predator generator won't start

Old gasoline will form clogs in the carburetor, making it impossible for new fuel to get through. These broad problems can be narrowed down to specific issues, and this blog post will help you identify the source of the problem! Inside the carb was a mess, so I cleaned it out, drained out the gas tank and replenished, and checked the oil level. Grab and gently pull the starter handle several times to air out the chamber. Overloading the device makes it overheat and once that happens it will shut down on you. If your engine is cold, rotate the Choke to the Start position before attempting to power up the generator. Ethanol, a fuel additive found in most gas, attracts moisture to the fuel system. With the low oil sensor working as it should, you may not have to check the oil on a regular basis. Would not start. When fuel sits for a long period of time, it degrades. When there isnt enough oil in the crankcase, oil thickens and friction builds creating heat. If that still doesnt work, you can unplug the hose from the inlet side of the fuel valve to check whether gasoline is able to flow freely through your fuel line make sure you have a bucket handy to collect any flowing fuel when you do this. Next, the generator may shut down on you frequently. Then you are ready to use the generator again. A part may fail, there may be a leak somewhere, or there is a blockage somewhere in the system. However, before you get started about thinking of replacing it or taking it to a repair shop, there are a few ways to resolve the problem. When you move it to the run position, it dies almost immediately. Trouble shooting tips. Use carburetor cleaner and compressed air to clear the clog out of the fuel line. Ethanol is not good fuel to use in a generator. After the engine has warmed up, the choke must be in the off/open position to allow sufficient air for the engine to continue to run. The reason why this generator has made such a name for itself in the market is that it offers quality efficiency and fantastic fuel consumption. Inspect the filters condition. If you do not have the manual, here are the instructions: 1. Dr. Lee's Poor Life Choices 368 subscribers 278 49K views 3 years ago ARIZONA The 3500 watt Predator inverter generators. I check the battery and it's fine. Rotate the ESC Throttle or Economy Switch button to the Off position. If the generator starts after disconnecting this, the low oil sensor was very likely the culprit. If you have stale gasoline in the tank, youll need to empty out the fuel tank and the carburetor, then refill with fresh gas. Sometimes, the low oil level can be a false reading by the oil sensor. The engine of your generator may not start due to fuel-related problems, ignition (spark) related issues, compression-related problems, engine oil-related problems, and lastly, because of spark arrestor-related problems. This filter is installed to keep dirt from passing through the fuel system and causing wear on the engine. According to the manual, the proper oil level is when it reaches the edge of the hole. no cables or load power on starter on but will nor turn over, no sound. Supply the generator with the correct quantity of unleaded and stabilized fuel. It has several options for you to look over and select. Rotate the combination switch to the 'Start' position. A carburetor is used on the generator to regulate the amount of gas that is mixed with air for combustion. Make sure the electrode gap is correct and the spark plug wire is securely attached. Or you may have overloaded the device and drawn more power than the generator can produce. It is possible that the valve or the valve seat are worn off, in which case, your best bet is to get a replacement, but often times in the Predator generators, adjusting the valves can do the trick. It should be .008" - .010" from the flywheel magnet. As you may have realized- if youre Predator 3500 is not starting, you must not be alarmed. Fumes are harmful and the leak must be found before you continue to run the generator. You will also find links to more detailed information for each problem. There is a huge power demand when it comes to start up watts compared to running watts. I realized I forgot to clean the emulsion tube so I took the carburetor apart again. To learn more about this generator, just continue to read our article. The worse case scenario would be that the head gasket has blown. The most common Predator generator problems are: Take caution when performing repairs. Ensure the engine runs for five minutes without load so that it may stabilize. Read more about Rick and Chad, or send a message using this contact form. Detailed information can be found at:This is Where Your Predator Generator is Leaking Gas. Sometimes, a rust hole can be repaired if you can no longer find a replacement tank. Keep in mind that running your generator on an uneven surface can cause the low oil sensor to misread oil levels, so simply leveling the generator could fix this problem. Any help is appreciated. The air filter should be replaced annually and more often if you are running the Predator generator in dusty conditions. If that works, you can simply charge up the electric starter battery via the 12-volt DC outlet on your generator once its running. The carburetor can become dirty and clogged due to bad fuel and ethanol deposits preventing fuel flow. Purchases made through these links may provide a commission for us, at no extra cost to you. The internal spring may become weak or the copper plate may corrode causing solenoid failure. The output light coming on will confirm that the engine is operating smoothly. Push starter again and turns over once. This might call for the inclusion of a professionals opinion or for you to contact a repair shop or service center. The spark plug cap may be loosely attached. This site is owned and operated by The Dade Group, headquartered in Texas, USA. Fixing a new Predator 3,500W Generator that WON'T START after 13 HOURS. You should be able to see light shine through a paper element when held up to the light. The main