Generator problems

I have a generator with a Honda Engine. My problem is with the engine.  Once a year I start the thing up and run it for a few hours.  This year it didn’t start.  The recoil won’t pull. The electric start moans. Yes the battery is NOT the issue.   It has plenty of oil.  It is kept in the barn.   Any ideas before I take it to a pro?

Is it turning over with the electric starter?

Howdy,

If you haven'f done this, I would try...take out spark plug(s), squirt some oil into cyl.(s) turn engine over with pull cord, if that seems easy, use the electric starter. Put plug(s) back in and see if there is a difference when you pull the cord. If it seems normal do it with the elec. starter. Can also look for spark with plug out and plug grounded against metal part of engine, away from spark plug opening.

I like Randal's excellent advice. The cylinder may be lightly siezed from sitting, especially if it happens to land at certain points in the cycle. I would use a little ATF, but not much; it has amazing penetration powers.

I find that a small engine needs to be started every 3 months to lubricate, blow off moisture, and generally be reliable.

We utilize numerous gennies on the homestead, and the folks in this forum know everything:

https://www.powerequipmentforum.com/forums/generator-forum.9/

Post over there, and you'll have all the diagnostic help needed ...

Warning ... you'll lose a few days/weeks/months of your life to reading all the existing threads, if you search through them (which I highly recommend). Kind of like this site ...

Warning ... you'll lose a few days/weeks/months of your life to reading all the existing threads, if you search through them (which I highly recommend). Kind of like this site ...

LOL!

Hi Douglas,

Thanks for the excellent advice. I called the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms like you advised. They seemed a little confused as to why I was calling them. But the gentleman I spoke to was real nice. He suggested that I try automatic transmission fluid.  That seemed to do the trick.

Better than suggesting you shoot the thing and go drown your sorrows.

John F Dean wrote:Hi Douglas,

Thanks for the excellent advice. I called the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms like you advised. They seemed a little confused as to why I was calling them. But the gentleman I spoke to was real nice. He suggested that I try automatic transmission fluid.  That seemed to do the trick.

Excellent! You caught them on a good day. It also helps to offer doughnuts.