Another strategic set of issues and a positive outcome. James, the sheer amount of knowledge you are equipping the public with is astounding. As a Retired USAF Mechanic, these little generators certainly can give you a run for your money, especially when you don't have the repair Manual guidance on these style of repairs like we do in the Military. But, watching probably north of 75% of your videos now, I can say I and 'we' as the public are generously equipped with your immense amount of shared knowledge and expertise on these. Really can't say thank you enough and WOW; keep up the EXCELLENT content! Cheers.
Most homeowners always say that the spark plug needs to be replaced. It is almost never the spark plug. I just had a Honda mower that had a bad spark plug and this video proves that the spark plug can be the problem. Well done James and thanks for the great video. By the way, same spark plug.
Great job as always, it occurred to me I've been watching your videos for a few years now and have learned a lot about generators and small engines, some things I already knew but I didn't have the confidence that I do now, so thank you James for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience
Lends more credence than ever to the old adage: Leave no stone un-turned. :) Great work as always James in troubleshooting and bringing that generator back to life. Thanks as always for sharing your videos, and knowledge with us. Be well, stay safe and God bless. Rev. D.
Excellent work James as always. You mentioned that the cost to fix was about $50. With all the time you spent on it I'm sure it would be far more than that if someone were to bring this down to a small engine shop. Got to think of it this way, if it takes you 15 minutes to do something that takes another person an hour to do the same thing, you are not being paid for your minutes, you're being paid for the years of experience!
We live in a throwaway world. I like to watch James because he rescues gens from the dump. More people should learn to fix stuff rather than pay someone only to learn it will cost more to fix than a new one (not just gens). I used to be worthless when it came to repairing stuff especially small engines. Thanks to YT and the determination to not give up, I have kept my stuff alive for far longer and at a much cheaper cost than paying someone or brand new. Be a man. Buy some tools. Learn how to fix the stuff you own. The knowledge you gain from one thing spills over into other things. It all adds up and you will be much better off. Then, when your driving down the street and someone puts a lawn mower, gen, etc. out for free, you've scored! Furthermore, if carbon credits ever roll down to the consumer, rescuing a gen from the dump will be worth far more than the $150 he spent.
@@davidkettell6236 For your info Bill Clinton was a Rhodes Scholar. I doubt you know what that is but you can look it up. He was also a state governor and a two term president without help from Russia, climate deniers, flat earthers or assorted right wing knuckle draggers with whom you might be aquainted
Wow, who would have thought. This is the 2nd time in past few fixes you've found a bad plug. Sure raises flags when I'm working on one of these engines. Thanks, appreciate this valuable lesson. Great video, and thank you for sharing...
I have an 8 HP B&S on a rototiller that’s 50 years old. Original spark plug and it coughs on the 1st pull and starts on the 2nd. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
I service sewing machines of many types in a large shop (I have about 150 units). When a machine is not stitching correctly and there is not an obvious mechanical problem, I always start with a new needle. Then I continue to troubleshoot. The sewing service manuals agree. Possibly keeping a cache of known good spark plugs to use when servicing the engines? I always start my lawn mower season with new plugs. Your videos are awesome. I learn so much from them and your camera angles and lighting are excellent!
Excellent work, currently working on a similar engine, stripped it and found a dropped valve which is bent, no damage to piston, i learnt a lot from watching your video
This was a very good purchase. You kept this unit out of the landfill and will make someone a very good generator. Probably has lots of life left in it. That back firing after you did the valves had me concerned as well. One of the few times a spark plug was the culprit. Great job. Thanks for the video's.
Fantastic!!!! Im bookmarking your video! So interesting and educational! You need your own Tool Time Show on regular TV! We need a good programs like this!!! Thank you so much!!!
Your practical lecture was very good! I will not remain the same again! I had issues with setting up the valves! Now I am better positioned! Thank you! Keep it up!
At 50:00 ish, you set the exhaust valve lash at .008". And after measuring it again at about 1:03 it measured approx .006". Why would the lash get narrower? Anyway, this is another exceptional tutorial video! I love that you rarely ever say, "Well, there's a slight issue still.., and that's "Good enough". Your perseverance to figure out the issues and fix them is the same way that I like to work! Happy New Year and have a safe year!
Glad you got this running. It looks to have been kept indoors, much better condition than many of the generators you pick up. Amazing how a spark plug can look almost new but not work well. Good to keep in mind. I had not heard of the DEK brand before. Dave.
That generator couldn't have had enough hours on it to have those issues. Probably came out of the factory with an issue that escalated quickly. You are great at teaching.
I like the look of this generator. I'm reading a book all about the history of magnetism, who discovered what, I mean here something we generally can't even see. It's amazing! I will read chapters in the book 📚, and then watched you hundreds of years later now with you apply what those discoveries has brought to humanity. I like reading, I have well over 3,000 books 📚. I'm so grateful for you and the time you take in explanation. So much science and its application. Thanks again. 🤔👍❤️
I find it amazing how well all of that carb cleaner straight to the floor just works. It keeps the crocediles away! Yes I saw see no crocks in that space.
Excellent tutorial. This video literally answered all my questions. I currently have a 10K Powerland generator (16hp) with a bent intake valve. Ordered the parts. Now I know how to properly repair it. Just need to find the specs reference ( rocker arm/ valve gap, etc.). Thank you.
Great video, I watched every second of it and I have this exact generator. Neighbor wanted me to fix it and ended up selling it to me for $125. Sitting so long the carb was completely gummed up. It’s running now but boy that compression is strong. If it doesn’t start on the first two pulls, it is almost impossible to pull start it. I think I'll revisit the valve adjustments.
