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I have a general question about an engine that won't start. Ok its a Champion generator w/carburetor any help would be appreciated.
Has electric starter, it gives a good start so to speak for 2-3 seconds then dies. My first thought was I have a bad carburetor, so I bought a new one. New one does the same thing. Then I thought, did I put fresh gas in? Couldn't remember so I drained the tank and put fresh gas in, same thing. New spark plug, took fuel cock off checked filter ok. Sometimes I use starting fluid to give a good boost. I have the air filter off while doing this. All I get is the first firing for 2-3 sec then blah....
I'm at a loss what to do next.

Thanks,
david

Does is start and run a couple of seconds and then dies, and if you try to restart does it start at all or does another start run for a couple of seconds and then die again.

Yes, keeps doing same thing every time I try, a short burst after a crank. Just doesn't want to take off.

Thanks,
df

Can you keep it running by giving it short bursts of starter fluid?

Look at your fuel source, supply side hose / tank etc. I sometimes run a new fuel line bypassing filters etc straight from a container of clean fuel - to eliminate supply side issues, is there a fuel pump involved ? These diaphram pumps sometimes go bad - I keep an electric 12 volt pump handy for trouble shooting fuel problems

bullet bob said:

Can you keep it running by giving it short bursts of starter fluid?

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I could try, hope it doesn't backfire and blow up the can

Is the gas cap venting? Try with the gas cap removed.