Powermate Pulse Carburetor Cleaning and General Recondition - 1800EX

This Powermate Pulse 1800EX starts and runs but hard to start. I will show you how to clean this carburetor, adjust the engine speed and will replace all the broken or missing hardware to make this generator complete.
Subaru Engine#: EX130D5220907033
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#GeneratorRepair #SmallEngineRepair #SmallEngine #DIY #Fixed #Troubleshooting #HowTo

[@kevinw1797]

I know this is an older video but I have the same exact generator and haven't been able to get it running for years. After watching this video I figured out that the main jet was clogged once I clean that out it was fine. Thank you

[@james4wd236]

Funny story, I have this exact same generator. I was out riding my SXS one day and at the end of some guys driveway was a pile of junk he was throwing away. In the pile was this generator. I picked it up and took it home. I got it home, sprayed some ether in the carb and restrung the pull rope and it fired right up. Found a similar carb on amazon and used it for parts (my carb bowl, float, and float valve where shot). This generator has probably been sitting for 5+ years. Anyways I put it all back together with some homemade gaskets last night and it fired right up. I would like to build some kind of wheel set-up for it. That sucker is heavy!!!!

[@jeffreyhaynes5774]

James i hope you replaced those fuel lines,you don't want any leaks in that little generator.Good job keeping it out of the land fill and in your garage.

[@mgoody8782]

They were actually made in the USA, the later models had the Subaru engine

[@mada94fxr]

James. This is a really rare Powermate with the 4 HP Suburu and 2250 surge watts. 99% are 3.5 HP B&S and 1800 surge. I regret selling mine. Great find. Mark

[@hawaiisrt10]

SUPER HELPFUL!!! But, dont need to pull the basket to get the carb back plate off, can wiggle it off.

[@studydude]

Got the same exact generator, been using it for about 5 Years now for my RV, Good unit. Good Video.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks!

[@royceroller7095]

Got same one,it sat half covered outside for almost 10 years,rats built nest filling with all kinds of crap..took off carb,used a needle to push dirt from tiny clogged hole..fresh gas and fires up first pinky pull every time..use fuel stabilizer to keep fuel fresh.. when not using turn gas flow off and run until carb is out of gas..good little generator

[@popeyeandy959]

I have the Homelite 1800a made in 2008 and it looks like the same thing. My fuel tank leaks a bit of fuel from one of the screws holding the tank on. Now to find a fuel tank for it is the trick.

[@vincentshelpfulhints4085]

Small milk cartons the paper ones works wells too.. they have a coating on them that seals.. fyi just in a pinch i recommend this... we did this for a thermostat housing on a chevy truck along side of the road many years ago,, the truck made it home with no leaks

[@jcondon1]

Yes, worked on a Powermate with a Subaru engine. Someone used a cereal box to make a gasket between the carb and engine. It worked fine.

[@jmonte2811]

Great progress and sequential repair

[@aerotro]

James when you come across metal bent outwards like that just try putting a heavy mass like a brick on the back side and then hit the front with a hammer, the mass of the Brick or heavy material on the backside cannot move fast enough and gives a solid base to beat up against it works every-time, or if you dont have a brick get a very heavy hammer resting on the inside and then beat the bent outwards steel with a smaller hammer on the outside. I used to work in Engineering its a simple method we used.

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

I just picked up one almost identical except it was a Homelite 1850

[@jbkaufman3621]

Just wanted to say thank you, your video helped me get this generator running again

[@er1073]

The secret to your success is WD 40 lol. This Powermate and the one I watched last night were good repairs. This one didn't seem as bad to me. Thank you for sharing your videos with us. Ed

[@jameshedrick6839]

I never did like the foam air filters. I almost always forget to oil them. I've used cereal boxes for gaskets till i could get the right one

[@paulheitkemper1559]

I've had surprisingly good luck bending metal like that by using a couple of pieces of wood or angle iron and a couple of vice grips. Then clamp it down with a C clamp or two. Perhaps in this case, you could've just put some metal behind that blown out hole and crank down with a single C clamp right over the hole. Something to think about for the next time, maybe.

[@PaulHigginbothamSr]

I had one of these for years and kept it on my boat in a plastic bag. I brought it home to renew it and it was stolen from my front porch. At the time I liked it because it turned gasoline into electricity on demand when out at Anchorage. Not sure if mine was a Subaru or not but it looked very similar to this one and was 1800w.

