HOW-TO Make Your Generator A Start Every Time!

I'm actually going to do maintenance on my gen over the weekend so this vid came at a perfect time! (mine has a Subaru small engine) I don't think I ran the gas out of mine last time so I may be in for some more work.

I've leaned so much from your channel. Love how passionate you are about small engines.

I try to run my generator every couple months with a load. I have the same 10hp generator from Briggs. Good machine, loud, but does the job. I should flip the choke at the end to get all the gas out of the carb. Merry Christmas.

I am glad to see this video and since I have one generator which have not been run for almost a year and the last time it was started, I used it to just let it run some since it had not been used before since buying it. There is a generator which is older than that one and it was never used since I could not get it started since buying it new in 2000. It older one has oil in the motor, but it was only turned over to see if it would start.

Nice summary. Here on the west coast I've been filling my fuel tank up completely, to try and prevent condensation of moisture in overlying air causing water contamination of my fuel and tank rust. Winter evening temperatures often cross the dew point here beside the ocean, and I've had issues with rust on any exposed metal surfaces. With a big fuel tank, I've occasionally wondered if I could rotate fuel into my frequently used vehicles to avoid throwing out old gas. But then it would technically be illegal because I use midgrade no-ethanol fuel for the generator and lawn tractor. I sure like your theme of letting the carb run dry.

Great tips Donny! I run all my small engine stuff dry these days, even if only a few weeks between uses. I also use a fuel stabilizer as well. With my old gas, I run it through a filter funnel and then put about a gallon at a time in my truck. Never had a problem(yet), and since the truck has a 25 gallon tank the dilution factor is pretty good anyway.

Great vid as always Don. Getting pure gas is almost impossible in Texas. I've switched all my tools to TruFuel. It's expensive but worth the cost when I don't t have to fiddle with carbs in the spring. Merry Christmas!

A couple of my neighbors asked me if I fix small engines because of my dozen plus machines in the back yard. By no means, I am not a small engine mechanic/shop, its a hobby. I can't stress enough to tell them that the oil and gas must be change on a regular basis. The gas will spoil and the oil additives will work overtime to prevent moisture/oxidization build-up between hot and cold seasons. One most crucial information that is overlooked...The oil...Thanks for bringing that up Don. Happy New Year.

Found that keeping fuel tanks full of REAL gas makes a dif too. Stored full, no condensation. Totally agree about draining the carbs bowl either manually or letting it burn out at shutdown. Also I get rid of petcock/in tank gas filters...potential for restriction. I add 1 of the little disk type 75-150 micron screen type filters so gas flow keeps up with the carb. Subscribed!

so happy you made an updated video thanks my generator is over 2 years old am doing what you said and happy to say it still works great oh i forgot it is nessary to run a generator for a few mins before changing the oil?

Looks a lot like the Troy Built Generator I have . Mine has an electric start, but battery is dead. Pull rope works great . So, after power is restored in Pineville, Louisiana after CAT 4 hurricane LAURA destroyed many power lines, trees, and homes, I’ll review your video again and do maintenance on my generator. 8-29-2020 Mine started right up and really has been working great. Sometime the fuel cap needs replacing too. But great video Don 👍👏🙋🏻‍♂️🇺🇸

Another good how-to video and a great reminder to check the generators before it is needed. Merry Christmas Don and Wife.

Another great video, many thanks for it and all the fantasticly done ones you've provided. Marry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours. Rich

good video. excellent suggestions. If you recycle your spent crankcase oil at auto parts shop, you can add the discarded fuel to the oil as it will be re-refined.

Great video Don, will keep this in mind when mine is in storage. Winter's can be harsh in Nova Scotia. Be prepared Cheers

😉 good tips Donny. Been doin that exact same thing on all my stored gas equipment and it works. Been a subscriber for a little while, u don't post much, but enjoy your vids. Keep up the good work, merry Christmas and have a great 2016. Southern Ontario signing out. -Pidge

Good old fashioned common sense maintenance. Good job Don. Merry Christmas to you and your wife. - Ray in Central Ohio.

Well done friend thank you for that basic knowledge that even pros need to come back to every now and again

Excellent video. I have a suggestion for another video. Some generators say 5000 watts but because they run 2 circuits the generator can only handle 2500 watts at a plug. You could tell the average homeowner what to look for in a generator.

great tip running things dry before storage..i installed shutoff valves on all my equipment and always use stabil.