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Generac C4000 generator won't start

Discussion in 'General' started by Phl218, May 28, 2014.

  1. Phl218

    Phl218 .

    So i got this gen. from my co-worker , he said it's been sitting for a few years. Last time it fired up / bout 2 years ago.

    The guy is our maintenance mechanic, so i trust him and don't think he's just trying to get rid of some old crap ...

    before starting, i changed the oil, the fuel filter and cleaned the fuel lines, put sea foam in the (new) fuel. was dry before.

    won't start. (switch on, fuel running, choke on)

    took off the carb, blew through all holes with air, drizzled fuel into the cylinder... won't start.

    checked for spark, couldn't see any. measured the voltage on the plug when pulling - 2.0 V max (can that be?)

    got a new plug, no spark.


    tried it with starter fluid, nothing...

    so what could it be?


    will bring it to a repair shop later to look at it, thought i'd try the beeb first...

    :bow:
     
  2. motomadman217

    motomadman217 Well-Known Member

    yup wont start without a spark
     
  3. cajun636

    cajun636 Honda Junkie.

    get someone else to pull the string while you are checking for spark in a darkish area. Esp if you have starter fluid
     
  4. Phl218

    Phl218 .

    darkness might be the key to see ...

    how are the ignitions built on these ? rectifier and coils, right, like anything else...

    i might run into the problem of no more spares ...

    might have to solder a new diode in then ...
     
  5. notbostrom

    notbostrom DaveK broke the interwebs

    just hold the plug wire while someone tries to start it.. no need for darkness :')
     
  6. Phl218

    Phl218 .

    dropped it off at a generator repair location that also carries the brand from tiny to huge...
    first question was how old it was ... any service fee is still cheaper than buying such a thang.

    thanks guys
     
  7. Phl218

    Phl218 .

    thread resurrection

    got the gen back from the repair place, they installed new magnetos ($180)
    and it ran.

    once.

    now they're quoting me a new carb. ($350) LOL

    anyone ever converted these to EFI?

    i know megasquirt sells a kit for small engines, but that's like 600 bucks as well.

    i should be able to put about any carb on it for the size and make sure the governor linkage works out.

    ideas?
     
  8. Dave K

    Dave K DaveK über alles!

    This gun's for hire even if we're just dancing in the dark.
     
  9. Hyperdyne

    Hyperdyne Indy United SBK

  10. IrocRob

    IrocRob Well-Known Member

    I used to have one of these, a 5000 W model and the only thing that
    went bad on it was the oil level sensor. It will keep the engine from
    running if it is low on oil. If it gets stuck for whatever reason, nothing
    else you do will make the thing run. Check into it, see if you have one.
    I disconnected mine and it fired right up. Just have to pay attention
    to the oil level without it.
     
  11. Phl218

    Phl218 .

    thanks,
    i will keep searching for more briggs info, since the gen itsef has just been labeled...
     
  12. mtmansl

    mtmansl Well-Known Member

    Nice!

     
  13. Phl218

    Phl218 .

    :up:

    will try that
     

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