[Deadhead]

I have a HOnda GX390 13 HP on a generator. Has done pretty well for me over the years. Went to run it this morning when power was out. Would only run 20-25 seconds and shut off. Gas flowing to it, gas in the bowl. It had done this one time before but could not remember what I did. Oil level fine. I had just done my pre season oil change etc. and ran it not too long ago with no Prob.

Blasted some 2+2 in it did same. Tried to keep it running spraying fluid in there. No deal. Finally tried grabbing the throttle (spring loaded deal to maintain RPM on Gen., and held it low to see how long it would run at low RPM. Let off eventually and it runs.

Filter shows nothing in it.

Any ideas? My first reaction is to just put a new carb on it and not look back. Best plan or not gonna solve it? One of those things where I really need it to work when I need it.

[ultraman]

honda makes some fine engines. your probably right about the carburetor.todays gas is crap to rubber components i would think the needle valve tip is swollen or gummy.Iwould only run premium strait gas in it.

[Deadhead]

Cool thanks. I have rebuilt B&S small engines but it has been a while, and that was when gas was gas. I have never had any luck rebuilding the carbs on these. Cars no problem, but I never seem to get a good result with these, and they are so cheap.

Thought I might have had too much oil in this one. Screwing around in the rain and dark at 6AM, trying to get juice on so people can take showers. Accidentally left oil fill plug loose on one side (there are 2). Immediately remembered and shut down but still sprayed new oil all over the side of the house. Right outside my 15 Yr olds window.

[ultraman]

sounds just like me. I worked at a john deere dealer back when gas was gas. just try taking the float bowl off and look for water and varnish the float and needle valve can be removed by pulling one pin.clean evething with some spray can carb cleaner. there may be a water seperator bowl clean it too.I hope this info gets you going!

[Deadhead]

Originally Posted by ultraman

sounds just like me. I worked at a john deere dealer back when gas was gas. just try taking the float bowl off and look for water and varnish the float and needle valve can be removed by pulling one pin.clean evething with some spray can carb cleaner. there may be a water seperator bowl clean it too.I hope this info gets you going!

Power out again this AM. Can you feel the joy? I did empty the bowl yesterday and let gas flow freely through. I am guessing you are dead on with varnish and decayed needle, but did not know it was serviceable. This AM did the forced run on slow for a round 60-90 seconds after one failed start. Does work after that. People got showers, and hero status ensued. New carb on the way. I will clean the old one after I get new installed.

Thanks!