I have a portable generator with a Briggs & Stratton 10HP OHV engine. I store it for months at a time and then add just enough gas to run if for about an hour until it runs out of gas. After two years the engine now runs rough. I have to leave the run/choke switch almost on full choke to keep the engine from running rough. If I go to full run, the engine misses every second or so. If I move the run/choke switch just one notch below full choke, it smooths out. I suspect the dried gas has gummed my carb, but can I add carb cleaner and run the generator?

I now know to add stabilizer for each run time. But what can I do now??

Thanks

I'll tell you what. Pull the fuel hose and inject spray carb cleaner in the hose toward the carb. It just might work.

Also make sure the air cleaner is clean. You can run the engine for a short time without it to see if the situation improves.

The engine will run on carb cleaner. In fact, it's best to use carb cleaner rather than starting fluid.

Another thing to try:
With the engine running, briefly choke the engine several times... some times the sudden increase of vacuume will help pull the trash out of the jet. It wouldn't hurt to drain the fuel bowl water can collect over time... water doesn't burn well :)

Good luck,
Victor

Hi,
No comment bad to this point. Might try some gas treatment/stabilizer and running time, with it partially on choke if necessary. It can be amazing what the "abrasive" effect of fuel passing through jets can do if does run. You may well find that in a period you slowly choke it less and less.
Peace,
Clarke