Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Homelite home generator, huirricane, watts home

Question
Thanks a million... The generator is now running well and I plan to start it every night or so, right up til the huirricane that hopefully won't hit Miami Beach.  Now, to add insult to injury, the pull chord that starts the generator doesn't seem to be engageing.  It just pulls free without cranking the engine.  is ther some sort of clutch-or gear to engage and how can I fix this problem.  Sorry to be problematic but YOU ARE AN EXPERT AND I TRUST YOUR OPINION.Thank you-----------------------
Question -
Also please, engine only runs welll when choke is on,  The minute I turn off the choke it starts missing and sounds like its gonna die on me.
Whats up with this...is it a carb adjustment, I am guessing, or is this
normal


ps  HOMELITE 4400 WATTS HOME GENERATOR APPROX  10 YRS YOUNG

Answer -
HI John
Sorry for the delay- vacation

Is this a two stroke?  Open up the adjustment screw closest to the engine block 1/8 turn and try it again.  You're starving for fuel, you either have an obstruction in the fuel line/delivery (check that fuel line with the little weight in the gas tank), or the carb is mal- adjusted.


Answer
Hey John
Great job on the running part!

Yeeah- the starter clutch uses these little plastic teeth that spring out and engage the inside of the housing.  They're either stuck or broken off.  Tap the housing with the bottom of a shoe, (I know- it sounds funny, but the shoes bottom won't break anything) and try it again.  If it catches, spray some fishing reel lubricant up inside everywhere you can reach.

If it won't engage at all- unbolt the starter housing and look for the little teeth that are supposed to flip out when you pull the cord-
Lemme know what you find-

talk atcha in the morning!