Choke not working right causing rough engine running

while your choke is out your engine is getting too much petrol . if it wont run well with choke in then its not getting enough. there is a small screw on the side of the carb ( air mixture ) they are usualy ( from screwed right in ) 1 and a half turns out, try with 1 and a half turns out start engine and adust either way so it idles nice ( try and warm engine up first ) also if you can't get it to idle you might have to strip card off and clean it ...hope this helps

Fuel Injectors
Use an ohm meter to check your fuel injectors (with the engine running), by removing the wire from the injector. Two metal prongs sit inside the connector. Set the meter for the ohm setting. Touch the red meter lead to one contact and the black lead to the other prong. The ohm resistance number should be the about the same for all the injectors. If any injector reading shows a higher or lower than average number, the cause will be a defective injector, which will cause a rough idle. A zero reading will indicate a shorted injector, and must be replaced. You can also use a stethoscope or a long handled screwdriver to place on the injector head. You should be able to hear a clicking sound, telling you that the injector is "pulsing." No clicking sound indicates a dead injector.
Carburetor-Equipped Vehicles
Examine the choke setting on a vehicle equipped with a choke adjusting knob or mechanism. Make sure the choke operates by opening slowly during normal engine warm-up. A choke that fails to open or sticks shut during warm engine running will cause a constant misfire and rough idle. A choke stuck in the open position will not allow an engine to warm up properly.
Trouble Codes
Hook up a portable trouble code tool for your specific Ford make and model. Look for any trouble codes that appear while the engine runs at idle. Write down any code number and look it up in a trouble-code manual. Most times, code numbers can pinpoint the exact system failure or miss in the engine.
Powerful Autel MaxiDAS DS708 Multi language Diagnostic tool

hi Jhlightcap.

The Common Problem: Rough Running Engine

A properly-operating engine should run smoothly and without excess noise. If your engine starts operating in a manner that gives you the perception of "running rough", it is likely due to a handful of common causes. A mechanic would investigate these common causes first in order to rule out a simple explanation for the engine's unsatisfactory operation.
The common causes for rough running in an engine are:

• Engine miss
• Vacuum leak
• Dirty fuel injectors
• Carburetor problems
• EGR valve
• Ignition coil
• Spark plug wires
• have a look at this link.

Rough Running Engine James on Engines 2

If it runs for hours under the same a mount of load then, chokes down, make sure fuel lines are fully clear, it may operate with a full tank of gas then when the weight of the fuel in the tank gets less has a problem. When it chokes out fill the gas back up and see if it works again. Also make sure the choke butterfly is not closing again whilst hot. I don't know how many hours are on it, but a decarb may be in order, especially if it runs for hours no issues

Hi Joe, I had asked for a little clarification and have not received any information. I will answer this question based on the generator is in good working order and it is a recoil start. Open the petcock, (this is the fuel valve) and give it about a minute to fill the fuel bowl on the carburetor. If your generator has an engine an on/off kill switch, set to on. If the generator has an auto idle switch set it to off. If the engine has a throttle lever located under the carburetor, push it all the way down (full throttle). Pull the choke knob out completely, there is a detent on the choke for half choke, pull it past this for full choke. pull the recoil starter rapidly. As soon as the engine starts running push the choke knob to half choke, this will allow the engine to run smooth while it's warming up. Depending on the climate that you are in, warm up time will vary. After a minute or two in cold climates start pushing the choke knob in, if it starts to run poorly pull it back out too the half position and let it warm up some more. When you can posh the choke in without the engine faltering it is ready to go. In warmer climates you might be able to start the engine without the choke or in the halfway position. Robin Subaru makes some of the finest small engines available. I would choose a Robin over a Honda every time. I hope this gets your generator going, and once again this is based on the generator being in good working order. Good luck, Michael Burke.

if you are running the engine at full CHOKE, then it is flooding the engine, but if you meant off full choke, then the carb is still stopped up. Try soaking in carb cleaner overnight after removing jet & all rubber goods. HOPE THIS HELPS.

this is down to fule shortage strip card and all fule pipes clean the tank on off tap and any filters fitted also check all the jets inside the carberetor blow out with comprest air,,,dont go pokeing wire into any jets!! that could wreck the jet, but its all down to fule shortage

Sounds like your automatic choke is giving you problems. Check to make sure the choke is operating correctly. If it ins not backing off as the engine gets to operating temp it will cause a rich condition and excessive black smoke out the tailpipe and extremely poor fuel mileage.

Where can i obtain a manual for the 5500 gas generator