Generator Won't Start? - Check This First! - Video

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  • čas přidán 22. 07. 2024
  • Generator Won't Start? - Check This First! - Video
    If your generator won't start you may be surprised at what the simple problem may be! In this
    video I show you a common reason why your generator won't start, even if you just stopped it to fuel it up!
    Don’t forget to click the 🔔 to turn on Video Notifications for more money saving videos and tips, featuring all the brands like Stihl, Husky, Husqvarna, Honda, Echo, Tecumseh, Dolmar, Makita, Poulan, Ariens, Yamaha, Briggs and Stratton, Murray, John Deere, Craftsman, MTD, AYP, etc.
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    Easy to follow and thorough step by step tutorials do it yourself (DIY) to help you with your broken lawn and garden equipment including snowblowers.
    I do my best to teach you how to easily diagnose small engine problems the fastest, quickest and most efficient way with real repairs beyond just replacing a spark plug. These tips are for both the homeowner and shop owner.
    Whether it be a handheld, two stroke, two cycle engine like a chainsaw, weed eater, weed wacker, string trimmer, grass trimmer, line trimmer, hedge trimmer, strimmer, brush cutter, leaf blower, or four stroke, four cycle units like a lawnmower, wood splitter, lawn tractor, snowblower, pressure washer, generator or a ride on mower that needs parts installed or replaced, I’m your go-to guy.
    My favorite brands of spark plugs are NGK and Champion and are the ones I recommend.
    I’ve been a small engine mechanic for many decades and also run my own repair shop so my videos are loaded with tips and tricks that I have learned and want to share with you. You will also find many tool and product reviews from top brands on my channel as well.
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  • Jak na to + styl

Komentáře • 312

  • @UR2Compliant
    @UR2Compliant Před 10 měsíci +8

    I live in Northern California, near Lake Tahoe and we survive with generators, wood splitter's and chainsaws! Without this great information, the struggle is real!

  • @erok4124
    @erok4124 Před 3 lety +4

    Nice tip. Love your channel. You’ve saved me tons of time and money in the past few months. I live in NY and get a decent amount of snow. Your snowblower tips were a life saver. Thanks again keep up the good work.

  • @sherrimartin9875
    @sherrimartin9875 Před rokem +1

    Love the no nonsense video and the way you get STRAIGHT to the point unlike most other videos. This was great information. Thank you for being a professional and not trying to be a comedian.

  • @JC-lf8pr
    @JC-lf8pr Před 2 lety +3

    Thank you! We had a situation where we were leaving with our RV to camp with our Champion generator for power but day before leave it would not start. I watched your video, made sure the oil was full, unplugged the sensor and we were able to use the generator for a enjoyable RV trip.

  • @gardenfork
    @gardenfork Před 3 lety +21

    Brilliant short term fix Don - Eric.

    • @donyboy73
      @donyboy73  Před 3 lety +1

      hey Eric, let's do a video chat for your channel soon!

    • @CoreyW75-ck7tf
      @CoreyW75-ck7tf Před 5 měsíci

      @@donyboy73 hey bro. I have the same 4000/2800 champion
      Where are the fuses. It worked other day but then power went out and for some reason, no power from outlets.

  • @biggestoaf
    @biggestoaf Před 2 lety +2

    Really helpful video. Thanks. I couldn't get my generator started. I simply hadn't put enough oil in it but it's really useful to know about the sensor. Now working perfectly. Thanks a lot.

  • @user-km2jl8wq9s
    @user-km2jl8wq9s Před 11 měsíci +1

    I just followed your instructions and now my propane generator started right up. Will pick up a new little sensor device ASAP. Thanks big time!

  • @CALVINLNIKONT
    @CALVINLNIKONT Před 3 lety +4

    Incredible tip! I never knew that it could be that easy to fix. Thankfully, I always check the oil before I start any of my machines.

    • @petersack5074
      @petersack5074 Před 3 lety

      atta boy !! old school methods, are DUMMY PROOF.......peace and safety to you

  • @brianbaker359
    @brianbaker359 Před rokem +2

    Absolutely you can count on Don to provide excellent advice. My Firman generator normally starts on first pull but not today when I really needed it but I pulled and pulled and nothing, no spark whatsoever. I head to CZcams and watch Don’s advice on the low oil sensor being a major factor in a no spark condition. I get down on my knees to check the oil level and notice the oil plug is wet and sure enough it was not snugged down tight and obviously leaked too much oil which I never spotted the leak as it was covered. Topped up the oil and it started first pull.
    Thank you Donny from one of your long time viewers and supporters at Lake Talon, Ontario.

