This is great content, and I loved every minute of it. I watched Part 1 and didn't think you'd be willing to rebuild this engine. So great job and kudos! We live in a throwaway society, and nobody realizes that THIS more than anything else is what is destroying our planet. Perhaps in the future carbon credits will trickle down to the consumer, and things like this will earn months of carbon credits because right now nearly everyone would just toss that engine in the trash convinced that the time and money required to rebuild it simply isn't worth it. We need more guys like you willing to breathe new life into old things. No doubt that generator was rode hard and put up wet, and the skills you demonstrated aren't just for generators or even small engine repair. They translate into just about every mechanical setting. And your stubbornness to not let missing service data or unavailable parts deter you is beyond laudable. I wish I lived in your area because I would buy one of your rebuilt generators in a heartbeat. I can't wait for Part 3 to hear this generator roar to life!

Just a couple of engine build practice comments: install grudgeon pin circlips with the gap in line with the rod, that is, either up or down. These engines don’t spin very fast but it’s still good practice. Second, a convenient valve lap technique is using tubing/fuel line on the valve stem from the back side of the head results in better control and feel in the lapping process.

Couple things to look at. First was maybe lapp the head on some 320grit paper on a flat surface to rid the chance of a warp. Next dont use a abrasive brush or pad after the piston is installed your making a lapping oil that runs into and coats the cylinder and rings before start up. Great vid

I do appreciate how the box of the cloned connecting rod states beware of imitation.

I'm sure I've seen a Mustie 1 video going back a few years, that had a missing rotator cap, he was stumped, but was able to ascertain by finding a diagram, that showed it was correct and manufactured that way. Thanks.

Hey James, I'm not real sure but, I thought you missed getting it in perfect timing on the first set of gears. By it firing back through the intake supports my suspicion even more. I'm not sure how it would effect the engine in the long run. My experiences with the old v8's would prove out a hotter running engine. You do a fine job working on these little engines and other projects as well. I hope you never quit putting these fine videos out for the public to learn from. God bless.

Am loving this series, sir... great tenacity! Not many channels that I will even start watching a 1-hour video, but yours never disappoint! One comment for consideration... torquing the crankshaft nut against a variable resistance (rope in the piston - slightly compressible) may give you some error in the actual applied torque. In this application it probably doesn't make a difference worth worrying over. If you want an absolute rotation lock on the crank, you might consider a piston stop installed in the spark plug hole. Love the channel and I'm always happy when I see a new video come out!

Lets be clear here, James, I would happily watch a 3 hour video of yours - back-to-back with a 4 hour one! Your videos are the equivalent to many, many trips to the knowledge bar - and that is a seriously good thing. OH - I usually, for myself, use ATF instead of WD-40 - better lubrication in my way of seeing it. Then again, that's just me. Patiently waiting for Part 3! - Joe -

James You are not crazy to try and start an engine with a defective compression release believe me it hurts like all get out when it pulls the pull grip out of your hand and if you not wearing gloves it will remove skin from your hand which really burns and takes forever to heal up. I look forward to all of your video's VERY informative and well done we need more people in this world teaching like yourself well done!

Well James, this is exactly the content I was looking for! I had to be patient because I really wanted you to dig into that crankshaft issue at the end of the last episode but you went above and beyond on this episode even so far as to thinking ahead and realizing that we all wanted to see it at least fire so I appreciate the scramble effort at the end to get it to run for a second. I was enthralled for one hour and two minutes. You should get a KZfaq raise :)

Hey James, I've watched you fix so many gennies and I am 100% confident if I ever had to repair mine, I could do it without any issues. Love the videos.

I might have filed a bit off the crank case just for piece of mind. The thought of that little clearance when something is spinning at 3600rpm makes me think it’s gonna close that gap. But I’m likely just paranoid. :) Great work sir! And awesome luck on that $18 rod. :)

Wow, a lot of things needed to be fixed. A lot to learn from this video. I can imagine the frustration of having to wait for the parts delivery. Glad that the engine finally runs. Dave.

Paint stripper works very well at removing carbon build up. I use it on heads and pistons. Apply with a brush, let it sit for 10 minutes and wipe off. Repeat as needed.

