ETQ generator starting problems

[Stormin Mormon]

In 2006, I bought a 1200 watt ETQ brand generator.
Two stroke, gas mixer. Problem is, it only cold
starts if I take off the air filter and spray in some
ether. After it's started, I can restart it minute later,
and it starts on one pull.

Recently, I ran it dry, drained it, and put in 91
octane pure gas, with the required two stroke oil.

I can't be running it every day to keep it exercised.
What's the answer to making it more dependable
to start? Put a can of ether in the box with the
generator?
.
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.
.

[David J. Hughes]

Sounds like it's has the mixture set too lean to start cold.
You could try to find an old school small engine mechanic to take a look
at it, there's just too many variables to tell you what to do in this forum.

Some possibilities:
Choke setting
Carb setting
Clogged jets
spark plug gap
spark strength
Spark advance setting
After that, you get to the fiddly possibilities

[Mighty Wannabe]

On Apr 23, 9:38 pm, "David J. Hughes" <davidjhughes...@netzero.com>
wrote:

I don't think a cheap generator engine has those things for
adjustment. The problem is just the gas going stale. Cheapest way is
to spray WD-40 into the carburetor before pulling to start. Another
way is to put gas-stabilizer in the tank to preserve the gas octane.

[Winston_Smith]

On Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:39:03 -0700 (PDT), Mighty Wannabe wrote:
>> On 4/23/2013 7:14 PM, Stormin Mormon wrote:

>> > Recently, I ran it dry, drained it, and put in 91
>> > octane pure gas, with the required two stroke oil.
>

>The problem is just the gas going stale. Cheapest way is
>to spray WD-40 into the carburetor before pulling to start. Another
>way is to put gas-stabilizer in the tank to preserve the gas octane.

New gas SM says.
But it's stale MW says

High octane SM says.
But it need octane boosted MW says.

More BS from Canada.

[Steve from Colorado]

Cheap two stroke engines require lots of energy (pulling the starter rope) to start. I've had two stroke chain saws that required so many pulls to start the engine that I may as well have used a hand saw to cut a branch off or to saw down a tree. I have the same Chi-Comm generator that SM has, and it always requires about 20 pulls on the starter rope to get it to start. The best solution to solve the difficult starting problem is to invest in a Honda inverter generator, IMO. That said, for the hundred twenty nine dollars I paid for the two stroke generator, it has always started and sips gasoline. It powers stuff like vacuum cleaners, electric chain saws, electric lights and small appliances very reliably.

[David J. Hughes]

Oh, It has all those, or something that serves the same purpose.
Some of them may not be easily adjusted.
Adjusting the spark advance by repositioning the magneto while the motor
is running can be --uumm-- interesting.

Owners manual for a similar or possibly same unit:
http://www.northerntool.com/images/downloads/manuals/166020.pdf

Forgot clogged fuel filter as a possible cause.

[Mighty Wannabe]

On Apr 23, 11:46 pm, Winston_Smith <inva...@butterfly.net> wrote:
> On Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:39:03 -0700 (PDT), Mighty Wannabe wrote:
> >> On 4/23/2013 7:14 PM, Stormin Mormon wrote:
> >> > Recently, I ran it dry, drained it, and put in 91
> >> > octane pure gas, with the required two stroke oil.
>
> >The problem is just the gas going stale. Cheapest way is
> >to spray WD-40 into the carburetor before pulling to start. Another
> >way is to put gas-stabilizer in the tank to preserve the gas octane.
>
> New gas SM says.
> But it's stale MW says

It's either SM has trouble in expression, or you have trouble in
comprehension. SM mention problem in the paragraph and then new gas in
second paragraph. Then the two are different time frame and different
events.


> High octane SM says.
> But it need octane boosted (MW said "preserved". Are you stupid or something?) MW says.

Same as above. He mentioned the two events in the wrong order then, if
he meant what you think.

[Mighty Wannabe]

Use fresh high octane gas or spray WD-40 into the carburetor should
fix it.

[Steve from Colorado]

Thank you. I'll try that.

[Winston_Smith]

On Tue, 23 Apr 2013 21:12:20 -0700 (PDT), Mighty Wannabewrote:
>On Apr 23, 11:46 pm, Winston_Smith wrote:
>> On Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:39:03 -0700 (PDT), Mighty Wannabe wrote:
>> >> On 4/23/2013 7:14 PM, Stormin Mormon wrote:

>> >> > Recently, I ran it dry, drained it, and put in 91
>> >> > octane pure gas, with the required two stroke oil.
>>
>> >The problem is just the gas going stale. Cheapest way is
>> >to spray WD-40 into the carburetor before pulling to start. Another
>> >way is to put gas-stabilizer in the tank to preserve the gas octane.
>>
>> New gas SM says.
>> But it's stale MW says
>
>It's either SM has trouble in expression, or you have trouble in
>comprehension.

I was thinking that was exactly your problem.

>SM mention problem in the paragraph and then new gas in
>second paragraph. Then the two are different time frame and different
>events.

He said what he did. If it fixed the problem, he wouldn't be posting.
Obviously it did not.

>> High octane SM says.
>> But it need octane boosted (MW said "preserved". Are you stupid or something?) MW says.

Sta-bil and Pri-G aren't principally to "preserve" although that's how
they are advertised and in effect that's what they do. They replace
some of the lighter components that are lost over time with the result
that the old gas has lower octane.

>Same as above. He mentioned the two events in the wrong order then, if
>he meant what you think.

Same as above. If what he did fixed the problem, he wouldn't be asking
for ideas.

