Honda eu1000i

I inherited a Honda eu1000i generator (inverter). It appeared to be in fairly good shape but had been sitting unused for around 10 years. I tried to start it, but of course after that long it would not start.
I completely broke it down. Cleaned the carb, cylinders, pistons, combust. chamber, etc. Replaced the air filter, cleaned and gapped the spark plug, changed the oil. Put in fresh gas.

After two or three pulls, I heard it "try to start", i.e. one or two cycles with actual combustion. then nothing, no matter how many pulls. After reading up, I realized that I may have done damage by turning the unit on it's side (with oil in it). Additionally, when I checked the oil, I found that somehow I overfilled it. I cleaned oil out of the carb and air filter, and removed the excess oil.

Same thing, it tried to start on 2nd or 3rd pull, but then not again.

Should I just replace the carb, or does a different problem jump out at someone?

 

Sounds like a carb problem to me.

 

Also pull the spark plug. If it's oily then clean it with carb cleaner or a similar solvent, replace, and see if it'll start.

 

The Honda's have confusing diagrams on the choke lever. Extremely easy to get it backwards! It will fire twice then die when full choked or not choked as needed. Don't try to decipher the choke diagram and instead, set to opposite position and crank. Then remove the stupid label and use your magic marker!