NorthStar Generator Leaking Oil - Easy Fix or Major Problem?

[@DoubleE-2250]

"If I don't weld it, then it's trash. If I weld it and mess it up, then it's trash". Well said and a good philosophy when making a repair.

[@dreadnought2024]

kind of holds truth through all life.... Do it right!!

[@tristanschaper281]

It's basically that concept that got me into small engine repair years ago!

[@rodh2168]

Part 2 should be very interesting finding out what the issues are with the 2nd unit. Looking forward to Part 2.

[@jesterr7133]

You were smart to clean those terminals on the key switch. Most people wouldn't think about it, but I ran into this exact issue recently on one of my lawn tractors. The engine came to a dead stop when I was cutting grass and was locked up. I eventually found that the starter failed to disengage and the starter gear was jammed in the flywheel. After a year's worth of headaches and trouble shooting, I eventually found that the terminals on the key switch were corroded, and the key switch was sending a constant signal to the solenoid, which was causing the starter to fail to disengage. I replaced the key switch, and it fixed the issue. I nearly drove myself insane before I figured it out.

[@davidholder3207]

Well the broken conrod was a surprise. I'm thinking this genny was running and slipped/knocked into a trench/hole that had water at the bottom.. The impact was taking by the muffler and the motor gulped in some H2O causing it to hydraulic.

[@arlodewald5378]

I have worked really hard for a good position of my life . Had very little supervisory jobs , most of the time I was right beside working with people that was to be teaching or supervision . Were I'm going with this is . That's it educational and entertaining to watch someone James . He does an excellent job of explaining and great quality and work . I would never have a second thought of purchasing anything he has rebuild or repaired .

[@AttilaToth1]

Amazing how a more than 2 hours repairing video could be that entertaining! You are a master on both reparing things and making quality video content. I am deeply impressed!

[@jcondon1]

Thanks 👍

[@AlAmantea]

Well, James, that escalated quickly! I can't believe how good that engine sounded when you ran it with the damage in that cylinder! I never would have guessed there was that much trash in the cylinder! The carnage inside was unbelievable for running on a single cylinder. Even though the seller said it was stored in a shed, that doesn't mean it was all together in the shed or that the shed was watertight.

[@jeffjackelen744]

"I mean - it REALLY got outta hand."

[@bonnielinder9516]

For the amount of dirt, corrosion, rust, and faded paint, there's no question this unit was left outside.

[@robertcochran7103]

Yes I agree with that. I wonder if the seller took both heads off the engine. Then the person reassembled one head on a cylinder, thus protecting it. But the other head was left off the cylinder exposing the cylinder and piston to moisture...and that in turn ruined the cylinder. I kind of wonder how honest the seller was in this case. Did the seller reassemble the head before selling the unit, knowing there was severe rust damage to the cylinder and piston?

[@nickpogoler]

Hey James, a couple of tips that might help your welding projects in the future: Increase your wire feed rate a little, it sounds like it’s too slow. You want it to “crackle” rapidly, not hiss and spit. For doing repairs on super thin material like that you will almost always blow through no matter how low you set the machine, so pulsing the trigger is helpful for those situations. Pulse just long enough for a puddle to be established and then let off, might be something like half a second on, one second off, something like that. I’ve also found that gasless flux core wire can be more forgiving than true mig. Good luck!

[@hoveycorbin5712]

Aloha James... Another interesting and informative video. I am totally surprised that this engine even ran at all with the rusted piston and the broken connecting rod. It sounded pretty good when you started it up and that was amazing. One welding note. When welding thin metal like the rusted and broken muffler, always start on the thicker piece of metal and then go to the thinner metal for just a short time. Only weld in one spot for just a short time and then move to another spot as the previous spot cools. Using a small spot weld technique in one place and then moving to another to let the previous weld cool will allow you to successfully weld very thin pieces. It may take longer, but that technique will allow you to weld thin material without blowing a hole through it when everything gets hot. I am glad you found another unit, and hopefully the engine on it is good enough to power one of the generators. I am anxious to see one together and making power. Good luck on the newer one you just found. Maybe between the two you can make one functional generator that produces very clean power. I look forward to your next video when you work on the 2nd unit. Keep your very interesting videos coming as they are very informative and entertaining. Aloha

[@josdedam]

Was hopeing for another northstar video. Was not really a fail, was very educational, Thank You, Waitinf for nthe next one.