[bates2012]

On Apr 23, 7:14 pm, "Stormin Mormon" <cayoung61**NOJUN...@hotmail.com>
wrote:

Try different brands of gas. My Ranger runs great on Shell, runs like
shit on Exxon.
If it makes a difference in my truck, it will definitely do the same
in a small engine.
And by all means try to find gas that doesnt have alcohol in it,
especially for a small engine.
NB

[Stormin Mormon]

Well, that opens up a few things to check. I'm not sure the choke or carb are settable. I'm going to try a different spark plug, one of these days.

.
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.
.

"David J. Hughes" <davidjh...@netzero.com> wrote in message news:uIGdt.1804$FS4...@newsfe12.iad...

[Stormin Mormon]

Another vote for leave the can of ether in the box.

It's also reasonably quiet. Which is nice.

.
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.
.

"Steve from Colorado" <gas...@hushmail.com> wrote in message news:9e036ef1-8dd9-4952...@googlegroups.com...

[Stormin Mormon]

Same unit. Thank you, that's a great find.

.
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.
.

"David J. Hughes" <davidjh...@netzero.com> wrote in message news:xRIdt.6173$sI....@newsfe20.iad...

[Redcat]

On Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:14:52 -0400, Stormin Mormon wrote:
Sorry, can't answer that question. But I have a sort of related question.
If it has a 2 stroke engine, won't running it dry too often lead to bad
engine wear problems? I'm thinking that running it out of fuel is also
running it out of lubricant.

With respect to your original question, though, it sounds like leaving a
can of ether near the generator might be a good idea.

[a...@wizardanswers.com]

On Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:14:52 -0400, "Stormin Mormon"

Have three thiings powered by 2 cycle engines - Husqvarna backpack
blower, older Sears chainsaw, Troy-Bilt trimmer.

I've had the blower more than 5 years and I bought it used. Rebuilt
the carb last year because of idle problems.

The chainsaw is probably 15+ years old.

The trimmer is maybe 3 years old.

The blower starts first or second pull almost every time.
The chainsaw usually starts on the second or third pull.
The trimmer has a "spring assist" starter that still takes two or more
pulls.

All of them require full choke when cold.

Only thing I do is use Sta-Bil in the gas.

My generators are 4 cycle. Coleman 1850 (B&S 3.5hp), Generac 5500
(Generac engine). I always shut off the fuel valve and run the carb
dry on these.

[Stormin Mormon]

I've heard chainsaws need to be run dry before storage. Seems like that last instant, when the gas oil mix runs out, has to be hard on the engine. I don't really know.

The manual says to
* Disconnect any loads
* Run for another minute to let it stabilize
* Turn off the electric switch.

I guess they figure for it stored wet.

.
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.
.

"Redcat" <red...@catfolks.net> wrote in message news:atqea2...@mid.individual.net...

[Les]

I have a similar model, which i've never gassed up, but according to
Amazon reviews a
major weak spot is the connector at the end of the spark plug wire where
it attaches
to the spark plug. It's known to die very quickly. Freestyle
jerry-rigging was the answer.
Les

[Stormin Mormon]

Today I removed, and cleaned the spark plug.
Slight bit of carbon. Wire brush, and some
spray degreaser solvent. Manual calls for
gap .028 to .030 inches, and this one was under
gapped.

I tried a new one, which had much shorter
threads. No joy.

Put the cleaned and gapped original plug back
in. Started on the very first pull.

Thank you to all who had great ideas, you are
much appreciated.

[David J. Hughes]

Glad it was an easy fix.

Used to drive a '65 SAAB 96.
Three cylinder in-line 2-cycle engine, front wheel drive.
Closest shop that knew ANYTHING about SAABs was 200 miles.
2-cycle engines have some real advantages over 4-cycles, but they have
their own quirks.

[Stormin Mormon]

I could have bought a car with a Wankel engine, years ago. Decided not to, cause no one would know how to fix it.

.
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.
.

"David J. Hughes" <davidjh...@netzero.com> wrote in message news:wa_dt.3859$P83....@newsfe05.iad...

[Stormin Mormon]

Thank you. I'll be sure to be gentle with that.

Please take the time to test your generator some
day. Want to be sure it runs.

.
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.
.

"Les" <root@none> wrote in message news:51783d92$0$28811$862e...@ngroups.net...

[Stormin Mormon]

I'm never sure if I should run my chain saw
dry. Well, been doing so for years, and it
still runs. Run the four stroke dry, that's easy
call to make.

.
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.
.

<a...@wizardanswers.com> wrote in message news:074gn85jlbu4pr5g9...@4ax.com...

[Winston_Smith]

On Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:21:55 +0800, Les <root@none> wrote:

>I have a similar model, which i've never gassed up, but according to
>Amazon reviews a
>major weak spot is the connector at the end of the spark plug wire where
>it attaches
>to the spark plug. It's known to die very quickly. Freestyle
>jerry-rigging was the answer.
>Les

If you come by the link to that review, I'd like to read it as I have
something similar and there is very little info out there by brand and
model.

[Les]

Turns out I have the same ETQ Stormin has.  It's been years since I got it and several weeks
worth of power cuts, never felt like I needed it for anything.  Someday I will try it, like, after
getting a house.  Looking at the reviews again, I'll cut n paste a bit:

This review is from: ETQ TG1200 1,200 Watt 2 HP 2-Cycle Gas Powered Portable Generator (Lawn & Patio)

I've bought three of these for myself and relatives and they work exactly as advertised, if you do a couple of things first. Please read the instructions - mine calls for 89 octane gas, 87 will kill it. Replace the cheap sparkplug it comes with with an Autolite 64 or NGK BP5ES but do it AFTER break-in. Break it in properly (which is not explained in the book). Run the first tank at a 40:1 ratio and run it for differing lengths of time and under different loads. Two-stroke motors are very sensitive to break in. Replace the plug, gap the new one to .024 and then use a carefully measured 50:1 gas/oil mix. These people talking about low oil shutdown have no clue how a two-stroke works. And if you use motor oil instead of two-stroke, it should run for about fifteen minutes before it seizes for good.

