Old Yamaha EF6000 Generator Will Not Start - Fixed

Picked up this old Yamaha EF6000 generator. Of coarse it would not start. Cleaned the carb and still no signs of life. Eventually figured it out.
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[@spooktasticaparanormal]

Hi James, you are a genius with generators. Keep up the great content my friend. Kind regards. Paul.

[@YukonHawk1]

There's therapeutic value to watching your videos 😁😁

[@williamweita6796]

1!

[@BruceBoschek]

Absolutely! 😊

[@jamesmcmanamy4704]

Nice to see a piece of good machinery working again.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks

[@martyb3783]

I have learned so much watching your videos, especially carburetor work. Thanks so much for making these videos.

[@HereComeTheParkers]

I love the few seconds of magnifying glass action at the end! Just gold!

[@jcondon1]

Nosey103 lol. He is smiling reading that comment.

[@rancelynch6514]

Rance here Jim, I remember those as new generators and back when they were new (sold at Yamaha motorcycle dealers) they were very expensive $1000.00 + . I think that one is a keeper. Very enjoyable video.

[@JR-bj3uf]

That's such a nice unit. It's a shame it was just ignored and unused. This looks like a nice heavy-duty contractor type rig.

[@lukebbb]

I love your son's use of "the sun's power" as a father of 4 boys I totally get it. Cherish those moments as they disappear when they get older. Great job on the generator that one is a keeper, way better than a Briggs.

[@davidfoulk3078]

A old time we’ll built generator unlike todays generators

[@rustyanchor3086]

I love watching your videos and I agree with Paul, there is some therapeutic value to watching them. There's only one thing that bugs me, and I'm sure it's just a glitch in myself, but I'd kinda like to see one of these generators given a good solid cleaning, not a full blown restoration, just re-painted and cleaned up a little more. No worries though, I'm hooked on watching what you're doing with these busted-up old generators. Keep it up!

[@williamyorkolepossum]

Thanks for the visit. Loved that Genset.

[@RGD-Repairs]

Just having a binge watch of your vids :D Honestly, There is something about the older machinery, that just looks awesome.. More character to their design..

[@jcondon1]

This was one of the best built portable generator I have every worked on.

[@danmackintosh6325]

@@jcondon1 It did look very nicely put together, and agree with RGD it's a beautiful style with the panel let into the tank & the chrome frame. Only niggle for me was the battery tray looking like an afterthought but then again that was probably the whole point, make it obvious that this isn't just a generator but a generator with ELECTRIC START!!! Honestly if I could make do with 6KVa this would be the one to keep. (Also binge watching the last week or so when I get a chance!)

[@Roy_Tellason]

I used to run a retail battery store. People in general *WAY* underestimate how long it will take to fully charge a battery. I'd have left that on the charger for as much as 2 or 3 days. Those J-hooks are also commonly available at any good auto parts store. I use 'em for battery holddown in my truck. Good on you for insisting on having a holddown there, too many people think that it's not important, when it is.

[@MrPatdeeee]

Awesome incredible! NO words could describe what you did more, kind Sir. Thank you.

[@butler386]

Excellent repair on this generator. I don't think I have see a double emulsion tube before. Man, for 50 bucks that was a great buy but you had to fix it first so fantastic job. Thanks for sharing.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks. Always a gamble buying something that does not work. Thankfully this one was able to come back without much effort. Working on one now that I think is a $200, 300 lb paper weight :( Good for parts.

[@rancelynch6514]

@@jcondon1 Rance here Jim....I certainly hope that it does not turn out to be a paper weight.

[@woolval52]

@@jcondon1 Not being mean, but I'd like to see your struggle with this one and where you get to the point of deciding it's time to throw in the towel. So far I've seen you fix everything you've started on. And some were ridiculously messed up! (the Generac 10000EXL with stupid wiring changes!). Watching you is teaching me patience and perseverance... don't give up, keep thinking it thru to find "why"! I'd love to know what your primary job is. Somehow I suspect engineering or a similar field where you apply logic to problems. Thanks for posting your videos, they do help!

