Problems Starting an Elecric Generator

[MNBobcat]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

What??

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

 

[Bob Rooks]

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]

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."]