Hi James great sitting in your class today mate nice to see you are sharing all your knowledge with us looking forward to part 3

I can watch your videos all day long. The hour went by too quickly. Can't wait to see part 3.

I'm excited to see you troubleshoot the compression release.. You mention it on about all of your repairs but I have no idea how that system works.. Glad you didn't try pull starting.. You would have been in for a wild ride!

Good morning, James. A very enjoyable and interesting video. As usual you are the master in small engine repair. I see that you love a challenge to solve and bring an engine back to life. 👍👍👍👍. I have watched part 1 & 2. Very much looking forward to Part 3. To watch the generator come roaring back to life, and to be able to put back into service.

Never seen the water in the rotor through bolt hole removal trick, but that's pretty slick and good to know.

This channel is like a fun condensed course in small engine repair, for smarter people that don't need everything explained to them. Thanks for the free knowledge my Jedi generator whisperer 😉

Thank you for the great video on rebuilding a high compression engine for a genarator. When the engine turned over and jumped I can see why you did not use the pull cord.

I absolutely am fascinated by your videos, Mr. Condon. Your technique, your logic, your methods, your follow through and conclusions and reasonings and the way you tell it to me in your soothing voice convinces me you are more than an expert in what you do. I envy you. Thank you for the many hours I have watched your great camera work and editing! Aloha from Hawai’i.

When you use the side of a grind stone like that they can sometimes just up and let go of a chunk of stone fast enough to cause great owie or even sleep . 😮 Really enjoying your videos. Thanks

This engine had a very unusual set of issues. This was very interesting. I learned a new way for an engine to fail, and I definitely would have missed this one. You are very good at what you do.

I was thinking that the connecting rod would never fit. It's a shot in the dark. But damn, that was a well educated guess.

One last comment on engine build practices, lube all threads as well as under the heads. Motor oil is fine. Results in about 10% greater squeeze with no change in bolt elongation. A good thing.

I've had small motors kick back so hard that they've broken the pull handle and almost my fingers so I do understand your reluctance to pull start this one.

Great attention to detail as always Jim, and a very interesting and well produced video. Thanks.

I thought I would watch 5 minutes, an hour later I realized an hour went by. Great work. Every detail you showed is important and interesting.

Great video! I just enjoy following along as you troubleshoot and bring life to these generators. 👍

Dawn power wash……. Amazing stuff. I’m thinking you need a parts washer to help you out! Loveeee your content and style James! Thank you

Love the old school Rope trick as it always works with a bit of elbow grease as i saw done back in the day with dad doing fixes on Oil pumping machines in the oil fields

I thought part 2 will took too long to be posted but it's not. Great work!!

Vicegripgarage would be very proud you did an amazing job on the engine rebuild and the vise grips are a good touch @James Condon

Great video James I enjoyed it very much - your T-shirt should read: Tenacity.

Friend gave me his old gen it would not crank I don't have a lot of mechanic skill but I was mesmerized by you skill I hope I can figure out why the crank is stuck, but it was fun just watching you work.

Man, that generator is turning into a major project, being a real stinker! BTW, I've had kick-back from high-compression engines before too, so you weren't being a "baby" for using the electric start, you were just keeping from getting hurt. Nothing wrong with that! You'll win on the next one James! Thanks for the great videos as always. God bless. Rev. D.

Omg 😅 it took me 2 days to watch this video due to network connection issue in my place ...anyway I recently had this compression release problem and at last I found out that the spring which is attached to the timing gear was stuck then I had to replace the whole timing gear with new one then the problem was solved but in your case I don't know exactly what's happening and that's attracting me to see part 2 Can't wait to watch it 😅 Thanks a lot for the detailed explanation Mr. James ...👍

I truly wish you could include a break down of what you spend on the complete build? Once again you have proven that you are one of best! Keep up the great videos!

Nice! I enjoyed the video alot! Good call not trying to start it by hand, that backfire can be quite painful. You can ask a friend of mine that tried to start my 92' DR650 like a 2 stroke... The kickstart kicked his shoe 15 meters away and he had to wear a cast for a month.

