another, though they all seem to run lean. Spark plug gap also grossly affects running, and an apparent misfire can often be cured by closing the gap by a couple thou. My personal favourite generator out of the ones we have on hand is a 3.5kVA Stephill with a 9 horse Vanguard. Unless of course we're talking longer running outages, then it's either, the Lister-BKB 6kVA, or the Perkins-Stamford 32kVA, depending on anticipated demand. Yeah, we have a lot power outages! But, generators are also fun to work on, as well as keeping the lights on!

[@semlohde1]

Another outstanding class. I've Comme Ted in your tecumseh video, a 2005 tecumseh 11hp. I taped/ordered a breather tube, new air and fuel filter, new gas lines, new spark plug, cleaned the fuel plastic tank several times, sprayed the whole generator and washed, no ethanol gas, found a plastic covered torx10 screw just hidden- unscrewed that blew it out with carb cleaner and back. Cleaned the carb - all after watching many of your videos - and after several days of no starts to 30 seconds, it ran 1.5 hours with 1200w load and I'm pleased. THANKS, hopefully it'll crank successfully more.

[@Captleemo]

I have a Briggs&Stratton Storm Responder generator that I have had for 13 years. It still works great and I really like the fact that it too has a plastic gas tank as you never have to worry about rust forming inside the tank.

[@philliphall5198]

They all should have plastic tanks 😊

[@kpdvw]

not to shabby for $ 20... good service job James!

[@wildefox1478]

That was a steal for that generator at only $20 and it already ran and made power, just needed the carb gone through and cleaned up, nice work James!

[@jcondon1]

Wish they were all like that.

[@marcelcanuck]

picked up a little 1980s honda 500 generator from the landfill yesterday , new oil in it but the carb was seazed solid , gas was horrible my guess it was sitting for 10 years at least , for 10 bucks i took a chance and scored , great video especially like the dog bed handles 😀 👍

[@lv_woodturner3899]

Wow, that was really dirty. I cannot imagine why the owner did not attempt power washing just to make it look better for the listing. I love the repurposed dog bed parts for the handle/leg. Excellent use of these parts. Looks like they were designed for this purpose. Good to see the generator now back to normal working condition. The air filters made a big difference. Dave.

[@stargazer7644]

Because power washing generators often causes a lot of problems.

[@freddyrosenberg9288]

You could paint that rusty exhaust with spray on BBQ grill paint. I've done it a few times and it holds well surprisingly.

[@daveblack5109]

I thought exactly the same thing and whilst the tank was off wire brush the rusty spots on the frame and spray black dust coat to protect, buff up the red tin work and hey presto a great looking pack. (maybe it's just us ha!)

[@YukonHawk1]

@@daveblack5109 the OCD in me was wanting the same thing 🤣🤣🤣 Jim usually uses Scotch Brite on the chrome or he'll wire wheel it and use a high heat paint.

[@IvanStepaniuk]

James also did the same in previous videos

[@jameshedrick6839]

I do all the time all it holds up just fine. I use it paint the exhaust on my push mowers and riding mowers all the time

[@amartinez2071]

I did the same,i used red engine enamel.

[@skepticalobserver7484]

I treally appreciate these videos. What I ESPECIALLY value are the sequences where the engine runs and you (via text on the screen) describe what you hear. I’ve learned a tremendous amount from you about what the sound of an engine can indicate. Thanks!

[@johncourtneidge]

Yes!

[@mjg263]

Very nice job, great idea on those handles / feet too. I’ve also noticed that newer OHV engines seem to be pretty sensitive to air filter condition, especially Honda engines. I’ve seen the old flathead engines run just fine with the air filter 80% blocked.

[@MitchEllis-dn9lf]

You are a trusting soul. I never put the frills and covers back on that are not necessary until I prove my work. LOL

[@mikepippins8100]

Knowledgeable and through. That’s why I like your videos so much. Greetings from Tuscola Texas.

[@dougvaldivia3395]

have that or at least a similar 1999 coleman powermate. very satisfying and has done plenty of work supplying electricity when the power drops after a storm/hurricane. the wife just had to have since we were all gonna have problems with y2k. lol

[@russellbonesteel1115]

Thank you for the amazing series! I am a Ham radio operator seeking to advance my know how on secondary AC Power systems! Well done!

[@jayh1947]

That tea ball is a very good idea.............Jay

[@BobPegram]

Ah the tea ball for fine parts! Great idea. In case you've never used a tea ball you put loose tea leaves in it. It becomes a metalic tea bag for your teapot or even your teacup

[@bryanmadere2277]

Ha, just ordered 2 of them! great idea!