[@rickuyeda4818]

I bought a Powermate Pulse 1750 30 years ago. We're expecting a power outage so I fired her up yesterday and she works fine. However, she's louder than the Predator I just bought.

[@jcondon1]

The Predator is quiet. Just worked on a 3200/4000 watt predator and was surprised at how quiet it was. It does get a lot louder under load.

[@lisahayes1429]

Had the same issue of replacing the pull cord. I found that there were three 1/2" nuts under the gas tank which holds down the frame that the gas tank is mounted to. You can access them from the side and see them on either side of the sparkplug. Back them off about 1/4" which will allow you to lift the tank with a wedge on the starter side to get at the top bolt holding on the starter shroud. That bolt only needs to be backed off three turns to allow the starter shroud to be pulled off. It is a pain but it is better than trying to remove the tank. Cheers.

[@robinmclaren4596]

Gosh that gen set was not looked after but as you say the engine sounds good thanks for your post. .

[@Chris-yy7qc]

16:50 Use two hammers for this kind of job. One heavy hammer behind the metal plate and hit it with a smaller hammer from the other side. Kind of like a hammer and an anvil. That way you could've hammered the dent out precisely and without introducing too much stress into the metal structure. Anyway: As always good job on that generator. Have a nice day. Chris

[@andrewraymond6223]

Gas in the oil. Might want to replace that needle / seat after all.

[@nomadbud4378]

I had a jet hard to come out ,Make sure all the gas is out and lay a soldering iron close to the jet and move it around , It will come out easy

[@spockmcoyissmart961]

I buy the clearish rubber feet for furniture that you screw onto bar stool legs, etc. They work great for small compressors and small generators as replacement rubber vibration feet. Usually sold in 4 packs already.

[@curtisclements2753]

YA A LOT OF PEOPLE HAS JOKED ABOUT A CEREAL BOX AND I ALSO EVEN USED IT TO SET THE GAP FOR THE COIL JUST SAYING WELL TAKE CARE AND STAY SAFE MY FRIEND TILL NEXT VIDEO I HOPE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY AND WEEKEND

[@jcondon1]

A cereal box makes a good gasket as long you cut it properly.

[@juliogonzo2718]

On my old diesel pickup I used an ice cream sandwich box to make a gasket for a connection on the intake manifold. I made sure to cut it so said "ice cream sandwich" the next time someone took it apart :)

[@cockshuttboy20]

I have a 2200 Coleman with the Briggs motor ,would like to find one of these too

[@CajunGreenMan]

You can also make a gasket by gently tapping with a small hammer around the edge of the thing you need a gasket for, then cutting it out. The ball on the peen end can be used for the bolt holes in particular. I like your method also. CAD now stands for Crayon Aided Design, as well as Cardboard Aided Design. lol!

[@mikespain8655]

I make gaskets all the time. Will have to use the crayon tip. Thanks for your methods.

[@PaulHigginbothamSr]

The rubber feet on mine had four suction cups to keep it on an angled deck so kept vibration and noise from the living compartment.

[@offshoreman71]

I know this is an old video but I've found that you bring back the color of the plastics with a heat gun. You might squeeze a few extra bucks out of it without the plastics being faded.

[@johnclarke6647]

I run Pennzoil 10-W30 Platinum in all of my four cycle stuff. It is a good synthetic oil and cheaper than Mobile 1.

[@jcondon1]

I have been using the same recently.

[@dwightosborn8400]

A parts washer would come in handy for this job

[@AquaGreenORAganicsWestLinn]

Bug spray if the heat trick doesn't work. Lasts longer than wd-40. Also if you do the heat trick and it doesn't work right after while the plastic it still warm slso hot hit em with spray paint thin coat it will cause the paint to bond to the plastic and not peal off.

[@bllence7353]

James, I'm a new subscriber, I love your work. I have little experience with small engines and would like info as you talk about how many foot/inch pounds to tighten the various bolts and nuts. Is there a reference you recommend or a rule of thumb? Also, what solution do you use in the ultrasonic cleaner? It is great to see your son having interest, those are the memories the will last forever, God Bless!

