Small Engine Issue

[foxtrot]

Anyone have experience with small engines?

I'm having a few issues with the Briggs & Stratton engine in my generator. I bought this used 5500 watt generator from a coworker about ten years ago. I only paid him around $100 for it. It has been a great asset the half dozen times the power has been out since the purchase. Anywho, the last few years it has been hard to start, requiring starter fluid to get it going. Also at night when it's running, I notice that the muffler is glowing red and that there is a small blue flame firing out of the muffler from time to time when it's running. I'm thinking the first thing it needs is a carburetor rebuild but I'm also thinking that the reed valves in the head are also bad.

What do you guys think my generator needs to be brought back to life?

 

[pontiacgp]

are you using ethanol fuel or real gas?

 

[foxtrot]

In my area, mostly all gas contains ethanol. I'm running ethanol.

 

[pontiacgp]

try to find some real gas, you may have to purchase premium gas but I know a small engine repair guy and he says most of the problems he sees with small engines is caused by the ethanol fuel

http://pure-gas.org/

 

[axisg]

I have gas powered pressure washer that only gets used a couple times a year. It used to be hard to start and tough to keep running. Took it apart and I was surprised to see the fuel deposits were making the needle valve stick. There was also some debris built up in the bottom of the fuel bowl ( even with running an additional fuel filter ) which I am sure was causing my issues when running. I am now in the habit to drain all the fuel out of it between uses. With fresh fuel it kicks over 2nd pull every time now and runs smooth.
I would think in your case at the very least the fuel system needs to be taken apart and cleaned. Leaving old fuel in there will gunk things up. Esp with the newer ethanol stuff.

 

[foxtrot]

try to find some real gas, you may have to purchase premium gas but I know a small engine repair guy and he says most of the problems he sees with small engines is caused by the ethanol fuel

http://pure-gas.org/

Thx -- it looks like a have a pure gas place around 14 miles from my house. I will pick some up and give it a try.

 

[foxtrot]

I have gas powered pressure washer that only gets used a couple times a year. It used to be hard to start and tough to keep running. Took it apart and I was surprised to see the fuel deposits were making the needle valve stick. There was also some debris built up in the bottom of the fuel bowl ( even with running an additional fuel filter ) which I am sure was causing my issues when running. I am now in the habit to drain all the fuel out of it between uses. With fresh fuel it kicks over 2nd pull every time now and runs smooth.
I would think in your case at the very least the fuel system needs to be taken apart and cleaned. Leaving old fuel in there will gunk things up. Esp with the newer ethanol stuff.

Along with the gas, I will clean out the carb and leave the fuel system empty between uses. Thx.

 

[79 USA 1]

Foxtrot,
Is this a overhead valve Briggs engine? They require valve lash adjustments every so many hours of run time. My younger brother had issues with a Craftsman riding lawn tractor with the 14.5 horse Briggs that had a hard start situation, turned out to be loose valves.
Below is part 1 of 2 You Tube video that explains how to adjust the valves. We adjust them every 40 hours of run time.

Hope this helps
Bob S.

 

[foxtrot]

Thanks Bob - not an OHV engine, much older than that.


Currently draining the fuel into the gas can to get ready for new fuel. I plan to pull the carb of for a cleaning too. Hopefully I can get away with a carb cleaner spray cleaning.

 

[foxtrot]

By the way, what gaskets should I plan on having on hand before I pull the carb off? I'm thinking the gasket between carb/head and the bowl o-ring.. should that be it?