5500 watt generator won't start. Runs as long as starting fluid is applied. Checked gas flow, wire connections, on switch,took carb apart and checked float valve
Electrical Supplies - Briggs & Stratton - Power Products 5,550 Watt Portable Generator #30241
Answers & Comments
With starting fluid, it runs, so this means spark and compression and valves closing properly. You mention gas flow, so gasolene is getting to the carb. This would then leave the problem being in the carb if indeed fuel is present at the carb. If you take apart the carb right now, is there fuel in the bowel? Or, remove the bottom screw on the carb, does gas flow out? Does it flow continuously or does it quit? This will indicate if the float valve is indeed opening. The only thing if you have fuel in the bowel and no start, even with the choke closed, is that the main jet must be plugged. Had the unit been sitting for quite a while with gasolene in it? Gas can "varnish" after a few months and this can cause plugging of the jets and other passages. How old is the gas in the unit? Old gas won't burn in the engine and this can also be a problem. Drain the tank, and carb, put some new gas in the unit and try it. You might have to take the carb apart again and use some carb cleaner to blow the **** out of all the carb passages. This should get it going again. Now, most important, when you get it running again, you need to adjust the engine speed so that you do not burn out any electrical equipment. If you have access to a frequency meter, plug it into the 120 volt outlet on the generator and adjust the speed so that the frequency with no load is 62 - 63 hz. This will allow the generator to drop to 60 hz under load. The adjustment is a 5/16 nut, right side of the upper engine, facing you.
I would try with new fuel anyways. Any hole in the carb needs to have the carb cleaner shot through it. There should be a visible stream on the main jet into the throttle bore of the carb. 2007, definitely I would change out the gas. I have had this problem on a couple of generators I have repaired. Look in the main bore of the carb. Near the choke and throttle, you will see some small holes, try to shoot into these. It might take an hour or so to soften the crud in the jets and holes.
Hi, how has the problem been progressing?