[@jcondon1]

Bll Ence thanks. Generally I do not follow manufactures torque settings mostly because they are hard to find. Carburetors I alway torque to 60 inch pounds unless a really small engine then I go with 40 inch lbs. best to go on the light side when dealing with aluminum and plastic. Stator bolts around 80 inch lbs and rotor bolt 25 ft lbs. of coarse all manufactures vary what they recommend. When working on the top or bottom end I try and use the service manual when possible. Otherwise I use recommend torque values for the bolt size and material I am using. For the ultrasonic I use the harbor freight super heavy duty degreaser. I have had good luck as it normally does not damage the rubber gaskets, although sometimes it shrinks them.

[@anthonysimonhough9691]

Another great movie thanks

[@chuckmarkham9303]

Great Job!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@TheDudeVT]

I feel like Husky makes one like that looks exactly like it.

[@jeffersonhenault7444]

I have the exact same Generator. It has been sitting in the sted for 10 years. Now it will only run when fully choked, and it sounds bad. So, I am going to do exactly what you did and see what happens.

[@jcondon1]

Got nothing to lose.

[@jeffersonhenault7444]

@@jcondon1 Just finished, it worked. It went from running really uneven, just raving up and down and only while fully choked, to running smooth as silk, no choke on at all.

[@jcondon1]

@@jeffersonhenault7444 great! Thought for a second you were going to tell me it was now worse. Lol.

[@jeffersonhenault7444]

@@jcondon1 My only issue is the gaskets. I made a really quick set with cardboard, just to get it on there and check. It runs great, but they are not gonna hold. My issue is the one the goes between the carb and the spacer. In the video you never separated those two, and there is a channel on the back side of the carb I am not entirely sure how to deal with. When I took it apart, the entire thing just sorta came apart and shredded what was there. I'll figure it out though.

[@jcondon1]

@@jeffersonhenault7444 good luck.

[@spockmcoyissmart961]

fyi, when working on my work bench, I use 'pee pads' for either humans or pets, (whichever is cheapest) when I work on oily/gasoline oriented machines. they work pretty well to absorb the fluids and keep my work bench clean. they also work pretty well at catching small washers/nuts, etc since they absorb the impact and don't bounce. When items hit my hard work bench, the undoubtedly bounce and roll onto my floor and go somewhere.

[@joshwilcox8008]

What? No ultrasonic carb cleaner footage? 😕 That is always one of my favorite parts.

[@davidbohner692]

I agree

[@dakkotaknight]

I know this is older, but I have the same generator and I'm running into issues. I cannot find what the spark plug is supposed to be gapped at. Any clue? TIA!

[@Kuwaitin08]

Dont use cereal boxes as gaskets! They'll work short term but quickly become a nightmare when exposed to moisture.

[@angiebanister9333]

Are they 4 strock?

[@aboveaveragejoe6291]

Nowadays you should film an oil change, LoL

[@elcomandante9299]

One of my biggest complaints is people who add oil to the air filter. That's a big no no.

[@robertmedlin8943]

On the generator side green and yellow wire where does it plug up to

[@jcondon1]

Robert Medlin sorry, never had to take the generator side apart on one of these. If you send your model number I will take a look at the wiring diagram.

[@michaeldeuso3761]

James on the Coleman pulse ex with robins/Subaru ..mikuni carb yout video shows. My question is can you turn idle down via main jet???I cleaned my carb and runs great but high rpms no load..i backed off governor adjustment and main idle..no prevail..I am pretty sure I couldn't strap it to my back and make it to the moon...lol

[@jcondon1]

Either the governor is broken or it has to be reset. Here is a playlist of videos where I reset the governor to correct that problem. The Honda snow blower video I had to replace the governor :( kzbin.info/aero/PLoj6DvbhMTzuSEHSTUefe2QPXlQKMDRNV

[@jamesbonno4676]

Where do you get parts for this generator?

[@danielhorne6042]

repair a big 10kw 20kw generator or the industrial ones that does many kw

[@EduardoLopez-li9hw]

Any idea on how to find oil leak coming from under

[@jcondon1]

No easy way,. Unless the block is cracked, there are only a couple places it would come from. Most likely the crankshaft seal either on the flywheel side or the generator side. Otherwise it could be the sump gasket maybe caused by a loose bolt. Are you able to locate the general area it is coming from?

[@jimgreen3993]

Just got one of these Subaru's from a neighbor who upgraded. Looks like its missing the air box cover and filter. Any idea where I'd find the cover at least? Part number or else a good website to look? Thanks!