  • @robertweir9034
    @robertweir9034 Před 3 lety +2

    This is very good advice and presented in a very clear way where clarity is easily understood, or should be. I always wondered how the low oil sensor is wired in a machine that is equipped with one. It seems to be wired it series with grounding the spark output and therefore, disconnecting it, takes it out of the circuit. I wonder what a continuity check would show on the sensor.

  • @paulsergojan1541
    @paulsergojan1541 Před 3 lety +45

    Direct, to the point, valuable information. Well done. Much appreciated!

    • @donyboy73
      @donyboy73  Před 3 lety +2

      Thanks Paul, have a great weekend!

    • @Honestandtruth
      @Honestandtruth Před rokem +1

      @@donyboy73 You Always give us Great Tips and thank you and God bless 👍👍

  • @seangalvin2168
    @seangalvin2168 Před 2 lety +1

    Thanks, great video, easy to follow and spot on for the fix.

  • @1kld5mnb
    @1kld5mnb Před rokem

    Hey I'm in sw Florida after hurricane Ian and this video just helped me out so much. The generator wasn't starting after working fine 8 days in a row, I checked the dip stick and it seemed fine but after watching this I figured I might as well top the oil off before taking off the sensor. I put fresh oil in and it started right up.
    Thanks so much for your useful and easy to follow video.

  • @CANA_PR
    @CANA_PR Před rokem +2

    Thank you for this video I’m in Florida today September 28, 2022 and I pull out my old generation and I was frustrated trying to turn it on and I’m less than 40 seconds of this video I was able to find the problem and just adjusted it and… 🎉🎉🎉🎉 it’s on right now 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 3:37pm thanks for your help ❤

  • @janinewiggins-barr2447

    Thank you so much, no muss, no fuss. Appreciated!

  • @jafarhosseinzadeh344
    @jafarhosseinzadeh344 Před 2 lety

    Thank you so much. Amazing explanation and fantastic helpful hints.

  • @luiscastro7204
    @luiscastro7204 Před 2 lety

    Saved me time any money.. removed sensor wire.. started right up.. now to replace sensor.. thank you

  • @paullemay3218
    @paullemay3218 Před 3 lety +7

    Great tip. Thank you for sharing. 🇨🇦❤️

  • @richardmundo9709
    @richardmundo9709 Před 2 lety

    Thank you for taking the time to share

  • @stellarproductions8888
    @stellarproductions8888 Před 3 lety +1

    Excellent tip Don, and you are right. Those low oil shutdown sensors, while great idea and all, sometimes they go out, and leave people scratching their heads for awhile lol. I have a modern Westinghouse 7500-9500 generator, and its even got fancy features like electric start, auto choke, remote start, and emissions control module, as well as the low oil shutdown sensor. lol

    • @foehammer8659
      @foehammer8659 Před 2 lety

      Same here. Westinghouse WH7500E with electric start. Mine will start with the pull cord, but the electric start is dead to the world for some reason. Worked fine and then one day nothing. I can short the starter posts and it turns over as well. I assume this sensor is a likely culprit, but disconnect isn't solving my problem.

  • @petrag.4092
    @petrag.4092 Před 6 měsíci

    Thank you for sharing, the video encouraged me to continue troubleshooting. Success, the problem with ours ended up being a dead battery. All is well, now!!Thank goodness, just in time for the cold days ahead. 🙏👍

  • @481brighton
    @481brighton Před 3 lety

    Thanks Don. Love your videos. You've helped many of us out with your vast knowledge.

  • @StevesSmallEngineSaloon
    @StevesSmallEngineSaloon Před 3 lety +9

    Right on Don! GREAT information...

  • @THEMOWERMEDIC1
    @THEMOWERMEDIC1 Před 3 lety

    Great tip! I’ve seen the actual float inside the engine go bad as well due to lack of maintenance and it gets sludged up and sticks during storage, Especially on Tecumseh and Briggs engines

    • @donyboy73
      @donyboy73  Před 3 lety

      hi Jeremy, have a good weekend buddy!

