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Home > Archive > Alternative Power sources > June 2005 > Trouble shooting my Gen.
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| Author |
Trouble shooting my Gen.
|
|
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| Homelite Generator.LR 4400
Briggs & Stratton 8 HP. Engine.
About 5 years old with little use.
This Generator has gotten me through 2 Power outages from Hurricanes.
Also helped 2 neighbors with emergency power.
I start the Gen. about once a month and run it for 15 or so min, under load.
Yesterday I pulled the cord and gas began to run out of the Air filter.
I am an old retired guy on fixed income, so if I can fix it myself that
would be great.
Any help would be appreciated.
Best,
Sam
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| Ignoramus11275 2005-06-24, 6:25 pm |
| On Fri, 24 Jun 2005 13:09:10 -0400, Saml <sam.w1@cox.net> wrote:
quote:
> Homelite Generator.LR 4400
>
> Briggs & Stratton 8 HP. Engine.
>
> About 5 years old with little use.
>
> This Generator has gotten me through 2 Power outages from Hurricanes.
>
> Also helped 2 neighbors with emergency power.
>
>
>
> I start the Gen. about once a month and run it for 15 or so min, under load.
>
>
>
> Yesterday I pulled the cord and gas began to run out of the Air filter.
>
have you tracked the source of the leak? Could it be that some gas
line rotted?
i
quote:
>
> I am an old retired guy on fixed income, so if I can fix it myself that
> would be great.
>
> Any help would be appreciated.
>
> Best,
>
> Sam
>
>
>
>
--
| |
| fcrumpler@cityofsunrise.org 2005-06-24, 6:25 pm |
| >From my past experience with small engines (moderate).
I would bet that the float or the needle valve it controls is stuck in
the up position. This would account for the gas flowing through the
needle valve into the carb. body.
good luck
Ignoramus11275 wrote:
quote:
> On Fri, 24 Jun 2005 13:09:10 -0400, Saml <sam.w1@cox.net> wrote:
>
> have you tracked the source of the leak? Could it be that some gas
> line rotted?
>
> i
>
>
>
> --
| |
| Vaughn Simon 2005-06-24, 6:25 pm |
|
<fcrumpler@cityofsunrise.org> wrote in message
news:1119635555.647715.101300@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
quote:
> I would bet that the float or the needle valve it controls is stuck in
> the up position. This would account for the gas flowing through the
> needle valve into the carb. body.
>
I have seen both the rotted fuel line suggested by Ig and the stuck needle
valve suggested by fcrumbler. Both are easy to fix.
Vaughn
| |
| Ignoramus11275 2005-06-24, 6:25 pm |
| On Fri, 24 Jun 2005 19:11:19 GMT, Vaughn Simon <vaughnsimonHATESSPAM@att.net> wrote:
quote:
>
><fcrumpler@cityofsunrise.org> wrote in message
> news:1119635555.647715.101300@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> I have seen both the rotted fuel line suggested by Ig and the stuck needle
> valve suggested by fcrumbler. Both are easy to fix.
I had a rotted line on my military surplus powerwasher:
http://igor.chudov.com/projects/powerwasher/
i
| |
| Ed Earl Ross 2005-06-24, 11:25 pm |
| Vaughn Simon wrote:
quote:
> <fcrumpler@cityofsunrise.org> wrote in message
> news:1119635555.647715.101300@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>
>
> I have seen both the rotted fuel line suggested by Ig and the stuck needle
> valve suggested by fcrumbler. Both are easy to fix.
It is illegal to shoot any General. You must mean troubleshooting
--
Humbly--Ed
"If the man doesn't believe as we do,
we say he is a crank, and that settles it.
I mean, it does nowadays, because now we
can't burn him." (Mark Twain)
| |
| Gordon Richmond 2005-06-25, 4:25 am |
| I agree with fcrumpler that a stuck float valve will cause this
problem. I own an old generator, also with an 8 HP Briggs engine. It
has a float-type carburetor, and a gravity-feed fuel tank, so a stuck
float valve will cause a flood of fuel out the air intake. It ALSO has
a fuel shut-off valve, and if your generator is similar, it should
also have a shut-off.
If there is in fact a shut-off valve, simply close it, and start and
run the generator until it uses up all the fuel in the carburetor bowl
and stalls. This causes the float to drop to its lowest position. With
any luck, the piece of debris that held the float valve open will be
dislodged, or will be washed out by the inrush of fuel once you
re-open the shut-off valve.
The above procedure has worked for me with several carbs in
small-engine and automotive applications. Costs nothing to try it.
If doing this a couple of times does not clear the problem, you will
have to disassemble the carb. If it is the updraft style of Briggs
carb like mine, be sure that you remove the main mixture screw AND the
long thin brass tube behind it before attempting to remove the float
bowl!