Use a high quality two-stroke oil, mix it properly with your 89 octane gas, add fuel stabilizer designed for ethanol impregnated gas and run it dry after every use by simple turning off the fuel petcock and letting it run until it dies.

Follow these simple instructions and you'll have a little workhorse that is light enough to tote around a campsite or a race track. Mine has probably run 100 hours already with hurricanes and snowstorms and various track events and it's never missed a beat. Lots of racing buddies have also bought it and not a one has experienced some of the horror stories here - but they followed the directions.

-------------

This review is from: ETQ TG1200 1,200 Watt 2 HP 2-Cycle Gas Powered Portable Generator (Lawn & Patio)

After reading the reviews of this generator I am surprised that NO ONE has mentioned the break in period for these "jenny's".
I have owned three of these low watt generators and have "always" broken them in for twenty five (yes 25) hours at no more than 50% load.
They are all still running as new and "sip" gas. I ONLY run 50 to 1.
Changed plug to an E3(3.22), no gapping of the plug required and it gives that little combustion chamber a bit more compression and power. Will not hurt the Jenny.
Don't forget to use copper high temp "anti seize" on the plug threads as this little unit has an aluminum head. You don't want to remove a plug one day and find that the plug threads in the generator head have removed with it! Buy at any auto store, put on plug threads and run around with your finger covering (not thickly) your spark plug threads, install plug as usual and you will be able to remove it easily after 100 years.....do not get this anti seize on the bottom of the plug. (the working parts) if you do just wipe it off.
I have also used a BP5ES (NGK) spark plug gapped at .031.
I live in Colorado at 6,800 feet of elevation so your gapping may be different - A plug gap of .028 to .031 is recommended - don't be afraid to experiment, the difference may astound you!
Also pay attention to your air cleaner!
There is a small (really small) foam air cleaner element that can be washed and dried (if dirty) and then "oiled" and squeezed out (removing excess oil) then reinstalled when damp with oil.
Check your manual for the location (it is really small - not the manual but the air cleaner :>)). 3 in 1 oil or any lightweight oil works fine.
This will filter any small residue such as dust, a dry filter will assure you a short life of the jenny for your investment.
When you are ready to shut your unit off, as with some of the reviewers, shut your petcock to the off position (the little on off fuel thingy on the side) and let the unit run the gas
out of the carburetor, it will take a few minutes for it to shut down. MAKE SURE THERE IS NO LOAD ON YOUR UNIT WHEN IT IS SHUTTING DOWN NO MATTER HOW YOU SHUT IT DOWN. If there is, it's a good way to make the windings "bite dust and die".
It will start easier the next time and your carb won't gunk up.
Just trying to help, one of my jenny's is five years old, has been used and abused and still runs like new!
Later Gators
Colorado

--------------
I've had this little gen out on 3 camping (remote) trips thus far and it's been working OK. It is loud so I put it out about 75 feet and that has worked great! I called the factory regarding the oil mix--they said and I agreed the mix of 50:1 is too LEAN!!! Use a 40:1 mix. I also put a squirt of stabilizer and mystery oil in the tank and use premium fuel (less junk). So thus far I think I got a good deal for what I use it for and I would tell anybody to buy one - just use common sense when using it.
Update---We're into Oct now and I got to say this little gem has been nothing but good to me. I feel bad for the others that report problems, because I certainly have not. Maybe it's because I use the 40:1 mix, premium fuel, and some additives as stated above. I also shut off the fuel and let it run dry thus removing any in the bowl. I start it every week and let it run 10 minutes. It's loud but it's a 2 stroke! Thanks for looking.

-------------
It's a great generator for the price, but know your wattage needs. We use it in the winter at hunting camp in georgia. In the summer we need to use a larger generator to power AC units. This unit is lightweight, uses less gas than advertised, and ran great the first year. I've had trouble the last couple times i used it and figured the carb was plugged because it sits some. I do try to run it dry if it's going to sit but forget on occassion. I really went through it today and found the filter inside the tank attached to the valve had fused shut (didn't appear plugged but I couldn't blow through it). I took it out and installed an inline filter with clear fuel line and it started working again. Not sure if it's an ethanol issue but I hope the problem is solved long term.

We run about 4-5 100 watt lights and one to two ceiling fans and it does fine, but we have to get the fans started to avoid the startup requirement. It runs about 6-7 hours on a tank under this load.

-------------
THIS MAKES THE 3RD ONE OF THESE LITTLE GENERATORS I HAVE PURCHASED AND ONCE AGAIN I AM VERY HAPPY!! TOOK IT OUT OF THE BOX FILLED WITH 50/50 GAS MIXTURE BEFORE I TURNED ON THE SWITCH I PULLED ON THE STARTER CORD A COUPLE GENTLE TIMES TO PRIME THE SPARK PLUG AND THEN TURNED ON THE START SWITCH AND PUT ON CHOKE IT STARTED FIRST PULL AND AFTER LETTING IT RUN A COUPLE MINITS TOOK THE CHOKE OFF AND IT RUNS LIKE A TOP!!! WE DO ALOT OF PRIMATIVE CAMPING AND THERE ARE DAYS I HAVE RUN THEASE 6 OR 7 HOURS STRIGHT THEY HAVE NEVER LET ME DOWN MY OTHER ONE IS STILL RUNNING I KNOW IT HAS TO HAVE OVER 200 HOURS ON IT SO YES IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A SMALL GENERATOR FOR CAMPING OR HOME USE YOU CANT BEAT THEASE FOR THE PRICE!!! I KNOW AT SOME POINT IN THE FUTURE ANOTHER ONE WILL BE PURCHASED!!! THEY ARE NOT LOUD AT ALL BUT A LITTLE TRICK TAKE IT TO A LAWN MOWER FIX IT SHOP AND HAVE A SMALL MUFFLER TACK WELDED ON --IT WILL BE AS QUIET AS THE $800 HONDA GENERATORS SHHHH DONT TELL ANY ONE MY TRICK TO DROP IT ANOTHER 10DB IN SOUND.. ----LOL