[@dinosaur6756]

I guess the lesson to be learned on this project is to always pull those plugs and/or exhaust manifold out/off and check the cylinders before you start placing orders for parts. I'm honestly surprised you didn't yank the plugs and throw some lubricant down into the cylinders before turning the motor. Perhaps you would have caught the problem earlier. Anyway, another great video. Thanks.

[@jcondon1]

Lesson learned. On multi cylinder engines check each for compression. Usually a problem is very obvious on a single cylinder engine.

[@Ismsanmar]

Well, when you hear how it turns out when he started up and how healthy it sounded, who's gonna check that at that point? It started flawlessly at the first crank.

[@foxwood67]

I wonder if Northern was using Mecc Alte Gen head back then. Good quality brushless heads. They stopped using them some years back. Now Northern is using brushed heads again probably chinesium made . We had a 12k winco for commercial roofing. That had a Mecc Alte head and had just over 2k hours when we sold it. Good stuff

[@78jog89]

And now he's officially a welder, too. Another compelling, amazing, interesting, professional and personable video from the master of small motor/generator repair. Thanks for posting.

[@jcondon1]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Drunklesk]

I bought a NorthStar 6500PPG generator for 300 last year, it has a 9hp Vangauard just needed a carb cleaning and a new fuel line, I also love the tank drain, I wish my other 2 generators had them.

[@johndavies965]

Very interesting look forward to part 2 whenever that may be 👍

[@davidschipsi1316]

For some reason it is hard to tell a two cylinder engine is running on one. I know this and this is a lesson reminder. I did not notice it when running and had no other reason to suspected it. I was very surprised as you were.

[@krzysztofsoja5301]

I was really hoping You would remove the stuck piston to see extend of the damage on a cylinder wall. Thanks for the upload!

[@garyfillmore1440]

I'll be interested in seeing part II. I've had a NorthStar (10kw, 18 hp Honda) for twenty years. Aside from normal good maintenance I've done nothing to it and it runs like a champ. It has never failed me-knock on wood.

[@robertwalter9411]

Awesome video. I've seen those generator heads at the local Northern Tool stores. Expensive but built well. Thanks for the video..

[@67mlb67]

Hope you can find another vangaurd engine. Very interested in seeing this machine come back to life.

[@IsaacSchuler]

generators have always been good buys to fix up and flip for money! after power outages i get plenty rolling through the shop for repair!

[@hamradi0]

I'm in the process of re-building one of these Vanguard Engines (18hp). Can confirm that you have lots of valuable parts. Most valuable ones being the carburetor and camshaft and starter (if it is an OEM one). Great video as always!

[@jcondon1]

Good luck!

[@timd1833]

I still chuckle at the end of your videos & the dog bark. Eager to see the next Vanguard video!

[@dirtroadsailing6418]

I'm looking forward to the part 2 video and see what you can make out of two of these machines. As far as your welding goes, if you have a grinder, you're as good of a welder as most people.

[@krisw8597]

Very similar situation happened to me, but from a Generac. I even ordered parts as well and still was tearing things down, cleaning ect… then found a bad piston and block. I was like 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️, so every time now I purchase a small engine that needs work, I borscope it first… So far I have been lucky since that experience. Just stings some knowing you put all that time in effort into something and comes up as parts… All is good though!

[@lnk4328]

Good judgement comes from experience, but experience comes from bad judgement.

[@berniken6511]

Really glad we have No.2 video to come cos this one is very interesting as all your videos are. Thank you for all the effort that you put in.............................Berni UK

[@chevboy4.813]

I have found placing the whole carb in the heated ultrasonic cleaner and run it for a while helps with disassembly by softening up the gaskets and expanding the 2 pieces.