Your approach reminds me very much of the focus of the story by Robert Persig "Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance" - quality and being in the present. You are a legend.
Nicer one then the wrecks you sometimes bring in its nice to see a one video fix instead of the James fix it marathon series as one dang thing after another pops up like Wac a Mole
I really like these videos. and I like all the information, web sites, Amazon pages, etc. that he list below the video. A lot of effort has been made. Thanks!
Another excellent video. I like the way you dug into the "finer" points of how to get the generator to run not just good enough, but excellent. Thanks for the awesome video.
You've trained me well, James. I'm starting to think like you. I would've used a cut off wheel on a Dremmel also. I would've never guessed a bad spark plug. Excellent video.
If the original plug in it was a Champion I would have checked it first thing. I will never waste a cent on them anymore. I've had them go bad in a few days while the engine wasn't even being used.
Great video as always. You have a fantastic knowledge of those clone engines! I must say I have always been surprised how few plugs you actually replace. Today's plugs are so much better but most engine manufacturers have you changing them quite often! Although other than my Hole house Generac Generator I'm not much for replacing a plug if it's operating ok. Keep the great videos comming!
Hello James! My personal name is Larry! For me your videos are very informative and worth taking the time to learn! If possible I would like to return a little knowledge. You may already know of this, as well as others. Still, ... My take! You have 2 methods "maybe more" of removing the rotors from the engines of generators. 1 is using a long rod larger than the diameter of the threaded hole in the bottom of the engine crankshaft. The other is "Hydraulic" pressure.. I've so far, have only used 1 method, and it works fast and easy! If the hole is already threaded in the rotor shaft end "GREAT" !! Just find the correct size 3" bolt. If not then, okay tap some threads. I'll put a nut on the bolt and then screw it into the rotor shaft until it has significant resistance. I'll tighten moderately with a wrench, then tighten the nut down against the rotor shaft securely! Then..... I use my "Air Chisel or as some call it "Air Hammer"! Against the head of the bolt....TAKE extra precautions to ensure the working tool stays on the bolt !! Once the trigger is pulled.... It's all over in less than "1" second!! For me the investments were already made. As I have the compressor and air tools already from other hobbies. I have always loved repairing everything I can myself!!! Years ago I learned .... I can purchase parts, tools, and use my time to do the job......just find the information to do it "is the biggest challenge, at times" !! When the job is finished, so far I've been able to save enough in cost, that I saved money and still have the tools in my collection !!! Larry...
Recently new subscriber here and have been binge watching your videos. I originally searched your videos for a DEK 6500, because that’s what I own, and nothing came up. Haven’t watched this video yet but am excited because here is what I originally was looking for. 😆
Guess we better save for a newer better generator. Didn’t realize they were no longer in business. I bought the generator on Thanksgiving Eve on the way home from work during an ice storm. Husband had called me and said we were without power. All the local stores he checked had already been bought out. The first place I stopped had this dek 6500 for $400. That was back in 2007. We’ve used it multiple times during outages. Our outages sometimes last days. We recently put a LP conversion kit, like what you used in a video on a rigid, but haven’t tested it out yet.
I am a subscriber and I love your videos. Would you please consider cutting them down in length? Most of your videos are as long as a movie. Most of us can’t afford to watch 1 + hour videos. You include a lot of filler that could be left out and still keep the incredible value that you offer.
@@whitesapphire5865 And you have no reference. UA-cam has data. They are clear that viewers prefer shorter videos because we don’t have as much time to spend. Typical of someone who talks out of their !@#
@@bobrewer202 UA-cam's "data" is bull. UA-cam's so-called data covers all viewers, all topics. For those of us who watch this channel, and others like it, there is no specific data to indicate that the viewership would prefer shorter videos. Granted, if you have the attention span of a goldfish, then perhaps you would prefer a sixty second short? If you bothered to read the comments on those occasions where James has asked his viewers about long versus short videos, you will find that overwhelmingly, the majority prefer longer ones. This appears also to be true with regard to Mustie's and Taryl's channels, amongst others. These are technical channels, and technically minded people tend more to like detail. Further to that, longer videos have a better flow to them, rather than a chipped and chopped feel made up of short clips tacked together. My guess is that you're the kind of person who wants to step aboard a train, plane or boat, wants to order a cup of coffee, and then to step off at the end, rather than sit back and enjoy the journey. The simple answer is, if you don't like what you see, go and find a channel more suited to your liking, rather than trying to terraform the ones that everyone else enjoys, just to suit you. Internet trolls are not hard to please - They're just downright impossible!
Your videos are absolutely the best. After 40+ years of wrenching I'm still learning things. Is it possible that the sudden movement caused by a backfire allowed the piston to hit the valve before the valve was able to get fully reseated? I had a Gravely Commercial and a Kohler 8hp with a broken camshaft. New camshaft installed. First pull it backfires. Camshaft broke. Solution - I gave it away.
Just found your channel today. Got to say your style is good and clear. I like how you stay calm and collect about things. But maybe that's because your doing voice over, your probably cussing up a storm when your actually doing the project. 😁
I have the same exact 420cc clone engine on a Powerhorse 9000ES. There are manuals for my engine. It is smoking, mostly because of unburnt oil getting in the muffler. It burns for 5min after shutting off engine. I am going to remove the head tomorrow. Hope I only have to lap the valves like yours. Would love any comments if that does or doen't sound right. I am very new and clueless to much of this, but your videos help immeasurably.
