Three portable generators got us through a recent power outage. A fourth, our 3300W Firman, wouldn’t start. And while that didn’t cost us this time, I want to do whatever it takes to make it reliable — maintenance, repair, workaround, whatever.
One of the most common reasons a generator won’t run is an oversight — low oil level. These things are designed to shut down (or not start) when crankcase oil drops below a certain point, to prevent the engine from grenading. Generator owners (including me) tend to forget about that.
This afternoon, then, I rolled out the Firman, removed its service cover and checked the oil — perfect, right on the high mark. So much for the obvious.
I decided to test another theory. Starting the Firman involves turning on the fuel supply, pressing the choke button, and either pushing the starter switch or pulling the recoil rope. I got to wondering if somehow the electronic choke wasn’t working properly.
On the carburetor, which I had access to because the service cover was off, is a manual choke lever. Old-school. I moved it to the right, pressed the starter switch, and boom — the engine started immediately.
Well, cool. I have a bad electronic choke and a manual workaround. The Firman rejoined the ranks of functioning generators.
Later, I sat down with the owner’s manual, just to see if there was an inline fuse or something else I could check. What I discovered in the process, to my chagrin, was that I’d inadvertently been skipping a crucial step in the startup sequence. That’s why I couldn’t get the Firman to run.
There’s a momentary rocker switch on the right side of the generator’s control panel, well away from all the other giddyup functions. I’d ignored it, figuring it had something to do with adjacent low-voltage outputs.
Turns out it’s the “Battery Power Restore Switch.” Its function is to energize internal control circuitry. The switch has to be held down for three seconds before the generator is started, else the electronic choke won’t choke.
I’m one of those people who actually reads owner’s manuals. I used to write owner’s manuals for a living. This one’s on me.
The good news? There’s not a damned thing wrong with our Firman generator.
I’ve been known to get preachy about maintenance — an ounce of prevention and all that. And it’s true that nothing wards-off the need for repairs better than maintaining stuff routinely.
I’ve talked here on the blog about never having to sharpen a knife, as long as it gets “stropped” on a pants leg or a few swipes on a crock stick before it becomes deadly dull. The same applies to other tools I use in the woods, chainsaws in particular.
The rule of thumb is that a chain should be filed every time the saw is refueled. If that sounds like a pain in the ass, yeah, it can be. I’m not the best at abiding by it.
This morning, I committed to treating all four of our chainsaws — a Stihl, a Husqvarna, and two DeWalts — to a bit of a spa day. I laid out the tools I’d need on my workbench (the tailgate of my truck) and got to work.
I began with the electrics, first the chainsaw and then the pole saw. Not only did I file the cutters (teeth), I also touched-up the rakers (depth gauges) with a flat file. Adjusting chains and filling bar-oil reservoirs finished the job.
The Stihl, the stud in our stable, was next, and it received the same attention. I also topped it off with premix and ran the engine for about five minutes.
I saved the Husky for last, knowing that it was pretty beat-up after bucking the trunk of that roadside oak. Before I did any sharpening, however, I removed the clutch cover, chain and bar.
It was the bar I was most concerned about. I held it up and looked down its length — still straight, thank goodness. The gap between the guide rails looked even all the way ’round, too. The sprocket spun without binding.
I ran my fingertips over the guide rails and detected several rough spots, so I pulled out a flat file and dressed the bar — only a light touch, just enough pressure to make the bearing surface smooth again.
After putting the saw back together, I did the routine filing, adjusting, filling and running. We’ll see how it performs next time out.
It took time but very little effort to put these tools right. They’re ready to go again when called on. That call will come soon, too — there’s a no-longer-dangling oak waiting to be bucked into firewood.
Next week, I think.
Take care of yourselves, Patriots. Stay calm. Stay sharp. Stay free.
#WiseUp #LibertyOrDeath #Ungovernable