Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Ingersoll Rand generator problems, crankcase oil, recoil starter

Question
I bought a new G7HE (Ingersoll Rand 7 kw) generator.  It had a Honda GX390 engine, and a Recoil/Electric start. Shortly after it was delivered, I smelled gas and saw it was flowing out of the fuel shut off valve(it had been in the "open" setting when it was delivered). Turning the valve to the "Off" setting stopped the gas flow. I called the dealer, and the fellow who came out said there was some sort of a "float" mechanism with that valve that probably had gotten stuck in the up position, and he tried to start it.  The electric start would not work, and the recoil could not be pulled out (it would not budge at all).  They took it back, and when I called a couple of days later I was told they had ordered a new generator.  They delivered my "new one", and although it did run, it was clearly the same machine (it had the same serial number and the same little tear on a small number tag near the fuel shut off valve).  I called the dealer and said he told me he had ordered a new one, but this was the same previously broken one.  He said, "Yes, he had ordered a new carburetor."  To make a long story short, I had him pick it up, and refuse to do further business with them.  I know zip about engines, but did not see that a carburetor problem could cause the recoil starter to lock up.  I am really curious as to what the problem could have been with this machine, and was wondering if you had any ideas.  Thanks!

Answer
Hello Marie:

The Reason a New Carburetor was Ordered is Due to the Carburetor Float Needle Valve Not Seating Correctly. This Allowed the Engines Cylinder to Fill with Gas and then Seep Into the Crankcase Oil. The Engine was Frozen/Stuck and would Not Turn Due to the Amount of Gas in the Cylinder and Or Crankcase Making the Engine Hydraulic Lock. Also, you should have been Informed that the Shut Off valve "MUST BE TURNED OFF" when the Generator was Not in Operation. If this Valve is Not Shut Off, then the Engine Lock Up as you Described is Going to Occur. The Service Technician should have Explained All this to you when the Generator was Delivered. The Newer Carburetors Really are Not as Well Made as the Older Carburetors were. There is a Mentality of Quanity Not Quality Anymore and these Carburetors are a Good Example of this Mentality. All the Engines We Service have More Carburetor Float Needle Valve Problems than I have Seen over the Past 30 Years. From you E-Mail it Sounds like there May have Been a Communications Problem between you and the Shop as to what was Ordered. As I Stated before, All of this should have Been Explained when you Purchased this Generator. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

Hello Again Marie:

Hi Bert:

I Just Read your Post and had a Few Moments to Say Thanks for the Ratings and the Comments. Anytime you have a Question, Do Not Hesitate to Ask. Thank you for Using All Experts. Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. I Hope You and Yours have a Happy Holiday Season. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks Again.

Best Wishes and Good Luck

Respectfully

John