[@jcondon1]

The cover is part# 277-32643-28 and this filter from Amazon should work amzn.to/3GcuYNz

[@us2tohell]

Noticed your using 10w-30 is that safe to use in place of straight 30? Would using synthetic be much more beneficial? (For personal equipment) Thanks

[@jcondon1]

30 is better for warm weather. I use that in my lawn mower. Here it can get to -10 F so I need an oil that can handle all temps. In wether above 80 F it will consume oil faster then just 30 weight so will have to check the oil more often. I also only use 10w-30 synthetic which should be safer.

[@williamwhitehead8362]

I just wondered if we could use that called regular 90 octane in these generators has no alcohol in it?

[@jcondon1]

87 has more power, but no alcohol is the way to go.

[@williamvaughan1218]

Great job considering the somewhat less than optimal attempt of a frame design. Lol

[@darellsunderlin4670]

What cleaning liquid do you use in your ultrasonic cleaner?

[@jcondon1]

I posted the info at kzbin.infoUgybGXqT5ugMPg8eN7l4AaABCQ

[@gregorypierce6703]

great video! what solution and mixture % is it? I had a Subaru and it acted locked up until we drained the oil, I looked at the exploded view for a relief valve and found nothing, is there one? thanks again

[@jcondon1]

Yes, there should be one on that engine.

[@gregorypierce6703]

@@jcondon1 I looked at the parts sheet and it showed nothing, the generator is long gone I just wanted to know if another one becomes available. Thanks again and your videos are awesome

[@solartintz]

I just got one of these with the Subaru engine. Does anyone know the dba?

[@brianheiden6623]

So I just got the exact same one used. Still has old gas in it. Filter is good, I can get it to start after quite a few tries but it dies shortly after. Filter wasn't even dirty hasn't been used much. I'm thinking it's old gas maybe but I also have a hose sticking out the top with a hose clamp coming from a small plastic box inside. I see something capped in there but we're does this hose go? Just trying to keep it running then maybe change the oil and call it a day. Any thoughts?

[@jcondon1]

Brian Heiden that extra hose it on the air box or gas tank? The air box should have a hose running to the valve cover. That is the engine breather. If you have a ventless fuel cap then there may be another hose running from the air box to the gas tank. Sounds like it is starving for fuel and or you have water in the tank/carb. Drain the carb through the bowl by removing the drain plug. Catch what comes out and see if any water. Also turn the fuel valve on. See how fast it comes out the bowl and catch it in a cup to see if any water. Note to not use a styrofoam cup, gas melts it. If flow is good and no water then you will have to pull the carb and either clean it or replace it. That generator also has a low oil shut down so could be low on oil or an issue with that system. Usually the system does not go bad.

[@kevingilles4813]

I got one the other day but can't find out what kind of plug it takes I'm sure it's short shank but can you tell me thanks

[@jcondon1]

If it has a Subaru EX13 engine, then most likely it takes NGK BR-6HS or CHAMPION RL86C

[@kevingilles4813]

@@jcondon1 thank you I just went and got the NJK put in and runs like a new one

[@kevingilles4813]

NGK

[@markkatich5883]

Any ideas on why my Powermate 1800EX is running at full throttle? I took of the carb to clean it because it wouldn't start. After it then sat in my basement for years I decided to put that gasket in and get it running. Now it runs full throttle. The governor does not appear to be working. My 1800EX only has at most 50 hour in use. Please let me know if you have any ideas. By the way video is nicely presented, I gave you a thumbs up and subscribed!

[@jcondon1]

With the generator off, make sure you can manually open and close the throttle plate all the way. Sometimes the throttle plate binds up. Also a lot of times I see people driving the idle set screw in all the way when putting the carb back together. This sets the minimum speed and could also cause this issue. The idle set screw it on top near where the governor attaches to the carb. This generator does not idle so it should be backed way out. Let me know how you make out.

[@markkatich5883]

​@@jcondon1 Thank you for the prompt response and taking the time! FYI The throttle plate, I believe does move freely at least I can move it against the governor spring pressure. What seems odd is that on one start up the RPM seemed to be correct but then when I moved the throttle lever it revved to max RPM and .stayed there otherwise it starts at max RPM. There are two governor springs, one holds the throttle open. I never touched that one. A smaller one is connected to the black throttle lever adjacent to the governor rod.. I guess I'll check the idle set screw. Is that the one right next to the throttle lever? That screw has a black plastic collar and can be turned with two fingers. One more detail, I found a loose nut and bolt right after I ran the unit initially. I should figure out where they came from. The bolt obviously came off the generator. The bolt is maybe 1 1/4' brass looking and the nut is square.

