Predator 4000 watt generator 212cc not working after extended storage

[oil pan 4]

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.

The carb is likely clogged with varnish. Usually takes several years to form like that.

 

[Speedbird001]

... I would say carburetor needs to be cleaned/rebuilt....

^ Second this. Nearly identical experience with my fathers old mower; like new Honda, less than 6 hours on it, then sat under the deck for ~36 months. It kind of ran on starting fluid... The fix was total disassembly and deep cleaning of the carb. 2 gaskets were deteriorated and there was some real stubborn gunk in there. took 2 tries to get it right. Also the fuel line from the petcock to the carb was shot and had to be replaced. (Just replacing the carb and hose would have been MUCH faster, but once I was 2 hours in, it became a "challenge accepted" situation. Runs like a top now.

 

[Speedbird001]

could i add a fuel filter or would it mess it up? should be easy enough in the fuel line between the valve and the carb, plenty of space...

Maybe already one in there? My two Stihl 2T both have a little wire mesh one; sits inside the tank. I would lean pessimistic about adding one in-line.

 

[Pete in PA]

The "Mechanic In a Bottle" branding sounds gimmicky, but it contains a blend of aromatic solvents proven to dissolve varnish and gum buildup similar to other lauded additives (e.g., Seafoam, Gumout, Berryman's B12, etc.). It has worked quite well for me on several occasions and I add a small dose to the fuel tank of my OPE at the start of each season. YouTuber Chickanic rubs some folks the wrong way, but she is right most of the time.

For me, it seems to work best at rejuvenating hard diaphragms in 2 stroke carbs.
Has rubber conditioners in it as well.
Good for the rubber tip of the needle valve.

 

[Pete in PA]

^ Second this. Nearly identical experience with my fathers old mower; like new Honda, less than 6 hours on it, then sat under the deck for ~36 months. It kind of ran on starting fluid... The fix was total disassembly and deep cleaning of the carb. 2 gaskets were deteriorated and there was some real stubborn gunk in there. took 2 tries to get it right. Also the fuel line from the petcock to the carb was shot and had to be replaced. (Just replacing the carb and hose would have been MUCH faster, but once I was 2 hours in, it became a "challenge accepted" situation. Runs like a top now.

Agreed. aquired a generator prior to my use of MIB. I removed the carb, cleaned, and now it's running.
Keep in mind that in doing that, you'll be lucky if you don't at least need a new bowl gasket like I did.
I'm convinced MIB would have worked.
Would have been MUCH easier too, I swear they put the frame right in the way of removing the carb. on purpose.