Generac Q-55G air cooled generator

Went out tapped on it about 3 times and it started right up!!! Thank you for your help!

yes, tap on it lightly but pay attention in the future since it's now a known issue and well...... fuel and fire and burned RV.

I agree on sea foam and use it all the time. In the old days stabil seemed to do ok but it's basic effect is to put a sort of scum layer on the fuel surface. I had repaired many portable generators with wasted carbs that had been stabil treated.

My generac on my 1996 Dolphin had the same problem when the ethanol went into our fuel. Corrosion of a greenish color was the problem on the seating surface and jets. I was able to clean it up with a small brush and carburetor cleaner. I followed directions I found here. They were to exercise the generator and pull some seafoam into it for any long storage. I mixed a gallon of seafoam in a gallon of gas and used a section of hose to pull it out of a gas can during storage. During the season of the most use fresh gas by exercise works. The ethanol evidently breaks down and leaves deposits and has a short storage life.

Can I just tap on it and see if the does it before I take anything apart?

The needle valve is stuck open in the carb. It is stuck or has a small piece of crud in the seat area and is not letting it close.

When you remove the carb bowl you will see that the float is hinged at the body and moves up as the bowl fills with fuel. When enough fuel is in the bowl the pointed needle valve closes against the valve seat.

This video shows a typical carb for a small engine.

If you attempt this repair pay attention that you dont drop the hinge pin, needle or small spring if so equipped. Air pressure can blow out the passage and other parts. Also be sure the float will float. Depending on it's composition they can become fuel saturated and not "float".
Use finesse.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8pcX-FWtNc