    • @donyboy73
      @donyboy73  Před 3 lety

      email me at donyboy73@yahoo.com

  • @DoravilleN
    @DoravilleN Před rokem

    Thank you for the direct knowledge I needed this you're a life saver

  • @mike333h
    @mike333h Před 3 lety

    Awesome tip that could prove very handy in a pinch!

  • @beverlyboys73
    @beverlyboys73 Před 3 lety

    Thanks for posting. Great content.

  • @smokymtnrambler
    @smokymtnrambler Před rokem

    Thanks for the great info. I’ve got a brand new one that won’t start. Didn’t try to start it til warranty was expired. Thanks.

  • @nashguy207
    @nashguy207 Před 3 lety

    Great tips in this video Donyboy!!

  • @muddyphins
    @muddyphins Před rokem

    I'm ready for Ian! Thank You!!

  • @kemalouis5630
    @kemalouis5630 Před rokem

    Thanks a lot for this video. I just tried it and it worked. 🙏❤️

  • @martinshannon1339
    @martinshannon1339 Před rokem

    great tip ,Thank you Don!

  • @adrianpoesiat
    @adrianpoesiat Před rokem

    Thank you. Interesting. I’ve got two generators(I’m off grid). They’ve both gone down at once. I’ll run through your suggestions. Merci 😉

  • @patrickscahillii9365
    @patrickscahillii9365 Před rokem

    I just picked one of these up for free and I think this will help, thank you for sharing.

  • @Lord72969
    @Lord72969 Před 2 lety

    Thank you. A very good video. Great advice.

  • @ianmccoll7907
    @ianmccoll7907 Před 8 měsíci

    Very insightful. This was very useful and saved me much time and headaches. I have a similar 'ALDI Workzone' branded generator. I thought I'd serviced it fully EG, spark plug, air filter , new fuel. It wouldn't run more than 15 seconds. After watching your video, I checked and filled the sump with oil. Runs Now ! thank you.

  • @tyroneclarke1666
    @tyroneclarke1666 Před 3 lety

    Thank you for sharing. I’ll keep that one in my memory bank. Cheers

  • @hickorystx
    @hickorystx Před 7 měsíci

    Great tip Mr. Don. Thank you!!

  • @Honestandtruth
    @Honestandtruth Před 8 měsíci +1

    Great Tips and Thank you so much....Don 👍😅❤

  • @Whyme103
    @Whyme103 Před rokem

    Wow, my generator sat for 5 years, I bought it brand new ( my first) and for the life of me I could not get it started. This video helped me figure it did not have enough oil so I added of course and low and behold it started after one crank, thank you very much.

  • @WilliamSmith-cn8yk
    @WilliamSmith-cn8yk Před rokem

    Thanks your video's are always very helpful

  • @jacquesmalan823
    @jacquesmalan823 Před rokem

    Great video tips Don, thank you🎉

  • @sypernova6969
    @sypernova6969 Před 3 lety

    hey don.
    This video is awesome. the production, length, camera work and all that. it seems to me that it's a notch above the others (which I enjoy greatly). well done

  • @FLPAINTER
    @FLPAINTER Před 11 měsíci

    Thank you for the info . Great help !!

  • @hughbrackett343
    @hughbrackett343 Před 3 lety +7

    My #1 tip: Make sure the ignition switch is ON. I mean look at the thing and make sure it's pointing to ON. Many times I've turned the switch when it was already ON. Fantastic exercise for your arm and upper back.
    #2: If oil starts coming out of the plug when you loosen it, the engine isn't low on oil. Just tighten it back down.

  • @Lone-Wolf87
    @Lone-Wolf87 Před 3 lety

    I have learned so much from you. Thank you very much for all the information that you share. Great video and great tip. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

  • @robertmarriott1878
    @robertmarriott1878 Před rokem

    Thankyou brilliant very easy to follow hope you make more videos

  • @royevans7793
    @royevans7793 Před 3 lety

    I love watching your videos, you are a wealth of information!

  • @milltek2
    @milltek2 Před 3 lety

    Donny, that's an awesome tip!

  • @joeyg-smallengine1116
    @joeyg-smallengine1116 Před 3 lety +1

    That's a great tip Don! I'm sure this video will come in handy for alot of people this summer! Joey from Ottawa

  • @edwardcallahan4610
    @edwardcallahan4610 Před 3 lety

    Thank you so much for this video and all the others you have posted.