[@manualdidact]

On the topic of that fuel drain -- inspired by your videos and watching you clean the mess out of fuel tanks, I added exactly that feature to my 7kW generator about a year ago. I can just hang the tube in a fuel jug, open the valve and come back in a half hour or so. Makes it super easy to keep the tank and carb empty.

[@TimHancock-h6e]

Damn James that is a nice machine. I think this is what I want to do as a hobby. Just buy up others people’s genies and restore them. I’ve learned so much from you. I want to thank you for the knowledge you gave given me.

[@billcrystal]

I think you would be a great instructor for Small Engine Repair school. I wish I could’ve listened to your videos and watched your videos 30 years ago or 40 years ago.

[@DoubleE-2250]

Loved the cliffhanger ending, James. Keep 'em coming!

[@OnTheHonda]

“Easy fix or major problem?” 2 h+ video…. Let me take a guess 😂 Excellent video! Learned a lot. 👍🏼

[@piconano]

At least you've got more good parts for your storage. I really like anything made in Japan. Excellent engineers.

[@richardphelan8414]

your two hour videos go by in a flash I get totally absorbed in them as to what you'll find and this one did not disappoint it's still a strange one why that one cylinder was so bad

[@bobharvey4208]

Hi James. I had no interest in engines until I came to your site. Thank you for making it so good and informative. Think this is one of your best, but don't think you did! From a carpenter in England.

[@jesterr7133]

Thank you for taking the time to teach us electrical troubleshooting. It's something most people won't run into very often, so it is difficult for most people to learn on their own. There are very few channels that take the time to do that.

[@magilla9792]

I love the longer videos, even if it probably wasn't meant to be. What a shame, that machine looked like it was a beast. Can't wait for the part 2 with the other NorthStar.

[@landiahillfarm6590]

WOW! That was a roller coaster ride! I'm sorry you didn't get to save this one, I would have loved to see it all come back together. It does speak to my OCD nature to want to clean everything before knowing it's actually worth the time and effort. That said, it sure sounded fine when it ran in the beginning, that's a testament to Toyota engineering that it was able to run AT ALL. And a testament to your thoroughness to inspect it fully when you pulled the plugs, that could have been a dangerous mess if you tried to put any load on that thing.

[@gutsngorrrr]

Wow, that repair went from good to bad, very quickly. But at $100, you have some very valuable spare parts, so still well worth the money.

[@williamfoote2888]

Spoiler alert!

[@MothKeeper]

Too late to warn about a spoiler when your post is below the spoiler after I've already read the spoiler 🤣😂🤣😂🙄🐐

[@fredee8887]

2hr video so I reckon it's got to have major problems! 😅 Rust is man's curse... Great video as always, good luck with part 2 👍🏻

[@jeffclark2725]

I have seen in my area,these monster generators cheap to buy,I picked up a 17k machine had to be moved, good carb cleaning and good to go,thumbs up,great video

[@PaulGadoury]

James, you are a good detective when figuring out what is wrong with these machines. This machine is cool, and you got to the bottom of whats wrong.

[@alanharney5278]

Hard to believe that thing ran at all and didn't shake itself to pieces, with all that carnage. Thanks for the video.

[@francisbarbeau1862]

I await the 2nd Video (part 2)! It's not often I watch ANY Video over an hour(much less a2 hour plus Video) But I watch EVERY Minute of ALL your Video! Great Job, Fantastic content. Keep them coming! Thank you for all your efforts!

[@jcondon1]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@brucejones2354]

​@@jcondon1, we Always enjoy your videos ! ! !

[@98ChevyK1500Z71]

I can't thank you enough for finally working on a Northstar. Very interesting to see the world of the larger units they made. I currently have an 8k PPG, but would love to have the 10k or 13k version. PPG was their base line. IPG (industrial portable gen) was the next step up, giving you additional outlets, and I think an automatic idle when not under load. TFG was their tri-fuel model.

