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    Shopguy's Avatar
    Shopguy Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Feb 3, 2011, 06:54 PM
    Hard Starting Generator
    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?
    smoothy's Avatar
    smoothy Posts: 25,490, Reputation: 2853
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    #2

    Feb 3, 2011, 07:26 PM

    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.
    Shopguy's Avatar
    Shopguy Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Feb 3, 2011, 07:43 PM
    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!
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #4

    Feb 3, 2011, 08:14 PM

    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.
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #5

    Feb 3, 2011, 08:16 PM

    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.
    smoothy's Avatar
    smoothy Posts: 25,490, Reputation: 2853
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    #6

    Feb 3, 2011, 08:40 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Shopguy View Post
    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!
    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?
    DG's Avatar
    DG Posts: 1,375, Reputation: 109
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    #7

    Feb 3, 2011, 09:09 PM

    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
    Shopguy's Avatar
    Shopguy Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #8

    Feb 4, 2011, 03:58 PM
    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.
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