Posted by clare on February 5, 2015, 2:36 am
On Wed, 04 Feb 2015 19:50:22 -0500, Martin Riddle
>On Fri, 23 Jan 2015 12:33:35 -0500, jaugustine@verizon.net wrote:
>
>>Hi,
>>
>> I bought a new Champion 3000 watt generator (model 46595) at Lowes on
>> Dec 22 2014. After I filled with gasoline and added the oil, I was able to
>>start the generator with just one pull of the cord. Note: I keep the
>>generator in the shed, and the temperature was very mild, around 50 degrees.
>>
>> I ran the generator for 1 hour, and followed the procedure in the
>>instructions manual for shutting it down (close the fuel valve and let the
>>generator run until it stops). Note: I also bought Stabil and added the
>>proper dose to the gas tank (3.8 capacity).
>>
>> Exactly one month later, I went to the shed and moved the generator to
>>the same location, which is level, where I ran it the first time.
>>Note: No load on generator. The temperature was about 34 degrees.
>>I had to pull several times before I was able to get the generator to start.
>>Note: I know about putting the choke in the proper position and turning on
>>the ignition switch.
>>
>> Due to the location of the pull cord, I have to kneel and pull the
>>cord sideways (awkward). I am thinking about adding a pulley for the cord so
>>I can stand up to pull the cord. This will allow me greater pulling thrust
>>(like my lawn mower).
>>
>> Has anyone else have this same experience?
>>
>> Thank You in advance, John
>
>Have you checked the plug gap?
>Also check the choke to see if it is closing enough.
>
>CHeers
Worst case scenario you do like I have done on my snowblower. I
drilled a 1/8" hole in the airbox, and one little whiff of starting
fluid starts it on the first turn. I glued the little red tube into
the nozzle of the can and I keep itr on the shelf beside the door in
the shed where the blower is parked.
Posted by jaugustine on February 9, 2015, 6:25 pm
>
>Have you checked the plug gap?
>Also check the choke to see if it is closing enough.
>
>CHeers
Hi,
After my last post, I removed the spark plug and checked
the gap. It was .032 inch. The instructions manual specifies ".028 - .031".
I adjusted the gap to .030 inch.
I also checked the choke after I removed the air filter. It is closed
with the "choke" position of the lever, and it is open with the "Run"
position of the lever.
I also thought about buying starter ether (spray can), but I
have to remove the air filter cover and the "foam" air filter in
order to spray the ether into the engine via the open choke
port.
Later this week, I plan on trying to start the cold generator.
I don't have high hopes that the spark plug gap adjustment is
going to make a big difference, but I hope I am wrong.
BTW:
Brian (Champion support) said I could pull on the recoil starter
rope up to 3 times with the lever in "choke" (closed) position, but not to do
it more than 3 times due to flooding the engine.
Thanks for your suggestions, John
Posted by jaugustine on February 12, 2015, 9:48 pm
> After my last post, I removed the spark plug and checked
>the gap. It was .032 inch. The instructions manual specifies ".028 - .031".
>I adjusted the gap to .030 inch.
>
> I also checked the choke after I removed the air filter. It is closed
>with the "choke" position of the lever, and it is open with the "Run"
>position of the lever.
>
> I also thought about buying starter ether (spray can), but I
>have to remove the air filter cover and the "foam" air filter in
>order to spray the ether into the engine via the open choke
>port.
>
> Later this week, I plan on trying to start the cold generator.
>I don't have high hopes that the spark plug gap adjustment is
>going to make a big difference, but I hope I am wrong.
>
> BTW:
>
> Brian (Champion support) said I could pull on the recoil starter
>rope up to 3 times with the lever in "choke" (closed) position, but not to do
>it more than 3 times due to flooding the engine.
>
UPDATE:
Today (02-12-15), I went to the shed (temp 33 degrees F.) where
generator is located.
Even with the choke closed for 3 pulls, the engine gave no
sign of trying to start, not even a "sputter". I kept the choke
closed for a couple more pulls, nothing. I open the choke a little
then tried again, nothing. I closed the choke and tried again,
nothing.