[@ninaevans4501]

James, Me Nina and my other half (Wayne), are most certainly NOT trolls. We realy DO thank you for your videos, and content. Our humour is not always appreciated, this we can understand🫣🫣🫣. But it is just put into comments to raise a little smile when things are tough going. We love you all James, and cannot thank you more for your content. Warmest Regards. Wayne, Nina & Barbara (Ipswich, Suffolk UK) 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❌️❌️❌️❌️❌️🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@jeffreyandreas7514]

Great video Jim! What a surprise that must have been to find that cylinder trashed, what a shame. Glad you found the other generator, looking forward to part two!

[@jcondon1]

Thanks 👍

[@GunfighterWyo]

Think you are thinking of CO (carbon Monoxide). Lots of people have been killed by their generators after hurricanes from CO poisoning. Great job on the generator. I have a Generac 10000EXL which looks almost like this one. It has a 19 hp twin engines.

[@leandrolaporta2196]

I love the sound of that twin vanguard engine, am I the only one? , Sounds amazing!❤

[@BruceBoschek]

When I see "Easy Fix or Major Problem?" I look at the length of the video and then I know whether I should make a cup of coffee or a whole pot. 🙂Ya win some, ya lose some. Thanks for another outstanding video. Have a pleasant and peaceful weekend, Jim.

[@audifreaket]

To remove that mainjet easier i use VDE sloted 1,0x5,5x125mm screwdriver to not strip it out and for the pilot jet i use VDE slotted screwdriver either 0,8x4,0x100 or 0,6x3,5x100. If i am not wrong it is the smaller one. The shape of them fits perfectly into the slot of the jet and the shape of the tip on the screwdriver does not make it forced out of the slot when turning. Thank you for a good channel. I am a mechanic myself with 40 years of experience and 25 of them as small machine mechanic, but i still like to see your videos. Greetings from Finland 🇫🇮!

[@HeavyFCCHeavyFCC-l9m]

Good tip Other than the insolation for electrical work, are these any different than craftsman brand or snapon? Please elaborate about VDE, what it is and a link of we’re to get

[@audifreaket]

Yes, the shape of the tip is totally different

[@karirautio]

And when you make this kind of work, you must have also screw drives with JIS tip (Japan industrial standard). Tip is not the same as Phillips or Posidrive. Terveiset myös Suomesta. Harrastan nyt kolmatta kesää Kymco 4T skoottereiden korjaamista. Ostan viallisia ja korjaan ne. Tähän mennessä olen saanut kaikki kuntoon, 22 kpl. Kari, 72v.

[@jesterr7133]

Maybe this machine was submerged under water at some point. Depending on the position of the piston, that could explain why it got in one cylinder, but not the other. It could also explain why there was so much rust on everything, and it could also explain how mud and debris got behind the flywheel.

[@jimthesoundman8641]

1:00:00 When welding really thin stuff I've found it helps to really jump around, tack weld on one side, tack weld on the opposite side, just keep tack welding on opposite sides. Letting it cool down in between and keeping things as cool as possible seems to help me avoid blowouts.

[@rancelynch6514]

Our maker takes care of us! Another Northstar gen was better than just a Vanguard engine

[@swallowinn4410]

Hello James: You have done it to me again. I kept watching long after I should have been doing some actual work I need to get done. Very interesting. I suggest the unit was flooded at some time. Someone did not remove the spark plugs before trying to start. The hydrolocked piston had the crank shaft fail.that is why very little internal damage. I may be a bit less critical of using less than perfect components than you are. I would drive the bad piston out. Try to hone the bore. Even if it is necessary to go to an oversize piston dimension. Resurface the crank or replace, whichever is most cost effective. Reassemble and see how well the unit performes.No it will not be new. I would estimate it would at least perform above the 85% mark. Very clean power. If I lived near you I would not hesitate to buy it for a fair price as a good working unit knowing the previous repair history. Maybe more valuable to you as a parts unit but this viewer has a soft spot to see the damaged stuff be repaired and go back into service. You do that very well, keep up the good work. This viewer will keep watching and enjoy not doing the work he should be doing.