-----------
I purchased this small generator to run a few things on an emergency basis. So far I have run refrigerator/freezer, computer, a few cfl lights and the big one an 8000 btu window a/c unit. 750 watts continuous. Now to be honest,I don't run both compressors at the same time, and I use a large ups to handle the initial surge of the A/C compressor but it runs fine after the surge. If I wanted to have a generator that could handle the surge I would need around 3000 watts of generator. Remember after the surge, a larger generator is just wasting fuel

----------------
Received my $118 (incl shipping) bargain "Chinese" generator from Amazon, NIB. Found it had been dropped, the foot had sunk (smashed) thru the styrofoam packing. The front panel including the air cleaner area was cracked with a piece broken off. Started and tested OK - actually runs very well. Called Amazon, "she" asked me "if I send the parts at no charge, can you fixit yourself?" I said yes.
BTW, Purchased the generator to power LiPoly battery chargers - charge RC airplane batteries at the flying field - many, of not most flying fields do not have electricity.

1) after one "run", the fitting attached to the fuel tank (above the petcock) started leaking. The connection was not tight enough. This is a straight ttread (not pipe thread) with a rubber "compression" bushing. After removal, I wound teflon tape around the threads, and under the place where the rubber compression grommet goes, so that when fitting was screwed into the gas tank, the threads were very tight fitting (because of the teflon tape) when hand tightened. When all was aligned, tightened with wrench to apprx 8 or 10 ft-lb.

2) Replacement panel was not exactly the same - had to fabricate new mounting for the capacitor, and power plug cover, and several other tweaks to get all to fit.

Disturbing Discovery; the wiring was not packed/secured properly - wiring was in contact with several vibrating parts, causing the wiring insulation to begin wear away (chafe) - this would eventually cause a "ground out" (cause a short to ground).

Once the front panel was repaired, and in place --- read on

** repairmans "pro" tip **. Remove the gas tank so you have access from the top. Cover the power wires with large shrink tubing (so it fits over the power wire(s) connectors) and tie wrap (somewhat loosely) - be sure that no wires touch the engine/generator or fuel tank (protect insulation from chafing), Then put gas tank on last. Inspect wiring using flashlight to double check that no wiring is touching anything where vibration would wear away the wire insulation.

Finally, I'm still pleased with the generator considering the price. I just had to finish the "quality".

-------------------
This is a well built little generator. Originally a 1973 Yamaha design sold as the ET650, ET800, ET950, and ET1250. The Chinese clones are sold under a variety of brand names including Launtop, Linhai, Wildfire, ETQ, Triron Power, Mellga, and many other private labels. The Yamahas are still available in the UK, New Zealand, and Australia. I bought one for myself after a storm left me powerless for 4 days. NEVER AGAIN. I liked it, tested it for several months, and used it for chores around the house that req'd power. I liked them so much I bought 4 more for family members. One has failed of the 5. the one that broke still runs, but the governor does not work. It has become dedicated as a parts mule for the other 4 gensets. The other 4 are two years old and all work flawlessly and have required no repairs . They are stored with STABIL in the fuel mix. I'd buy more if I had room to store them.

UPDATE: I've had 5 of these units for over 4 years. They are used occasionally for recreation/ tailgating at football games/ running an electric chainsaw. Many hundred hours of use and no failures other than the one that stopped governing the speed. I have that one as a parts genset, but havent needed any parts yet. Runs a 26" LCD TV with no problems. The voltage is "clean enough" to not bother the electronics in the TV. I do have it plugged into a surge supressor just in case.

--------------
OK, I got 11 pages into the reviews.  Just go to amazon, search etq generator, scroll down for yours.
But don't bother with the first 11 pages, you got the best of that here.  Kind of makes me want to take mine
apart and go through it before it's first use.
Les

[bfindl...@gmail.com]

I have a brand new Power Fist 880 Watt 2 Stroke Generator and when I first got it a few weeks ago, it would start first or second pull, I had fresh gas in it and fresh clean oil. 50:1. I was playing around with it for a few days after I got it and it worked like a charm, I had refilled it to the very top which I found out after is a bad thing to do, afterwards I had left it for a few days and went back to start it to play around again and the thing wouldn't start no matter how much I tried. I poured half the tank of gas out after I made sure that the fuel inside the tank was mixed after sitting because before I poured the gas out I didn't want to be pouring more fuel than oil or the other way around. Anyways, after I poured half the fuel out, I gave it a try and still nothing, I managed to get it to start once and then I let it run for 20 minutes and I shut it off and waited a while again and I thought that I may as well give it one more run to make sure that its good and it would not start and still won't to this day. I understand that it could be a lot of different things but if this sounds like something you know the answer to, please reply.

Thanks

[Stormin Mormon]

One possible guess, leaky carb float, and
it's flooding. Reminds, I need to drag out my ETQ
one of these days and see if it runs.

--
.
Christopher A. Young
Learn about Jesus
www.lds.org
.

