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Westinghouse generator won't start after lengthy non-use

9K views 11 replies 6 participants last post by  jb59 
#1 ·
I have a gas powered Westinghouse WH7000EC - 7000 running watts/8500 starting watts. I've had it about 4 or 5 years now and was pretty good about starting it up about once every three months until this past year. This past time I tried to start it was after about eight months of it sitting over the Winter and gathering a bunch of stink bugs. When I initially moved the fuel shutoff valve into the open position, fuel began streaming out of the hose that was connected to the fuel line. I then moved the fuel line shutoff to the closed position. I was tied up with other stuff and let it sit for 3 or 4 days. When I finally got time to go back to try and start the generator, I turned the fuel line again to the open position and noticed right away that it was no longer leaking, which I thought was weird.

At this time, I tried the electric start (a half dozen times) and noticed a smattering of bug 'stuff' all over the place. Then I tried spraying some carb starter into the carburetor and a bunch more dead bugs came out of the muffler. Since then, with my 12 yr old grandson's assistance, we removed the air filter, removed the fuel line hose, replaced the spark plug and removed all the fuel and oil (and added fresh fuel with stabilizer as well as fresh oil). I've given up on the electric start as we got no where recently with that method(and this was the way in the past that we always started this generator). When I attempted to pull start it, using the rope, it sounds like it WANTS to fire up but dies within a couple seconds.

I looked around this forum briefly before writing this to see if I could gain some intel. I realize that this generator is made in China and isn't the most reliable option out there, and I am looking to replace it in the future when I can better afford one. That being said, has anyone experienced anything like this and if so, can they recommend a next step I might take? I'm pretty sure the problem has to be related to the bugs somewhere in the generator. But also, the leaky hose that stopped leaking baffles me also. I admit I'm not the most mechanically inclined person in the world. Or even my neighborhood. And I appreciate any advice.

Thanks

Joe
 
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#2 ·
Sounds like you will have to pull off the carburetor and clean it out...if there is a bowl on it that you can easily access....drop that first and be careful with the"O" ring that you try to preserve it to us it when reassembling...you might find some crap in the bowl that would interfere with starting up...if no bowl, or no stuff in the bowl...take off the carb and try shooting carb cleaner through it and if you have comprssed air blow it through....if it has a primer bulb or diaphragm, be careful that you don't blow them out...good luck and let us know how you do
 
#4 · (Edited by Moderator)
So, let me see if I understand! You have had this generator for around 4-5 years. Before last year, 2018, you did start it every three months or so. After sitting for 8 months, you just recently tried to start it and ran into some problems.

At anytime in the 4-5 years of ownership, did you ever run the generator for any length of time other than the periodic once every 3 months? That is, did you ever run numerous tankfuls of gas through it? Was the tankful of gas that you originally put in it, left in there until you just recently dumped it?

As MARK (LI) said, you need to pull the carb off and thoroughly clean it. If you have access to an ultrasonic cleaner, a good bath in it will do much more than the spray will. Let us know how it works for you.
 
#5 ·
Westinghouse is garbage. I bought mine dual fuel and From Day ONE we had issues with the battery not holding a charge. Westinghouse representative told a battery was not under warranty, despite the fact it was ineffective upon arrival. We were advised to take the battery and have it tested by a place like Autozone and if it still didn't work, they (Westinghouse) would provide us locations where WE could purchase a battery at our OWN expense. So not surprised by your issue, sorry for off-topic, try cleaning the carb, guys already told you.
 
#6 ·
Sounds like the stink bugs could have gotten into the cylinder via an open exhaust valve. Would be rare but I've seen some weird stuff happen in the world of machines.

I agree with one of the other commentators about the gas. Gas tank should be cleaned and fuel line replaced with a filter in-line. Could be the old gas has blocked off some of the flow that stopped the leaks in the fuel line and in the carb. Use Sta-bil or one of the other gas additives. Winter gas has a higher volatility than summer time gas. I buy gas in the winter for long term storage, Stabil in it and it lasts, had one keg with 7 year old gas and it was like new. The key is to never open the lid and make sure it is air tight!

Air filter OK and bugless? Healthy spark from the plug? Rare on generators, but the flywheel key could be split just a little setting timing off a few degrees.

Luck to you with it and eventually you'll get it running and a free education! Believe me I've had plenty of 'free machine educations' in my life time!
GeeLee
 
#7 ·
I (we) took out the carb and did everything Mark recommended and the generator started. Although, I had to leave the choke open the whole time it ran. So far, have only had it running for about 5 minutes straight.

The grandson did most of the work, so gotta give him his due. But thanks to Mark, Flaken, Thomas_Z, and GeeLee for your help!

V/r

Joe
 
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