Workzone generator - replacement fuel tap

[princeperch]

So I have a cheap workforce petrol generator. I haven't used it for about 8 months and when I went to test it today it started after about 20 pulls and created a hell of a lot of smoke. The smoke died down after 5 minutes and it seems to work ok now. Unfortunately however the little fuel tap on the side has sheared off, fortunately it is stuck in the correct open position so it can still be used.

I see I can get a fuel tap for 3 quid off eBay. I know little about these things so I am appealing to those now who do-

1) this thing needs to be working on Saturday morning for 4 hours. Assuming I do not rush about to get the fuel tap replaced will this be ok if I leave it for now in the open position?

2) the terrific amount of smoke has gone and might be down to me not putting enough oil in it or lack of use for a few months ?

3) how hard is it to replace the fuel tap- would you bother if I run the thing dry on Saturday and store it with minimal or no fuel in it until I need to use it again?


It currently has half a tank of fuel in it and I'll need to top it all the way up for use on Saturday

Any thoughts welcome !

[shtu]

1) Should be fine.

2) Some of these small generators are 2-Stroke. Check. If it is, don't run it without the correct fuel mix.
2) If it's 4-stroke, check the oil level.

3) It's not difficult. Assuming you're not a chimp-fisted goon.
3) I run my generator dry and store it without fuel. Avoids carb problems.

[princeperch]

Cheers for your thoughts - all v helpful