generator surge
Onan 5500 in our Class A had run quite well last fall on our way down to Florida. Since arriving and storing the unit it has run well, when it gets used (about every two weeks to keep it fresh), but I...
Forum Discussion
mikemc53 wrote:
I pulled the air cleaner while it was running and played with the choke plate. When fully open it surges but when I close the choke (partially or almost full) it runs much better. Is it running lean?
This is a classic problem of any carbureted small engine !
Yes, it is running lean. It is highly like that the primary (low speed/idle) jet is blocked. It got blocked by some kind of "dirt"/foreign matter in the gas tank. Common when fuel (E10 or E00) sit in the tank for an extended period of time.
What most people do not understand about small engine carburetors is that the "idle" jut is the PRIMARY jet. Fuel need to flow through it ALL OF THE TIME !
I have had very poor luck try to clean primary jets with fuel additives. Usually this calls for removing the carburetor, disassembling, and soaking in solvent for several hours/overnight. For good measure, all passageways need to be probed with a stiff wire to make sure they are open. (Do not soak gaskets or rubber O-rings in solvent. It will destroy the gaskets and the O-rings will swell make re-assembly very difficult.
Expect to pay $200 and up for this service ! Not difficult, just time consuming.
