Champion 3000 Watt Generator, Hard Starting when Cold - Page 5

 On Wed, 04 Feb 2015 19:50:22 -0500, Martin Riddle


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.

 
     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

    

 
                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

 
   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

 On 2/13/2015 11:40 PM, Bob F wrote:

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.