8 hp briggs not running well

[joel_400 59]

My nieghbor has an 8hp brigss generator that isnt running too swift. Fuel is running out of the carb and flooding while it is running. so naturally I'm thinking the float is a bit high as he told me he had the carb apart recently. So we dropped the float and cleaned some crud out of the needle and seat, put it back together and same thing...took it back apart and got more crud. Tank looks good, sediment bowl looks good, however the fuel line is old and rotten looking. Im thinking it may be coming apart inside and putting crap in the carb. However maybe Im barking up the wrong tree? Any help would be appreciated.

thanks

joel

[chrisd200(inactive) 56]

You are certainly on the right track. May want to replace the fuel line completely and install a good in line fuel filter. Good luck!!!!!

[joel_400 59]

thats the next step he is going to get some hose tomorrow and put a filter as close to the carb as we can...and go from there.

joel

[Mr. 856 170]

Generators are notorious for problems simply because most owners fill them up to be "ready"......then they sit for two years unused and then wont start. I fixed a machine of a fellow's that was new and he did just that. However he had a bigger problem and that was no compression thanks to a stuck valve another problem caused by machines being tucked in the corner.

The problem you describe is certainly carb related and if there is any dought of fuel line breaking down then it should be replaced along with a filter put on if there isnt one. Then you can start working on the carb. In my opinion the only way to clean a carb is to let is soak. Take apart and anything metal goes in. needles, bowl, body, etc. for 24 hours. Remove, rinse with water, blow out with spray can carb cleaner followed by air in all passages, etc. Once everything has been CLEANED then assemble and adjust as you go. Adjust your float per the manual. If that is correct and its still flooding then Id bet your needle and seat are bad and should be replaced. So I will now ask the question..........did you replace any of the parts in the carb? There isnt to much to these carbs really. The flooding you describe can really only be caused by a few things.....bad needle and seat or flota out of adjustmant or bad. Any signs of fluid in the float? Hold it under water and if you see any bubbles you have a leak.

Let us know how you make out. Should be an easy fix.

[joel_400 59]

First I must say thanks for the replies! I didnt replace anything yet. Steve, the neighbor, did last year or so and it hasnt been right before or after then it sat... I did lower the float level a touch because he head it set too high. I told him last night before I left to replace the fuel line and add a filter after we cleaned more junk from the carb the second time. Havent had a knock on the door yet tonight other than the neighbor kid wanting his r/c car fixed. I will keep you posted and definitely let you guys know what the final fix is.

Thanks again

Joel