  • @trumpzilla4193
    @trumpzilla4193 Před 3 lety

    Excellent information 👌

  • @ricardorodriguez9508
    @ricardorodriguez9508 Před rokem

    You Da Man!!! 👍👍
    I appreciate you for posting this video!! I would turn my generator on every 2-3 months as recommended but for some reason when I actually needed it it wouldn’t start. 🤦🏻‍♂️ Well you video led me right to the issue!The oil sensor was out on my 2 year old generator. Was able to use it because of disconnecting the oil sensor. Thank you 🙏. I appreciate it!

  • @user-si4ku3pi1z
    @user-si4ku3pi1z Před 9 měsíci

    Thanks great tip on low level oil sensor

  • @mariolopez1613
    @mariolopez1613 Před 2 lety

    Very good advise donny I thank you much Merry Christmas to you and family from michigan

  • @michaelchilders1658
    @michaelchilders1658 Před 3 lety

    Great video and great tip!! Thank you Dony!!!👍

  • @kittygonzalez2827
    @kittygonzalez2827 Před rokem +1

    Wow! I’m stunned at the sensor! My Generac 5500 wouldn’t spark!, nobody even mentioned that. I love your accent, subtle yet interesting lilt!😎

  • @jazzbassmc8043
    @jazzbassmc8043 Před 2 lety

    Very very very good video, thank you!!!

  • @FinancialMattersWNY
    @FinancialMattersWNY Před rokem

    That did it!!! Thanks so much.

  • @ashleymarie7452
    @ashleymarie7452 Před rokem

    Thanks! Excellent!

  • @williamwaters4506
    @williamwaters4506 Před rokem

    Great Advice!!!

  • @ynotctonya8037
    @ynotctonya8037 Před 2 lety

    July 7, 2022/ Thank you for the tip. Vitle information and Very helpful out in the Country far-away from any shop...

  • @TheCrittercam001
    @TheCrittercam001 Před 3 lety

    That's a great tip Don♥

  • @FreedomRock44
    @FreedomRock44 Před 3 lety

    Great video Dony!!!!!!! Quick question how often do you recommend checking the oil(hours of use until checking oil)?
    If in that storm situation and you have just filled the oil properly as well.

  • @mariuss5423
    @mariuss5423 Před 6 měsíci

    Thank you.
    I will try that.

  • @walterlangkowski4723
    @walterlangkowski4723 Před 2 lety

    This worked, thank you

  • @robt2625
    @robt2625 Před rokem

    Thank you so much!

  • @robertmailhos8159
    @robertmailhos8159 Před 3 lety

    Another great tip Donny 👌👍

  • @riverrunful
    @riverrunful Před rokem

    Thank you!

  • @diegoeduardonunez7097

    I saw this video a few months ago.
    Today my generator did not start.
    Went back to my computer, search this and unplugged the sensor. Magic! I could start it.
    I will now replace it. Should be easy, but thanks again for your usefull information.
    You are a great teacher.
    Greetings from Argentina :-)

  • @DragonflyAcres2022
    @DragonflyAcres2022 Před 3 lety

    Something new.Thank you for teaching

  • @Yycprince
    @Yycprince Před 2 lety

    Thank you so much sir

  • @michaelspencer301
    @michaelspencer301 Před 3 lety

    I have a generator that has a lite on that flashes if it's low on oil. While cranking it will flash letting you know why it won't start. Thanks great tip. 👍

  • @UR2Compliant
    @UR2Compliant Před 10 měsíci

    Brilliant...subbed

  • @cassius2703
    @cassius2703 Před 11 měsíci

    Sincere thanks!!!!!!

  • @texast4076
    @texast4076 Před rokem

    This worked, thanks

  • @Farmer-bh3cg
    @Farmer-bh3cg Před 3 lety

    Thank you very much for the tip! After the oil, It'll be the first thing I'll check if the generator quits for no apparent reason. Quick Question if i may: Does a good sensor have continuity or no continuity? I'm guessing a good sensor should have continuity.
    Thanks again for all your videos - they're always helpful.

  • @timberray9572
    @timberray9572 Před 3 lety

    I own that exact generator, I am always amazed when it starts because its my most neglected piece of equipment. There have been times where I have not started it in months, and mid winter in minus forty degree C it lights right up. I do use only non ethanol gas and change the oil when it gets dark, but that is all I have done to it.

  • @donens9310
    @donens9310 Před 3 lety

    Great video as usual! Any way to test, continuity check that sensor. Is the sensor normally open or closed?

