Replies

1. 
   jc21 | Mar 30, 2009 09:58pm | #1

   Could try a bigger load to be sure ........ sometimes if the load isn't large enough it won't come off idle. Otherwise it may be a bad IC (idle control) module or board or possibly bad connections to same.  

   "It is hardly too strong to say that there are men in all ages who mean to govern well, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters." -- Noah Webster

1. 
   dovetail97128 | Mar 31, 2009 06:59am | #6

   Worm drive skill saw... 13 amps. Should kick it over. You may be right about the IC module.. checking on it.
   They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.

2. 
   Piffin | Mar 31, 2009 01:58am | #2

   I'm thinking corrosion in that switch after years of sitting

    

    

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   Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
    where ...
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1. 
   dovetail97128 | Mar 31, 2009 07:02am | #7

   Trying some electronic switch cleaner and board cleaners tonite.
   I am thinking tonite that it may be the mechanical govenor. Moving it by hand to rev the engine works, but that doesn't mean it is actually functioning.
   They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.

3. 
   EricPaulson | Mar 31, 2009 02:41am | #3

   My brother is a small engine mechanic. I was just over his house the other day and he had a Makita Generator that would not idle DOWN after a load.

   Exact opposite of your problem. he mumbled something about and electro mechanical device that probably just needs to be cleaned up.

   Good luck.

    

1. 
   brownbagg | Mar 31, 2009 04:25am | #4

   hit the switch with the picture of the rabbit, the auto idle switch

2. 
   dovetail97128 | Mar 31, 2009 07:03am | #8

   Working on that aspect of it.
   They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.

4. 
   coonass | Mar 31, 2009 04:30am | #5

   dovetail,

   A current transformer ( donut with two wires in middle) reads the current and sends power to idle module , the module controls the idle solenoid. I would work backward from the solenoid.

   KK

1. 
   dovetail97128 | Mar 31, 2009 07:11am | #9

   Tonite I am first going to check voltage output, then try to make sure the mechanical govenor is working, then start on the electronic switch cleaning if the govenor appears to work properly.
   They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.

5. 
   dovetail97128 | Mar 31, 2009 09:56am | #10

   This could probably be in the joke thread...

   Some days I am dumber than a hemlock stump.......Blinder than a bat and seemingly have the IQ of a pet rock..

   First off, for all my amateur efforts at small engine mechanics I got it running. I cleaned the electronics, re-cleaned the carb, checked the idle switch ... all set ready to test it out again.

   Read the instructions on how to test and set the governor (Hey I finally spelled that word correctly anyway!!) and discovered.....

   Dad was right... always look for the simple things... Did you bait the hook before putting it in the water?

   Fuel on? Spark to plug? Gas making it to the carburetor? Switch on?

   Yep ... OK did all that twice or three times now but I will do it once more to be certain I didn't overlook anything....

   OK, one pull on the starter cord , instant start, idles just fine so now to move on and follow the instructions on how to check and set the governor.
   Step 1:
   Move the throttle handle to high speed to set the governor....

   Throttle Handle???? Hmmmm....

   Uh... OH... Mine is set to idle...Damn!!!
   Wonder what happens if I move it to high speed setting

   Amazing!! Will wonders never cease!!
   The engine revs up just fine when I move the throttle handle to high speed!!

   Lesson 1: Bait the hook first then put it in the water.
   OR
   Make sure you have the throttle set to High Speed and not to IDLE when trying to get the generator to run at high speed!!!!

   DUH!

   Anyway , it is up and running, 120 v. output, still surges a bit from some varnish in the carb that I am hoping will get dissolved once I run a tank full of good clean gas with carb cleaner mixed in through. Idle switch works like it should , kicks up and down with loads applied or removed. Running work lights only so no harm done if it surges a bit tomorrow.

   Thank You to those who offered suggestions, I appreciate it immensely. (only thing I would appreciate more is some of you telling on yourselves about now)

   I am going to go hide now....be consoling myself with the thought I really did need to clean the machine up and I really did need that second generator I bought yesterday anyway....Can't have too many tools right?

   Sigh.....Well at least I didn't leave it at the shop that wanted $50 up front and for me leave it for two weeks while they analyzed it for the problem.

   Be Kicking Myself!!

   They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
1. 
   Piffin | Mar 31, 2009 01:05pm | #11

   American ingenuity ain't dead, just asleep at the switch 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!