Generator carb problem

[etpm]

I have a Generac generator with a Kohler engine. I maintain it properly, always use ethanol free gas, and always run the carb dry. Well today, with the whole of Whidbey Island out of power, the darn thing wouldn't start. I replaced the spark plug and that was no help. I finally got it to start with ether. It is running now but will only run partly choked. It doesn't smell rich and I have to have the choke lever in just the right spot so the partial choke is just getting the mixture right by providing extra vacuum to draw gas through the carb passages. I did add Seafoam and after several hours of running there is no difference. Instead of trying to rebuild the carb I think I'm just going to buy a new carb or two. I think I must have gotten gas with ethanol in it even though I always buy the ethanol free stuff. Sometimes gas stations don't deliver what they say. Unless someone here can talk me out of buying a carb or two and instead attempting a carb rebuild I will be looking on eBay and Amazon for carbs.
Thanks,
Eric

 

[ultrarunner]

I had the same today where it would only run with partial choke after starting fluid to start.

Pulled the carb and did a quick clean with carb cleaner and air nozzle…

Button things up and started normal and now no choke to continue running.

It was not gummy but a flake like residue… especially at the bottom obstructing passages.

 

[etpm]

I had the same today where it would only run with partial choke after starting fluid to start.

Pulled the carb and did a quick clean with carb cleaner and air nozzle…

Button things up and started normal and now no choke to continue running.

It was not gummy but a flake like residue… especially at the bottom obstructing passages.

I guess it can't hurt to remove the bowl and squirt some moose pee, er, carb cleaner through the passages before I do anything drastic like buying a new carb. I guess I'm just plain tired of fixing things because I have to.
Eric

 

[ultrarunner]

Carbs can have mechanical failures like a float that doesn’t or worn shafts after decades of use.

I’ve found most problems with simple carbs are caused from dirt and or corrosion and a good cleaning will restore performance.

I have a set of micro drill bits along with welding tip cleaners if necessary.

Nothing wrong with a quality rebuild kit or carb but not all are quality.

 

[oldnslo]

Even though you run the engine till it thinks the carb is empty there is always a little gas left in the bowl that evaporates over time and leaves a slight residue which can flake off and plug passages. Usually these can be blown out and engine will run again. Sea foam might also work over a period of time but no clue on time period required..

 

[Richard001]

I guess it can't hurt to remove the bowl and squirt some moose pee, er, carb cleaner through the passages before I do anything drastic like buying a new carb. I guess I'm just plain tired of fixing things because I have to.
Eric

If you don't run your generator at least once a month, I would suggest using some stabile in the fuel. And I am not a fan of running the carb dry.

I assume that you have a fuel shut-off valve. This is what I do with my snow thrower engine. Use only non-ethanol fuel, with some stabile in it, with the engine running, turn off the fuel shut off valve, let it run for a minute then shut it off.

Works for me.

 

[garry1p]

Same exact problem with a Generac 3.5 KW I have had for probably 20 years.

Several times I had to flush out the carb to run without partial choke 3 years ago it would no longer start.
I ordered a new carb I think it was around $30 or less from Amazon, it had no adjustment screws and it worked fantastic, back to one pull to start and no choke it ran great.

Fast foreword to last year and it would no longer regulate voltage and frequency.
I bought a new HF Predator 3.5i battery start generator on sale, So far it has run perfect and you can stand next to it under load and talk in a normal voice.

Good luck with a new carb.

 

[garry1p]

This is the carb I bought from Amazon

0C1535ASRV Carburetor for Generac 4000EXL4000XL 3500XL Generator GN220 GH220HS 0C1535AESV 97747 0C1535​

 

[dodge man]

I’ve had better luck cleaning the carb by taking it apart then replacing it. It seems the replacement isn’t always setup for the exact engine I put it on.