[@jcondon1]

Woolval52 Woolval thanks. I am a project manager and software engineer by day. I did recently do a video where I got everything working but did not like the sound (knock) the engine was making. I called it on that one. Not worth fixing. Will release that one soon.

[@brettbrewer6161]

@@jcondon1 Hello James. I have the same generator but have a low voltage problem. It will put out around 102 volts, and sometimes drop to 72volts and back again. Engine runs smooth and I changed out the avr with one out of a parts machine made no difference. Any idea what it could be? Thanks.

[@ryzenx1471]

This vid really helped me crack into an old Yamaha 3500. Similar outlet panel and decals but no e-start. My uncle ran it for 10 years at his off grid cabin until carb finally choked out. The Yamaha purr is exactly the same! Thanks for this vid, really appreciate it!

[@jonminer9891]

Hi, James. It was touch and go for a while there. I'm glad you got it fixed. Thanks for sharing! Stay Healthy!

[@YUHJKT]

I liked this video. Your trouble shooting skills are excellent. Not only did I learn somethings, I felt good after watching it.

[@brianallen9810]

50 bucks is a steal of a deal.

[@rayshutsa6690]

I enjoy all your video's. Has taught what it takes to repair generators and small engines.

[@matthewhansen5008]

Would call that an oldie but a goodie. Figure it is built better then what we have today.

[@jcondon1]

It is

[@smplyizzy]

Looks great. Really like seeing the repair from start to finish.

[@jcondon1]

Me too. I started this channel because I was searching for the details and found many KZbin video skipping the needed details to complete the repair.

[@ericvaughn1126]

Nice retro find and fix, James! Grade A quality as always! 👍👍

[@jcondon1]

Thanks

[@cubey]

I have a tiny suitcase looking EF600. Runs about 4-5 hours on a 1/4 gallon tank of gas. Awesome little quiet generator. It also has the 12v battery charger port. It has a control on the back for adjusting the voltage too.

[@ThePheonix2009]

The J-bolts where they were cut off always leaves a sharp edge -- so I cut a piece of fuel line and slip it over the threads to cover the sharp edges. Great video.

[@thedutydoctor]

Another great video James, thank you!! I did get the trashed old Champion 3500 working great... slowly building up tools too like the meter you told me about.. keep up the great work James, and we will keep watching..

[@jcondon1]

Good to hear.

[@lawnmowerdude]

Man you live in the epicenter of $50 generators.

[@askikr79]

lol. In my area "generator doesnt run, caught on fire, electrical short $300"

[@Idahoprepper71]

@@askikr79 we must live in the same area. 😂😂😂

[@helloharry1418]

I lmfao 🤣😂

[@craigcormier641]

@@askikr79 give. That. Generator to. Me. I. Can. Refurbish. The. Unit. That's. What. I. Do. As. My. Hobbies. !!😎🙋‍♂️😷✌

[@gregoryconnor9333]

I agree

[@paulhyden7425]

Great videos James, they give me hope.

[@MRrwmac]

Nice troubleshooting. That vacuum line almost had you running in circles but of course it didn’t t fool the master. Glad you found the clogged carb port. I introduced my 8 yr old granddaughter to the “power of the sun and a magnifying glass” this past summer. I started her on dead leaves. She elevated herself to paper, pine slivers and pine needles then the killer instinct, making roasted ants. Woo haha. I’m sure she will try cardboard, but it better stop there (I hope).

[@tombarlow6176]

I like the way you work and explain what you are doing 😁😁😁😁

[@mjg263]

Great work! Your son cracked me up at the end, I totally remember doing the same at his age.

[@jcondon1]

Me too!

[@watermanone7567]

Nice job. Those are really good machines. I might have changed the vacuum lines and put a vacuum test on the servo's. Also when I take a carb out of my ultra sonic cleaner, I usually blow the water solution out with compressed air and then a squirt of carb spray to make sure all the tiny passages are clear of the any remaining water solution. You are a great and patient mechanic. Thanks for the video's.

[@jcondon1]

Those lines seemed really in good shape. Not cracked or petrified so ran with them (for now). Did not show it but I always clean off the solution with water and and blow compressed air to dry. Sometime run carb cleaner through depending on how bad it looks.

