Couple years ago daughter lost electrical power for a protracted time, she panicked and bought a big box store generator. Not a name brand, probably a Honda knock off, probably 10 to 12 hp, overhead valve engine, manual start - no battery. Worked for her in her time of need. Was shut off and left in garage until now when power went down again. Of course, no start. Landed in my shop. (Funny how things like that end up in Dad's lap.) A shot of starting fluid in the carb and it started and ran. So Ignition was OK. Obviously, a fuel issue. Took carb down, washed out old fuel and whatever crud I found, reassembled. Starts and run fine now. (Got lucky.) Daughter will be advised to empty fuel before storage in the future.
Now, I didn't take the time to get a complete education on this unit. Have 2 questions for someone who has serious experience in these beasties:
1) The carburetor has a solenoid operated needle valve on the bottom. What is it for, and when is it energized? (Again, no battery, so must be energized only when engine/generator running?)
2) There is a short pipe between head and muffler with an appendage hanging down from midsection of the pipe. Never saw anything like that. What's it for? (See picture.)
Now, I didn't take the time to get a complete education on this unit. Have 2 questions for someone who has serious experience in these beasties:
1) The carburetor has a solenoid operated needle valve on the bottom. What is it for, and when is it energized? (Again, no battery, so must be energized only when engine/generator running?)
2) There is a short pipe between head and muffler with an appendage hanging down from midsection of the pipe. Never saw anything like that. What's it for? (See picture.)