James your my new heroand thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and for the effort it takes to do such great work and share it with us . your methods are true to the BONE !Ihope your having a great day ,because I now am all thanks to you my friend my generator now runs as if it were new.dude you rock.youve restored my faith in humanity.its just about to storm out here in the so cal mountains we're at about 8 thousand feet and by the looks of these clouds it's gonna dump they are claiming 4 to six feet .they are usually pretty close on the local radio station so the power as always will be on the fritz.no worries here now thanks to you our generator is ready to rock and roll out the power.thanks again man you've made our week.great videos keep em coming.Attt.10 of 10.💯👍
Hi Mr. James, I loved watching all videos. You are very knowledgeable and mechanical/electrical skills. The times you spent to teach other more than anything, or the cost, very hard to find the people like you. Small notes: why you don’t replace spark plug every time you fixed like oil change. But those trouble shoot can help the other’s ran to those problems
James is back !!! LOL.. always a presume and then realize it always something smallest thing.. Murray's law ? Coleman generator are the same as that had to guess all the same parts ,Great work !!..keeping them coming.
Never heard of that brand generator before but i have had valves break like that one did. Happened to me last week while i was out riding my racing go kart getting it ready for the season
Your closing coda, "I hope this video helped someone," is appropriate for all persons seeking help for posterity (or until UA-cam takes it down). Your deliberate attention to meticulous detail is appreciated. Too bad Ford and General Motors and Chrysler/Dodge et al. don't have the same values.
Great work James! I have fixed and flipped small equipment for years now, and the price/value for these traditional-style generators has plummeted in the last 5 years. At least by me on Long Island. That DEK gen would maybe fetch $250-300 tops in mint used condition. And it would maybe take 6-8 months or more to sell. Maybe even a year or more. Most people are switching over to inverter gens, new and used. To make matters worse, brand new inverter gens from China keep getting cheaper, to the point that many people aren't looking to buy a used gen on the market. I have done well with fixing inverter gens, though. 95% of the time, it's carb issues, and they are aren't fun to get to. The good news is most inverter gens all seem to be built similar, so working on them becomes quite familiar. What are you seeing by you? What's interesting, is I don't see many inverter gens for sale used. Lots of old traditional gens for sale used though.
This type of generator near me sell in the $300-$400 range. They are hard to sell. I can go months without selling one and then sell 5 in a week. If a big storm is in the forecast then they all go in a day. Definitely easier to sell an inverter generator or yard equipment.
When doing a final analysis on the engine, I always make sure the airbox/filter is installed before setting engine speed. As far as the plugs go, I have seen many hard start/flakey starts or no starts due to the cheap Chinesium plugs. They can look fine, but something is breaking down inside, something you cannot see. I always put a new NGK equivalent plug in before returning the engine to the customer. They add very little to the repair, and ensure a plug won't cause a comeback. Good work James, hope these suggestions help.
In IT we have a saying “Nothing tests like live data”. That spark plug is exactly that. Live data test. Old one looks fine, clean, low hours. Passed all the tests. But the live data test said it flunked. Good job. Lesser superheroes would have missed that. Not James. I’m impressed.
I've had a similar issue with every clone engine I've owned, but the guide has always worn on the exhaust side. I had a new generator drop a valve after just 300 hours. Wish I knew the root cause. Like your videos. My last three units all had the same issue~one brush was riding about 3/64" off the edge of the slip ring.
Great job and video. I have had to take my Dremel tool and cut a slot in the carb adjustment screw when they are broken off. works pretty well and can adjust the needle again. Thanks for another great video. Where did you get your valve and parts and the service manual for the Honda clones? Many thanks.
The clone service manual I actually got from Ryobi. The link to it is in the description. A Honda GX390 service manual would also work. The clone parts I have buying recently from a seller on eBay dieselgeneratorparts www.ebay.com/usr/dieselgeneratorparts?_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2559
James Condon, the mixture screw that's rounded off is also epoxied in place they're a real job to get lose an out because the brass is so brittle........ but i'm sure you know that, i'm more saying it for anyone else thinking of removing it
Seeing more and more of these Honda clones with valve issues. Had one not long ago with bent intake valve, another recently with stuck valve (due to burning too much oil, holding it open) cause was bad valve stem oil seal (2 month old machine / pressure washer). Many others... crazy.
Good Fix! Perhaps your Hi-Meg meter would show a bad plug? Back in the day they had S. P Testers! The spark must be at the Gap. Low voltage might get it done! Continuity to the threaded part would mean leakage. A series resistor pair, one Hi and one low would work! Ron PTL USA
UK Great stuff James. As an engineer I really don't like those rocker assemblies. Using a bit of plastic to keep the pushrod in line and the rocker is not nice. Of course it's the cheapest way they can make it. It seems all of them are as crude as possible, mind you if they were well made we would not have your videos.
Great video , A easier way to start the spark plug is to use a piece of fuel line on the end of the plug to assist in turning the spark plug in , just a tip .
Excellent explanation of how the compression release works: When the engine is rotating very slowly (as when being pull-started), the exhaust valve ***briefly*** opens just a tiny bit during a small portion of the compression stroke. If the exhaust valve clearance is too large then the exhaust valve won’t open at all while pull-starting, thus making it very difficult to pull hard enough on the starting rope. On the other hand, valve clearance too small releases too much compression, also making it difficult to start the engine. Testing for 60 PSI compression while rotating the engine with the starting rope just about guarantees that the compression release is working as it should.