[@mjg263]

Amazing there was no internal noise or evidence of a blown cylinder, it really did sound pretty good. Equally amazing that you found another one! Great video with lots of very useful information, looking forward to part 2.

[@jesterr7133]

I always shock flywheels off. I have never had much luck with pullers on flywheels. A lot of people don't like it, but it is the most effective method, in my opinion.

[@johnburns5783]

Unlucky James, although I hope to see a return to this project in the near future 👍👍

[@jeromekurtzsr878]

Yes, I agree that did escalate very quickly with this machine very unexpected until the teardown and then we get to see the aftermath of a complete mess. Thank you for another great video James your greatly appreciated.

[@WelpNopeYep]

Tip with welding stuff like that, which you kinda figured out, just tack tack tack it all the way along, dont worry about getting a consistent weld

[@billgeorge7804]

PPG stands for "Pulse Pattern Generator" usually referred to in bench test electronics equipment. This North Star should handle 10000 watts as it's still afvertised on their webpage with specifications. Great video as always James, thank you.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks for the info!

[@jesterr7133]

This machine might have been stored indoors recently, but I think it was definitely stored outdoors for some time, or was stored in an open structure. It was clearly exposed to the elements.

[@coaterdave]

At a distance, the second find looks to be in good shape. Hopefully we will see a combination of the two to make one good viable machine. Looking forward to part two of the North Stars.

[@tkippy]

Be great to see a happy ending to this rebuild

[@mnshp7548]

1:56:00 what a amazing idea, never thought this would ever work, such a great way to do it, thankyou for sharing that trick

[@garyrichards487]

Wow James!! Great video but the engine was like a slow sinking ship. Thanks for spending the time to show everything you did. Maybe you’ll find another block or engine. It was great to see you last night with Ken and Gary. You have a lot of knowledge in these engines and generators. I also like no commercials. Thank you again James!!

[@rackets001]

Wow!! Amazed it was running so smooth at first! Thanks for satisfying all our curiosity by taking it fully apart to see inside! That broken connecting rod just hanging out while its neighbor was busy doing all the work. The fact that the broke rod, nor the pieces inside weren't banging around against anything is pretty wild to me. Then the fact that it appeared the nonstop ignition issue was on that cylinder, when it had nothing going on inside. Crazy!

[@DavidBoggs-h2z]

All kinds of alert bells rang when that rusty plug appeared! Never seen a cylinder damaged that way. What a shame. My thought is the piston rod bolts came undone and laid down in the sump for years while condensation spent a few seasons rusting out the cylinder. The bolts on the good side were also loose. That is a bad sign. Great video!

[@lakediver6388]

Hi James. The 120 v outlets indicate a NEC of about 2013 when the code was changed to allow that the ground could be on top, rather than on the bottom per pre 2013 NEC. That indicates the generator could be about 11 years old. I really like your videos. Thank you for your time and efforts ! Steve

[@jcondon1]

The engine had a date code of 1999. The outlets could have been replaced.

[@robertgad3269]

I have just figured out why I like watching these videos so much: a sense of accomplishment (didn't I just go a great job?), without having to get out of my chair or get my hands greasy!

[@danielburke8350]

Sigh... I had so much to do today, and then James drops a 2 hour video. Oh well, I guess the grass ain't getting mowed!

[@jcondon1]

🤣

[@glennschlorf1285]

James doing a good rebuild again 2hrs... one thing for certain a thoughrow job

[@American_Creed]

Tip on getting the coil bolts loose. They are a flanged bolt. So use the socket and a few good hits with a hammer and they will come loose 👍 Never rung one since

[@rodneyferguson4807]

Just a suggestion when you’re welding. Concentrate your heat on the thicker piece of metal and then pull back a little to connect the weaker piece of metal. The weaker metal takes less heat so you have to get off it quickly. Let the heat from the original thicker piece of metal maintain the heat and transfer to the weaker metal via the wild itself

[@richroman115]

The key to welding thin metal is to only weld spots like your first two welds. You need to keep going around the perimeter until all of the welds touch each other. You're guaranteed to burn through if you try a continuous weld.