[@docpalazola491]

Excellent....thank you for starting my day in a good way!!!

[@jcondon1]

Chuck Lind thanks

[@andrewgrace4410]

Nice find James, good looking gen😊

[@ryans5473]

Learned a lot. Thank you James

[@jamestobler8473]

You are wonderful. Lets leave WELL ENOUGH ALONE ! Great job !

[@danbeesley7184]

The quality of your videos are very good a pleasure to watch. Great information

[@jcondon1]

Thanks Dan

[@paulolson6380]

Enjoying the videos, Bought my 2nd generator today.

[@jcondon1]

Nice

[@rickbell8243]

When cleaning carbs I use air blaster used for cleaning key board on computers. Helps get any residue from cleaning . Great video

[@dallintahere2127]

Shark 🦈 km! Please

[@wildefox1478]

Nice work bringing this generator back to life, keep up the great work!

[@jcondon1]

Thanks

[@geraldbarney2448]

Noticed the throttle linkage has an anti surge spring around it which goes to the throttle plate like my generac. Does the spring use the same hole as the linkage?

[@wildefox1478]

@@geraldbarney2448 Some engines use the same hole as the linkage for the spring to hook into and some engines use a separate smaller hole for the spring.

[@sccarguy8242]

I think you would be proud, found a beat up Predator 4000 Generator that looks like it was sunk in a lake (they stored it under a wooden porch). Paid $40 for it. Already got it running,would not kick on starting fluid. Pulled the plug and was getting spark off the side. So I threw on old plug I had laying around in it and she fired up !!! Even ran off the gas in the tank (I thought I had it turned off, whoops)... she is a little hunty with her idle but your videos show me how to fix that. Already tested for power and she is good on both legs (which I did not even know was a thing until I started watching your videos).. thanks for the help !!!

[@jcondon1]

Nice find! I can never get a Predator for less then $180 in that condition.

[@volli56]

Great product and price for our needs. RV and power outages arrived in time.

[@MRrwmac]

Glad you found the clogged tube! My 8yr old granddaughter likes to do that to leaves instead of cardboard. Haha

[@SorrentoShore]

About 2000 because I have an EF5000, looks and runs like brand new!

[@falloutguy8878]

Another fantastic video James top work from a top teacher keep the videos coming as your the only thing keeping me sane with everything going on in the world keep safe dude?

[@jcondon1]

david waller thanks. Making the videos are keeping me sane. Was only making in or two videos a month before the virus. May have go back to that once things get normal again. Day job has me away from home.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

The chrome will clean up super nice with some quad 0 sos pads that have soap in them works amazing on chrome with rust

[@larrykelly2838]

Great job Doc. Yamaha makes good products, i have worked on many 4 and 2 cycle engines that were in golf cars, they'll last along time if taken care of.

[@jcondon1]

I like this Yamaha engine a lot better then their newer MZ300 and MX360 engines.

[@malcytull]

A nice job all round, on surface rust, what I use is 0000 steel wool & 3in1 oil, I also use it on light surface rust on air rifles, it's worth a try. Thank you for posting.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks will give it a try.

[@g2theb584]

As I was yelling "emulsion tube" into my phone Mustie1 says "I always forget the emulsion tube" lol

[@g2theb584]

@Duca 12:24

[@sweetlou5902]

As always great video, thanks James

[@jcondon1]

thanks

[@wazza33racer]

Pro-Tip............when assembling, one of the best things on the market for gaskets and housings for a good seal, that is easy to work with is Loctitie 515.............sooo much better than silastic/rtv or anything else. Another nice save! Its a really sweet running set.

[@rescueert]

I ran a smaller Yamaha 2800i for quite a while, after 8 years and minimal work the inverter failed and not worth repairing, I've reverted to the older generation of AVR gensets, although not suited to sensetive electronics, heavier and a little noisier are I feel far more reliable, an EF1000 that would have to be 25 yrs old give or take ($300 second hand) takes care of battery charging on my Camper trailer if the sun fails to shine for several days and basic power needs at home if the grid fails. It's just awesome!