[@markkatich5883]

@@jcondon1 I believe I have determined why my Coleman Powermate 1800EX was running at max RPM. A nut and bolt had fallen off the generator. Initially I did not know where it belonged. I determined that the nut and bolt apparently came off the lever connected to the governor rod on the crankcase. While holding the governor rod fully clockwise and the spring tension holding the lever/throttle fully open, I secured the pinch bolt. On start up the governor did function to control RPM however the RPM now oscillates. Can you advise?

[@claddagh1000]

Are they inverters?

[@jcondon1]

No, brushless.

[@willrobbinson]

morel to story turn off gas pet (tap) when not used !!

[@joehartranft3300]

I have same one I am having a had time finding a carb

[@jcondon1]

They should be available. You have to look on the engine for the Subaru engine number. From there, you can pull up a parts diagram and order what you need. I usually order subaru parts from www.lowtherssmallengine.com. See the picture here for the Subaru EX17 model location kzbin.infoUgwTFq_Xf4Ii_Ryj60J4AaABCQ

[@joehartranft3300]

Thank u

[@james4wd236]

I used this carb. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0796MTZQK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 on amazon and stole the jets, float, float valve, bowl, and bowl seal from it to make mine work. I had to make my own gaskets, but everything works now.

[@Random_How-tos]

I have the exact same generator it does not want to run off of choke it only runs on choke I clean the carburetor multiple times but I can’t figure out what the problem is

[@jcondon1]

Miller’s Hobby Channel most likely the pilot jet is clogged. Try running a wire from a wire brush through the hole on the bottom of that jet. Other things that could cause that include a bad gasket between the carb and engine, restricted fuel flow through the fuel line or the bowl fuel level is too low. The float should be level when you turn the carb upside down. If not then might need a new needle. Sometimes the old carbs do not come back but would say most likely a carb issue. If nothing else works, I think there is a cheap clone option available. Never tried it though so not sure how well it works. The clones are hit or miss.

[@Random_How-tos]

James Condon thank you so much for the suggestions have a great day

[@alext8828]

Did you look at the oil again to see if there was gas in it?

[@jcondon1]

I did not. Tested the float and needle function after cleaning and all was fine. On gravity feed systems the best way to prevent that is use the fuel shutoff.

[@alext8828]

@@jcondon1 Yes. Just curious as to how something like that could happen or is happening. Hope it's not recurring. Good job.

[@ShadowStarchild]

Anyone got a parts list for this generator?

[@jws3925]

inverter generator??

[@jcondon1]

Not this one

[@kan815k]

Did you changed the cracked spark plug cap?

[@jcondon1]

No, I missed that.

[@cbauer72]

Is that a cup holder on top?

[@jcondon1]

Good for holding you beer when tailgating. It actually for spark plug access too.

[@han050]

Hi James , what fluid du you use in the ultrasonic cleaner ? I think i have a similar mashine.

[@jcondon1]

Harbor Freight SUPER Heavy Duty degreaser.

[@han050]

@@jcondon1 thanks👍🏼👍🏼

[@danielcapo1991]

Choke the engine When is cold the first not the second time when the engine is warmer

[@johnsalmon2501]

Great job on a ugly generator, finished generator looks almost new.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks

[@danholmes7039]

Permatex

[@russelltruman7606]

You really need a work table instead of crouching over onto the floor.

[@elcomandante9299]

Work table? Doesn't need one as this is his hobby n not profession.

[@jeffreyhaynes5774]

Why would anyone pay $28.for a piece of foam?

[@jcondon1]

I know, right!

[@deangentles4966]

hi james i think that is the most ugliest gene i have ever seen mate,

[@Absalon68]

Thank you for NOT sharing the torque specs when tightening the bolts back down. And you couldn't seem to Remember that you had to Lift the generator, to Drop the front cover Down and Out, from Behind that frame bar when you removed it. Besides that, your "Cleaning Job" really sucks. The fuel bowl: Geez! Just get a little Merck Acid and dump it in. It eats the rust up in a hurry. You didn't check / change the oil, and apparently you don't know what a Spark Plug is, where it's located, or what it does ether.

[@spaceinvadertoo]

Please get some independent advice on how to handle cameras without making the viewing audience nauseous.

[@twofeathers6540]