small engine repair

**cruzans** · September 1st, 2023, 06:24 PM

Anyone handy with small engines? I have a generator that's several years old that I keep just in case. I use to start it every few months then forgot for a while. Now it won't start. Happened once before and I changed the plug and all was good. Put in a new plug this time and nothing. I'm thinking gunked up carb / bad gas? (I did have some stabilizer in gas but....). If I take out air filter and spray some starting fluid in it, it will kick in and run for about 2 seconds then stops. I spray, runs 2 seconds, stops, etc.. Any thoughts? I tried draining some gas out of the bottom of the carb. but nothing. Was going to just buy a new one but hate to get rid of it - it's never been used other than starting periodically

Thanks!

**sammydog** · September 1st, 2023, 06:47 PM

I have the same generator and had the same issue. I let it sit much too long without starting even with Stabil in the tank. Cleaned an rebuilt the carb and it fired right up. I now run it at least twice a year and it has always started right up. Good luck.

**Walleye Hunter** · September 1st, 2023, 06:55 PM

What happens is that the gas evaporates and leaves a shellack behind, which clogs up the jets and float valve. Carbs are very simple and you can take it off and spray it up with carb cleaner pretty easily. There are some tiny holes that you'll need to clear out too but it's doable. I use a welding tip cleaning file tool to get into the holes but make sure to not file the holes bigger. They are calibrated ports. I'd also drain and dispose of the old gas and put new stuff in it. A small amount of gas and about an oz of seafoam wouldn't hurt.

**cruzans** · September 1st, 2023, 07:52 PM

Thanks guys, I figured that had to be it. I'm not very handy with engines but guess it doesn't run now so can't do more harm - lol. I've always used a little seafoam in the gas, but I guess keeping it in there too long will get it at some point even with it!
Thanks!

**streaker69** · September 1st, 2023, 07:59 PM

Float valve seat is probably expanded and not letting fuel flow into the bowl. New float valve seat (a little o-ring), needle valve and bowl o-ring runs under $2. Probably closer to $50 now that Joe is resident. It's not a tough job. Take carb off, take bowl off, remove Float and needle valve. Use pick to remove the valve seat. Push new valve seat, Re-Assemble. While you have the carb off, may as well give it a good soaking with carb cleaner. Spray into all orifices. Use compressed air to clean out the orifice and make sure they're open.

**cruzans** · September 7th, 2023, 06:02 PM

Ok, so while I look at getting this one fixed, I thought I'd pick up a inexpensive one for a spare. I've never "had" to use a generator for emergency but like to have one just in case. Anyone ever hear of LCT engines? Any good? Average for a low priced engine? I'm not looking for top of the line by any means, just something for emergency use and has a decent engine. Reviews I've read have been all good but? Thanks!

**middlefinger** · September 7th, 2023, 06:16 PM

.

sea foam

my generator sat for 5 years and started on the 2nd pull

**cruzans** · September 7th, 2023, 06:44 PM

Thanks. I always use sea foam - but still gunked up on me

Originally Posted by middlefinger

.

sea foam

my generator sat for 5 years and started on the 2nd pull

**middlefinger** · September 7th, 2023, 06:55 PM

Originally Posted by cruzans

Thanks. I always use sea foam - but still gunked up on me

I put half a can in 5 gallons and out of that I mixed one gallon for my 2-stroke weed wacker with it

always over add from what it says on the can and don't be so cheap