Small engine help

[WildMatt84]

Here's the run down. I have a Briggs 5200 watt generator that I can't get to run. I can get it to turn over with started fluid, but it won't stay running. I'm guessing that I need to replace the carb. What do you guys think?

[TejasNW]

Clean it first. (gloves and safety glasses) Get a spray can of carb cleaner. Blow out every hole or orifice. Let is sit. A $5 can of cleaner can save the expense of a new carb.

If it runs with a little ether in the intake, the carb is not so bad it needs replacement. If you are going to take it off for a swap, might as well try to clean it up first.

[tx07]

Here's the run down. I have a Briggs 5200 watt generator that I can't get to run. I can get it to turn over with started fluid, but it won't stay running. I'm guessing that I need to replace the carb. What do you guys think?

Disconnect the fuel line and see if it flows free. If it does, move on to the carb.
Pop the bowl off the carb. Unstick the float and let it flow. Stray carb or brake Cleaner through the fuel line to the float. Reassemble.
Run it, put stabil in the fuel. Run it more and store.

[Grizzly1]

^^^^^ what they both said, I've saved 2 push mowers, a riding mower and a pressure washer within the last couple of months by disassembling the carb and cleaning it...pay close attention to the tiny tiny jet holes and make sure they have a good flow, sometimes it's like a mist. Best thing to do is to soak it for a good while then clean up, spray carb cleaner through each hole and then reassemble.

[Grizzly1]

This was the inside of the carb on one of the honda push mowers I worked on, would run on starter fluid but then died. Guy swore it should run even though it's been sitting for a year and he didn't turn the gas valve off after last use. The new fuel with eat up and gum up everything. I have put gas shut off valves on everything I own and when I'm done I turn the gas off and let the engine run til it dies, keeps gas from sitting up in carb! One of the most important things is to unscrew the screw in the middle of the carb (it's inside the piece sticking up in the center of the pic below), that's usually where the jet port is, clean the ports very well.

[WildMatt84]

Thanks for the advice gentleman. Going to have to wait a couple days till i test it. fuels shutoff gasket decided to take a crap. Should have seen me trying to catch 3 gallons of gas pouring out the bottom of that tank. New fuel shutoff will be here tuesday

[Eagle19]

Like they said clean carb. Check gas too. I've had gas get some water in it before and it was pain because I couldn't figure out what was going on. Also you getter better performance with higher grade gas and keeps it a little cleaner. They also make some additive for smaller engines gas to last longer if it ever sits for a while.

[BigDraw]

I've learned to not put in more gas than I plan to use, gas these days is crap. I no don't use stabil anymore, always had problems with it in gas that may sit for more than a couple months. I now use Sea Foam, and some Heet. Also I would look at converting to propane, then you never have another issue .

[WCI]

More than likely the unit is fine. I am sure the gas has turned to mess in your carb & tank. Fairly easy fix. Remove the carb and clean it up. My son used to soak and clean carbs for outboards. Big suggestion. Take your time and take pics with the phone before you remove anything and as you are working on it to give you some aids to reinstall. Not say you are not a master mechanic just a suggestion. Also, drain gas prior to storage and run till it dies to empty carb.

Good luck,

Wilk

[Lanceknny]

Looks like water in gas .make sure you clean the tank out good .

[thegrouse]

What I have done the last few times is remove the carb and soak in simple green overnight. It has saved a few lawn care items.

[WildMatt84]

Got everything broken down and cleaned up. Had to order a new fuel shutoff valve. Gasket on the inside of the tank was trashed. Should be in tomorrow. will be able to put everything back together tomorrow and test it out

[Wes Chaney]

Take the carb completely apart and soak it over night in 50/50 pine sol and water. Hot water is best. Then clean everything up with a toothbrush and blow out the jets with compressed air (just make sure you have a good grip on them, those little jets can be hard to find when they go flying!). Also blow out where the jets screw into the carb. The pine sol works great to break up all the gunk. These small engine carbs are really simple, but a lot of people are scared to tear them apart because they don't know how, take some pictures along the way if you need to, so that you know where everything came from.