Kipor / Kama generators - be careful

[Anthony]

I have one of the above thats prob 4 years old, and having sat unused for sometime didnt want to start. So I opened her up to make it easier to strip and service it, just as well I did, the pipe from the tank to the fuel shutoff was badly cracked and perished.

I have since obtained a copy of the manual and it does say in the service schedule to change the fuel lines every 2 years, of course with it being little used these things can get missed.

Just a suggestion that if you have one of these then it might be worth a check, espically as the fuel line is near the electrics.

FYI if you do change it, they use neoprene fuel line; I wanted to change it to proper fuel line but the sizes of each fitting vary so much that regular reinforced line wouldnt stretch over it. I found that a combination of both 4mm and 6mm neoprene fuel lines (trail motorbike places seem to sell it) are needed to replace every section, and dip the end in hot water to be able to stretch it over the larger fittings.

Ants

 

[Refueler]

I seem to remember ages ago, posts from some about this very item. Threads where people were comparing prices etc. - couple of Kipor buyers had trouble with fuel lines as you found.

Note - there are very few plastic compound lines that will tolerate hydrocarbon fuel for long-term. It is advised to change plastic lines and connectors at reasonable intervals even if they don't leak. Many take up hard and if disturbed crack.

You should see the additive lines we use !! Local supplier loves us !! Lines 100m long etc. ... branch manifolds, valves, nozzles etc.

 

[alb40]

Had the same problem with my one, same pipe had perished over time. In addition, the little fuel pump had also expired, presumably the diaphram in it had also perished. Fitted new parts and all was well again (although its broken again now - no spark).

When i bought the kipor (4 - 5 years ago), i sold my old 2 stroke generator (one of those little 900w ones) to a friend. That is still going strong! Wish i'd kept it and not bothered with the kipor really!

 

[Refueler]

I like the kipor suitcase job - but plumped for the cheaper Wolf job. Bit noisier, but 3yrs later still working fine.

 

[steve6367]

Where did you get the parts from?

Steve

 

[Anthony]

I didnt mean it as a complaint about the generator, still happy with it (if a little noisy); was just pointing out the service schedule as its easily missed.

I got the 6mm from Bitz for Bikes (sold per 0.5m), I had previously got the 4mm elsewhere, but I think you can also get it from that place mentioned. You need 1m of 6mm, I think you would only need 0.5m of 4mm.

I also took the oppertunity to upgrade the springy pipe clamps to proper mini jubilee clips for the main fuel line to the tap. To be fair the springy ones hadn't leaked but I feel better having a proper clip on the bit that always contains fuel.

Re your broken fuel pump, I have heard of this several times before, seems to be a consumable part.

Oh and my auto throttle switch has just broken, so now I have to pull it out and replace it, I take back what I said, I am going off these things!

Ants

 

[alb40]

Got them from Peak Generators, but their website no longer works, so prehaps they are no longer trading?