[Stormin Mormon]

On 11/3/2014 8:55 PM, bfindl...@gmail.com wrote:

If it's flooding problem, you can unscrew the spark
plug. Leave the switch off, and pull the rip cord a
couple times. That will blow a bunch of air through
the piston cylinder. Then, replace spark plug, turn
switch on, and see if it starts.

[chasseur]

Before you remove the plug try to start it by pulling the cord five or
six times. If it doesn't start, pull the plug and see if it is wet with
gas. If so, you may have a spark problem. Replace the plug and see if it
will start. If it doesn't, pull the plug, put on the high tension wire
and while grounding the plug on the cooling fins pull the cord and watch
for sparks.They should be blue and crackling, not yellow and weak. If
you have a strong spark, pour half a tea spoon of your gas oil mixture
in the cylinder and replace the plug. Try to start it and if it does you
have a gas feeding problem, probably a stuck in the closed position
float needle and the carb needs to be cleaned. If you do not have a
spark, take the kill switch apart to see if it is faulty (like staying
on when it should be off), or better still take it back to the retailer.
Since it is new, there should be a warranty. I could suggest more but it
could void your warranty (unauthorized repairs).

Chasseur

[Jack Granade]

On Tuesday, April 23, 2013 5:14:52 PM UTC-7, Stormin Mormon wrote:
> In 2006, I bought a 1200 watt ETQ brand generator.
> Two stroke, gas mixer. Problem is, it only cold
> starts if I take off the air filter and spray in some
> ether. After it's started, I can restart it minute later,
> and it starts on one pull.
>
> Recently, I ran it dry, drained it, and put in 91
> octane pure gas, with the required two stroke oil.
>
> I can't be running it every day to keep it exercised.
> What's the answer to making it more dependable
> to start? Put a can of ether in the box with the
> generator?

> .
> Christopher A. Young

> Learn more about Jesus
> www.lds.org
> .
> .

You have to add the proper amount of Fuel Stabilizer to your fuel.
Just follow the operating and maint. instuctions in your manual.

[Oilsmoke Jones]

On Tuesday, April 23, 2013 8:14:52 PM UTC-4, Stormin Mormon wrote:
> In 2006, I bought a 1200 watt ETQ brand generator.
> Two stroke, gas mixer. Problem is, it only cold
> starts if I take off the air filter and spray in some
> ether. After it's started, I can restart it minute later,
> and it starts on one pull.
>
> Recently, I ran it dry, drained it, and put in 91
> octane pure gas, with the required two stroke oil.
>
> I can't be running it every day to keep it exercised.
> What's the answer to making it more dependable
> to start? Put a can of ether in the box with the
> generator?
> .
> Christopher A. Young
> Learn more about Jesus
> www.lds.org
> .
> .

I've always had a soft spot in my head for 2 strokes. Had a Subaru 360 when stationed on Okinawa back in '73. Ssooo I bought a TG 1200 a couple days ago for $45..previous owner started it with 3 pulls, it warmed up and ran great...tried to start it this morning and no go..very weak spark on only about every fifth revolution..it was 31°F out..on a hunch I brought it inside (up side is this thing very easy to tote around), warmed it up to the 71° inside ambient and bota bing..spark everywhere, easily jumped from electrode to anode and to engine block..plug back in started first pull..I put it back outside for an hour and dead again...what do you geniuses think of that...???

[David J. Hughes]

Damaged, weak or mispositioned magneto.
<http://www.readbag.com/theportablegenerators-manuals-etq-generator-tg1200-manual>
will show where it's located.

Visually inspect it for cracks or other signs of damage.
Check to see that all connections are tight when cold.
Could try loosening, repositioning slightly, then retightening.

[epe...@gmail.com]

On Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 7:14:52 PM UTC-5, Stormin Mormon wrote:
> In 2006, I bought a 1200 watt ETQ brand generator.
> Two stroke, gas mixer. Problem is, it only cold
> starts if I take off the air filter and spray in some
> ether. After it's started, I can restart it minute later,
> and it starts on one pull.

> .
> Christopher A. Young
> Learn more about Jesus
> www.lds.org
> .

I have 2 of the ETQ TG1200's that I bought 7 years ago. These are YAMAHA ET-950 clones. They've gotten minor use over the years, but have always worked great.

I had not started them in a year and when I looked at them it was clear that I had run one dry by cutting off the fuel shut-off; but on the other the shut-off was still open.

So, the first one started OK, but the second would not start at all. I took the carb bowl off and squirted choke cleaner throughout, but no dice.

Then I saw this youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ8kgp_-U6k and I removed and cleaned the main jet, just as shown here. All I did was:
1) turn off the shut-off
2) remove the carb bowl and let the little bit of gas drain out
3) removed the main jet, no need to completely remove the carb as the main jet slot is accessible by screwdriver
4) used torch tip cleaner to find the right size wire http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lincoln-Electric-Oxygen-Acetylene-Torch-Tip-Cleaner-Kit-KH575/100341101
5) used compressed air and carb cleaner to completely clean out the jet. Entire process took about 10 minutes

Now the 1st generator has a DC output jack and some jumper cables that the second one doesn't have. Also, the 1st one needs a single short spray squirt of starter fluid and then it starts right up.

[Harry Skrotem]

The old gas turns to varnish and clogs the carb. The wire torch cleaner
is about the best advice, with starter fluid or carb cleaner to help
start it. Sea Foam is a product that will cure it.

[PaxPerPoten]

For those without a tip cleaner set...Tag wire from standard paper tags
purchased at office stores or just steal the wire from the inspection
tags on your water heater, Furnace or electric service.