[@David-mz3or]

Generator reminds you of the old F-4 Phantom, big, brutally handsome.👍🏻👏🏻✅⭐️🇺🇸

[@michaelhinkle6648]

Those are probably the best engines Briggs ever had. I've got 2 of them my side by side came with one in it and I put right at 2000 hours on my first one. Those engines have a oil galley in the sump and a lot of timss that galley messes up somehow and they leak.

[@GapRecordingsNamibia]

Hi James, to successfully weld that thin of a metal sheet, you will need a tig welder. It has finer control than a mig welder does.

[@kpdvw]

James C;..the undisputed wizard of Generators......!

[@DoubleE-2250]

Agreed! His vids convey so much experience and knowledge. And his patience!

[@dennissmith8199]

James, you do a great job of bringing equipment back to life, I really enjoy your videos. One thing I would suggest would be for you to get a blasting cabinet, even a small bench top unit, as it would make cleaning parts of rust and corrosion a a lot easier , and do a much better job than wire brushing or sanding. By using glass beads, it won't damage even aluminum parts, and leabes a great clean surface. I have a ScatBlast blasting cabinet, and I would be lost without it, it makes cleaning corroded and rusy parts a breeze. Paint adheres much better to the surface too.

[@JMSynthetics]

All things considered, look how much better the quality was back then compared to some of the crap being put out now to save a buck.

[@scottyV1000]

Yes, I noticed the cast valve covers instead of stamped metal they use today.

[@GWNHomestead]

Wow, this video had more emotional ups and downs then a Hollywood blockbuster 😅 And much better too. I nominate James for an Oscar, seeing as he managed not to cry by the end! Sorry for the outcome James, but a huge thank you for uploading and sharing!

[@Steve-O-78]

James, I had an older Generac brand 10,000 watt generator and it also had a Briggs Vanguard 16hp Vtwin and it made it's rated power no problem. The torque rating on this particular Vtwin is ample to supply the rated power. It's not always the horsepower number 👍

[@Rorschach1024]

Split rims on a generator, excellent. Split rims on an airliner, not so much. Three Delta Airlines Maintenence Ops crew learned that the hard way when removing a wheel assembly a week or so ago.

[@HeavyFCCHeavyFCC-l9m]

That’s why wa gotta deflate the tire first. An aircraft tire is a bomb literally if not defused properly. They also have thermal fuses that melt in case the tire catches on fire so they don’t explode (Which would destroy shit big time)

[@HeavyFCCHeavyFCC-l9m]

This is so exciting! And now ya got another Northstar 🎉. I can’t wait to see the newly acquired Northstar and the completion of the old one. My theory on what caused the cylinder wall to rust is that it was not stored top dead center with the valves closed. Humid air cycled in and out of that cylinder as temperatures cycled I’m going to start storing my generators with valves closed/sealed AFTER “dry running” all the moist/humid air out.

[@karirautio]

" it was not stored top dead center with the valves closed." Pistons don't have top dead center at the same time.

[@HeavyFCCHeavyFCC-l9m]

@@karirautio Good point. I forgot it was a 2 cylinder 🤣

[@Ottie193]

I'm amazed at the fact this was running. Well. On 1 cylinder. Was not expecting there to be a blown rod

[@thejivebiscuit]

My favorite of your videos so far. Love the long form content. Thanks for the excellent editing, style, and narration. I watch before bed and always get mad that I fall asleep before finishing!

[@zonie70]

Really too bad on that generator James . What an odd way for an engine to fail , I would have never thought that was the failure . Was a great video to watch , learned many things . And then at the end to find another Northstar ? The planets were in perfect alignment for that to happen ! Will be interesting to see the problems with the second one ! 🌵

[@keitharhurpenny]

I find it refreshing to see a repair video where someone has the wherewithal to throw in the towel. In my younger days I’d be carried away and spend too much time and money trying to justify my decision to buy the unit.

