help with generator problem

AtaRo · 26 Mar 2009 at 10:27

We got frequent black out here just recently due to maintenance according to the power company and we got this Wolf Power 1200watts generator for our use.The unit is around 3 years old and only see usage once in a while but after getting it from storage the unit is very hard to start.We also top up its oil and it is in its proper level.If we ever get the unit to run it is not working properly the motor runs like it is stuttering.

I really dont know how to properly describe it but its like when somebody drives a manual car and is still not familiar on how hard to press the gas pedal so the car is like stalling while running and this is a problem as this causes the output voltage to drop , the unit runs like this if we ever get it to run and also the lever in the 1st picture is like moving all the time.
When it was new it is not moving this much and just stay in one position while running Also the lever in the 2nd picture is not working properly when running the lever should be move to the run position but now we need to adjust it accordingly so that the motor will continue to run otherwise it will stop.We already put some oil and change the spark plug but it is still same.
Any ideas on what is the problem with this unit.
What do you call the lever on the 1st and 2nd pix btw?

thanks

AtaRo

AtlanticP · 26 Mar 2009 at 10:37

That looks like the choke to me mate. Also sounds like it could do with some sort of carb cleaner through it as well. Change the plug for good measure too.

AtaRo · 26 Mar 2009 at 10:51

thanks for the response but I'm a noob with this things and would really appreaciate if you could tell me wheres is the choke and how to clean it.I could post some more pix if needed.

Dogbreath · 26 Mar 2009 at 11:03

Your first picture shows part of the governor, which is a device to maintain a constant engine speed irrespective of electrical load changes. If the engine is hunting as you describe, that is why you see it moving left and right.

The second picture shows the choke lever. You will need to use the choke when starting the engine from cold, as per the label just above it. Once the engine has run for probably 30 seconds or so you should be able to move the choke lever back to the run position. If you leave it in the start position when the engine warms up the engine will run very badly and consume vast quantities of fuel.

If the unit has been stored for a considerable time with fuel in it, then a) the fuel is probably past it's best, it doesn't last forever, and b) it can evaporate from the carb leaving deposits inside that can block the jets, leading to poor running.

Jez · 26 Mar 2009 at 11:45

From what you describe it sounds if you are not using the choke properly? The engine will be incredibly hard to start with the choke in the position it is in, and will then run roughly. It needs to be over to the right on starting, then slowly moved over to the left after starting.

AtaRo · 26 Mar 2009 at 19:01

Dogbreath thanks for the response.What part exactly I will clean with the carb cleaner? and what is a carb?

Jez said:
From what you describe it sounds if you are not using the choke properly? The engine will be incredibly hard to start with the choke in the position it is in, and will then run roughly. It needs to be over to the right on starting, then slowly moved over to the left after starting.

When starting we move the lever to the start position.The current position of that lever is the one we use while the motor is running any other position and the motor stops or will be stalling .

Firestar_3x · 26 Mar 2009 at 19:08

I've got exactly the same generator at home and if left for a while its a pain in the bum to start.

The ony way i can get mine going after its been sat for a few months is to do the following.

1 - take airfilter housing off

2 - remove airfilter

3 - check fuel is fresh and tap is on

4 - give the pull start a few pulls with the choke set to run

5 - it might start

6 - set the chock between run and start (iirc) and give it a few more pulls

7 - one started and running stick the filter back on

8 - adjust choke to run

With the airfilter attached i've never got the thing to start, i've always had to take it off.