My 8KW generator with a chonda engine has two problems now. Ran fine when I put it up in climate controlled storage 2 months ago with sta-bil in the tank.
Got it out and started it. Fired right up but now has a random hard bump without changing rpms and when under a load, sounds like its clattering.

Could it be some fuel mixed with the oil? When I put it up, The fuel filter I installed was full of fuel. Now it was empty like it leaked into the carb.

Plan on doing an oil change tomorrow but just wondering what else it could be. It only has 3.3 hours on it.
Also, My fuel keeps changing colors from clear with a blue tint which is typical to orange. Tank has no rust. It will change just sitting in the filter after a week.

 

I would change filter and dump that fuel for fresh.

 

that is part of the problem with the cheap china gensets and parts.
the fuel tanks are made of the cheapest plastic know to man and the plastic is chemical reaction with the fuel causing it to turn bad.
the filter leaking dry could be bad seals letting air in to evaporate the fuel, or bad needle and seat in the carb.

 

I buy 100% gas (no ethanol) and never have any trouble with the small engines anymore

 

Actually, My tank is steel. The filter came from vatozone. Shes smoking BAD. So the fuel is bad. Valero fuel is aparently complete crap.
I knew it was no good for vehicles but now its not even good for a small engine....Only thing I could get at the time too..... Pure gasoline would be excellent....If I could get it. Only thing around here is 10-20% mix.
Its not that its a Chinese genset as to why. Alot of your top name are built in the same factory on the same line as these just different names and stickers.

 

you got lucky with the steel tank. most of the ones i see are plastic and they fall apart real fast.
the chinese engines are usually good, but i have found the bolt on parts are lacking in quality.

 

All of the ones I've seen lately, Namely harbor freight is steel. I do want a plastic tank because of rust but can work with steel.

 

I have a couple of HF generators and Honda GX clones. They run better when you replace the factory spark plug with something good.

 

I did. NGK plug which is what everyone recommends to use in these.