[@DeadKoby]

I remember the Northern catalog coming in the mail back in the 90's. This was really a super generator in its time. Fortunately you bought it at the "very broken" price. Perhaps an appropriate engine will come your way shortly. My brain drifted to a HF predator, but that wouldn't have the tapered shaft for generators...

[@mjpbase1]

James, you've become a wizard at editing. Post production on this video was what. . . 10 hours plus of work? Most enjoyable.

[@jcondon1]

At least

[@DanKoning777]

I'm glad this didn't turn out to be a loss in the end-and that you have a lot of useable parts for what seems to be a very good machine. I'm also looking forward to the next video, and really curious to see just how clean the levels are on such an old generator. Great content as always James. 👍👍👍

[@jcondon1]

Thank you!

[@rwsams]

A long, but excellent video! I can't believe that it ran so well when you first started it. Great work. Thanks.

[@notprovided2823]

A request for change of action: James, no matter the devotion you hold for your partner, wearing jewelry (a wedding band, etc.) while working with electricity or moving parts is an unneeded risk. You can unintentionally get that ring stuck in a tight spot, accidentally weld it if it gets between the positive battery post and the frame, and worse. Your partner should never feel uncomfortable with you removing your band temporarily to preserve your safety. Taking it off does not mean your marriage or devotion is over. But it DOES mean you care enough to not put your partner through the worry and anguish that would accompany your injury or even possible loss of finger. You've not had an accident with it yet, and I hope you never do. Because I really enjoy watching and learning from your videos. You're a winner!

[@helicart]

2+ hours!!. yay. Your vids help me forget the day and get to sleep.

[@dennisolsson3119]

I was thinking just the opposite; Makes my day and helps me forget to go to sleep :)

[@jesterr7133]

You were talking about this generator being rust free, but looking at the texture of the surface when you were cleaning under the battery tray at the beginning of the video, it looked me as if the bottom part around the battery tray had been repainted. The surface was not smooth under some of the areas that still had paint on them. Most of the bottom part of the frame had pitting on it that was clearly visible when I was looking at it in the light.

[@jcondon1]

I noticed the same as I got into it. There was overspray everywhere.

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Glad I’m home from work today and have time to watch this!

[@donmcgimpsey1706]

It's definitely a two-parter for me

[@jcondon1]

You will never guess what I find with this one.

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

@@jcondon1 too bad we have to waste hours and $ just to find out it’s crap!

[@YukonHawk1]

@@KensSmallEngineRepair well said.

[@hamop3]

Not a waste, still a learning experience.

[@alfredocuomo1546]

James I believe all Briggs & Stratton manufactured Vanguard small engines have pressed in steel Cylinders so that damaged can be repaired but I guess the two rods and the machine work may make it cost prohibited. Glad you found the other unit let's hope with two you will be able to get one functional unit. Great video I'll be looking for part two.

[@Ismsanmar]

They are different models. How can he make one from those two????

[@alfredocuomo1546]

@@Ismsanmar I thought it was the same engine, 16 HP VanGuard B&S, what did you see differently..??

[@alfredocuomo1546]

@@Ismsanmar I just went back and re-examined the footage and they are both North Star Pro Series Generators which by their label should be B&S Vanguard powered engines. So I think what I said is feasible.

[@Ismsanmar]

​@alfredocuomo1546 Maybe the 13HP Honda engine? Or the 8000 PPG on the control panel?

[@alfredocuomo1546]

@@Ismsanmar well I must have missed the Honda engine than the power heads won't be compatible either then, good eye I didn't see that on my old laptop with my old eyes but I'll go back at take a third look, thanks.

[@geno929]

Love your calm demeanor and attitude! Your attention to detail is amazing! Hopefully the next NorthStar Generator project will be a better fix!

[@notprovided2823]

Beautifully analyzed & performed. As always. Thank you, James. Your work is exemplary, and highly appreciated for its educational AND entertainment value!

[@stagewait]

Rather than thinking of it as "resorting to violence", I prefer to use the term "percussive engineering".