Generator running problem

[gary dunfee]

I have a 13 hp Honda (powered) generater ( old). It will only run (smoothly) with the choke about half way on?

I took the carb apart ,cleaned and blew it out, no change. I also tried another carb from my pressure washer ( same engine) and it runs the same. Any suggestions?

thank you!

 

[hamish]

What condition is your air filter in? Tank fuel filter? Vent in fuel cap.......is it working?

 

[gary dunfee]

All of those are fine. I replaced all of the fuel lines and installed a new fuel filter. Fuel going to the carb seems to be fine also. Engine starts easy and other then the choke problem seems to run ok. I'm thinking of a valve problem maybe? Been working on all types of small engines for 45 years and this one has me stumped. Of course I'm getting old and that doesn't help!

Thanks

 

[Walt41]

Sounds like it is not pulling enough fuel, could be a valve or partially stuck ring.

 

[gary dunfee]

Thanks Walt, those were my guesses also. I'll hope she'll make into the spring and some mild ( steady) weather and I'll open her up.

I appreciate everyones input. I've learned I can always depend on you guys for assistance!

 

[greg storms]

marvel mystery oil & sea foam...follow the directions on the cans & run at least a tank (gas) thru (ethanol free)! Good Luck!

 

[zogger]

Is there like a governor spring linkage on that? If so, might be sticky. A vacuum/impulse port, some hose or tube? Might be leaky.

 

[Walt41]

Is that OHV?

 

[Festus]

I don't mean to be critical of your carb cleaning skills, but I think most of us have cleaned a carb before and ended up missing something. Just a possibility. The other thought is what you exactly mean by not running smoothly. Sometimes small engines run better partially choked because it compensates for an air leak between the carb and the engine. Like a cracked or loose intake manifold, or bad gasket. This wouldn't cause sputtering though, it would have low power and the throttle would act "funny". Still sounds more like a"dirt in the gas" problem. Also, make sure you don't have a bunch of water in the bottom of your gas tank.

 

[GrassGuerilla]

Is your gas tank rusty? My old Honda had a rusty tank. Couldn't tell ya how many times I had to take the carb back apart. I used electrolysis to convert the rust, then coated the tank. Running fine now.

For a quick fix when I discovered the amount of rust in the tank, I parked a walk behind mower next to it and simply borrowed its gravity feed tank.

 

[TFPace]

On "blowing out the carb" did you remove the main jet and make certain that there's no gum deposits blocking it? I've had that problem too many times to count.
I am using Mechanic in a Bottle and so far so good. These conditioners are a gamble to say the least.
Ethanol and small engine carbs are a nightmare/PITA

Merry Christmas and let us know how you come out on this project!

Tom

 

[Hansenj11]

I had the same problem with a Honda GX 160 on my splitter. I bought 2 new carbs put them on cleaned the fuel tank and line 2 and it turned out to be the fuel tank.Some times its the stupid stuff.

 

[griffonks]

Hondas are famous for blocked main jet tubes. You have to push it out from the venturi after you remove the main jet. The mixing holes in the side of the tube get varnished.

Also the carb gaskets sometimes leak or get installed in the wrong order, causing lean or hunting responses.

Also the valves have to be adjusted occasionally.

I'd remove the carburetor, disassemble and remove the whole jet assembly from the screw out main jet to the venturi. Clean it, and replace all of the gaskets from the airfilter to the head.

I have been through this more than a few times with Honda's and clones.

 

[gary dunfee]

The carb was cleaned properly and all orfices opened up. all of that didn't really matter because I swapped carbs with my pressurs washer and the generator ran exactly the same.It will almost stop running with the choke fully off. Runs strong and smooth with the choke half on. the gas tank is clean and full of fresh gas, new ' in line' fuel filter, new gas lines,no air leaks between the carb and intake. Governer spring is working fine. Adjusting the governer doesn't help. I've tried sea foam a couple of times without sucess. I even tried running it from a seperate gas tank. I haven't tried adjusting the valves or opening the engine up yet, I'll wait for warmer, steady weather for that. I don't want to have the unit apart and have a storm come through. It's nice to have some power in those situations,you guys know what I mean I'm sure!

Thanks everyone and have a great new year!

 

[griffonks]

Sorry I didn't see that you had tried another carburetor, in my case getting old means that by the time I finish reading a thread I forget parts of the original posts. Will the generator run off choke if you feed fuel through the air horn? When you used a seperate tank did you bypass the fuel shutoff valve? Sometimes the valve gets partially blocked.

Like you l'm running out of ideas....

 

[gary dunfee]

No problem! I used a seperate tank and line- no fuel shut offf in it. Even tried the old trick of running it with a (pump style) oil can filled with gas- same result. Thanks for your responce.

 

[hamish]

Valves in the spring Gary!