Predator 4000 watt generator 212cc not working after extended storage

[dogememe]

This generator has been sitting in the shed for who knows how long. My ex claims it worked last time his dad used it, but that could have been 3-5 years ago.

I drained the gas by disconnecting the hose at the output of the fuel on/off valve and put new Trufuel 4 cycle gas in. There was a little old gas left but not much.

I also drained most of the oil and put some random leftover 10w-30 in.

Anyway, it doesn't work. If I take the air filter out and squirt starting fluid in it'll stay running but as soon as I stop spraying the starting fluid it dies.

I have come to the conclusion that the motor itself and the ignition system are at least mostly functional, but I don't know where to take it from here.

I did notice the choke seemed to work because in the start position it would run OK on the starting fluid and in run position it sounded quite grumpy even while spraying the starting fluid.

 

[Sequoiasoon]

I would say carburetor needs to be cleaned/rebuilt. The old fuel sitting probably with ethanol gummed up the jets.

Many will say total snake oil, won't help but try following directions on "mechanic in a bottle". Chickanic Mechanic In A Bottle.

Some members here have said the same. I used it and smoothed out how a couple things were running.

 

[dogememe]

I would say carburetor needs to be cleaned/rebuilt. The old fuel sitting probably with ethanol gummed up the jets.

Many will say total snake oil, won't help but try following directions on "mechanic in a bottle". Chickanic Mechanic In A Bottle.

Some members here have said the same. I used it and smoothed out how a couple things were running.

Looks like the Carburetor is about $25, if we're pretty sure that'll work I guess it's worth a shot?

 

[Sequoiasoon]

That depends on your ambition level, the carb quality, the holy the snake oil worked BITOG review etc.

I swapped some cheap Amazon carbs on to stuff. Some worked well, some worked but never great trying all adjustments. I have some of my original barbs and found the rebuild kit cheap so will maybe do that for next year for my snowblower. The cheap Amazon one got me through the season but again just not "right".

 

[Pete in PA]

Mechanic in a Bottle really works. For $8 at Wally World what have you got to lose?
Brought 2 of my old 2 strokes back to life this year.

Remove all old gas, pour it in straight, let it sit 4 hours to overnight, drain it all out, won't run on MIB, fresh gas, and it'll start.