Setting here drinking my morning coffee watching James work, almost makes me think about coming out of retirement. Good job can't wait to see part 3

I look forward to each new video. Though confident in engines, I have now fixed about 6 that I wouldn't have attempted looking at any generator internals w/o these videos. So far it has been obvious issues pointed out in your past show hows. Thank You

James I found this video facinating I just could not stop watching you. The things you did to the connecting rod. But the choice to make sure it runs before reconnecting the generator head was brilliant. Thanks for this I hope I never encounter one in this shape.

Nice diagnostic work James. Now hopefully people can understand why Chinese clones are always cheaper but cost more in the long run.

I wish you would mention "added oil". I was concerned watching you try to start it and I have watched so many of your videos that I knew you added oil but you were in a hurry. Waiting patiently for video 3. I have learned a lot from your videos. Thanks.

Around 22:50, as you had finished applying cleaner to the frame, I turned my attention to my other monitor to take care of a window that had popped up. While I was looking away, you started your pressure washer, and for split second I thought you had AN INVISIBLE ENGINE installed in the frame running that was making the noise! :) Another great video. I really appreciate how you take the time to do things right and don't just slap stuff back together.

I love it when James says "I bought it as a parts machine" and it winds up as a functional rebuild! As for the missing rotator cup; factory has been known to forget to install it....! The flat areas on the valve spring retainer need to point up so that the smallest part of the spring retainer on the valve stem is up and gravity can not drop it !

I like the fact that you rarely show your face in your Vlogs,... It reminds me of the friendly, neighbor " WILSON " next door. 😊

Nice job James and the shout out to Derek at VGG was priceless.

Attention to detail. Careful control of ones urges and thoughtful progression through the process. I hope my mechanic working on my engine takes as much care. Thanks - love your videos.

I use spray carburetor cleaner and a brush to remove the carbon buildup, it’s amazing how well it removes even heavy buildup.

I doubt I'll ever do teardown work but watch these for a better understanding and your methodical patience.

I think your right the rotator cap came off and ended up Causing the Issue with the connecting rod good Find @James Condon

After all of the cleaning you did i was surprised to see you cleaning the piston in the clean engine.

Great series here Professor , cant wait for part 3. Best channel hands down

The Lifan adventure, miniserie in three episodes (we hope). I have no generators, nor small engines, but I love to watch your videos. Thank you.

Oh Lordy each one of the little jobs on that Jonah of a generator has a great big job just waiting for you...

Yay! Time to get out the popcorn….

Connecting Rod box says "Beware of Imitations" - funniest thing I've seen all day!

I keep watching most your videos with great interest. Thank you for making the effort. The best trick today was the journal clean up, followed by the rope in the chamber. As I said in the comments on one of your other videos, the LIFAN engines are pretty good, performing well and reliably for a knock-off.

just to share a tip. I clean all the cylinder heads of my scooter engines with oven/grill cleaner that works great and hardly even requires mechanical agitation. spary, wait ten min and rinse.

Great video, I learned a lot. I do not blame you for avoiding the pull cord with high compression.

James, I just worked on a 420cc Honda clone and there was a notch milled out of that small rib where your rod bolt was striking. So you cound have filed/ground a notch in the rib instead of grinding that rod bolt smaller. Hope this helps in your future rebuilds.

I actually discussed your situation with the mower techs locally. It does seem weird that it would be too tight, rather than too loose. The boss discussed how he would fix the existing connecting rod..... and that they have had a few of these shanghai special motors that were too tight from day 1........ they just filed warranty on the machine and let the OEM deal with it. In regards to the high compression, and not wanting to cord-start it....... Anything over 10hp, usually has electric start..... and I've had my fingers bruised by even 3.5-5hp motors.... a 15 could get your elbow or shoulder!

I have been pretty impressed In last 10 or so months with the Nylon Brushes They work Pretty Well @James Condon

After that nod to Derek with the battery rigging, all it needed when you added fuel was "waaaayyyy too much... Perfect"...

Interesting content. Lots of technical stuff to keep me informed on what to look and test for. 😁 Also keeps me entertained while I do laundry and clean up my kitchen at midnight. Thank You for all the effort to post it.