[@Tom-In-Ga]

First generator I've seen with a cup holder in the gas tank.🤣

[@Big_Johns]

🤣👍🏼🤣

[@staind288]

Lol

[@CSkwirl]

It's a factory joke, hey let's put this beer holder on top and see who puts their beer in it first. Molson Vesuvius

[@andyhamilton8940]

Lets exhaust/engine heat go up and out so as not to melt the plastic tank and burn your carport down.

[@SamuelGarcia-rv9lf]

😅

[@r8118830]

Those are the dog bed handles that you did not fit to the generator you sold on the day of the storm. Worked well. Well done again.

[@prissy134]

Change plug an set gap on flywheel too.

[@bosanovaboy]

wow, what a great job you did. Thank you for taking the time and detail to show us and teach us how to

[@alanarmstrong2323]

Got my first generator today ran it,checked for power all is well shut fuel valve of,and drained fuel bowl.

[@Farm_fab]

Jim, it's nice when a plan comes together, like for the wheels and handle. Looks like it is factory... almost.

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

Good Job James ! A little cleanup and it looks great .. Runs fine now to , ENJOYED !!

[@jcondon1]

Thanks Shawn

[@Golfingferdie]

I have a Coleman 5000 watt Power-mate. Had for 24 years or so, Live in FL so it gets used form time to time. I run mine about 6 times a year. Winter summer when ever I get the feeling I need to Check it. Cleaned the carb a few times it has kind of a Miss going on now. I need a new Carb bit it still powers up runs what ever I put on her. Run carb Dry after every run. Fuel never sits in carb, I open the drain valve to make sure. Tank has fuel with stabilizer, Now new stabilizer for water crap fuel. its in my garage but has gets all the humidity and salt air from being near the water. Good Generator as far as I am concerned.

[@rossweckerly4195]

Hi James, Wanted to tell you that you can buy a gallon of purple power at Walmart for $14.00 and use a garden sprayer to apply it. Water it down a little. No grease at all when your done.Like Your Video.Nice work.

[@somerandomguy3868]

The vanguards are pretty good, it was a bit of a mess when you got it, even managed to run with lemon tea colored fuel, nice job James

[@ericvaughn1126]

Nice score for $20, Jim. What a difference a breath of fresh air does for the way that Briggs Vanguard ran too. I think I saw the other two legs of that dog bed go onto a different generator if I'm not mistaken. Lastly, we'll assume you were out of high temp flat black spray paint if YOU didn't wire wheel the muffler and paint it up! 😉. Good stuff as always and keep em coming.

[@jcondon1]

I tried to use them on the Voltmaster, but it sold before I could put them on. Still have two left.

[@johncourtneidge]

Very nice, as always. Yourusual tlc paint job on the muffler box would work wonders! Hurrah! And thanks!

[@vernonbosshard9317]

Westleys bleche white tire cleaner works fantastic for the old brown varnish even where carb clean doesn't cut it. wet wash it then blow out passages with carb clean which also displaces any water then blow gun it with air. Clean out all the small holes like you did. I don't have a ultra sonic cleaner.

[@chriholt]

Man, I wonder what kind of crazy dusty/dirty environment that poor thing was used in. Nice job bringing her back!

[@jcondon1]

Thanks

[@throwbo]

It just sat outside maybe under a tarp or deck with rain splashing mud up into it.

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Makes sense, dirty air filter/rich condition. Another Complete refurb from Mr. Generator! We’re in the heart of hurricane season so you’ll probably find a few more before the year is out!

[@francisbailey3831]

Good morning James. As usual one more generator ready for service. Excellent job, well done.

[@arthurbiringer5676]

I keep repeating myself! Excellent work, great video! Let’s keep it that way!

[@jcondon1]

Thanks Arthur

[@tristanschaper281]

Well done as always. I've seen the poor running and/or bogging when revving power equipment, even small quad engines, due to the slightest change in air/fuel ratio, with either really dirty air filters, or missing air filters. Many small engines are factory tuned to just the right amount of air/fuel. It's getting harder and harder to sell these small 3000-7500W traditional gas generators, as everyone wants the inverter gens now. And with the inverter gen market becoming so huge, (and cheap) these older gas generators have a much lower demand. It's great to save and bring these back to life though. And while the demand is lower, it's still there, for the right price. I'm guessing you can get about $250 on that unit. What do you think? Keep up the great work, and great videos!!

[@eddiejones.redvees]

It’s the old saying never judge a book by it’s cover

[@rogerandlyndabeall3840]

I thought I was obsessed with generators- I have 4- including two I made, Honda GX 6 hp with toyota 150 amp alternators, used for charging batteries at 150A when we go camping.

[@jcondon1]

Nice

[@philliphall5198]

Best part is building it from scrap material and old used parts 😊😊😊

[@kencooper2059]

I've had the exact same generator for probably 15 year snow and it purrs like a kitten. Of course, I keep it inside, use Stabil, and always cut the gas off and run it out after each use.

