[sparky555]

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.

[crigby]

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

[sparky555]

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

Sparky

[crigby]

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

[sparky555]

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.

[DG]

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

[sparky555]

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

I did it.

[Liechty]

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