Billy Shafer

Yo Billy, spare the lecture on their quality lol but I have a Generac 4700 3600 Watt genset that runs too rich and turns the plug sooty black. I have cleaned and checked the air cleaner and the choke is working okay and fully opening but the mixture is just too rich. I cant say I ever see any gas leak or run out the carbs sediment bowl, but it does seem to develop a thin coat of gas and I suspect the float level is too high or theres a needle and seat problem. Id like to remove the bowl but theres a 2 wire electric device (shut off??) on the bottom center of bowl and a wrench is too fat to get between the electrical unit and the bowls bottom and I'm not sure just how to remove it and lower the bowl down for inspection. I got owners type manuals on line but haven't found any hard core shop type manual to describe removing the carb bowl. Can you provide any guidance. She pumps out electricity just fine but she runs too rich in my opinion.

John T

Ok I will keep my mouth shut as hard as it will be. You need a very thin wrench to get between to two.I just grind one down to fit.They used to make valve tappet wrenches. I think they are still around.But for me being cheap. I just grind one to fit. I would guess trash in needle and seat. Or float may be bad or out of adjustment.

Hello John T,

Besides the needle and seat I would also check the float level. pay attention to the bowl orientation, some of them go in just one way. Just mark the can and the carb. The square bowl gasket may get fat while out also,

Guido.

UPDATE: I ground down a 13 mm wrench and got the bowl off and cleaned the needle and seat and that cured the bowl overfill and she's not black smoking or running as rich. I did NOT do any thorough carb cleaning like removing the brass plugs and fixed jets etc. It has a new spark plug and the air cleaner and choke are okay.


HOWEVER it don't run smooth and even, it sort of jumps and sputters and shakes and every once in a while it hits a brief smooth running spot. Its NOT any governor bumping or jumping, it still sputters n shakes even if throttle is held fixed. I checked the overhead valve lash and they seem sufficient. When it sputters its NOT throwing black smoke or smelling over rich. I guess next is to remove carb and all the brass I can and give her a real cleaning. Or could it be ignition related???????????????? darn if I know.


I told the wife its not right and I'm not sure if I can make it right DARN THING I'm NOT having it as is even though it generates electricity fine.


More thoughts??????????? If I found an older two cylinder 1800 RPM Onan that fits in the space I might be tempted to junk the darn Generac grrrrrrrrr



John T

Try running it on a gas/gas cleaner mix. Sometimes that will clean the carb.I have had good luck doing that on many engines. But it is a Generac.

Hello john T,

Sounds like your high speed orefice has inherited some dirt. You did not mention it on your first post. Its inside the housing that the bowl screw-solenoid threads into. There is a side screw on tbe carb body you need to take off so the dip tube-jet can be taken out. That given you have an adequate supply of fuel. That is my guess!

Guido.

Try some Sea Foam in it, Ron Mn