I repair generators part time for a shop down the street. After a storm like we just had in florida, after people ran their generators for a week or so, many come to the shop with the same running issues. And yes, its that crappy spark arresting screen. I could charge each customer a hundred dollars shop time for the repair and make a fortune. But I tell them to remove the screen and try it before they bring it in. It doesn't help my bank account but I can't rake people over the coals on something that simple to correct. Cheers and Merry Christmas to James and everyone out there.

James, one of the things that sets your channel apart from the others is how you take the time to show exactly what's wrong. For instance, putting us in view of the exhaust to hear what was troubling you. Others would simply say there's a noise and begin to fix it. BTW: Your solution for the spark arrestor was excellent as was the rest of the video!

You are better off not putting a new spark arrestor and all they do is plug up and cause problems. Every generator and Small Engine equipment that I have sold that has had that I have removed it and I have never had a come back. I’ve had some that I left in it came back several times you are better off to just do away with it and not use it just letting you know from experience.

A good trick for grips is to spray the inside with rattle can paint and then slide them on. The paint dries, it's non greasy, and they remain in position.

Did anyone see that spider? Or it might have been a cockroach.

Of all the small engine videos I've watched on KZread, I believe this is the first one with a 4-cycle engine with a clogged spark arrestor. I've seen it enough times on 2-cycle equipment, including on my better-branded line trimmer. This is a good one to remember...

That fuel line thinks "I will survive"

Looks like the PO may have gotten pretty angry when it didn't start lol

The first thing I do on my new generators is pull out the spark arrestor. I believe i get about 10% better fuel economy.

Clearly this generator needed someone with attention to detail, luckily you found it and gave it another chance to make power for someone, nice job

Thank goodness that there are still meticulous craftsmen like you who have a passion for repairing mechanical devices. We who are not "handy" salute you! 👍🐻🇺🇲

As our temperature is headed to the negative (F°) it was great to see a warm video.

This channel should have a MILLION subscribers 👍👍👍

I learned something!! Great way to put rubber or plastic handles on!

I love your inventiveness James. These types of hourmeters come in DC types and AC types, as you said. Yours is obviously one of the AC types, as you also said. The instrument counts up with the presence of an input voltage across the input wires. There are three standard AC supply voltages provided by the manufacturer. Those are 24V AC, 120V AC and 240V AC. The instrument should be marked with that appropriate for that one. I am presuming that they have provided you with one of the 120V types. All you need do is to check that the input voltage for your meter is 120V and remove the broken hourmeter from the panel. You will have to wire the input wires onto the hot side of one of the legs. Seeing as you have already paid for it you may as well use it, This can also be a cheaper solution to paying Generac $40 for one of theirs in future projects.

Wow! What a steal for $150 dollars. That machine would run my whole house, no problem. My Gennie didn't come with a spark arrester, but then I don't live in a dry area.

Predator gennys are notorious for clogging their spark arrestors, sweet find on this generator. Congrats!

I'm an Industrial mechanic. This was pretty simple, but when folks just aren't mechanical, this thing was a frustrating nightmare. the seller kicks himself but is glad you got it working I'm sure. The other freak zone is when a new land owners waterwell stops working. Many times it is a simple fault, but it is always, OMG My Pump motor is dead! Not always....

Hey Jim, I use rubbing alcohol to install those grips on bikes…. Goes on and evaporates quickly… easier to slide those handles on!

I love watching you work. I know a little about engines, but not enough to do what you are doing. Just watching you troubleshoot and fix multiple problems is very satisfying.😅