Generator Won't Start

[Petronella]

Back on the boat after six months, now in Australia, and the generator (Paguro 4000) won't start. Turns over great (battery 12.8 volts), plenty of fuel at injector. Have tried with autodecompression nut and cold start knob as per manual. No luck. Manual suggests stuck exhaust valve which sounds like a big deal.

Anything else to check first? Can I fix it myself?

Thanks
John - SV Mehalah

 

[Ostara24]

My experience of these single cylinder fast reving gen sets is not good, for some reason most seem to suffer from water ingress into piston head, or loss of compression, they are usually marinised kubota or such like, got fed up with mine and gave it away!

Good luck, some good info here:

Paguro 4000 generator won't start

And here

Paguro 4000 not starting - Cruisers & Sailing Forums

 

[Zing]

Back on the boat after six months, now in Australia, and the generator (Paguro 4000) won't start. Turns over great (battery 12.8 volts), plenty of fuel at injector. Have tried with autodecompression nut and cold start knob as per manual. No luck. Manual suggests stuck exhaust valve which sounds like a big deal.

Anything else to check first? Can I fix it myself?

Thanks
John - SV Mehalah

It may also be a compression problem from a corroded (or less likely, a coked) valve. Valve issues are very common on these little used, little engines. It means taking the head off. If it’s a corroded and stuck valve and therefore a bent one you may be able to fix it after pulling it apart. Best to have a spare one ready for that. Good luck.

 

[OCuea]

Buy a cheap endoscope to attach to your phone and have a look for corrosion? I would clean carb too.

 

[Poecheng]

Buy a cheap endoscope to attach to your phone and have a look for corrosion? I would clean carb too.

Might be difficult to clean the carb on this gen set

 

[OCuea]

Might be difficult to clean the carb on this gen set

Might be difficult to clean the carb on this gen set

Hah ha. Just read the injector bit.

 

[david_bagshaw]

pop a teaspoon of oil gown the inlet tract to help compression. Lack of use is a killer of all gen sets, particularly small ones. check valve clearances, if stupidly wide , head off and replace valve(s)

 

[NBs]

Check any fuses in your generator, they may prevent starting in your different brand. Do you have fireboy etc, a shutdown system that is connected to the genny/head motor, the wiring is worth checking.

 

[Petronella]

Turned out to be a loose connection on the fuel shutoff solenoid. This solenoid needs constant electrical supply to keep it open and provide fuel. Intermittently it was failing to make contact - hence no fuel. Fixed by simply tightening the tiny screw!

 

[Leslie frank]

Bit of thread drift but I have a Paguro4000 for spares /repairs if anyone wants to make me a reasonable offer. The bits are very expensive for what they are.