Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): generator will not start, briggs stratton engine, carburetor rebuild kit

Question
Hello,
I cannot get my 2 year old vanguard generator with a Briggs and Stratton engine to run. I put in fresh gas, changed the oil since the generator only has about 5 hours of run time on it.  When I spray starter fluid through the choke the engine will run momentarily.  Also, when I turned it off 2 years ago, I didn't turn off the switch or the gas feed.  Appreciate any help you can provide.

The generator is a 6000watt, 11hp Vanguard Briggs & Stratton engine.

Regards,
Durga

Answer
Your problem is fuel related generators need to be started every couple of months so that when you need them they will run.  The first thing to do is drain the fuel remove the fuel tank clean the fuel cap and back flush the tank where the fuel comes out.  If there is a fuel filter replace it be sure the arrow on the fuel filter is pointing the way the fuel flows.  If there is not fuel filter put one in I suggest a 75 micron filter.

Next remove the carburetor and disassemble use the wire from a wire tie to clean every air and fuel passages blowout the passages with carburetor cleaner or compressed air.  Reassemble the carburetor using a carburetor rebuild kit.  But the carburetor back on the engine using new mounting gaskets reassemble tank and fuel lines and throttle and choke linkage.  Start the unit and let it run until the engine comes up to temperature , about 15 minutes.  Put a load on the generator to be sure it is operating properly.  You could use an electric heater to load the generator.  I think that if you follow this troubleshooting path you will find your issues.  Once you have this running remember to start the engine and load the generator on a regular basis.  This is the only way it will be ready every time you need it.  Best of luck I hope this information helps you.