I have a portable generator that is leaking fuel when I turn on the fuel valve to start it. Is this an easy fix?

Assume this is brand new unit.

So likely either a fuel line is loose or the carburetor float is stuck.

If you cant identify the location of the leak, such as, end of hose next to fuel shutoff valve, then there's not much you can do.

Just extra helpful info...

Shut off fuel at valve.

If its not a fuel line leaking, remove air filter. If its saturated with fuel then something wrong with carburetor float or inlet needle.

Before you do anything ... If you purchased from a big box store, take it back for exchange. The all say no returns on generators, but thats to stop dishonest subhumans from using them for a day or two and returning for a full refund.

You never even started it... take it back for exchange.

PDF]Manual - Northern Tool + Equipment

www.northerntool.com/images/.../166020.pd...

Northern Tool + EquipmentThe ETQ air-cooled gasoline generators are widely used when electrical power is scarce. Our generators provide a portable mobile solution in supplying power for field ... 5.5 Hours. Fuel Type. Premix 50 cups of Gasoline to one cup of 2 stroke oil ......Leaking carburetor, clogged fuel pipes, sticking valves, or other damage, ...

[PDF]Owner's Manual Model TG4000

rebuild carb using new needle and float if float is full of gas and sinking

My HW5500 is a little more than one year old. It leaks gas after the gas valve is opened. I took the carburetor apart. It turns out the float valve (needle) was corroded. The valve got stuck in the open position by the loosened particles. I smooth it out & cleaned up the corrosion for a temporary fix. It works for now. I am looking for a replacement valve with better quality for a permanent fix.

More then likely, needle could be stuck closed. Fuel bowl should be easy to remove, make sure needle moves when float droppes, and fuel should flow. Remove fuel line from carb and make sure fuel is running out of tank, when fuel valve is runed on.
Add fuel preservitive, and heat to fuel every year, Use minimal amount of fuel, drain and recharge every year with fresh fuel with preservitive. Run Monthly, turn off fuel and let most of fuel to be used before turning off ignition.

The carburetor float and/or valve is probably stuck or defective.

Engine will

not start

1. Low on fuel or oil. 1. Add fuel or oil.

2. Ignition switch in "Off"position. 2. Turn to "ON" position

3. Faulty spark plug. 3. Replace spark plug.

4. Choke in wrong position. 4. Adjust choke accordingly.

5. Fuel shut-off valve in closed position 5. Open fuel shut-off valve.

6. Unit loaded during start-up. 6. Remove load from unit.
7. Spark plug wire loose. 7. Attach wire to spark plug.

Ensure choke is turned on while starting.
Ensure spark lead is fully pushed onto plug.
Remove spark plug and check there is a spark by keeping spark plug against body of engine and cranking engine, if no spark check there are no broken wires in ignition circuit.
Loosen bolt on float bowl. Fuel should start leaking from around top rim of bowl, if it doesn't then there is a restriction somewhere in fuel line or float valve is blocked in bowl.

check your float, could have a pinhole leak causing the float to drop causing your bowl to overflow with fuel, and flooding your carb. Also could be debris in your needdle valve also causing your carb 2 flood. That's where I started with the same prob, it turned out there was junk in the bowl and the valve had junk in it too. Cleaned up and put an inline filter in the gas line and no more prob

Generally this is caused by leaking intake valve. The valves could be out of adjustment, weak or broken valve spring or bent valve. If the generator was not used for a while, rust could have formed on the seat. Easy to check compression and compare to factory specs. Or loosen valve adjustment a bit and run engine with upper cylinder lube in fuel or squirt directly into carb. If it does not improve may be time for valve grind. Not too difficult. Good luck on your repair