--
It is hardly too strong to say that the Constitution was made to guard
the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all
ages who mean to govern well, but *They mean to govern*. They promise to
be good masters, *but they mean to be masters*. Daniel Webster

[Stormin Mormon]

On 10/5/2015 3:20 AM, PaxPerPoten wrote:
> On 10/4/2015 11:09 PM, epe...@gmail.com wrote:
>> So, the first one started OK, but the second would not start at all.
>> I took the carb bowl off and squirted choke cleaner throughout, but no
>> dice.
>>
>> Then I saw this youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ8kgp_-U6k
>> and I removed and cleaned the main jet, just as shown here. All I did
>> was:
>> 1) turn off the shut-off
>> 2) remove the carb bowl and let the little bit of gas drain out
>> 3) removed the main jet, no need to completely remove the carb as the
>> main jet slot is accessible by screwdriver
>> 4) used torch tip cleaner to find the right size wire
>> http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lincoln-Electric-Oxygen-Acetylene-Torch-Tip-Cleaner-Kit-KH575/100341101
>>
>> 5) used compressed air and carb cleaner to completely clean out the
>> jet. Entire process took about 10 minutes
>>
>> Now the 1st generator has a DC output jack and some jumper cables that
>> the second one doesn't have. Also, the 1st one needs a single short
>> spray squirt of starter fluid and then it starts right up.
>>
>
> For those without a tip cleaner set...Tag wire from standard paper tags
> purchased at office stores or just steal the wire from the inspection
> tags on your water heater, Furnace or electric service.
>
>

Years ago, I tried oven cleaner spray for carb
cleaner (in a tea strainer, in the sink, not
on the machine). Seemed to work okay.

My ETQ, seems to need a squirt of ether to
start. I don't use it often. I store a can
of ether spray in the box with the machine.

Mine has the DC jack and charging cables.

Can be a lot of work to get it started, but
it has been handy for use running furnace,
etc.

--
.
Christopher A. Young

learn more about Jesus
. www.lds.org
.
.

[thomas...@gmail.com]

These are 4 cycle engines! And they are junk at least mine is. Menards junk special. Menards should be a last resort. There are no deals.
Everything is made off shore.

And if they are made "in the USA" it's a for sure--junk! Just check the automotive failure rate juxtapose to before and after they wee made in the south of the good old USA. These "good old boys" can;t seem to put the right bolt in the right hole but "make the best in the world". Just ask one.
Ask one at John Deere, Horicon, WI, (North) no difference.
They, too, as well as most USA corps., just copy as an engineering strategy.
Best solution: don't buy anything!

[Don]

On Thu, 23 Nov 2017 07:18:37 -0800 (PST), thomas...@gmail.com
wrote:

That's right. No one twisted your arm to buy anything in today's
market. No one made you vote for the serious-minded jerks in
congress. And whose fault is it that elections in the U.S. are bought
and paid for by political parties, with you allow one choice between
two Republican or Democrat candidates?

I like the idea that survivors in the U.S. could get some idea about
how to NOT participate in the way government and big business set us
Frogs up to accept the hot water.
>
>

[Winston_Smith]

On Thu, 23 Nov 2017 10:15:07 -0900, Don <book...@yahoo.com> wrote:

Yikes, I think this thread is something Stormin' started years ago.

>I like the idea that survivors in the U.S. could get some idea about
>how to NOT participate in the way government and big business set us
>Frogs up to accept the hot water.

I'm reading a book about the history of Rome. "Rome, A History in
Seven Sackings" - Matthew Kneale. I'm on the third sacking and it's a
gem of a book.

In sacking two he describes how most of the population counts on a
food dole to survive - pointing out the rise of slavery (by the rich
elite) has eliminated most jobs so the native workforce has no way to
earn a living.

I flash on crossing out "slavery" and substituting "illegal
immigrants" and "off-shoring" to get yet another comparison of the US
and ancient Rome.

[rbowman]

On 11/23/2017 12:15 PM, Don wrote:
> That's right. No one twisted your arm to buy anything in today's
> market. No one made you vote for the serious-minded jerks in
> congress. And whose fault is it that elections in the U.S. are bought
> and paid for by political parties, with you allow one choice between
> two Republican or Democrat candidates?

The fault is hard to establish. Like internet polls elections have been
a exercise in futility since I've been alive. Yeah, yeah, I know, get
involved in local politics, work your way up to the state level and so
forth and so on. I'm calling bullshit on that fantasy for any office
past dog catcher.

Not my city, not my problem, but I am sort of wondering how Helena MTY
managed to elect a black refugee from Liberia as mayor. I didn't know
there was a splib of any description in Helena.

[rbowman]

On 11/23/2017 02:17 PM, Winston_Smith wrote:
> I flash on crossing out "slavery" and substituting "illegal
> immigrants" and "off-shoring" to get yet another comparison of the US
> and ancient Rome.
>

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rising_Tide_of_Color_Against_White_World-Supremacy

I just finished reading that. What is notable is Stoddard was writing
shortly after WWI and many of his predictions are spot on, particularly
that China, Japan, and India will eat the white's lunch.

[news16]

On Thu, 23 Nov 2017 17:30:36 -0700, rbowman wrote:

> Not my city, not my problem, but I am sort of wondering how Helena MTY
> managed to elect a black refugee from Liberia as mayor.

How about every one else has been a disaster, so we'll give them a go.
seen that happen a few times.

[rbowman]

The outgoing mayor was elected 4 times and served for 16 years. Hardly a
disaster.

In any case other than titillating the libs it doesn't mean much. Helena
is the state capitol but the administration of the city has nothing to
do with that. With a population of around 30,000. It was hot shit in
1889 when it became the capitol; not so much anymore.