Greatly appreciated james.. Tip for cleaning heads..get a brass bush .there's great on Aluminum heads.. and that high compression..Iam with you bother..had one nearly throw me face first to the floor !!! Be safe 🙏❤

I can't think of enough accolades to say on part two. This is way above next level.👍👍👍👍👍👍

Takes resilience to keep going in the face of obstacles. Thanks for making this video for me.

Great attention to detail on the rod bolt and push rod guides. I will keep that in mind for my next rebuild. Really good job on troubleshooting that cranky engine!

44:35 It looks like someone grinded the plate, with that grinding mark on top. Great video, I just watched part one and now away to part three 😺 So calm and peaceful video, with interesting tips and tricks! It makes me want to repair the same things 😺💕

Glad that did not kick back and try to rip your hand off , Done that myself to many times ! Good call on the new rod .. Saved some real $ there .. Great work man , ENJOYED !

That 110 psi compression makes that engine a Beastly runner @James Condon

I just wanted to reach out and say how much I enjoy your Channel. I enjoy the chase down of the problem the best.

That pushrod plate is a definite upgrade. Lifan really cheaped out on that....

A wealth of information. I'd have been nervous pulling that cord as well

I don’t blame you for not wanting to pull start that engine I was starting a log splitter a couple days ago and thought I broke my wrist I didn’t but certainly hurt

Wow James that is a great idea doing the crankshaft journal with the sandpaper and rope, I actually learned something, Thanks.

Thanks for another great video. Nice catch on the valve guide problem. Looking forward to see what the issue is with compression release.

James I love your content. I will give you a tip that will save you a couple bucks. STP oil treatment for engine assembly lube (old original blue). 15 oz for the price of the 4 oz special red stuff. Thats what works for me. Take it or leave it. I don't care. Keep up the good work!

You are an exceptional troubleshooter and mechanic.

1.20.22 Great video James. Learned alot from this engine. Can't wait for part 3. Thanks

I am currently doing a salvage on a champion of similar size. Would bet the motors were made in the same factory. Swapped coil, carb lapped valves and can see the light at the end of tunnel. No hurry, it's about the journey right

“I just finished cleaning the parts in the kitchen sink” boy I hope you aren’t married 🤣🤣🤣

I picked up a small generator last summer for dirt cheap. It didn't run and I took a chance on it. Reguardless of what I did, it wouldn't run. I ended up tearing the engine apart and found the timing was off. After realigning the marks and reassembling, it started and runs great. I use it for camping. I was going to replace the crank on a Honda mower, but ended up finding a perfectly good engine on a crap Honda mower that had rotted. After swapping the engine, Its my yard mower. Has self propel too. I guess my point is , yes I could rebuild an engine in my sleep but have decided over time it's just not worth it any more. Most people do not want to pay for a job like that any more anyways.

That was a great video as always I love the detail you go into. As to the last thing you say in your videos.... yes, I'm someone and that help. Thanks again as always.

Okay! You’ve got my attention as usual! Can’t wait to see part 3…..

Love Generator Guru.

Great video as always. I wait in anticipation for the next episode of your videos like I used to wait for episodes of Breaking Bad. LOL!

Nice work James, looking forward to part 3!

Excellent job as always! Love and blessings from Ontario Canada!

Oh my. This Honda clone is fighting Jim at every turn.

Oh boy, part 2! Oh no, have to wait for part 3.

Great video with perfect detail. I always look forward to your postings.

Excellent video and very interesting, anxious to see it running and hopefully the generator is OK

Thanks so much for not leaving part 2 as a cliffhanger James Condon! I guess I have to give credit to your day job with databases for your very organized collection of past video clips. I probably would never have found one, let alone both clips where a high compression engine hurt you! You make enjoyable videos with very evident skill. While we definitely await the completion of this rebuild, we did get to hear the old girl fire off!

Great job getting it running again. However, as an old machinist, I was taught to never grind on the side of a wheel. They are not stressed for it and could explode.

HI. Im David from Argentina. Im quite fun of your videos. Thanks!. In my opinion is not a good idea to machine the con rod bolt, because now one of the bolt is heavier and this can cause vibration. It is only a opinion. Thank!!

If you've ever tried to start a push mower without the blade Attached it will kick back like this. It may not kick back as bad with more spinning mass.