[Kazuma20]

I got a new, small generator a few days ago (2500W) and the first 4 hours I used it I had issues but it randomly started to make noises and after googling I realized it seems to be called “surging” at least from the behavior alone.
I left it for a few hours and tried to run it again and it kept doing the same, but only if the choking lever was fully on “run” (if pulled completely to the left it says “choke” and if pulled completely to the right it says “run”) but something I noticed is that when I was turning it on while I was loving the lever towards “run” the engine wouldn’t make the noises, even if the lever was almost at “run.”
So I wanted to ask, why does this happen? How can I solve it? Is it fine to not fully turn off choking? I heard that not doing so makes it consume more fuel and makes the engine work more. I also read that since it doesn’t seem to be happening when choking isn’t fully turned off completely that it may be an issue called leaning.

thank you in advance, the device brand seems to be called sincrolamp which seems to be only on Argentina.

 

[LaSwamp]

Surging with no choke is an indication that you have an obstruction in fuel delivery. Typically, a dirty carb will cause it to happen. One of the jets will get clogged, usually the main jet, and it will cause the engine to run lean with the choke off. You're going to need to pull the carb off and take a look at the jets and the bowl. You might have gotten a small piece of debris that's causing the obstruction.

 

[sledman8002002]

Welcome to the forum Kazuma20!

So I wanted to ask, why does this happen?

Your description makes it sound lean to me. Moreso than the norm IMO especially since its new. Perhaps Argentina has tighter EPA rules causing manufacturers to make them even leaner?

How can I solve it?

Might just be a blocked passway in the carb right from the factory, its worth removing, inspecting along with a cleaning. Keep a close eye for any debris in the carb bowl and carb orfices.
How is the air filter? Is it a dry paper style or oily foam style filter?

Is it fine to not fully turn off choking?

Does the surging continue when you have a device plugged in and the gen is under load with the choke off?
.

 

[Kazuma20]

Might just be a blocked passway in the carb right from the factory, its worth removing, inspecting along with a cleaning. Keep a close eye for any debris in the carb bowl and carb orfices.
How is the air filter? Is it a dry paper style or oily foam style filter?

It seems to be oily foam type, from what I was able to read on the papers.

Does the surging continue when you have a device plugged in and the gen is under load with the choke off?

I havent tried, but it should as the surging started while it was under mild load the first time we used the generator, I spotted some weird noise while we were using it so I went to turn it off. A few hours later I turned it on again and it was the same at least on Idle and having choke completely off.

 

[Dutchy491]

Open the carburetor drain screw to flush out the bowl. Then If it will run reasonably well with a load on it, let it run for several hours with a 50% load or more. Add a double dose of a quality carburetor cleaner to the gas. The symptoms are indicative of a partially blocked fuel system. Running it might dissolve the obstruction…simple things first. After EVERY use turn off the fuel and drain the carburetor of the little bit of fuel that ALWAYS remains. Even after running the engine to stall there’s some gas left in the bowl. Best of luck

 

[Kazuma20]

Thanks I will try! One thing I noticed this didn’t happen if the choke wasn’t fully closed, even if it was just a tiny bit away from being fully closed, this behavior only happened when it was fully closed. Does it harm if I run it that way at least for the weekend? Not sure if I’ll be able to find carburetor cleaner as places might be closed down.

 

[Columbotrek]

Running what for fuel? Gasoline, E10, E15, E85? Too much alcohol and it runs lean)

 

[Dutchy491]

Not sure if I’m understanding you… but choking is for starting a cold engine. After 10-20 seconds the choke should be completely open. However if it just needs a little bit of choke then try running it. However Too much choke will eventually cause major carbon issues. Also remove the spark arrestor and keep it out. LUK if it is covered in soot/carbon…

 

[flopshot]

if you're choking it to smooth it out then for some reason your main jet is not passing enough fuel. you are compensating for the lack of fuel by reducing the amount of air to establish the correct air / fuel mixture. as said, clean the carburetor and carburetor passages.

 

[Columbotrek]

This thing is new. 4 hours. Hard to imagine it's it gunked up already. Maybe an air leak from something vibrated loose or not assembled correctly from the start is causing a lean condition. Either to much unmetered air or not enough fuel is indicated.

 

[Dutchy491]

Ok, 4 hours of use…. But how long has it been sitting with gas in the carburetor? Hours of use is of no concern unless you’re talking hundreds. However, It’s the “ how many months” has it been sitting with a wet carburetor, now that’s the 64,000 dollar question 😬
ps. Answer post 7

 

[iowagold]

also try a new air filter.

i use K&N filter oil on the foam pre filter.
but you have to watch that the paper element if it has it does not get any oil on it.

too much oil or too heavy weight of oil on a foam filter makes them run weird for sure.