My 10 hp generator has very little time on it. I have started it up every few months to exercise it and check it. I recently tried to start it, and it would not run unless I sprayed starter fluid into the carburetor. I checked for water in the fuel, and there was none. I took the carburetor apart and all the passages seem to be open. I could see no evidence of buildup of any kind. I drained some gas from the tank, removed the spark plug and put a small amount of fuel into the combustion chamber. It fired immediately, but only for a short time before that fuel was used up. I tightened the mounting bolts to make sure that no air was leaking at the carburetor mount.

Hi,
How about the fuel shutoff? Did you see if fuel is reaching the carb.
Peace,
Clarke

The fuel is turned on, and fuel is filling the bowl. I checked the float and needle valve. Both are working normally.

Sparky

Hi,
Well it definitely sounds as though something is constricting the main jet. Best way to shut down a seldom used machine is with the fuel shutoff and letting the carb run dry. Carbs work by venting to the atmosphere and atmosphere (oxygen) degrades fuel.
Peace,
Clarke

Hi,
Well it definitely sounds as though something is constricting the main jet. Best way to shut down a seldom used machine is with the fuel shutoff and letting the carb run dry. Carbs work by venting to the atmosphere and atmosphere (oxygen) degrades fuel.
Peace,
Clarke
I blew through the main jet, and it was completely clear.

Check the bolt that holds the bowl on make sure the holes in it are clear

check the bolt that holds the bowl on make sure the holes in it are clear

I did it.

Did you check the oil sensor? I believe it checks for oil in the crank case.
Herb