The US has quite a few states with capitols that are now backwaters.
It's a good way to cause pain in grade school students who make
assumptions. For example New York City isn't a capitol of anything but
capital.

[Don]

On Thu, 23 Nov 2017 14:17:05 -0700, Winston_Smith
<inv...@butterfly.net> wrote:

>On Thu, 23 Nov 2017 10:15:07 -0900, Don <book...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>Yikes, I think this thread is something Stormin' started years ago.
>
>>I like the idea that survivors in the U.S. could get some idea about
>>how to NOT participate in the way government and big business set us
>>Frogs up to accept the hot water.
>
>I'm reading a book about the history of Rome. "Rome, A History in
>Seven Sackings" - Matthew Kneale. I'm on the third sacking and it's a
>gem of a book.

I've been reading some of Julius Caesar's log of how he conducted
wars, and he was very bloody, revengeful, very politique, and key to
how Rome succeeded back and forth, from king, to republic, to emperor.
Was a significant factor of oligarchy involved. Was very canny and
survived against even Ptolomy, his son-in-law. Somehow had superior
battlefield techniques.

Good background reading for such as Shakespeare's Julius Caesar and
Antony and Cleopatra, also Shaw's Arms and the Man. Elizabethans all
went to school on Caesar, reading the Latin. Have to repeat favorite
story about Ben Jonson and Shakespeare, when an actor acquaintance
made wit against Shakespeare by saying to him, as if to Caesar,
"Caesar does me wrong," which is out the play; then Ben Jonson reports
that Shakespeare said, in witty reply, "Caesar never does wrong, but
with just cause."

Even has some mirrors for current Middle East politics, like
understanding something of the tribal/religious conflicts underlying
decisions. Right now, the Saudis are again coming up against Iran and
Syria; Turkey won't accept Kurds existence, etc..

Also, have been reading Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, which is full of
the stoic philosophy of life, which not only extols the virtues of
moderation, but seems fully integrated in his personal life. He
probably was the best emperor.

Both the Julius Caesar and Marcus Aurelius are available at Gutenburg
with free download.

[Don]

On Thu, 23 Nov 2017 17:36:14 -0700, rbowman <bow...@montana.com>
wrote:

Hmmm. Seems like Phillipines has hard decisions to make about
hegemony. And what does Australia and NZ do? Maybe it's time for
democracies to get our wagons in a circle, along with Canada and GB.

Sorry about the EU. Maybe GB can somehow resurrect the best parts of
the EU, excluding free border crossings and residence by refugees with
local equal rights. Also include Scotland, Ireland, Denmark, Norway,
Iceland, and Sweden. Be another Union with more national
self-determination. Like a U.S. with separate states, plus border
controls and federal laws that can be enforced.

[Don]

On Thu, 23 Nov 2017 17:30:36 -0700, rbowman <bow...@montana.com>
wrote:

Perhaps a good illustration of how voters feel about the whole system.
Disgusted with what goes on, a lot of cynicism exists out there (me
included), so just either vote with your feet or make a mockery of it.
In Alaska, the town of Talkeetna had a cat named Stubbs as mayor for a
long time. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stubbs_

[Don]

On Thu, 23 Nov 2017 19:26:46 -0700, rbowman <bow...@montana.com>
wrote:

In Alaska, the old mining town of Juneau is the capitol, despite being
unconnected to the rest of Alaska by highway, train, or sea. And it's
ruled by a nest of pirates who run the place in collusion. Typically,
they will set out for bids on some construction project, but when the
lowest bids within specifications are voted on, it's likely to be the
winner is not the lowest bidder. Also, bidders are known to
sub-contract to each other so they all are satisfied.

When voters in Anchorage, which are half of the state's population,
sent a proposition to state government to move the capitol to a new
location, near Anchorage, guess what?, government refused to fund it.
Instead, the State House and Senate voted to appropriate funds to
secure another government building in Anchorage as additional office
space. Suits them, as most legislators don't live in Juneau

Pirates, I tell you, pirates..

[rbowman]

On 11/24/2017 04:37 AM, Don wrote:
> Hmmm. Seems like Phillipines has hard decisions to make about
> hegemony. And what does Australia and NZ do? Maybe it's time for
> democracies to get our wagons in a circle, along with Canada and GB.

At the time Stoddard was writing Australia had Asian exclusion laws that
made the US's look inviting. That has changed. iirc a recent Australian
PM thought Australia's way forward was joining the Asian bloc as a
junior, round-eyed partner.

[rbowman]

On 11/24/2017 04:59 AM, Don wrote:
> In Alaska, the old mining town of Juneau is the capitol, despite being
> unconnected to the rest of Alaska by highway, train, or sea.

That's even a greater difference than Helena. I didn't realize Anchorage
was so large. Luckily this largest city in the state barely makes it
over 100,000. (and it sucks)

[Winston_Smith]

On Fri, 24 Nov 2017 02:37:10 -0900, Don wrote:

>On Thu, 23 Nov 2017 17:36:14 -0700, rbowman wrote:

>>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rising_Tide_of_Color_Against_White_World-Supremacy
>>I just finished reading that. What is notable is Stoddard was writing
>>shortly after WWI and many of his predictions are spot on, particularly
>>that China, Japan, and India will eat the white's lunch.
>
>Hmmm. Seems like Phillipines has hard decisions to make about
>hegemony. And what does Australia and NZ do? Maybe it's time for
>democracies to get our wagons in a circle, along with Canada and GB.

More or less you are describing Oceania from Orwell's Nineteen Eighty
Four, written in 1948.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:1984_fictitious_world_map_v2_quad.svg

Wells was concerned about loss of personal freedom and privacy to
communism and technology but he made conflict with Asia a big player
too.

