Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): briggs and stratton 8hp 4400 watt generator, briggs and stratton, oil shutdown

Question
i dont know a heck of alot about small engines and i was just given this generator. it has been sitting out a few months and wont start. should i empty the old fuel out of it and put fresh gas in? do i mix it w/oil? what about the plug?

Answer
It has an oil sump like a car engine, and changing the oil would be a good idea, or at least make sure it is full, as most generators
have a low oil shutdown switch, use sae 30 oil.  If the gas is real old, getting rid of the old gas would be a good idea as well.
The plug is probably alright, but couldn't hurt to replace it as well.
  The fuel tanks normally have a shut off valve on them, so drain the old fuel is made easier.
  To get it to start, and get some fresh fuel through the carb, you might need to remove the air filter and prime it with a squirt of carb cleaner in the carb to get it going.

  Good luck, and let me know.

   Fish