Hope this helps,
Gordon Richmond
| |
|
| Many thanks for the info, Gordon.
That is a good Idea and I will try it .
It looks like my Carb. is held on by two bolts that have what looks like
male Torx ends on them.
I have never had this carb. Off, and am wondering if I have to pull these
two bolts to remove it.
If so, is there a special tool that I should use?
Best,
Sam
"Gordon Richmond" <richmond@telusplanet.net> wrote in message
news:ceqpb1946vv9f1475olldu7j6cq39h8g71@4ax.com...
quote:
>I agree with fcrumpler that a stuck float valve will cause this
> problem. I own an old generator, also with an 8 HP Briggs engine. It
> has a float-type carburetor, and a gravity-feed fuel tank, so a stuck
> float valve will cause a flood of fuel out the air intake. It ALSO has
> a fuel shut-off valve, and if your generator is similar, it should
> also have a shut-off.
>
> If there is in fact a shut-off valve, simply close it, and start and
> run the generator until it uses up all the fuel in the carburetor bowl
> and stalls. This causes the float to drop to its lowest position. With
> any luck, the piece of debris that held the float valve open will be
> dislodged, or will be washed out by the inrush of fuel once you
> re-open the shut-off valve.
>
> The above procedure has worked for me with several carbs in
> small-engine and automotive applications. Costs nothing to try it.
> If doing this a couple of times does not clear the problem, you will
> have to disassemble the carb. If it is the updraft style of Briggs
> carb like mine, be sure that you remove the main mixture screw AND the
> long thin brass tube behind it before attempting to remove the float
> bowl!
>
> Hope this helps,
>
> Gordon Richmond
| |
| JoeSixPack 2005-06-27, 6:25 pm |
|
"Saml" <sam.w1@cox.net> wrote in message
news:i0nve.21551$FP2.3953@lakeread03...
quote:
> Many thanks for the info, Gordon.
>
> That is a good Idea and I will try it .
>
>
>
> It looks like my Carb. is held on by two bolts that have what looks like
> male Torx ends on them.
>
> I have never had this carb. Off, and am wondering if I have to pull these
> two bolts to remove it.
>
> If so, is there a special tool that I should use?
>
> Best,
>
> Sam
Chances are, the stuck float will loosen up without disassembly, but the
problem may re-occur unless overhauled properly. Gasoline can gum up if
left sitting too long. De-gumming additives could be tried. If the fuel
line is deteriorated, a replacement piece may be easily attached with
minimal disassembly.
| |
| Vaughn Simon 2005-06-27, 6:25 pm |
|
"JoeSixPack" <olegp@telus.net> wrote in message
news:9PXve.97378$tt5.27836@edtnps90...
quote:
>
> "Saml" <sam.w1@cox.net> wrote in message
> news:i0nve.21551$FP2.3953@lakeread03...
>
> Chances are, the stuck float will loosen up without disassembly, but the
> problem may re-occur unless overhauled properly. Gasoline can gum up if
> left sitting too long. De-gumming additives could be tried. If the fuel
> line is deteriorated, a replacement piece may be easily attached with
> minimal disassembly.
You probably should take this to some small engine board for a better
answer, someone there may know your specific engine/carb. It is very
possible that you do not have to take the carb off at all, just remove the
float bowl and figure out why the float is stuck. There are typically three
parts in there, a float, a pivit pin and the valve stem itself. It is
entirely possible that the float is stuck to the bottom of the float chamber
in some gummy old gas. In that case, a simple cleaning will do the trick.
In rare cases it can be fixed with just a judicious rap on the side of the
float bowl.
Vaughn
quote:
>
>
| |
| SteveJ 2005-06-27, 6:25 pm |
| I know the problem, its a
Briggs & Stratton
"Vaughn Simon" <vaughnsimonHATESSPAM@att.net> wrote in message
news:XCYve.364367$cg1.279361@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
quote:
>
> "JoeSixPack" <olegp@telus.net> wrote in message
> news:9PXve.97378$tt5.27836@edtnps90...
>
> You probably should take this to some small engine board for a better
> answer, someone there may know your specific engine/carb. It is very
> possible that you do not have to take the carb off at all, just remove the
> float bowl and figure out why the float is stuck. There are typically
> three
> parts in there, a float, a pivit pin and the valve stem itself. It is
> entirely possible that the float is stuck to the bottom of the float
> chamber
> in some gummy old gas. In that case, a simple cleaning will do the trick.
> In rare cases it can be fixed with just a judicious rap on the side of the
> float bowl.
>
> Vaughn
>
>
>
>
| |
|
| Thanks again everyone, for all the suggestions.
Will give them a try.