Eurasia is approximately the EU, Eastasia is China and it's greater
sphere of influance.

The area he writes off as Disputed is the Muslim world of today.

[Winston_Smith]

On Fri, 24 Nov 2017 02:37:10 -0900, Don wrote:

>On Thu, 23 Nov 2017 17:36:14 -0700, rbowman wrote:

>>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rising_Tide_of_Color_Against_White_World-Supremacy
>>I just finished reading that. What is notable is Stoddard was writing
>>shortly after WWI and many of his predictions are spot on, particularly
>>that China, Japan, and India will eat the white's lunch.
>
>Hmmm. Seems like Phillipines has hard decisions to make about
>hegemony. And what does Australia and NZ do? Maybe it's time for
>democracies to get our wagons in a circle, along with Canada and GB.

You are approximately describing Oceania from George Orwell's novel
"1984".
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:1984_fictitious_world_map_v2_quad.svg

His concern was loss of personal freedoms and privacy to communism and
technology --- got that one right Jack --- but he did divide up
the world into warring pieces as he saw it in 1948 when he wrote.

Eurasia amounts to the EU and Russia which are in fact today
intertwined by trade and energy and both evolving toward a common sort
of socialist-capitalist fusion system. They need each other for
economic and security reasons.

Eastasia amounts to China's greater sphere of influence.

Orwell's Disputed area is approximately the Muslim world. Land of
resources everyone wants, a land that wants to be unified but can't
seem to get it's act together while everyone else wants to prevent
that.

A couple bits don't fit anymore.

South America is open now that US influence is all but gone. I'd
probably put it in Eurasia today. Settled by Europeans; tending to
socialism because the religion that is based in Europe.

South Africa is indeed a rich in resources and English speaking former
UK colony but they don't seem much interested in anything but internal
matters today.

[Don]

I'm afraid that his map is not very descriptive of what happening
today. South Africa is not going to end up separate, white, and a
bastion of democracy. India, though, I have high hopes for, and would
like to see it off-set China and Pakistan in alliance with Western
democracies. South America is in sad shape and will hopefully end up
in a consortium of nation states like India, and/or Union like Europe.
Remains to be seen if communism gets foothold there. Muslim Indonesia
is a big question mark in the Pacific, and could expand into
Phillipines and Guam?

So, you see, my basis for looking at U.S. future in terms on
increasing isolationism, with possibly alliances with democracies like
Japan and South Korea, Canada, Australia, NZ, and GB, is supported by
what's going on geopolitically.

Is it a tightening noose with China pushing inexorably into the
Pacific? I think we all know that countries with large populations
are looking at natural resources outside their boundaries. And will
Russia again move into Europe block nations? Will the UN be able to
manage controls on all this? Tune in on the soap opera of all this in
2018.

[Winston_Smith]

On Sat, 25 Nov 2017 17:47:30 -0900, Don wrote:
>On Fri, 24 Nov 2017 13:02:36 -0700, Winston_Smith wrote:

Flipped the order of your comments to pull both our comments on
specific areas together.

>>A couple bits don't fit anymore.
>>

>>South Africa is indeed a rich in resources and English speaking former
>>UK colony but they don't seem much interested in anything but internal
>>matters today.

>I'm afraid that his map is not very descriptive of what happening
>today. South Africa is not going to end up separate, white, and a
>bastion of democracy. India, though, I have high hopes for, and would
>like to see it off-set China and Pakistan in alliance with Western
>democracies.

South Africa isn't going to fit his prediction vs. South Africa isn't
going to fit his prediction.

Is there an echo in here?

>>South America is open now that US influence is all but gone. I'd
>>probably put it in Eurasia today. Settled by Europeans; tending to
>>socialism because the religion that is based in Europe.

>South America is in sad shape and will hopefully end up
>in a consortium of nation states like India, and/or Union like Europe.

South America isn't going to fit his prediction vs. South America
isn't going to fit his prediction. It might wind up like Europe vs. it
might wind up like Europe.

Is there an echo in here?

>Remains to be seen if communism gets foothold there. Muslim Indonesia
>is a big question mark in the Pacific, and could expand into
>Phillipines and Guam?

Already has. Muslim vs. government fighting in Philippines for
decades. Basically Well's 'Disputed' territory is where religious
chaos reigns. Might be Muslim/other Muslim, Sunni/Shiite,
Muslim/Buddhist, Muslim/State of China, Muslim & State vs. various
ancestor religions, etc, etc. No one controls it; there is no majority
view, the other world powers would like to control it. Right on
prediction.

I see the future conflict in the Disputed area as the State of China
vs. Muslims. That's already the case in Western China and developing
fast in Indonesia with China expanding it's sphere of influence into
areas Muslims are already fighting for. Islam is expanding south in
Africa and China is trying hard to control resources in the same area.
It will come down to locals choosing between Chinese cash vs.
fanatical religious beliefs. Interesting match up.

>So, you see, my basis for looking at U.S. future in terms on
>increasing isolationism, with possibly alliances with democracies like
>Japan and South Korea, Canada, Australia, NZ, and GB, is supported by
>what's going on geopolitically.

Basically pulling together all the former UK colonies. (Relocated
Englishmen as distinct from conquests such as India and adventures in
SE Asia.) That's Oceania. An isolated alliance of nations with a
common heritage if I need to squeeze it into your conflicting terms.

[rbowman]

On 11/26/2017 12:47 PM, Winston_Smith wrote:
> Already has. Muslim vs. government fighting in Philippines for
> decades.

Supposedly we can thank the Moros in the Philippines for the .45 ACP.
They just couldn't kill the bastards with a .38. Unfortunately they left
some breeders alive. The US has always been short sighted that way.