New to me Generator

[FLATU8ER]

Looking for advice for this generator. It has been sitting (covered?) for a few years. The engine turns when the rope is pulled and sounds good. (Does not run) It has electric start but I know the battery is dead. I don't know where the battery is though. I am not an expert in small engines, and electric is not my forte. The gas in the tank is just as old as it has been sitting. Previous owner said it was running when he "parked" it. As this was free, the price was right, and I'm not adverse to spending a few bucks on it. I just have not worked on anything like this at all. Planning on using this for my RV, and if we lose electricity to run my fridge and freezer for a limited amount of time.

 

[FLATU8ER]

another view

 

[FLATU8ER]

one more

 

[Music Man]

Take it to a small engine repair shop. Will need a carb repair at minimum and if it was ethanol gas who knows.

 

[D'Animal]

Simple to work on.

Be careful to not tear any gaskets. These units were built back when asbestos was used in the gaskets. Honda discontinued the gaskets that contained asbestos.

 

[D'Animal]

When you clean the carburetor, make sure you do not enlarge any jets/holes.
The jets/holes scale/varnish up on the sides of the hole, reducing the orifice size. Common mistake to shove an oversized index drill through it to clean it.

 

[FLATU8ER]

What about carb cleaner (spray) to reduce/get rid of old gas goo? I would also guess a new spark plug.
Gaskets, I have used a sheet of old gasket material and made my own on old thermostat housings before. What is the opinion on that RTV gasket silicone. I have not had good luck with it in the past. Probably used too much. Drill bits are not going to happen.
Also wondering about replacement parts ie: key switch, and the gauge/meter on the front.

Hey D, is there any local Honda place that I can get the parts that might be needed that you recommend.
Thanks, Jim

 

[hkeller]

Have you dropped the carb bowl and cleaned it? That's where I would start.

 

[FLATU8ER]

Thanks, and no I haven't had a chance to look at it yet. Life getting in the way.
Any Honda small engine pros out there?

 

[Weber Sarge]

Honda really isn't any harder to repair than a Briggs or Kohler , just different . Drop the bowl , clean the carb and jets out - they rarely need much more than that .
Sarge

 

[pb4ugo]

I'd pull the spark plug 1st, to make sure it has compression. Without it, it ain't gonna go.

 

[FLATU8ER]

I will keep these last two things in mind when I can start messing with the generator.
Thanks