what's normal?

[RB]

Got an old, rebuilt twin cylinder 4 cycle 20hp engine. Running it steady
close to WOT, what kind of fuel consumption would be ball park for that
configuration?

I'm seeing approx 7gph, and no sign that it's not running right.

However, I'm wondering if it's running rich, and burning excess gas?

 

[Sofie]

RG:
7gph sounds about right to me. If you think it is running too rich, pull
the spark plug and look for excessive black fluff on the electrode. With
an air-cooled engine, if you are going to make a mistake, running rich or
running it lean..... it is best to run it rich otherwise you can easily
burn the valves if running it excessively lean.
Make certain than when the choke is OFF that indeed the choke butterfly or
valve is completely open at the carburetor and not obstructing air flow.

 

[RB]

Thanks. Guess I'm OK. It runs great. Strong and smooth; no smoke. I'll
pull the plugs and take a look.