alt.energy.homepower

"Boden" wrote in message
news:fq4o80015b3@...
> RW Salnick wrote:
> > Boden brought forth on stone tablets:
> >
> >> My Generac 4000XL (Model 190 gasoline engine) started this morning on
> >> the second pull. It then ran under about 50% load for at least 30
> >> minutes but shut down spontaneously.
> >>
> >> I've restarted it about six times and on each cycle it started on the
> >> first pull, runs smoothly for 1/2 to one minute and then stops.
> >>
> >> Fuel tank is full, oil level is correct, low oil pressure light
> >> doesn't come on, ambient temperature is 31 F, total time on the
> >> 4000XL is 262 hours.
> >>
> >> The last time it ran, about a month ago, the generator ran for 6 to 8
> >> hours under load without event.
> >>
> >> Any suggestions would be appreciated.
> >>
> >> Boden
> >
> >
> > Look at the fuel filter...
> >
> > bob
> Yes. But Generac didn't see fit to install a fuel filter. Should I
> disassemble and clean the carburetor and then install an after market
> fuel filter?
>
> Boden

Probably the first thing (and one of the easiest--usually) I'd try would be
to remove the float bowl from the carb and check to see if the float is
getting stuck in the up position. Sometimes the bowl will fill up gradually
when the engine is off and it willl run for a short time. What kind of
engine is it? If it's a Tecumseh removing the float can be tricky because
some have a little spring in there. While I'm at it I usually remove the
float valve and main jet and fuel line and spray thoroughly with carb
cleaner. I usually gently sand the edges of the float where it fits into
the pivot with some #400 or whatever to make sure it's not getting hung up
at that point and I clean the pivot pin.

Sometimes the air gap between the ignition module and the flywheel can get
out of whack or loose. To check it you need to pull off the cover (with the
rope starter). I have used a folded piece of printer paper (two
thicknesses) to adjust it when no gauge was available.

I'd also stick a spark tester on there and see if it goes dark while the
engine is still turning. Sometimes a bad ignition will work just fine then
not work, then work just fine...

I agree with others that it sounds like it's not getting vented but since
you checked that....

If you are using clean, fresh gas I'd skip the fuel filter but that's my
personal preferance.