I havent used my generator in about 6 years. I filled up the tank with fresh gas, cleaned the spark plug with a wire brush and it still doesnt start. Is there anything else I could do?

First dump out any old gas in the fuel tank. Next mix up some fresh fuel. Take out the spark plug and clean it with a wire brush. Then I use an in line spark check checker to check for spark . If you do not have one connect the plug to the plug wire and ground the plug to the saw. In dim light pull the cord and you should see a spark. If still no spark you must pull off the flywheel and replace the points and condenser.

Most of the time on older engines, the carb needs to be rebuilt or replaced. Dont panic rebuilding is cheap an easy. The ports get clogged up sitting an varnish up. Try to clean out all orifices with small pieces of wire from steel or brass brush. Use carb cleaner to clean replace all gaskets an parts with kit. Dont forget to check fuel hose in tank they go bad often an should be replaced when carb work is done. Fresh gas an it should work

pull the carby down and clean out the corrosion blocking the main jet

An engine needs fuel air and spark to run. Is the air filter clean. Use a "spark checker" to see if you have spark. They are not expensive and available at stores that sell lawn mower parts. Is the spark plug clean? If it is not clean it with a wire brush.Squirt some starting fluid into the carb. If it fires your gas has gone bad or it is not getting gas. If it has sat a while gas does go bad so drain the fule tank and out in fresh gas.
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Remove and clean/check/replace the spark plug first, spray some WD-40 in the cylinder, Remove all old fuel and just fill with enough fuel to run it. If you are comfortable removing the carb then it should be dipped/cleaned. Check to ensure the kill switch is not engaged/unplugged. Lemmee know then we can go further!

is it fresh gas or what was left in the tank when you last used the machine if it is the later drain the fuel & fill whith fresh fuel clean Or better still replace the plugs also after being laid up for six months the oil willhave started to go tar like I recomend you change it let me know how you get on.Geoff

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!

Possible Causes Corrective actions
Unit will not start Control handle is not engaged Engage control handle
Spark plug wire is disconnected Connect spark plug wire
Fuel tank empty or stale fuel Replace with clean, fresh gas
Blocked fuel line Clean fuel line
Faulty spark plug Replace, clean, or adjust gap
Engine flooded Wait to restart, do not prime
Air filter filled with dirt or debris Replace or clean air filter

Okay, let's have a look at it. Say Ahaaa.
The probable cause of the problem is not the spark. Get a fresh set of Stock NGK spark plugs, ground the plus to the engine, and check each cylinder for spark as the starter button is pressed for 3 seconds or so. I will wager that the spark is present.

The likely problem is the fresh gas was put into a very rusty gas tank. Bits of rust now inhabit your carb and are having fun plugging up the carb. Look at the gas valve. With a little luck there is a small bowl behind the valve. Remove it and tell me what you see in the bowl.

You need a full tuneup which means after the spark plug you need to do all of these and you will have a good running mower.
Drain gas tank.
Take carburetor off and clean it.
Pull the top off the engine and clean the flywhee maginets and the coil face with a small wire brush of emery cloth.
Clean screen in gas tank if there is one.
Fuel filter if the is one.
Be sure to check for a good spark after all this is done.
If this is all done you should have a good running mower.
donnyb60