[@shatnersufolanded7785]

Picked up one of these on wheels it's 3750 on a 6.5 Briggs OHV so far I have got inside to find a broken plastic cam gear and since that moment I have dug in and I'm determined to rebuild it because everything else on it is in excellent condition. How am I doing it with limited experience I'm binge watching James Condon videos. I'm doing the full rebuild because I can't stand not doing things the right way and it's fun.

[@stargazer7644]

Pilot drilling large holes first makes them much easier to drill.

[@hamop3]

James thanks for the your very informative videos. I am going pick up a Dynapak 6k with a 8 hp Briggs on it. Free for me helping them. Said it may need Carb adjusting or cleaning, but no problem there. See you on your next one. Thanks

[@jameshedrick6839]

I just bought a set of the torch tip cleaners and carb cleaning brushes and since i got them i probably cleaned at least 30 carburetors from generators that sat with old fuel in them. I also have the briggs vanguard on my racing go kart. They are pretty reliable engines

[@elmertudball7671]

I can't believe you haven't purchased a hydraulic lift table yet! My back would have given out a long time ago working on the floor.

[@w2dmw]

Would like to give you a tip I have found. SPRAY 9. It is a cleaner as fantastic or formula 409, but much much stronger and better. Spray it on, and leave it sit for 10 minutes, then pressure wash. Try it Jim....

[@jcondon1]

Never seen that before. Will keep an eye out for it.

[@w2dmw]

@@jcondon1 I get it from Home Depot, but I have seen it once in a while else where. It is great especially for cylinder heat fins, and the like. Try it.......nice job on the project, as always. Procedures and patients wins out.....

[@AZVIDS]

Another great save! CPR successful.

[@williamwhitehead8362]

I'd clean up that exhaust and put that high temperature either gray or black on it and then put that decorative chrome piece on but that's just me keep up the good work that was a good find though yeah.

[@emadalshakhatreh5383]

Good morning, I am enjoying your videos it is the best

[@adnacraigo6590]

You have the touch when unscrewing some of those delicate items.

[@hectorarroyo2285]

Great job!!!😁👍👍👍👍👍

[@aboveaveragejoe6291]

Great job James,as a tip for you, when drilling steel or even stainless steel it is better to use short bursts, rather than holding the trigger,this allows the bit to cool between drills! In other words , trigger on one second, trigger off one second, and repeat until the bit is through the metal.

[@rodclark4485]

I use WD40 as a lubricant for the tip of the drill bit when drilling any metal

[@georgebrown8312]

I believe James would make a good servicer of gasoline-powered generators if he does not already have his own repair shop.

[@johnhadley1117]

stuck parts release with PB Blaster and hot tap water. avoid pressure washer on generator. damp rag and elbow grease saves your stator.

[@georgeross9834]

Nice video show , we don’t need generators in Scotland, possibly camping would be handy .

[@jcondon1]

Normally do not need them here, but we do get the occasional hurricane and then the sit for years in between.

[@greghanlon2235]

Good job James.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks

[@cbauer72]

Personally I'd drill smaller holes and increase to the larger through steps.

[@steveferguson3705]

l also have been using a tea ball for about 3 year.s works great

[@CajunGreenMan]

Great idea to use the dog bed frame. Not sure I would have thought to use it for the handles AND the legs. I want to get a small electric powerwasher about 1200 PSI or so for jobs like this, and still have a larger gas one for bigger jobs. Thanks for the idea to use a plastic bag to cover the air intact the way you did, I probably would have just covered the outside with it, and then duct taped it. LOL! I like yours better. Keep up the great work!

[@kerrygleeson4409]

Thanks for sharing James 👍

[@mikerossman9863]

I too have a Coleman powermate 6250/5kw but has the Briggs 10hp not Vanguard engine. I paid $50 for it and had to get a new carb. Runs like a champ, with exception of the wimpy fuses you can’t hurt this thing. My only complaint it the L14-20 amp plug. It’s not very common to come across these cords and adapters (yes Amazon has them). I’d wish the bumped it to a 30amp rating with 30amp twist lock then I could power my RV entirely. In a pinch I did the old tin foil wrap fuse and it held til I was able to get a new one.

[@Big_Johns]

Nice video James, not bad for a $20 generator. 👍🏼🙂

[@rayshutsa6690]

Thank you for another great video. You got another great find it seems like it will work with no issues. 😀❤🇨🇦

[@nosaltiesandrooshere7488]

👍 Danke fürs Hochladen! 👍 Thanks for uploading! 👍 Very good and beautiful, thank you! 👍 Sehr gut und schön, danke!

[@dieseldog1959]

James, you could add some rubber feet (like from a cane or crutches) to prevent the feet from punching through grass, or dirt while in use.

[@jimwhite5964]

Another great renovation, James...really enjoy your channel!