I know this is a year old, and this is a late comment... But your little saying at the end of your videos about "hoping this video helps someone" gets full marks for sure. I would have never even thought to suspect a spark plug that looked like that one you pulled. Unless of course it had TORCH written on the side. Thanks for your in depth efforts to educate us.
Hi James, Please consider making a video where you convert a gasoline genny to natural gas. I think with the price of gasoline (and propane!) skyrocketing, this would be a popular video. Keep up the great work (repairing *and teaching*).
James have you ever considered teaching Small Engine and Generator diagnosis and repair, Class, or selling CDs going over different Engines and Generators with your vast knowledge you would make VERY VERY GOOD INSTRUCTOR! I would love to attend one of your classes or buy your CDs.
A nice fix. I know engines, but not much about these. I bought my clone-gen ages ago, thinking I was OK because the national importer and their service department complete with a well-stocked parts warehouse was just 8 miles from where I lived. My generator always worked well for me though I did have to clean the in-tank fuel filter and the carb a few times in a dozen or so years. Changed the oil twice. Then one Thursday on the job it ran out of gas late in the day- or so I thought, but more fuel didn't do the trick. I took it home and discovered the rocker arm was off the intake valve which was bent and sticking. Not having time to fool with it I borrowed another one for the coming Friday and Saturday saw me looking for a phone number for the company- nothing. An online search showed only a couple for sale on Ebay like mine; no info on the company. I Googled the name on the engine and discovered that company had gone kaput a decade ago and only a few generic nuts and bolts could be had for it. I'd gotten more than my money's worth out of it, and not knowing other clone parts might fit I went for broke in one last attempt to fix it. With a couple blocks of wood, my claw hammer, and a brass punch I straightened the valve by eye, the metal the valve was made out of was as soft as spaghetti, and in seating it in the head I gave her a few taps straight in with the punch hoping it might help it seat. It started on the first pull and it's ran a few full workdays since then, good as ever: un-freaking-believable! I should have bought a lottery ticket that day. One thing I did notice was there was a lot of valve lash on it which may have played a role in it dying. I'd never looked at that since it had always ran so well. I'd now advise folks to keep an eye on valve clearances often with these clone engines. I set the valves to 006 and 008 as a guess- seems I guessed close enough. I never in my life expected it to run again at all but the darned thing does. I'd love something better but semi-retired now there's no money for that. It's enough for my needs and I could sell it in hours for 2/3 of what I paid for it so I'm happy.
Good job getting it going again. Clone parts are available if you need, but need it is a bit of a guessing game since there are usually no part numbers.
Another strategic set of issues and a positive outcome. James, the sheer amount of knowledge you are equipping the public with is astounding. As a Retired USAF Mechanic, these little generators certainly can give you a run for your money, especially when you don't have the repair Manual guidance on these style of repairs like we do in the Military. But, watching probably north of 75% of your videos now, I can say I and 'we' as the public are generously equipped with your immense amount of shared knowledge and expertise on these. Really can't say thank you enough and WOW; keep up the EXCELLENT content! Cheers.
Amen! I 2nd that emotion!
You have no idea how much I have learned watching you here from South Africa. You are an underated genuis! Big Love from SA
James,
I been following you for 3 years thanks to you I've started my own shop fixing small engines . Thank you so much!
That's great!
Perfect!!!💯
One is most talented,intelligent, insightful, talents on UA-cam. James Condon,
I tip my hat to you sir.
Most homeowners always say that the spark plug needs to be replaced. It is almost never the spark plug. I just had a Honda mower that had a bad spark plug and this video proves that the spark plug can be the problem. Well done James and thanks for the great video. By the way, same spark plug.
Great job as always, it occurred to me I've been watching your videos for a few years now and have learned a lot about generators and small engines, some things I already knew but I didn't have the confidence that I do now, so thank you James for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience
Thanks
Same thing with me
I've learned so much from watching your videos. Thank you so much for creating material that are very entertaining and interesting to watch.
Lends more credence than ever to the old adage: Leave no stone un-turned. :) Great work as always James in troubleshooting and bringing that generator back to life. Thanks as always for sharing your videos, and knowledge with us. Be well, stay safe and God bless. Rev. D.
"Leave no stone unturned" goes back to ancient times when we had to survive on insects
Excellent work James as always. You mentioned that the cost to fix was about $50. With all the time you spent on it I'm sure it would be far more than that if someone were to bring this down to a small engine shop.
Got to think of it this way, if it takes you 15 minutes to do something that takes another person an hour to do the same thing, you are not being paid for your minutes, you're being paid for the years of experience!
Thanks. That was only the parts cost. I would expect it to cost $200+ in labor alone.
@@jcondon1 good stuff!
We live in a throwaway world. I like to watch James because he rescues gens from the dump. More people should learn to fix stuff rather than pay someone only to learn it will cost more to fix than a new one (not just gens). I used to be worthless when it came to repairing stuff especially small engines. Thanks to YT and the determination to not give up, I have kept my stuff alive for far longer and at a much cheaper cost than paying someone or brand new. Be a man. Buy some tools. Learn how to fix the stuff you own. The knowledge you gain from one thing spills over into other things. It all adds up and you will be much better off. Then, when your driving down the street and someone puts a lawn mower, gen, etc. out for free, you've scored!
Furthermore, if carbon credits ever roll down to the consumer, rescuing a gen from the dump will be worth far more than the $150 he spent.
@@billclinton6040 Great comment i could not agree more ,i assume you are not THAT Bill Clinton? You seem way too smart .lol.
