Problems Starting an Elecric Generator

rpeter · Sep 13, 2013

I was just given a 13 HP Electric start Electric generator. The man that owned it said he always had trouble starting it. I find that it starts fine when it is cold. Start it cold it runs fine; turn it off wait 30 seconds; start it and it runs fine. However; if you start it and run it for say an hour....... then turn it off and you can not get it to start again......until it has completely cooled down. Anyone got any suggestions?

murphy1244 · Sep 13, 2013

I say Vapor lock on the gas or bad coil.

whistlepig · Sep 13, 2013

Take your gas cap off. The vent may be plugged on the cap.

V1Rotate · Sep 13, 2013

What kind of unit is it?
Do you know what brand of engine it has?

rpeter · Sep 13, 2013

Thanks for all the quick replies......
I had thought of a vapor lock but did not know what might be causing it.
This is a "Chicago Electric Generator". It is a Chinese manufacture sold by Harbor Freight. But hey it was free

The engine is Chinese ..... Lifan is the manufactures name

I will try " hot start with the gas cap off.

Thanks again.

V1Rotate · Sep 14, 2013

It's possible that you have an ignition problem. After you have run the generator for a while, shut it down and see if it will start. If it doesn't, pull the spark plug out and see if you are getting any spark.

Bob Rooks · Sep 14, 2013

V1Rotate said:
It's possible that you have an ignition problem. After you have run the generator for a while, shut it down and see if it will start. If it doesn't, pull the spark plug out and see if you are getting any spark.

I concur. Do you know if it has an electronic ignition system? It sounds like the capacitor (condenser) or high tension coil is breaking down from just engine heat.

Travelover · Sep 14, 2013

You can also remove the air cleaner and shoot a little gasoline into the carburetor throat. If it runs for a few seconds on the gas you shot in, then gasoline is not getting to engine. If gas if getting to the carburetor (gas in bowl), then crud may be getting pulled up to block main jet.

Also check for spark as has already been suggested.

IkeRoberts · Sep 14, 2013

Make sure the cooling fins are all clean. If it gets hot enough, when you shut it off, the gas in the carb starts to evaporate.

rpeter · Sep 16, 2013

I tried leaving the gas cap off and that did not help. Looks like the next is to take off the air cleaner and then the spark plug.

Thanks again for the help!!

MNBobcat · Oct 4, 2013

Try a new spark plug. The plugs that come with those engines are junk. Its recommended on a brand new Chinese engine that you throw the plug away and replace it before you ever start it. They're that bad.

If its a resistor plug, they can actually be bad internally and affected by heat. Its worth a shot and a cheap fix if that was the problem.

rpeter · Oct 8, 2013

Tried the spark plug and that was no help. Am having trouble finding anything to "insulate the gasline to keep it cool.

If it is the condenser how can I check that?

V1Rotate · Oct 8, 2013

I don't know a lot about Chinese engines but usually the ignition system is located behind the flywheel. That engine might have an old style ignition with a set of points and condensor or it might have an electronic ignition system.

Bob Rooks · Oct 9, 2013

rpeter said:
Tried the spark plug and that was no help. Am having trouble finding anything to "insulate the gasline to keep it cool.

If it is the condenser how can I check that?

Is the gasoline getting hot? Beyond the point where it flashes into vapor? I seriously doubt it. You will have to remove the flywheel to expose the high tension ignition coil, contact points (if equipped) and capacitor (condenser). Be careful removing the flywheel so it doesn't get distorted. There may be puller bolt holes in it. Note: Don't use the puller bolt holes as jacking bolts, use the correct type of puller.

Jimbrown · Oct 9, 2013

Next time it will not start try this run some cold water on to the carb for two three minutes. If it starts it is not ignition and probably just vaporizing the gas in the carb.

SPYDERLK · Oct 9, 2013

Darn. ...I was hoping this would have been solved by now. Im with the people saying its spark due to a heat affected component. Easy check ... See if the engine has spark when it wont start.
larry

Bob Rooks · Oct 9, 2013

Jimbrown said:
Next time it will not start try this run some cold water on to the carb for two three minutes. If it starts it is not ignition and probably just vaporizing the gas in the carb.

What??

SPYDERLK · Oct 9, 2013

Bob Rooks said:
What??

He should try things at random rather than in a systematic manner eliminating the easiest to detect causes 1st. :wink:

Bob Rooks · Oct 9, 2013

SPYDERLK said:
He should try things at random rather than in a systematic manner eliminating the easiest to detect causes 1st. :wink:

The logic escapes me of pouring cold water on a cold engine, that's all. It's like carrying coal to Newcastle. Is this not just a simple one cylinder air cooled gasoline engine that can be replaced with a new one for about $150.? :licking:

SPYDERLK · Oct 9, 2013

On the carb. Trying to see if its vapor lock. A non definitive test of an unlikely thing. ... Is it getting gas into the cyl, is there compression, is there a spark? [per OP - "There is no expedient to which a man will not resort to avoid the real labor of thinking."]