Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Generator problems, air filter element, chinese engines

Question

APG 3090 420cc, Air Cooled, OHV, 4 stroke engine Trying to start generator less than 1 year old, and less than 5 hours.  Have good spark (even replaced plug) have gas, etc (can smell gas)  Pull choke and crank but no start.  Pulled Air Filter element, and placed hand over carb, and engine fires up, runs great.  Does not seem that butterfly on carb is closing all they way.  Not sure if I can adjust that or not, or if I need to dig into carb.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Manufacturer: Allpower
Engine:   J.D.
Model:  Allpower APG3090 - 10,000w with electric start

Answer
It sounds like your engine is not getting enough fuel.  The problem i suspect is either a stuck needle valve, bad gas, or a plugged nozzle/jet combo in the carb.  I have seen many Chinese carbs this year that are not handling our fuels to well especially if there was gas left in it for a period of time.  I see a stuck needle valve 50% of the time and plugged jets the other times.

In my shop alone we have replaced over 50 carbs on the Chinese engines that power the Toro snoblowers.

So to answer the question...go ahead and dig into the carb after you try fresh fuel.  Be sure to drain the old fuel from the carb bowl as well before you try starting it with the fresh fuel.