@@davidkettell6236 For your info Bill Clinton was a Rhodes Scholar. I doubt you know what that is but you can look it up. He was also a state governor and a two term president without help from Russia, climate deniers, flat earthers or assorted right wing knuckle draggers with whom you might be aquainted
Wow, who would have thought. This is the 2nd time in past few fixes you've found a bad plug. Sure raises flags when I'm working on one of these engines. Thanks, appreciate this valuable lesson.
Great video, and thank you for sharing...
Just found another bad plug! I always said "It's almost never the plug". Guess its catching up to me.
I have an 8 HP B&S on a rototiller that’s 50 years old. Original spark plug and it coughs on the 1st pull and starts on the 2nd. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
I always enjoy watching you work in your meticulous, thoughtful way - that is a great gennie!
I service sewing machines of many types in a large shop (I have about 150 units). When a machine is not stitching correctly and there is not an obvious mechanical problem, I always start with a new needle. Then I continue to troubleshoot. The sewing service manuals agree. Possibly keeping a cache of known good spark plugs to use when servicing the engines? I always start my lawn mower season with new plugs. Your videos are awesome. I learn so much from them and your camera angles and lighting are excellent!
Excellent work, currently working on a similar engine, stripped it and found a dropped valve which is bent, no damage to piston, i learnt a lot from watching your video
I haven't watched the video yet but I know I'm going to like it. You are excellent at troubleshooting. Thanks for another great video.
ah ha! i knew you had that push rod guide plate backwards! good find and your integrity shows by reversing it to the correct orientation.
This was a very good purchase. You kept this unit out of the landfill and will make someone a very good generator. Probably has lots of life left in it. That back firing after you did the valves had me concerned as well. One of the few times a spark plug was the culprit. Great job. Thanks for the video's.
Fantastic!!!! Im bookmarking your video! So interesting and educational! You need your own Tool Time Show on regular TV! We need a good programs like this!!! Thank you so much!!!
At 48:00 minutes valve adjustment. You do great work. Thanks
Your practical lecture was very good! I will not remain the same again! I had issues with setting up the valves! Now I am better positioned! Thank you! Keep it up!
Doc., the video was fantastic, I learn something every time I watch your videos, thanks.
At 50:00 ish, you set the exhaust valve lash at .008". And after measuring it again at about 1:03 it measured approx .006". Why would the lash get narrower?
Anyway, this is another exceptional tutorial video!
I love that you rarely ever say, "Well, there's a slight issue still.., and that's "Good enough". Your perseverance to figure out the issues and fix them is the same way that I like to work! Happy New Year and have a safe year!
Glad you got this running. It looks to have been kept indoors, much better condition than many of the generators you pick up. Amazing how a spark plug can look almost new but not work well. Good to keep in mind.
I had not heard of the DEK brand before.
Dave.
Thanks!
Thanks
That generator couldn't have had enough hours on it to have those issues. Probably came out of the factory with an issue that escalated quickly. You are great at teaching.
There warranty is terrible also
I like the look of this generator. I'm reading a book all about the history of magnetism, who discovered what, I mean here something we generally can't even see. It's amazing! I will read chapters in the book 📚, and then watched you hundreds of years later now with you apply what those discoveries has brought to humanity. I like reading, I have well over 3,000 books 📚. I'm so grateful for you and the time you take in explanation. So much science and its application. Thanks again. 🤔👍❤️
I like the way you never quit until it is as good as it can be .
I find it amazing how well all of that carb cleaner straight to the floor just works. It keeps the crocediles away! Yes I saw see no crocks in that space.
Great Video as always. This gen would be a great candidate for a magnetic drain plug or dip stick. To see if any of those missing parts show up.
Excellent tutorial. This video literally answered all my questions. I currently have a 10K Powerland generator (16hp) with a bent intake valve. Ordered the parts. Now I know how to properly repair it. Just need to find the specs reference ( rocker arm/ valve gap, etc.). Thank you.
Great video, I watched every second of it and I have this exact generator.
Neighbor wanted me to fix it and ended up selling it to me for $125. Sitting so long the carb was completely gummed up.
It’s running now but boy that compression is strong. If it doesn’t start on the first two pulls, it is almost impossible to pull start it.
I think I'll revisit the valve adjustments.
Your approach reminds me very much of the focus of the story by Robert Persig "Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance" - quality and being in the present. You are a legend.
Persig used motorbike engine repair to illustrate his philosophies.
@@r8118830 Thank you Terence, couldn't think of the appropriate words when I wrote the comment.
Not to nitpick, the rotator you identify on the exhaust valve end is actually a lash cap. Love your content!
1:07:15 The dog likes the backfire and he has a sense of humor. 😄 Now I know where the funny video ending sound comes from. 👍
Nicer one then the wrecks you sometimes bring in its nice to see a one video fix instead of the James fix it marathon series as one dang thing after another pops up like Wac a Mole
Extremely awesome explanation. Dutiful attention to detail and strive for perfection. Thank-you. Bravo
I really like these videos. and I like all the information, web sites, Amazon pages, etc. that he list below the video. A lot of effort has been made. Thanks!
Glad you like them!
Another great video thank you.
In the end that spark plug was a fly in the ointment that you found. 😎
Thanks Wayne. Most likely a preexisting condition.
Another excellent video. I like the way you dug into the "finer" points of how to get the generator to run not just good enough, but excellent. Thanks for the awesome video.
You've trained me well, James. I'm starting to think like you. I would've used a cut off wheel on a Dremmel also. I would've never guessed a bad spark plug. Excellent video.