[@hectorarroyo2285]

Great job... Mr. James!!! Excelent job....😄👍👍👍👍👍...

[@jcondon1]

Thank

[@itsallfabrication]

Yam didn't skimp on the carb/choke set up. Thanks for sharing.

[@MacGyver-1]

That's an electric choke, it's a bi-metal spring that when electric is applied it heats up and disengages the choke

[@jcondon1]

That is the only thing it could be. Just surprised because it also has the vacuum servo.

[@rhiantaylor3446]

@@jcondon1 You showed a picture of the replacement carb that had a wire coming off the bi-metallic loop - missing on yours. Presume it uses a 12v feed from a running generator.

[@jeffreyhaynes5774]

Same feature as an old electric pop up toaster.Still working.

[@MacGyver-1]

@@jcondon1 the bi-metal spring pushes the servo and choke back after the engine shuts down

[@tiredoldmechanic1791]

@@jcondon1 The vacuum servo pulls the choke part way open when the engine starts while the bi metal spring prevents the choke from opening all the way until the engine has had time to fully warm up.

[@bobwilkinson9894]

Another great video James..thanks!

[@jcondon1]

Thanks

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

That is a super nice generator , I sure would like to have an older Yamaha , I have many honda and china made even an Onan . But that one is SWEET !

[@jcondon1]

Thanks. I agree. One of the better built generators I have come across.

[@mcarroll598]

That’s a really nice generator, great video once again!

[@jcondon1]

Thanks

[@flytebandtampa2499]

Best video, thank you.

[@LeewardStudios]

Some very good lessons on diagnostics and generator checks. I hope I never have to use them on my generators! Thank you.

[@tonisam962]

Also don’t let your children operate portable generators that use gasoline because it’s harmful. They can get electrocuted and poisoned by carbon monoxide. I am just trying to be nice. Please be aware with this kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2LNhWZ3g6qBrKs

[@Chris-yy7qc]

@James Condon Theres a heating element (on that bi-metal spring) which is supplied with 12v when the generator is running. Initially the choke is closed. But as the bimetal being heated up slowly changes shape and gradually opens the choke. When the generator is shut off. The bi-metal spring cools down and returns to its initial shape. Its a primitive way to control the choke, but it works well.

[@jcondon1]

First time I had seen it used in that way.

[@dwightosborn8400]

I love the sound of crickets in the back ground better then music for a country boy

[@MrCuckoobox]

Another Great Job & Vid.....Thanks...........The Simi-Chrome would have worked great on the Chrome. LA Awesome All Purpose Concentrated Cleaner Refill works great....You will have to play with strength in the ultra sonic cleaner......... Sold at Dollar Tree - $1/qt.

[@seymourpro6097]

A piece of rubber floor mat will help separate a battery from the paint on the shelf.

[@Mike-ig2zq]

Great vid James. Apparently the lister didn't think so.

[@andyhamilton8940]

James get your fuel supply test tank higher than the carb. Awesome job!

[@jameskendricks4508]

Great video. Great lighting and clarity. Love the torque wrench (1/4"?)! Looking forward to others.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks. It is a 1/4"

[@maadsalemislim]

good work

[@v-g-z3689]

This is a very neat unit and probably the most interesting one apart from the flathead Briggs you rebuilt.

[@jcondon1]

V-G-Z yes, very different from what I normally see.

[@ebfromwyoming4118]

Wow sir u are assume tks for sharing your knowledge with us it has really helped me with my gens

[@petersack5074]

james condon = the generator RE-GENERATOR 50 bucks...what a steal...

[@aaronemery738]

Thanks for the great video.. It was very informative

[@jcondon1]

Thanks

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great repair nice looking generator for sure

[@jcondon1]

Thanks 👍

[@leandrolaporta2196]

Very nice machine, screams quality all over it, sounds awesome too, weird spot to place the voltage regulator trimmer though

[@dougc190]

Great vid. I always liked they Yamahas better then everyone else. Need to get some bigger electrical wise to put a load on those big genders.

