Hard to pull generator
I have a new 6500 watt generator with a 10 HP B&S engine. I cannot pull it hard enough to start in cold weather and barely can in warm weather Would this be the compression release?

More likely the carb is gummed up. You store it with fuel in it don't you? The 10HP INTEK B&S really doesn't have or need a compression release... they pull really easy. I know because I have one. They fire over really easy when the carb is right.

OK I'll check it out. I do have Stabil in it. I just don't seem to be able to get it to spin fast enough. I'm no super hero but not a 98 lb weakling either.
Thanks!

Here is something many folks miss. Did you actually read the small label regarding how to start the unit? Most folks know enough to choke the carb but 9 out of 10 of my friends keep pulling until it start. I pull until it tries to start, coughs a bit and then unchoke. It starts next pull every time. Not every engine starts with the same steps.

How difficult is it to start if you start it up, let it run for a few minutes, stop and then restart it.

If restarting is significantly easier look to the oil you are using. The higher viscosity oils make a big difference in cold weather. Properly tuned you don't necessarily have to pull it fast.

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Originally Posted by Shopguy

OK I'll check it out. I do have Stabil in it. I just don't seem to be able to get it to spin fast enough. I'm no super hero but not a 98 lb weakling either.
Thanks!

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I have a beat up old Coleman powermate... carb was bad when I acquired it as a fix it and its yours type deal. One arm pull and it fires up 90 percent of the time first try since the bad carb was replaced with a good one. A fairly new unit should start even easier.

Even with STABIL the fuel still has a shelf life. How old are we talking with the fuel?

Pull the spark plug and see if it pulls easy .
If not you may have a ring problem or connecting rod.
If it pulls easy probably wrong weight of oil , I would try 10w30

Thanks for all your suggestions! Gas is 4 months old, oil is what came with it, same effort to pul warm or cold, no sputter cold. I do the choke shut when warm weather and it starts. I'll drain the gas and oil, and try with the plug out. Would a synthetic oil thicken less in cold weather? I use it up on the mountain to power my trailer when camping there and it stays there in the shed so it is in the cold.
I really appreciate all your responses and will give them a whirl.