If the original plug in it was a Champion I would have checked it first thing. I will never waste a cent on them anymore. I've had them go bad in a few days while the engine wasn't even being used.
Good catch on the spark plug
Great video as always. You have a fantastic knowledge of those clone engines!
I must say I have always been surprised how few plugs you actually replace. Today's plugs are so much better but most engine manufacturers have you changing them quite often! Although other than my Hole house Generac Generator I'm not much for replacing a plug if it's operating ok.
Keep the great videos comming!
I am the same way. If its working, then I leave it alone. But I do keep extra for my generator just in case.
Hello James! My personal name is Larry! For me your videos are very informative and worth taking the time to learn!
If possible I would like to return a little knowledge. You may already know of this, as well as others. Still, ... My take!
You have 2 methods "maybe more" of removing the rotors from the engines of generators. 1 is using a long rod larger than the diameter of the threaded hole in the bottom of the engine crankshaft. The other is "Hydraulic" pressure.. I've so far, have only used 1 method, and it works fast and easy! If the hole is already threaded in the rotor shaft end "GREAT" !! Just find the correct size 3" bolt. If not then, okay tap some threads. I'll put a nut on the bolt and then screw it into the rotor shaft until it has significant resistance. I'll tighten moderately with a wrench, then tighten the nut down against the rotor shaft securely! Then..... I use my "Air Chisel or as some call it "Air Hammer"!
Against the head of the bolt....TAKE extra precautions to ensure the working tool stays on the bolt !! Once the trigger is pulled.... It's all over in less than "1" second!! For me the investments were already made. As I have the compressor and air tools already from other hobbies.
I have always loved repairing everything I can myself!!! Years ago I learned .... I can purchase parts, tools, and use my time to do the job......just find the information to do it "is the biggest challenge, at times" !! When the job is finished, so far I've been able to save enough in cost, that I saved money and still have the tools in my collection !!! Larry...
Thanks Larry. I tried the air hammer method once and failed. Will have to try it again. Might need a bigger hammer.
Recently new subscriber here and have been binge watching your videos. I originally searched your videos for a DEK 6500, because that’s what I own, and nothing came up. Haven’t watched this video yet but am excited because here is what I originally was looking for. 😆
Guess we better save for a newer better generator. Didn’t realize they were no longer in business.
I bought the generator on Thanksgiving Eve on the way home from work during an ice storm. Husband had called me and said we were without power. All the local stores he checked had already been bought out. The first place I stopped had this dek 6500 for $400. That was back in 2007. We’ve used it multiple times during outages. Our outages sometimes last days. We recently put a LP conversion kit, like what you used in a video on a rigid, but haven’t tested it out yet.
Great save James thanks for sharing 👍
I am a subscriber and I love your videos. Would you please consider cutting them down in length? Most of your videos are as long as a movie. Most of us can’t afford to watch 1 + hour videos. You include a lot of filler that could be left out and still keep the incredible value that you offer.
That's what the rest of us call detailed, in depth and meticulous. Most viewers actually prefer the longer videos.
Do you need to see each removal of each the 16 bolts required to remove a fuel tank from a generator?
@@whitesapphire5865 And you have no reference. UA-cam has data. They are clear that viewers prefer shorter videos because we don’t have as much time to spend. Typical of someone who talks out of their !@#
@@bobrewer202 UA-cam's "data" is bull. UA-cam's so-called data covers all viewers, all topics. For those of us who watch this channel, and others like it, there is no specific data to indicate that the viewership would prefer shorter videos. Granted, if you have the attention span of a goldfish, then perhaps you would prefer a sixty second short?
If you bothered to read the comments on those occasions where James has asked his viewers about long versus short videos, you will find that overwhelmingly, the majority prefer longer ones. This appears also to be true with regard to Mustie's and Taryl's channels, amongst others. These are technical channels, and technically minded people tend more to like detail. Further to that, longer videos have a better flow to them, rather than a chipped and chopped feel made up of short clips tacked together.
My guess is that you're the kind of person who wants to step aboard a train, plane or boat, wants to order a cup of coffee, and then to step off at the end, rather than sit back and enjoy the journey. The simple answer is, if you don't like what you see, go and find a channel more suited to your liking, rather than trying to terraform the ones that everyone else enjoys, just to suit you.
Internet trolls are not hard to please - They're just downright impossible!
Great job Mr.James excelent job... i learn much and enjoy you videos... 👏👏👏👏👏
Thanks 👍
Your videos are absolutely the best. After 40+ years of wrenching I'm still learning things. Is it possible that the sudden movement caused by a backfire allowed the piston to hit the valve before the valve was able to get fully reseated? I had a Gravely Commercial and a Kohler 8hp with a broken camshaft. New camshaft installed. First pull it backfires. Camshaft broke. Solution - I gave it away.
Anything is possible. Would say for sure that plug issue existed prior to the valve issue.
Maybe a borescope in the oil sump would help? Great video, as always.
Just found your channel today. Got to say your style is good and clear. I like how you stay calm and collect about things. But maybe that's because your doing voice over, your probably cussing up a storm when your actually
doing the project. 😁
It does help when you cannot see my mouth moving!
I have the same exact 420cc clone engine on a Powerhorse 9000ES. There are manuals for my engine. It is smoking, mostly because of unburnt oil getting in the muffler. It burns for 5min after shutting off engine. I am going to remove the head tomorrow. Hope I only have to lap the valves like yours. Would love any comments if that does or doen't sound right. I am very new and clueless to much of this, but your videos help immeasurably.
