I have an older harbor freight generator, "EnergyStorm" brand, with a Lifan type 168 engine. The starter stopped working. When I hit the key, I get a small clunk, it seems to try, but the motor doesn't turn over.
I pulled the starter out to investigate, and it doesn't have an external solenoid. There's only one terminal for power. I applied voltage from a battery charger, and the gear pops up momentarily, then retracts. It spins as expected. It should hold the gear up the whole time it's energized, right?
Second question - any idea where to source a new starter? I only found one place, "Generator Guru", but their prices are crazy - like $350 for a starter (and it's not an exact match for my model generator).
I wouldn't worry about it too much, except this thing has always been a total pain to get started. I've never been able to get it to start using the pull starter. So, it's boat anchor without the starter motor.
Have you tugged the pull rope to make sure that the engine isn't stuck? The way you described it making a clunk and not turning over made me question whether it's possibly an engine problem and not a starter problem.
Its going to have a starter solenoid somewhere. Also the battery charger probably does not offer enough amperage to make the starter function.
What model of generator is it? Es-3900?
https://www.lifanpowerusa.com/wiring-diagrams/
No Time
UltraDork
11/1/23 6:55 a.m.
My expectation would be the inertia of the gear will cause it to move out when first starting to spin, but without steady resistance (i.e. ring gear ) the gear will retract once the speed becomes steady.
Cousin_Eddie (Forum Supporter) said:
Have you tugged the pull rope to make sure that the engine isn't stuck? The way you described it making a clunk and not turning over made me question whether it's possibly an engine problem and not a starter problem.
The motor spins, it's not locked up. But it has always felt like it has a drag on it, so barely get a couple of chugs with a good pull, unlike a lawn mower where you can get several chugs on a good pull. Been like that since new.
TJL (Forum Supporter) said:
Its going to have a starter solenoid somewhere. Also the battery charger probably does not offer enough amperage to make the starter function.
What model of generator is it? Es-3900?
https://www.lifanpowerusa.com/wiring-diagrams/
It's an ESI2600-ie, an earlier model than the 2600-ier which does have a parts list and wiring diagram on that site, but visually looks identical.
No Time said:
My expectation would be the inertia of the gear will cause it to move out when first starting to spin, but without steady resistance (i.e. ring gear ) the gear will retract once the speed becomes steady.
That's what I was wondering about - does it need to "grab" the ring gear to stay extended.
sevenracer said:
No Time said:
My expectation would be the inertia of the gear will cause it to move out when first starting to spin, but without steady resistance (i.e. ring gear ) the gear will retract once the speed becomes steady.
That's what I was wondering about - does it need to "grab" the ring gear to stay extended.
Yes. The bendix drive on those small starters is spring-loaded.
In reply to Toyman! :
Thanks. That would seem to indicate the starter is functioning correctly. Although, it may not be delivering rated torque.
I think I'll bypass the starter switch next to see if the switch has a problem.
In reply to sevenracer :
If the starter has a bearing that is failing, the armature could be hitting the frame and stalling the motor. You might check for bearing slop in the motor.
I don't know that specific engine, but some engines like that have a centrifugal compression release that makes them crank more easily. Possible it's stuck or the flyweight spring broke?
Years ago there was a guy who would rebuild starter and alternators. If you can find one, dude may be able to just fix for cheap.
In reply to GameboyRMH :
Definitely looks like it.
Thanks!
