Portable generator recoil starter blocked

[fxykty]

We've got a portable 2kW gasoline generator that we use via our shore power input to charge our house batteries. It's relatively new, has got 42 hours of regular use (generally once a week during the cloudy periods) and had its oil changed at 25 hours. Yesterday, after running for two hours as it normally does, it suddenly stopped. There is still fuel, not empty. Oil level is full.

On trying to restart it, the recoil starter is blocked. It pulls out to where it usually comes tight on the engine's compression, but then it doesn't move any further (normally, that's when the starter pull happens).

Any ideas on how to fix this?

[glenn.225]

Usually, if it is the starter cord mechanism jammed. You remove the assy by removing the three or four screws that hold it to the side of the motor and repair or replace it. However, first you will want to ensure that is the problem. Try removing the spark plug and see if it will turn over or if there is anything in the cyl. If that does not free it, you will have to remove the starter cord mechanism anyway (watch out for the spring) to see if it is the mech or use a wrench to see if motor turns freely.

[boatpoker]

You don't say what kind of generator it is however, most brands have common problems that can be found on youtube. Youtube has provided a couple of answers to problems with mine. Search for your brand and size.

[fxykty]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

You don't say what kind of generator it is however, most brands have common problems that can be found on youtube. Youtube has provided a couple of answers to problems with mine. Search for your brand and size.

The generator is a iPower SM2000i, basically a clone suitcase inverter/generator. Seems to be a defunct model as virtually nothing returns on Google or YT. Hence my question here.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by fxykty

The generator is a iPower SM2000i, basically a clone suitcase inverter/generator. Seems to be a defunct model as virtually nothing returns on Google or YT. Hence my question here.

i-Power Support:
Tel: 855-888-3598 (M-F 8AM-5PM CST)
Email: support@a-ipower.com
Fax: 909-930-3719
Web: https://a-ipower.com/pages/contact

[fxykty]

Originally Posted by GordMay

i-Power Support:
Tel: 855-888-3598 (M-F 8AM-5PM CST)
Email: support@a-ipower.com
Fax: 909-930-3719
Web: https://a-ipower.com/pages/contact

Thank you, done that already (contact form and email). Waiting until after the weekend. Warranty registration had been done on the day of purchase (just over a month and a half ago).

Raised this thread for information that I haven’t been able to find from the manufacturer (no mention of recoil starter in the trouble shooting part of the manual) nor on the Internet. So no more posts about these basic steps please; just information on how to diagnose and fix the issue.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by glenn.225

Usually, if it is the starter cord mechanism jammed. You remove the assy by removing the three or four screws that hold it to the side of the motor and repair or replace it. However, first you will want to ensure that is the problem. Try removing the spark plug and see if it will turn over or if there is anything in the cyl. If that does not free it, you will have to remove the starter cord mechanism anyway (watch out for the spring) to see if it is the mech or use a wrench to see if motor turns freely.

Indeed.


There are a number of things that can cause a starter recoil rope to get stuck.

Not likely, in your case:
This could be a case of the cylinder isn’t lubricated, due to sitting for a long time If the engine has sat, and it’s difficult to pull, remove the spark plug, and relieve the compression, to get oil to start lubricating the cylinder again


More likely, in your case:
If he starter has Seized, the problem may be the starter clutch, on the top of the engine, that is spun, when the cord is pulled.
What's happened is the starter clutch has rusted itself, to the starting rod, making it impossible for it to lift, spin, or retract.
Remove starter clutch assembly.
Using fine-grade steel wool, clean the rust off the ball bearings, clean out the bearing pocket, the shaft, and any other rust you may come across.
Before reassembling, you will probably need to recoil the starting spring.

[wrwakefield]

My well maintained Yamaha 2000 had the exhaust valve break right under the valve head while running a few years ago. The stop was abrupt and full of sounds you never want to hear coming from an ICE.

I couldn’t pull the starter cord far until I replaced the valve- and reseated the partially displaced valve guide bushing. [It has been running fine ever since…]

Hopefully your issue is less catastrophic.

Cheers, Bill