Sam
"Vaughn Simon" <vaughnsimonHATESSPAM@att.net> wrote in message
news:XCYve.364367$cg1.279361@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
quote:
>
> "JoeSixPack" <olegp@telus.net> wrote in message
> news:9PXve.97378$tt5.27836@edtnps90...
>
> You probably should take this to some small engine board for a better
> answer, someone there may know your specific engine/carb. It is very
> possible that you do not have to take the carb off at all, just remove the
> float bowl and figure out why the float is stuck. There are typically
> three
> parts in there, a float, a pivit pin and the valve stem itself. It is
> entirely possible that the float is stuck to the bottom of the float
> chamber
> in some gummy old gas. In that case, a simple cleaning will do the trick.
> In rare cases it can be fixed with just a judicious rap on the side of the
> float bowl.
>
> Vaughn
>
>
>
>
| |
| Mark & Mary Ann Weiss 2005-06-29, 4:25 am |
|
"Gordon Richmond" <richmond@telusplanet.net> wrote in message
news:ceqpb1946vv9f1475olldu7j6cq39h8g71@4ax.com...
quote:
> I agree with fcrumpler that a stuck float valve will cause this
> problem. I own an old generator, also with an 8 HP Briggs engine. It
> has a float-type carburetor, and a gravity-feed fuel tank, so a stuck
> float valve will cause a flood of fuel out the air intake. It ALSO has
> a fuel shut-off valve, and if your generator is similar, it should
> also have a shut-off.
I too have a spare generator with an 11HP Briggs & Stratton engine, and
since it was new, it always leaked gasolene under the carb. There's an
opening in the intake manifold with a pourous bronze filter there that leaks
like a sieve when the generator is stopped. Why the designer chose to put
this filter on the bottom side, where gravity would cause fuel to lay, is
beyond me. It's an annoying problem about this particular genset.
--
Best Regards,
Mark A. Weiss, P.E.
www.mwcomms.com
-
| |
|
| First of all, let me thank everyone that took the time to post possible
cures for my Gen.
Each post was appreciated.
Gen. is back on line, and none too soon, as the Hurricane season approaches.
Having done the removal of the Carb, and cleaning out the Crud that had
built up, I will be able to tell anyone how I solved the problem, with the
help of this NG, and all the good advice posted.
Thanks again.
Sam
"Saml" <sam.w1@cox.net> wrote in message
news:A6Xue.18177$FP2.5463@lakeread03...
quote:
> Homelite Generator.LR 4400
>
> Briggs & Stratton 8 HP. Engine.
>
> About 5 years old with little use.
>
> This Generator has gotten me through 2 Power outages from Hurricanes.
>
> Also helped 2 neighbors with emergency power.
>
>
>
> I start the Gen. about once a month and run it for 15 or so min, under
> load.
>
>
>
> Yesterday I pulled the cord and gas began to run out of the Air filter.
>
>
>
> I am an old retired guy on fixed income, so if I can fix it myself that
> would be great.
>
> Any help would be appreciated.
>
> Best,
>
> Sam
>
>
>
>
| |
| Gordon Richmond 2005-06-29, 6:25 pm |
| Sam,
I am pleased to hear that you got it running again. One good tip:
after you have done using it, drain the fuel tank, and run it until it
consumes all the fuel in the carburetor and quits. That way, you avoid
having fuel standing in the carb and fuel tank, to slowly evaporate
and leave behind gummy deposits. If your genset has a fuel shut-off
valve, there is a product called Sta-Bil which you can add to the fuel
which retards its deterioration in storage. If you choose to use that,
add it to the fuel in the quantity indicated on the product container,
and keep the fuel tank FULL. But I would still close the fuel shutoff
and run the carb dry.
Gordon Richmond
| |
| m Ransley 2005-06-29, 11:25 pm |
| A sticking float can let in enough gas to completely fill the motor and
cylinder with gas. Be sure you check your oil, if it is overfull drain
it as it is contaminated with gas and wont lubricate, you could ruin
your motor. Best is run tank dry for storage and be sure you have a fuel
filter, many units dont have a filter. My friends gen would not pull at
all, he thought it seized, we removed the plug puled the rope and
gasolene shot out 15 ft, the float stuck and it took 2 changes of oil to
get all the gas out
| |
|
| Many thanks for the additional info.
Best,
Sam
"m Ransley" <ransley@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:24380-42C32353-135@storefull-3132.bay.webtv.net...
quote:
> A sticking float can let in enough gas to completely fill the motor and
> cylinder with gas. Be sure you check your oil, if it is overfull drain
> it as it is contaminated with gas and wont lubricate, you could ruin
> your motor. Best is run tank dry for storage and be sure you have a fuel
> filter, many units dont have a filter. My friends gen would not pull at
> all, he thought it seized, we removed the plug puled the rope and
> gasolene shot out 15 ft, the float stuck and it took 2 changes of oil to
> get all the gas out
>
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