[@billwhite4414]

I have not read all of the coments, but that white u-shaped is a bi-metal strip. It functions much as the heater/AC thermostat in your home. When electricity goes through it it heats up and the bi-metal strip applies a force on the rod which it's touching.

[@chuckabbate1264]

This is a personal questions, so I understand perfectly if you choose not to answer it. What do you do for a living? The reason I ask is because you think like an engineer and it shows in how methodical you are in your thinking and analyzing process.

[@producedan]

Thanks for another excellent video.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks

[@somethingelsehere8089]

Love this genny!

[@jcondon1]

It was built to last. Don't see ones that like that now.

[@amundsen575]

love the IV for generators!. If you have a cricket hobby cutter or a vinyl cutter you can make perfect gaskets works great for me , I just have to make several passes depending on thickness

[@jcondon1]

Amundsen I have both and a hole punch and gasket paper. Prefer to make my own instead of paying $10 and waiting a week or two.

[@Kiltylake]

Nice machine. 👍🏻

[@soccer3564]

Great job! Keep up the good work!

[@jcondon1]

Thank you! Will do!

[@davedunn4285]

Very nice re build

[@jcondon1]

Thanks Dave.

[@giggiddy]

Haven't even watched yet but a very cool generator!

[@raymondgarafano8604]

I trust Yamaha, Brother has a great motorcycle, I have a gr8 Yamaha stage piano, YUP I like them.

[@gearhead6974]

I have a old onen with the same frame.has the idlematic and same carb.when cleaning the carb i found that my emulsion tube was in 2 pieces too but it has inner and outer core.can't put a wire in the holes cause the wire hits the inner core.I found a similar carb on eBay for about $30 original one is a mikuni that I cleaned and works fine.my choke is manual but there is a heating element that controls some aspects of the carb. Nice to see u work on a old school generator.that Yamaha is pretty I wish my frame was Chrome.

[@AZVIDS]

Nice save👍🔥

[@shalashaskasaiz]

The Ridgid with the vapor lock issue looks like a Transformer, but this Yamaha has some Style...!

[@mikesmith-yc3os]

Another Awesome Job

[@jcondon1]

Thanks

[@eugenecod]

this is an art show

[@Lulanda93]

That thing is cool as can be 😎 what a steal at 50 bucks!

[@jcondon1]

It was

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Nice yamaha very neat old generator

[@jcondon1]

It was a true Yamaha. The newer Yamaha generator engines are build in China... Still run very well though.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

@@jcondon1 not built like they used to be that is for sure

[@stevedavidson9055]

WATCHING YOU WORK ON THIS ONE, MY FIRST THOUGHT WAS I WOULD NEVER OWN OR WORK ON THIS UNIT.

[@jcondon1]

It is a well built machine. Just had a little clog in the emulation tube.

[@roland349]

cool generator!

[@nodriveknowitall702]

Picked up a 5550 watt troy bilt generator for 50 bucks today, thinking I'd fix it after watching nearly all of your videos. Turned out to be nothing wrong with it other than needing a pull cord assembly. I'm almost disappointed.

[@jcondon1]

nodriveknowitall funny. Sometimes it is easy. Good deal.

[@ron827]

Great job of sleuthing out the problem. Single cylinder engines have a tendency to vibrate which can shorten the life of a battery. Some isolation material under the battery and hold down clamp might be in order if you plan to keep the unit. If not, the next owner can deal with it.

[@jcondon1]

Good point. Thanks

[@declyn8]

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!

[@YukonHawk1]

Well done. Very quiet

[@jcondon1]

It is a nice engine.

[@charlesmiller5078]

Love the name on the battery...Workaholic

[@johnclarke6647]

I also spray battery terminals with terminal protector. It keep them from corroding over time. I also wipe off the space between the terminals with a baking soda solution because batteries can discharge by electron flow between the two terminals due to acid ions on the top of the battery

[@petersack5074]

good man. some of us should get together and start a re-cycling/rebuilding club in north america...would save thousands of people, alotta money and grief, with saving mother earth, too.....wow....good job....

[@jcondon1]

Thanks