James your my new heroand thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and for the effort it takes to do such great work and share it with us . your methods are true to the BONE !Ihope your having a great day ,because I now am all thanks to you my friend my generator now runs as if it were new.dude you rock.youve restored my faith in humanity.its just about to storm out here in the so cal mountains we're at about 8 thousand feet and by the looks of these clouds it's gonna dump they are claiming 4 to six feet .they are usually pretty close on the local radio station so the power as always will be on the fritz.no worries here now thanks to you our generator is ready to rock and roll out the power.thanks again man you've made our week.great videos keep em coming.Attt.10 of 10.💯👍
That was excellent. Thanks again.
Another GREAT save by the Engine Whisperer.
Thanks Ron
Hi Mr. James, I loved watching all videos. You are very knowledgeable and mechanical/electrical skills. The times you spent to teach other more than anything, or the cost, very hard to find the people like you.
Small notes: why you don’t replace spark plug every time you fixed like oil change. But those trouble shoot can help the other’s ran to those problems
I see you use the Berryman's #12.....good stuff for de carboning, and injector cleaning...
James is back !!! LOL.. always a presume and then realize it always something smallest thing.. Murray's law ? Coleman generator are the same as that had to guess all the same parts ,Great work !!..keeping them coming.
Great work on getting this back in shape.
Thanks Paul
Never heard of that brand generator before but i have had valves break like that one did. Happened to me last week while i was out riding my racing go kart getting it ready for the season
Crazy that it could start up and “run”???!!!!!
Your closing coda, "I hope this video helped someone," is appropriate for all persons seeking help for posterity (or until UA-cam takes it down). Your deliberate attention to meticulous detail is appreciated. Too bad Ford and General Motors and Chrysler/Dodge et al. don't have the same values.
Especially Chrysler and dodge. Idky people are so blinded by them.
That was a close one James ! Sure glad it bent the stem before it broke off . Great repair , Looks to be used very little .. ENJOYED
Thanks Shawn
Thanks for the awesome video.
Honesty and objectivity.
Great work James! I have fixed and flipped small equipment for years now, and the price/value for these traditional-style generators has plummeted in the last 5 years. At least by me on Long Island. That DEK gen would maybe fetch $250-300 tops in mint used condition. And it would maybe take 6-8 months or more to sell. Maybe even a year or more.
Most people are switching over to inverter gens, new and used. To make matters worse, brand new inverter gens from China keep getting cheaper, to the point that many people aren't looking to buy a used gen on the market.
I have done well with fixing inverter gens, though. 95% of the time, it's carb issues, and they are aren't fun to get to. The good news is most inverter gens all seem to be built similar, so working on them becomes quite familiar.
What are you seeing by you?
What's interesting, is I don't see many inverter gens for sale used. Lots of old traditional gens for sale used though.
This type of generator near me sell in the $300-$400 range. They are hard to sell. I can go months without selling one and then sell 5 in a week. If a big storm is in the forecast then they all go in a day. Definitely easier to sell an inverter generator or yard equipment.
@@jcondon1 @Tristan Schaper In desperate times desperate people will do desperate things like buying any working generator when no others can be had.
Hi James great sitting in your class to day mate Always great watching you work And thank you for sharing your knowledge with us Excellent work James
Thanks Dean
Great video. Hard to believe someone would actually pay to have such a machine taken away.
rich folks are dumb?
That's a surprisingly clean generator. Most projects seem to have been improperly stored, or not maintained well. I bet this is really low hour.
Was hoping the meter had the hours. This one was definitely cared for and it let the original owner down.
This video helped me sort my knock off Grip Generator thanks so much
When doing a final analysis on the engine, I always make sure the airbox/filter is installed before setting engine speed. As far as the plugs go, I have seen many hard start/flakey starts or no starts due to the cheap Chinesium plugs. They can look fine, but something is breaking down inside, something you cannot see. I always put a new NGK equivalent plug in before returning the engine to the customer. They add very little to the repair, and ensure a plug won't cause a comeback. Good work James, hope these suggestions help.
Sometimes new plugs are weak for some reason. I've used plugs 30 years old that worked well also, anyway great job on another fix!
Great troubleshooting James 😊
Nice job!! Thorough work like you did is the key to finding & solving problems.
Awesome job once again. Would never expect any less from you! Love and blessings from Ontario Canada!
Nice job and diagnoses on finding all possible issues and repair.
Alway learning something new that can be used on repairs.
In IT we have a saying “Nothing tests like live data”. That spark plug is exactly that. Live data test. Old one looks fine, clean, low hours. Passed all the tests. But the live data test said it flunked. Good job. Lesser superheroes would have missed that. Not James. I’m impressed.
Thanks
You can get a set of cleaning wires for small engines. Old guitar springs work as well. Nice job
Hi Jim, I reckon I'd have popped the bore scope in there for a look.
Great job again James 👏 you have got me out of trouble so meny times in the last 18 months thank you keep the good work up James 👍
I've had a similar issue with every clone engine I've owned, but the guide has always worn on the exhaust side. I had a new generator drop a valve after just 300 hours. Wish I knew the root cause.
Like your videos.
My last three units all had the same issue~one brush was riding about 3/64" off the edge of the slip ring.
Even though, as it turned out, you did nothing wrong; it's always good practice to check the work you just did. Usually, that is what I find wrong;)
Great job and video. I have had to take my Dremel tool and cut a slot in the carb adjustment screw when they are broken off. works pretty well and can adjust the needle again. Thanks for another great video. Where did you get your valve and parts and the service manual for the Honda clones? Many thanks.
