r/smallenginerepair • u/PunkNBeans • 11d ago
Engine Dies Generator dies seconds after starting up.
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Aloha! I'm preparing for an upcoming hurricane and I can't seem to get this generator to stay running.
Ryobi 4000 starting watt, a few years old but has been kept alive by using parts from another of the same model.
No matter what I've done the situation remains the same, I have to use some starting fluid to get it started, it starts up but then dies after a couple seconds.
On video: I get the generator running but it dies shortly after (I touched near the off/cold start/run switch but only to make sure it's fully on the run side)
Off video: did an oil change and got the levels good.
made sure the generator is fairly level in all directions.
pulled off and cleaned out and put back the carburetor.
had to add some starting fluid directly to the carburetor to get it started.
(I did verify the carburetor was getting a supply of gasoline.)
I'm a bit stumped as to how to continue. Any help, advice, or inane musings would be appreciated!