Generator will not start - advice please

Southcoaster


Joined: 01/04/2009
Posts: 81

Message Posted:
17/12/2011 14:18

I just get a click when I turn it on. Took the battery to a garage to be tested thinking that was the problem but they said it is OK. Have checked oil and petrol and visible wiring connections. Are there any other checks I can make without getting too technical?

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
17/12/2011 15:10

Does it turn by hand? Try pulling the rope a few times and then try the starter again.

ismet

Turtle


Joined: 28/05/2007
Posts: 2669

Message Posted:
17/12/2011 16:33

If its just clicking then it can only be the battery, the starter motor or the solenoid.



Check the battery leads sometimes they start to break down, touch them when you try to start if they get hot then there is a problem.



Also remove the starter motor and free up the bendix it may be stuck or the brushes may be worn.

deputydawg


Joined: 30/03/2010
Posts: 1727

Message Posted:
17/12/2011 16:35

Have you tried cleaning oil/damp off sparking plug or cleaning corrosion off with fine sand/glass paper then set the "gap" and look for a spark ?

MiketheBike


Joined: 01/04/2009
Posts: 159

Message Posted:
17/12/2011 17:07

Go back to msg 2 as Ismet says, have you tried turning the engine over by the pull start, if it has not been started for a while and the exhaust valve was in the 'open' position there may be corrosion/rust in the cylinder, ie the engine is partially seized. Assuming it is a four stroke engine and if this is the case, remove the spark plug and pour a small amount (25cc) of either fuel mixed with some oil or diesel into the top of the cylinder and leave it to soak for a day or so then try to turn the engine over again by hand, it would be easier if you can get a spanner or socket directly on the crankshaft rather than use the pull start if it is stubborn to turn over.

Southcoaster


Joined: 01/04/2009
Posts: 81

Message Posted:
17/12/2011 18:22

Thanks for all the advice. It is a 4-stroke engine and have used the pull start and it turned over OK but have not tried the starter afterwards, so will do that tomorrow.

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
17/12/2011 18:41

kaput ??



as they say over here...............

Coachie



Joined: 29/07/2008
Posts: 2135

Message Posted:
17/12/2011 18:56

Try tapping the starter motor/solenoid with the end of screwdriver.Sometimes the motor sticks and a gentle tap can free it off.If the starter has a square end on the rotor,turn that with a spanner and see if that free.s it.Check for loose and clean battery terminals,clean with sandpaper or wire brush and refit.Failing all that ,remove starter and check brushes and Bendix gear.

Turtle


Joined: 28/05/2007
Posts: 2669

Message Posted:
17/12/2011 18:59

Coachie you old leftie how you doing,... havn't seen you on here for a hundred years

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
17/12/2011 21:32

Since the engine is not seized up and it turns by pull start and since you get a click sound on start, it is clear that the contacts on the solenoid is worn out. You should replace the solenoid which should be easy enough to find. If you cannot find the original one, any 12 volt solenoid (sometimes called a relay or contactor) will do.

ismet

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
18/12/2011 08:42

I agree elko2, but it could also be a stuck /seized starter motor...It may be worth checking..

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
18/12/2011 09:17

Martin,

I was thinking about that too. One way to find out is this: The solenoid has two thin wires and two much thicker wires connected to it. Get a short wire and short the two thicker wires together for a second. If the starter turns its the solenoid, if not its the starter.

ismet