The clone service manual I actually got from Ryobi. The link to it is in the description. A Honda GX390 service manual would also work. The clone parts I have buying recently from a seller on eBay dieselgeneratorparts www.ebay.com/usr/dieselgeneratorparts?_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2559
@@jcondon1 Many thanks.
James Condon, the mixture screw that's rounded off is also epoxied in place they're a real job to get lose an out because the brass is so brittle........ but i'm sure you know that, i'm more saying it for anyone else thinking of removing it
I have tried before and you are correct. The brass is very brittle and just crumbles.
Excellent tutorial. No tricking that determined mind of yours! Awesome job throughout. Bingo
Seeing more and more of these Honda clones with valve issues. Had one not long ago with bent intake valve, another recently with stuck valve (due to burning too much oil, holding it open) cause was bad valve stem oil seal (2 month old machine / pressure washer). Many others... crazy.
Great video… I enjoy the long ones, I know you’re gonna get into something good
Good Fix! Perhaps your Hi-Meg meter would show a bad plug? Back in the day they had S. P Testers! The spark must be at the Gap. Low voltage might get it done! Continuity to the threaded part would mean leakage. A series resistor pair, one Hi and one low would work! Ron PTL USA
Not sure. Should have tested it.
Yet another great video, they help me alot
UK Great stuff James. As an engineer I really don't like those rocker assemblies. Using a bit of plastic to keep the pushrod in line and the rocker is not nice. Of course it's the cheapest way they can make it. It seems all of them are as crude as possible, mind you if they were well made we would not have your videos.
Another good job. Thanks for posting.
sounded better with the air box on ,nice one today James
Great video , A easier way to start the spark plug is to use a piece of fuel line on the end of the plug to assist in turning the spark plug in , just a tip .
Excellent explanation of how the compression release works: When the engine is rotating very slowly (as when being pull-started), the exhaust valve ***briefly*** opens just a tiny bit during a small portion of the compression stroke. If the exhaust valve clearance is too large then the exhaust valve won’t open at all while pull-starting, thus making it very difficult to pull hard enough on the starting rope. On the other hand, valve clearance too small releases too much compression, also making it difficult to start the engine. Testing for 60 PSI compression while rotating the engine with the starting rope just about guarantees that the compression release is working as it should.
Good looking machine and fixed now not bad
I know this is a year old, and this is a late comment... But your little saying at the end of your videos about "hoping this video helps someone" gets full marks for sure. I would have never even thought to suspect a spark plug that looked like that one you pulled. Unless of course it had TORCH written on the side. Thanks for your in depth efforts to educate us.
Hi James, Please consider making a video where you convert a gasoline genny to natural gas. I think with the price of gasoline (and propane!) skyrocketing, this would be a popular video.
Keep up the great work (repairing *and teaching*).
Working on a propane conversion now. It is a tri-fuel kit and will run on natural gas. The only issue no natural gas at my house :(
@@jcondon1 Maybe "Small Engine" Ken has NG? Do a "house call" video (with your generator!)?
Such clean work... Makes me want to get the ultrasonic cleaner back out!!!
Dude
He's teaching hardcore skills over here
Decidedly a superhero
Great job as usual. Keep up the good work.
Thanks
Those clone carbs do that they set them at the factory and break the adjustment off, I see it all day at work
James have you ever considered teaching Small Engine and Generator diagnosis and repair, Class, or selling CDs going over different Engines and Generators with your vast knowledge you would make VERY VERY GOOD INSTRUCTOR! I would love to attend one of your classes or buy your CDs.
A nice fix. I know engines, but not much about these. I bought my clone-gen ages ago, thinking I was OK because the national importer and their service department complete with a well-stocked parts warehouse was just 8 miles from where I lived. My generator always worked well for me though I did have to clean the in-tank fuel filter and the carb a few times in a dozen or so years. Changed the oil twice. Then one Thursday on the job it ran out of gas late in the day- or so I thought, but more fuel didn't do the trick. I took it home and discovered the rocker arm was off the intake valve which was bent and sticking. Not having time to fool with it I borrowed another one for the coming Friday and Saturday saw me looking for a phone number for the company- nothing. An online search showed only a couple for sale on Ebay like mine; no info on the company. I Googled the name on the engine and discovered that company had gone kaput a decade ago and only a few generic nuts and bolts could be had for it. I'd gotten more than my money's worth out of it, and not knowing other clone parts might fit I went for broke in one last attempt to fix it. With a couple blocks of wood, my claw hammer, and a brass punch I straightened the valve by eye, the metal the valve was made out of was as soft as spaghetti, and in seating it in the head I gave her a few taps straight in with the punch hoping it might help it seat. It started on the first pull and it's ran a few full workdays since then, good as ever: un-freaking-believable! I should have bought a lottery ticket that day.
One thing I did notice was there was a lot of valve lash on it which may have played a role in it dying. I'd never looked at that since it had always ran so well. I'd now advise folks to keep an eye on valve clearances often with these clone engines. I set the valves to 006 and 008 as a guess- seems I guessed close enough. I never in my life expected it to run again at all but the darned thing does. I'd love something better but semi-retired now there's no money for that. It's enough for my needs and I could sell it in hours for 2/3 of what I paid for it so I'm happy.
Good job getting it going again. Clone parts are available if you need, but need it is a bit of a guessing game since there are usually no part numbers.
@@jcondon1 Well with your video I now know of the possibilities and might find success where once I saw none. Thank You!