Yamaha generator 2000 running rough... checked oil, etc... would you ? It says you can run 87 gas thru it...

[tanglemoose]

checked oil, etc... would you ? It says you can run 87 gas thru it... would you get some 91? Carbon cleaners... just acting like it is struggling...

 

[CharlesinGA]

I would always run it on non-ethanol gas, which tends to be 91 octane. That is all I use for my mower and any other small engine that will sit for long periods. I'll bet the real problem is something else, but not really sure where to start.............

Charles

 

[TonyL]

When did you last use it, when did you last fill it, and when was the oil last changed? Have you tried it with the economy mode turned off?
When was the last time you checked the valve clearances?
Our champion generators have oil change and valve clearances checked every 100 run hours.
We have always used the lowest grade fuel without issues.

 

[tanglemoose]

When did you last use it, when did you last fill it, and when was the oil last changed? Have you tried it with the economy mode turned off?
When was the last time you checked the valve clearances?
Our champion generators have oil change and valve clearances checked every 100 run hours.
We have always used the lowest grade fuel without issues.

What are value clearances... mark checked oil before we headed south. Ran this summer just fine..

 

[TonyL]

Valve clearance is for the inlet and exhaust valves and are critical for correct combustion.
Did Mark replace the oil, or when was it last replaced?
I doubt dirty oil is the issue, when the valve clearances on our generator went out from recommended clearance, the generator was a nightmare to start and wouldn't run cleanly.

 

[DonTom]

What are value clearances

The clearance between the rocker arm and valve stem when the piston is at top dead center in the compression stroke.

But it is not that difficult if you choose to learn about it & do it yourself and don't mind getting your hands dirty.

I need to do my valve clearance adjustment on my Onan genny soon after I get home from this trip.

-Don- Tucson, AZ

 

[TonyL]

I know Steve (jackiemac) has Yamaha generators and has done the valve clearances himself. I doubt it's much different then our champion. Does Mark have any feeler gauges and the manual for the generator?

 

[Mr Lars]

When was the last the air filter was cleaned/changed?

 

[Tom_M]

It's possible the carburetor is gummed up. As mentioned prior, use non-ethanol gas. Try using some Sea Foam additive in the gas. It worked for my 1000 Yamaha.

 

[jims94vmx]

I 2nd the air cleaner as an easy 1st step.

 

[Mark_K5LXP]

My last inverter genset was plagued with carburetor issues. No matter what I did with fuel for it, ethanol free, sta-bil, running it dry, I had to take the carb off a few times a year and BJ it with carb spray and compressed air. Put it back together and it ran like a watch. Years later I have a different genset, similar model but this one I can ride hard and put away wet and it always starts on the first or 2nd pull. But bottom line, it sounds like a fuel problem and it doesn't take a lot to hose up these little carbs. It's prudent to check the air filter, plug and plug gap but my money's on the carb. You'll have to eliminate it as a variable anyway so make a date with Mr. Carb Spray and see if that doesn't resolve it.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

 

[Henry J Fate]

Probably not the valve adjustment but it is a good idea to schedule the check/adjustment.

Carburetor seems a likely cause. The carburetor is in common with fuel and air intake.

First task is to install a new spark plug. Gap it properly and use NGK plugs. There are other comparable brands but NGK is solid.

If the plug makes no difference, it is likely to be a carburetor problem. Start with a newly cleaned air filter. If no change and all other vitals appear to be good, carburetor removal and a thorough cleaning would be the next step. Evacuate all existing fuel from the tank and lines. Flush fresh gas through the tank and lines to be sure everything is flushed.

If you have not manually cleaned a carburetor, it is a little specialized. You can cut that corner by using a carburetor cleaner fuel additive. I have never used any of the carburetor cleaning products and cannot suggest one. I have always removed and cleaned. If you do use a carburetor cleaner, evacuate all existing fuel first and introduce fresh fuel at a friendly tank level for the cleaner you are using.

 

[Rene T]

I would always run it on non-ethanol gas, which tends to be 91 octane. That is all I use for my mower and any other small engine that will sit for long periods. I'll bet the real problem is something else, but not really sure where to start.............

Charles

Is 91 or 93 octane fuel ethanol free gas? Is there a website that will list stations with ethanol free gas?

 

[workinonit]

Truth is, it could be anything. My pressure washer started doing that and I ended up removing the fuel and replacing it. That cleared it up, bad fuel. I always run non-ethanol in all of my small engines. Bottom line is you just have to start eliminating the most probable things first and work your way through.

 

[PancakeBill]

A new carb is pretty inexpensive. The comments about carg, air cleaner and spark plug are where I would cncentrate, my focus would be the carb. Pretty easy to change. On my Honda I removed and attemtpted to clean, but needle valve was stuck so bad I just replaced the carb. Amazon, it think it was about $35.

 

[PancakeBill]

Just checked, you didn’t mention which gen, but the whole new carb with gaskets under $40. Rebuild kits about half that.

 

[DonTom]

Is 91 or 93 octane fuel ethanol free gas?

Never in the West, such as in CA and NV. I only know of one place where they have ethanol-free gasoline in Reno (very close to my house) and it is 86 octane and costs more than the 93 octane that has the ethanol.

I think in the east the higher grades do not have ethanol, at least in some states. But it varies between states.

-Don- Tucson, AZ

 

[Tom_M]

In Minnesota typically all grades contain ethanol. A few stations will have a separate pump for non-ethanol and usually is premium grade. I spend winters in Florida and non-ethanol is called recreational fuel.

 

[jackiemac]

We use 87. Could be the sparkplug or carburettor Steve says. And check choke not sticking.

Try seafoam if carb, as Mark above suggested.