Thanks for your wisdom.
I plan to order the parts after a short trip.
They are all in stock and I don't want them setting on the porch
.
Then I will install a new battery and a new fuel filter, change the oil, then start it up.
My reluctance to move forward without some expert advice was due to the cost of a rebuild. Maybe I would not spend $500 fixing the elbow only to learn the generator is scrap.
Then I looked at the engine hours and the cost of a USED replacement NL generator and decided I would definitely rebuild it if it were damaged.
Nuff said! I will hope for the best and attack the worst if it happens.
Thanks again for you thoughts.
Have a good day.