Generator back fires

Start by replacing fuel. Completely drain the tank and carburetor fuel bowl. Do not use what fuel you may have, get 2 gallons of fresh fuel from gas station. If problem clears then likely water in fuel.

If still backfires with fresh fuel then likely an ignition issue. Failing ignition module or possibly a sheared flywheel key. Try reducing spark plug gap to .025" .

• The Auto Throttle System switch needs to be in the off position.
• If the generator has not been used for awhile than the fuel is stale and the generator may be slow in responding to the load change. Replace fuel with fresh fuel.
• Attach a second load such as a 100 watt light bulb standard bulb with a tungsten filament. Observe the light as the heater cycles. If the light goes very dim than the generator is slow responding to a load change. Generator carburetor needs to be cleaned, tune-up. Run fresh fuel under load to see if carburetor will clean itself.
• Try adding choke to see if richer mixture reduces voltage dip. Check manual for mixture adjustments.

Confirm that the ECO-Throttle Switch is in the off position. When in the ECO mode the unit goes into an idle condition and when detecting a load will spin up to operate the load.

In the off position the unit will remain in the ready for load speed taking the initial load with less hesitation.

If this does not solve the problem it is likely the carburetor has some old fuel residue. This residue restricts the fuel flowing through the carburetor. Suggest using a fuel additive carburetor cleaner added to fresh fuel and allow the unit to run under load for an extended period. These gas treatment products are readily available at any auto parts store.

These carburetors have no adjustment for fuel mix and after trying fresh fuel and cleaning the fuel system with additive the only remaining choice would be cleaning or replacing the carburetor.

If it has sat for a while, empty the carb. float chamber, flush out with clean fresh petrol. Make sure fresh petrol is in the tank and try again.

needle valve stuck.on the bottom of the carb there is a bolt holding the bowl. inside there is a needle valve attached to the float. hondas have a spring loaded rubber tipped needle valve and tends to get stuck in storage(unless it is left empty this will happen almost every time) check seals on bolt and bowl before re installing .

sounds like the float is stuck, how long has it ben setting around? try some carburetor cleaner. spray the carburetor down. empty the fuel tank put fresh fuel with fuel treatment. you may have to remove the spark plug, pull starter string a couple of times to clear out cylinder make sure spark plug is dry put back in and try to start the generator.

Bascially you need to completely remove the old, stale fuel to start with. (you can use the old fuel it in your lawnmower mixed 50:50 with fresh fuel to use it up).

Then once you've drained the fuel tank, you'll have to clean out the carb with a Fuel Injector and Carb cleaner. Really spray the carb till it's soaked, since you've got a schellaced fuel system.

Make sure you remove the air cleaner so you can get the spray into the carb. Also, with the spark plug removed, and the power switch turned "off", so the generator won't try to start during this process. You can also slowly crank the engine with the pull starter, to help work the cleaner through the system.

Then let the unit set for about 10-15 minutes, so the cleaner can evaporate, etc. and then you can reinstall the spark plug.

Now add about 1/2 gallon of fresh fuel and you can try starting the generator. You might have to use some starting fluid to get it started, by carefully spraying it into the carb in very small bursts to keep the motor running

Once it's running smooth, you should always use fresh gas and make sure to add a quality fuel stabilizer, such as Sta-bil, to the gas you use in the generator, as it will keep the fuel system protected for up to 2 years.

I also always turn off the fuel shut-off on my generator to use up the gas in the line before storing it. Also, you should get the generator out at least every 3 months and run it for 15-20 minutes to keep everything working and lubricated, so it will work when you need it.

Just be sure to always add more Sta-bil to your fuel and turn off the fuel shut off and let it run out, before storing.

I've done this with my generators and they're now over 14 years old and always start on the first pull and run like tops!

If you can't get the unit running smoothly, you may have to take it to a small engine service shop for them to do a "tune-up" for you.

Hope you find this Very Helpful and best regards!

Changed plug since last year?Choke adjustment? try premium gas?

i have the same problem. i took out the air filter and sprayed tb into it and it ran and died. this is the only way to get it to fire up.

i took off the carb, dissasembled it and blasted it out with tb cleaner, took out the jets too, put it all back and it still does the same thing. it is getting fuel but it won't run.

need a profesional answer on this one please.

thanks, tom.