OK gearheads

[trial and error]

Yeah Jay I have heard a ton of good things about the HB predator motors, and 230 bucks vs about 350 for the Honda, it might come to that.

Not gonna lie my limited experience with the predator line has been flawless. My generator is roughly 11 years old, doesn't get used much but with the fuel shutoff closed amd tank drained every 6 months it has never failed ro start 1rst or 2nd pull, when I need it, I start it every few months and let it run for a few minutes, and I'm still waiting with bated breath for the time it let's me down. (That better not come back to bite me lol)
The only downfall. I see to this engine is the 20 hour oil change intervals but fir a splitter that's quite a bit of run time. Heck I even have the original plug and air filter in it

Edit: I only ever use 87 regular gas non ethonal free (e free is reserved for my 2 stroke stuff cause it is only available in 91 octane) treated with stabil and I'm not convinced the stabil makes a lick of difference but it hasn't hurt me so I keep using it.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

I have also had good luck with those Chinesium Carbs.

I tend to hate anything carbureted, but on little motors I guess we are still stuck with them.

One strategy I have been using in recent years is to use that "Recreation gas" (ethanol free) for all my little engines and toys.

I can't say for 100% sure, but is appears as if I have had "less troubles" since making the switch.

I also run my generator every spring and fall for about 5 hours and then drain the fuel (put the old stuff in the wifes car), and add new gas and a shot of Stabil. "Knock on wood" the generator starts on the first or second pull every time for 23 years.

 

[bearbait]

I have also had good luck with those Chinesium Carbs.

I tend to hate anything carbureted, but on little motors I guess we are still stuck with them.

One strategy I have been using in recent years is to use that "Recreation gas" (ethanol free) for all my little engines and toys.

I can't say for 100% sure, but is appears as if I have had "less troubles" since making the switch.

I also run my generator every spring and fall for about 5 hours and then drain the fuel (put the old stuff in the wifes car), and add new gas and a shot of Stabil. "Knock on wood" the generator starts on the first or second pull every time for 23 years.

Agreed but I do find seafoam better then stabil, just personal preference I guess

 

[Motion]

It's good practice to close the fuel valve and run the gas out of the carburetor, when it starts to sputter pull the choke out to get the last little bit out. Additionally, on all pull type engines pull the starter cord until the engine is in the compression stroke, this eliminates the possibility of intake/exhaust valves from getting stuck in the open position.

 

[bearbait]

It's good practice to close the fuel valve and run the gas out of the carburetor, when it starts to sputter pull the choke out to get the last little bit out. Additionally, on all pull type engines pull the starter cord until the engine is in the compression stroke, this eliminates the possibility of intake/exhaust valves from getting stuck in the open position.

For years I did the same, emptied the carb but had trouble the last few years with condensation corroding the needle and seat but since using seafoam I haven't had any more trouble, again personal preference

 

[DustyRusty]

I have also had good luck with those Chinesium Carbs.

I tend to hate anything carbureted, but on little motors I guess we are still stuck with them.

One strategy I have been using in recent years is to use that "Recreation gas" (ethanol free) for all my little engines and toys.

I can't say for 100% sure, but is appears as if I have had "less troubles" since making the switch.

I also run my generator every spring and fall for about 5 hours and then drain the fuel (put the old stuff in the wifes car), and add new gas and a shot of Stabil. "Knock on wood" the generator starts on the first or second pull every time for 23 years.

How well does the wife's car run on old gas?

 

[bearbait]

How well does the wife's car run on old gas?

He doesn't know, she never came back home for some reason.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

How well does the wife's car run on old gas?

Seems fine.

It's never more than 6 months old and its only about 5 gallons so it's usually diluted with "fresh stuff" and its been "ethanol free" for a few years as well.