I couldn't smell any gas fumes which is usually a sign of a
flooded engine(?), but since it is cold, maybe fumes don't happen
as quick?
After a small waiting period, incase the engine is flooded,
I was finally able to get the engine to start. Note: I am trying
to learn a procedure for starting this when it is cold.
Cold Starting Procedure so far (subject to change):
Pull (recoil start) 5 to 7 pulls with choke completely
closed. Wait about 3 to 5 minutes, then try again.
If anyone has a better procedure, please let me know.
Thank You in advance, John
Posted by jaugustine on February 13, 2015, 4:22 pm
>> UPDATE:
>>
>> Today (02-12-15), I went to the shed (temp 33 degrees F.) where
>> generator is located.
>>
>> Even with the choke closed for 3 pulls, the engine gave no
>> sign of trying to start, not even a "sputter". I kept the choke
>> closed for a couple more pulls, nothing. I open the choke a little
>> then tried again, nothing. I closed the choke and tried again,
>> nothing.
>>
>> I couldn't smell any gas fumes which is usually a sign of a
>> flooded engine(?), but since it is cold, maybe fumes don't happen
>> as quick?
>>
>> After a small waiting period, incase the engine is flooded,
>> I was finally able to get the engine to start. Note: I am trying
>> to learn a procedure for starting this when it is cold.
>>
>> Cold Starting Procedure so far (subject to change):
>>
>> Pull (recoil start) 5 to 7 pulls with choke completely
>> closed. Wait about 3 to 5 minutes, then try again.
>>
>> If anyone has a better procedure, please let me know.
>>
>> Thank You in advance, John
>
>Did you wait awhile after turning on the fuel before trying? Wait at least
>several minutes.
>
Hi,
I did wait a little, but not several minutes.
IMPORTANT:
When I bought this generator (new) on Dec 22, 2014, the
temp was around 50 degrees
Note: This is a gravity feed (gas tank above engine) system.
After I filled the gas tank, I opened the fuel valve, and without
waiting very long (maybe about 15 seconds), the generator started with only
one pull.
QUESTION:
Are you trying to tell me that when it is cold, it takes a while for the
gas to flow down into the carburetor? Please explain.
John
Posted by Vaughn on February 14, 2015, 12:40 pm
On 2/13/2015 11:40 PM, Bob F wrote:
> I've had a few engined that take some time for the fuel to fill the bowl.
Many small engines these days have fuel pumps, even when it appears that
gravity feed would have been sufficient. They are tiny devices, little
more than a lump in the fuel line with a third hose that goes off
somewhere to provide a pressure pulse to make them work. Any engine
that has one might seem hard starting if the fuel bowl is dry, because
it will take several pulls to pump gas to the bowl.
>
>>Hi,
>>
>> I bought a new Champion 3000 watt generator (model 46595) at Lowes on
>> Dec 22 2014. After I filled with gasoline and added the oil, I was able to
>>start the generator with just one pull of the cord. Note: I keep the
>>generator in the shed, and the temperature was very mild, around 50 degrees.
>>
>> I ran the generator for 1 hour, and followed the procedure in the
>>instructions manual for shutting it down (close the fuel valve and let the
>>generator run until it stops). Note: I also bought Stabil and added the
>>proper dose to the gas tank (3.8 capacity).
>>
>> Exactly one month later, I went to the shed and moved the generator to
>>the same location, which is level, where I ran it the first time.
>>Note: No load on generator. The temperature was about 34 degrees.
>>I had to pull several times before I was able to get the generator to start.
>>Note: I know about putting the choke in the proper position and turning on
>>the ignition switch.
>>
>> Due to the location of the pull cord, I have to kneel and pull the
>>cord sideways (awkward). I am thinking about adding a pulley for the cord so
>>I can stand up to pull the cord. This will allow me greater pulling thrust
>>(like my lawn mower).
>>
>> Has anyone else have this same experience?
>>
>> Thank You in advance, John
>
>Have you checked the plug gap?
>Also check the choke to see if it is closing enough.
>
>CHeers