  • @evguzman2011
    @evguzman2011 Před rokem

    Thank you.

  • @josephrich6014
    @josephrich6014 Před 3 lety

    I don't own a generator,but do appreciate the info/tips. Thanks

  • @bobwelch5056
    @bobwelch5056 Před 3 lety

    Thank you

  • @effinanderson3620
    @effinanderson3620 Před 2 lety

    Thanks maan!! My geni is now running!! 🏴‍☠️

  • @KSMike1
    @KSMike1 Před 3 lety +16

    Older generators typically have a mechanical switch inside the crank case instead of an external module. The switch gets stuck during storage, preventing starting. These will usually free up from vibration if you can just get it started, so - same thing, disconnect that wire, start it up, reconnect the wire.

    • @DaveSteen
      @DaveSteen Před 3 lety +3

      I have one like this, has run every since, there was a video showing how to rest the oil sensor by doing this. Good to know there could also be another part to look for

    • @donyboy73
      @donyboy73  Před 3 lety +3

      I used to see that on older generators with briggs engines

    • @toddk8555
      @toddk8555 Před 3 lety +2

      These generators actually do have the low oil sensor in the crankcase. Just a little float mechanism. This part he is showing is a grounding diode that the low oil sensor connects to so it can cut spark if the oil is low.

    • @bigpardner
      @bigpardner Před 2 lety +1

      @@toddk8555 I was wondering why the object he was displaying had what to me looked like a yellow and black wire, but wire to disengage coming out of the engine was different color. That wire coming out seemed to be connected to a yellow wire. Would that yellow wire be the short yellow wire, along with the black wire, connected to the diode? Would disconnecting the black wire, whatever it is connected to, serve the same purpose ? What the is the usual problem, the diode or the sensor inside the crankcase ?

    • @adeyemibabatunde1814
      @adeyemibabatunde1814 Před 2 lety

      @@toddk8555 Please what is specification of the diode(voltage, current, type of diode). Why is diode needed for grounding)?. Thanks

  • @fredzbike64
    @fredzbike64 Před 8 měsíci

    Thanks, i bought a new one, he runs one minute and stops, many tries, but there was not enough oil, thank you very much 👍🏼😊

  • @BearE9090
    @BearE9090 Před 8 měsíci

    Great tip about unplugging the wire to check the sensor.

  • @mikemcgrath5905
    @mikemcgrath5905 Před 3 lety +7

    Thanks again for a great and informative video, Don! I learned something totally new to me. I wasn't aware of the location of that low-fuel sensor, or that it could often be the culprit when something won't start. Thanks for taking the time for all of us and sharing your invaluable expertise and knowledge! you're the best!

  • @timp5132
    @timp5132 Před 3 lety

    excellent info, thanks Don.

  • @fixitorstripitGardenmachines

    Great tip Donny

  • @RaleysSmallEngines
    @RaleysSmallEngines Před 3 lety

    Don, you always do a great job in your videos. We are also looking forward to the next Don and Dave video.

  • @w96725
    @w96725 Před 2 lety

    Great video.

  • @danielcochrane2534
    @danielcochrane2534 Před 5 měsíci

    Thanks!

  • @wtfbuddy1
    @wtfbuddy1 Před 3 lety

    Great video - a small sensor, who knew. cheers

  • @berardia4
    @berardia4 Před 3 lety

    Great tip.👍

  • @gordbaker896
    @gordbaker896 Před 3 lety +1

    Great Tip. Also make sure the Switch is ON.

    • @donyboy73
      @donyboy73  Před 3 lety

      yes lol, seen them come in with switch off!

  • @Hugo-Hernandez
    @Hugo-Hernandez Před 3 lety

    Thanks for the video

  • @xl130homelite3
    @xl130homelite3 Před 3 lety

    Great tip! Basement saver for us sump pump depending people.

    • @donyboy73
      @donyboy73  Před 3 lety +1

      i need my sump pumps too lol

  • @brent1387
    @brent1387 Před 3 lety

    You’re the Man .. Don.....Thank-you super tip!!!!

  • @EricAdakoleEmabo
    @EricAdakoleEmabo Před rokem

    You earned my respect

  • @troygilkerson7541
    @troygilkerson7541 Před 9 měsíci

    Man you are good I watch this video and it worked thanks for the info 😊