Question
CM-38
Hi I am Rick from Milwaukee,WI;
I have a Generic Generator. It is about 20 some years old I will send along a pdf file of the exact generator that I have. It is the (6938-0) generator, and all so has the electric fuel pump.
It will start fine and run for about 5 min, than you have to start to hold in the choke just to keep it running. I have checked the spark and that is fine. I have a boat gas tank connected to it along with 2 in line fuel filters. I checked the line and it is getting all the gas it needs.
Please any help I have no ideal ware to look next.
One last thing the hose that is coming out of the cylinder head I think it is a vacuum hose came unattached from the back and I am not sure how important it is.
Thanks
Rick
PS: I can send you the pdf if you tell me ware to send it. it.s about 23mb
AnswerHi Rick!
Always great to hear from a fellow Cheesehead! (I'm from WI Dells)
There are two things that I think may be causing this problem.
1.) How fresh is your fuel? Lets try it with some really fresh fuel. Lets get a small remote fuel tank with some really fresh gasoline in it right from the pump. If this takes care of your problem we know it was bad fuel.
2.) A little more in depth, but the main jet and inlet pipe could be partially clogged with rust, dirt, etc. You need to remove the carb bowl and look for gunk in the bottom of the carb. If your bowl has started to rust at all, you need to replace the bowl as once rust starts you can not stop in.
A complete cleaning of the carb will be necessary if you have a "gummed up -varnished" carb or you can simply replace the carb.
The symptoms you describe are very common with generators, because they don't get used much. And when you want to use them you need them! So make sure to always put a fuel stabilizer in the fuel that is in the tank prior to storage. Run the engine for about 5 minutes so that the fuel stabilizer can get through the whole fuel system.
Turn the fuel valve to the off position, let the engine run until its out of fuel.
(Running the tank completely dry is another option)
Its important to EXERCISE your generator every 30 to 60 days. This means to start your generator up and load it for at least 20 minutes at half its rating. So in otherwords if you have a 2000 watt generator, you would start it up and plug 2 500 watt Halogen work lights into it and turn them on for 20 minutes. Make sense? Personally I exercise my generators with portable heaters. They suck a lot of power!
I hope this helps. If you find yourself needing parts, or would like to call the factory directly the number is 1-888-436-3722 7a to 6p CST. And they are located in our back yard here in Wisconsin.