[@tonyc.4528]

I ran my whole house on that exact same model for years without issue, then I put in a new condensing boiler that was frequency fussy and would go into hard lockout if off by more than 1.5 hz. Never a single issue with the generator though, even in the winter.

[@MrTehudson]

i just got a set of 3 tea infusers off amazon life changer for small jets that would slip through basket

[@LeewardStudios]

Good buy, instant profit.

[@billy123174]

Nice quick fix

[@LetUsRepair]

I wish I could get deals like that! Over here, the seller of that generator would ask $250-$350, at least, in unknown condition.

[@LetUsRepair]

PS! And buyers would pay that amount, without asking questions.

[@jcondon1]

Once fixed they sell for about your broken price. This one was unusually cheap. Usually the hopelessly broken one sell for $100-$150.

[@throwbo]

@@LetUsRepair Asking yes, getting no. I see generators like this on Craiglist where people ask crazy $. And they keep asking for the same generator month after month because it never sells at that price.

[@thebeardedstork432]

Nice find, and nice clean up! Well done!

[@robertmailhos8159]

Time for some super clean on this gen set

[@robertclines7519]

looked bad but cleaned up very nice

[@MrCarl312]

31:00 Oh, joy you spared us the fun of drilling a hole in round stock!

[@r8118830]

I just file a flat where you want it and start from there.

[@MrCarl312]

@@r8118830 Not on thin tubing. Besides it is pretty easy to center a drill bit on a round with a V Block. That assumes that you are using a drill press. Hand held drill...forget it.

[@Momentaryghost]

Just found one of those vanguards on the side of the road missing a flywheel. Now I just have to wait for one to pop up on ebay because no way in hell will I pay almost 200 for a flywheel.

[@RustyNail5856]

Great gen for someone.

[@jcondon1]

Got to love the Vanguard engines. They run well.

[@gman8260]

$20 Bucks!!! Around Baltimore where I live, if it resembles a generator it is a minimum $300 and it's a crap shoot if it runs or not.

[@larrykelly2838]

Great choice in picking it up Doc., just a little TLC and ye have a good generator.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks Larry

[@Chunter48]

I have the same generator and had the same problem with rust. My problem came from the steel shut off valve.

[@AnwarKhan-dw8cj]

easy fix today James hope you get a good price

[@wotknot1757]

Well shoot, I was hoping to see the new chain hoist in action again..... you know, the piece of equipment that SAVES YOUR BACK?

[@davecc0000]

James, the brackets you got from the HW store 26:08 are those Simpson Tie brackets? I need to do the wheel thing to an old DeVilbiss genny.

[@brianjohnston9822]

20 dollars, and standards annual maintenance parts, and some odds and ends, not a bad buy. As for the looks, maybe some spit and polish might help you garner a few extra dollars on a resell. Looks and runs decent and would be a good buy for someone that needs emergency power.

[@lot27a]

Love those Vanguard motors. Own two of them. One on my backup generator and one on my Mighty Mac chipper. Heck, even it it was a parts donor, not a bad pickup James!

[@jcondon1]

That what I figured. The parts alone are worth more then the generator as a whole.

[@PilotMcbride]

With respect to the muffler, why not grab some hitemp exhaust/firebox black paint? It’d at least last long enough to get a few extra bucks at resale. Another good job, well done. 👏👏👏 👋👋👋 🇦🇺

[@alohathaxted]

Jimmy please buy a lift table to work on. I feel for your back on every video. I know you’re young but you won’t be forever and the little bit you save now will pay big dividends in the years ahead.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks for your concern. I have lots of old age pains, but not the back. Will get one when the time is right.

[@lawrencepevitts2434]

Amazing what some elbow grease can make in the appearance. Excellent video as usual.

[@BrucesShop]

SWEET !!!!!!!!

[@dwightosborn8400]

Looks like you designed that screw driver for the carb cleaning job.I have a craftsman I picked up at a garage sale that I was going to take back for a new one now I think I will keep it LOL

[@OO-vo1xb]

I truly appreciate your shows. I'm a 66yo fart and I used to enjoy fixing things. I now live in the Philippines and it's difficult in finding realiable repair persons. Here's my question I need to buy a reliable generator for my house do you have any recommendations that can help

[@jcondon1]

Not sure what brands are available to you, but Honda is the best. That said, they all break down at some point. Honda supplies parts to fix any part that breaks and a lot of Honda clone parts will work too. Otherwise any brand that has parts support is recommended. Honda clones usually work well, but just about impossible to source anything but basic parts like the ignition coil and carburetor with any confidence. Also name brand engines like Yamaha, Honda, Subaru and Briggs all sell parts for their engines. Just make sure the generator has a low oil sensor, AVR and adequately directs heat away from the engine and stator.