Chorehorse charging question

[Chris Suslowicz]

I'd be inclined to (cautiously) check the Chorehorse out first.

Start with the oil level.

If it's overheating and slows down to the point that the battery voltage is greater than the generator output, the battery will start driving the Chorehorse generator as a motor.

What happens if you run the Chorehorse on no load, or use a couple of headlamp bulbs as a load?

It could be lack of lubrication (with a risk of the bearing seizing up) or fuel starvation - is the insulating gasket between the carburettor and engine block in place (depends on the carburettor, I can't remember if they're floatless suction types or not). Is the air vent on the fuel tank open to prevent a vacuum forming?

Best regards,
Chris.