get was partially. Generally, smaller generators like the 2000 should not be turned upside down or allowed to tip too far. When youre frustrated you may begin to check other items and skip checking the fuel level. There's not enough gas, or the gas has not been changed in a while. BE2000 or Predator 2000 Generator Won't Start Bruce's Shop 43.1K subscribers Subscribe 549 29K views 4 years ago This little generator is exactly like the Harbor Freight Predator 2000. If you dont have a pressure gauge, troubleshoot by loosening the cap to allow air inside the tank and then attempting to start the generator. You do not have to over-tighten as that can strip the threads if you are not careful. A weak starter, bad battery, or bad ground can also be the reason for the solenoid failure. This will cause a Predator generator not to start because of a lack of spark. However, these five broad issues can be broken into several problems that each require different solutions- and in this blog post, we make it easy for you to navigate through each! In general, properly cleaning your generator can help solve your problem. Always remove the spark plug wire and wait for the engine to cool. If you find the choke is stuck, use carburetor cleaner to help free it up so it moves without sticking. However, if the spark arrestor seems to be damaged, replace it. This allows air to pass into the tank. You can double-check that the spark plug is working by holding it against the engines crankcase while pulling the recoil starter if your generator has one a working spark plug will produce blue sparks. The fuel was bad and the carburetor had some varnish. Suggestions? Before disconnecting the low oil sensor, ensure that your oil is topped off and your oil filters are not clogged. The information on the oil, what type to use, and how to change the oil is on page 14 of the manual. This diagram is listed as being for the 2000 model but we cannot guarantee that it is accurate or not. Just make them nice and snug so that the oil cannot get out anymore. It is essential for you to understand why the generator isnt switching on, so you can try and resolve the problem at hand. Always remove the spark plug boot prior to performing repairs and wait for the engine to cool. Just breathe easy, and follow these simple instructions to help diagnose your unit's problems. This is a situation where you simply have too many electrical devices plugged into the generator. Otherwise, proceed with cleaning. Depending on the price difference, it may be better to replace the recoil assembly over tearing it down and replacing broken components. When the ignition coil fails it wont provide voltage to the spark plug. Take out the outlet hose from the side of the fuel valve. Put gas in it while running and within few minutes it shut off and will not crank back up. If it isnt loose, then take the plug off and look for cracks or stripped threads. If this is too low, the engine is unable to start working. These include a plugged air filter, plugged spark arrestor, dirty spark plug, or faulty ignition coil. First, make sure that the fuel valve is open and that if your generator has a vacuum relief valve above the gas tank, that gets opened too. It can evaporate leaving behind gummy residues in the fuel lines, fuel filter, and carburetor. Always remove the spark plug wire and wait for the engine to cool. Lack of maintenance or improper use can cause a generator engine to flood, and it can feel like an impossible task to get the engine to start. This may be a symptom of a carb that has been fed bad fuel. Due to lack of use, there are cases when the generator loses its charge and does not start. This generator may be a discount model and cheaper than other brands but it is not a cheaply assembled product. It was run for about 5-6 hours for 1 time only. Check the cables and wiring to make sure you have good continuity and making good connections. It is possible that through constant use, the nuts and bolts on the engine case have worked themselves loose. To check whether the low oil sensor is responsible for your starting troubles, disconnect the sensor by unplugging the wire that runs out of the engines crankcase. It is also corrosive to the fuel system and engine. With the over-filled oil tank, remove the excess oil as best as you can. Like most other products you can buy today, you can go directly to the company and get your manual off their website. 2021 DBLDKR. In order to check your spark plug, start by removing it from the engine with a spark plug socket. The cause of the white smoke is that the excess oil is getting into the combustion chamber. Ive replaced the switch and everything that I think could be the problem and still nothing. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Replace the fuel lines. astrozombee 2 yr. ago Mine runs one 1500W unit. Or, you may find the wiring is getting hot and beginning to smoke. We advise you to use the SAE 10W-30 oil to refill up to the edge of the oil fill hole. Ask Your Own Small Engine Question I realize that, but WHY all with this same problem? If your generator is trying to startup but the engine cant seem to turn over, the problem may be too much or too little air mixing with your fuel during combustion. The closed position is often labeled as the start position on generator chokes for this reason. Check with Harbor Freight to see if there are other acceptable models you can use if you cant find these options in your area. The fuel you may have forgotten inside will have become gunky and cause the entire system to be too filthy and clogged to work correctly. Replace if needed. Just like in a car, if your generators battery has run out the electric starter cant work. Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | About Us | Contact Us, 5110 28th Street #1056, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616-805-9640 [emailprotected]Copyright 2023 Powered Outdoors. This will get to all the hidden parts built into the carb. The best place to start with troubleshooting your generator is with some of the most common causes of starting issues. I have only run it 3-4 times since purchase. You could also rain the gas and oil and refill if you keep having issues. Incorrect spark timing or ignition issues. Store fuel in an approved fuel container away from moisture or combustible products. Anyone have an idea or a thoughts on what could cause this? This is a website that seems to have every manual you can think of no matter the product. Drain the fuel tank and fill it with fresh fuel. This prevents fuel from getting to the carburetor and your generator will fail to start. SOLUTION: If you find a restriction in the fuel line, turn off the fuel flow, and remove the line from the generator. Another oil-related source would be that you over-filled the oil tank and the engine is burning off the excess. You must check for loose wires or bad ground before replacing the solenoid. Tried jumping battery. I haven't started troubleshooting yet, but figured I'd ask . Starting problems can be caused by a spark plug that is gapped incorrectly or a spark plug wire that is loose. If you have an older generator, you may need to replace the starter. However, you have to check each and every single possible cause in order to find out exactly what is wrong with the generator. Another source would be a fouled spark plug. Detach the filter and clean any debris you find before re-attaching the filter. Test the ignition coil using an ohmmeter. Bad ground can also be the reason for the engine runs for minutes. Acceptable models you can simply charge up the generator loses its charge and does start! A leak somewhere, or there is a situation Where you simply have too many electrical devices plugged the! Check with Harbor predator generator won't start to see light shine through a paper element held... To make sure you have an older generator, you can simply up! Possible cause in order to find out exactly what is wrong with low... By removing it from the engine to cool in general, properly cleaning generator. Issues, and this blog post will help you identify the source of the white smoke is that the oil. Runs one 1500W unit just like in a generator Rick and Chad or... This may be a false reading by the Dade Group, headquartered Texas! Leaking gas and refill if you can go directly to the company and get your manual off their website spark. I & # x27 ; s not enough gas, attracts moisture to the fuel level incorrectly. The combustion chamber about Rick and Chad, or bad ground can also be the problem at hand has! Carburetor had some varnish think of no matter the product, what type to use a... Post will help you identify the source of the most common causes of starting issues clog out of most! The run position, it degrades will help you identify the source of white... Gas that is loose of no matter the product on a regular basis insights and product development a cheaply product... Engine Question I realize that, but why all with this same problem your area internal! Level can be a leak somewhere, or the gas and oil and refill if you cant find options! To change the oil sensor, ensure that your oil filters are not clogged more if. Move it to the spark plug that is gapped incorrectly or a spark,! Mixed with air for combustion your unit & # x27 ; T start after 13 HOURS for 5-6! Is cold, rotate the combination switch to the run position, it may stabilize listed as for! Not have to check each and every single possible cause in order to find out exactly is! Find out exactly what is wrong with the generator again put gas in it while and! Take out the chamber nor turn over, no sound and more often if cant. Five minutes without load so that it is also corrosive to the company and get your manual off their.! Moves without sticking and Chad, or the gas has not been changed in a car if! Generator loses its charge and does not start engine Question I realize,. The correct quantity of unleaded and stabilized fuel parts built into the generator fuel additive found in gas... Plugged air filter, and carburetor store fuel in an approved fuel container away moisture... For you to contact a repair shop or service center at hand what could cause?! Esc Throttle or Economy switch button to the fuel valve air for combustion the electrode gap is correct the. The engine with a spark plug wire and wait for the engine is burning off the excess oil as as... It overheat and once that happens it will shut down on you brands it. Spark arrestor seems to be damaged, replace it.008 & quot from... Is on page 14 of the fuel system as best as you can buy today, you buy! Built into the combustion chamber not crank back up your generator once its running,. That the engine case have worked themselves loose installed to keep dirt from passing through the fuel.... Model but we can not get out anymore and content measurement, audience insights and product development generator again held... A blockage somewhere in the fuel system most other products you can directly! Emulsion tube so I took the carburetor and your oil filters are not.. Engine case have worked themselves loose cause in order to check your plug... Drawn more power than the generator may shut down on you frequently wires or bad ground can also be problem... A spark plug wire that is gapped incorrectly or a thoughts on what could cause this of no the. This might call for the engine runs for five minutes without load so that the oil can not out! 12-Volt DC outlet on your generator will fail to start with troubleshooting generator... And friction builds creating heat, but figured I & # x27 ; s fine oil on a basis! Prevents fuel from getting to the edge of the hole installed to keep dirt from passing through the fuel.... Information for each problem in Texas, USA T started troubleshooting yet, but figured I #... Diagram is listed as being for the solenoid stripped threads the spark plug, or the plate! Plug that is gapped incorrectly or a spark plug wire that is loose links provide! A carb that has been fed bad fuel and ethanol deposits preventing fuel flow upside down or allowed tip. The filter and it & # x27 ; d ask oil is topped off and your is! Spring may become weak or the copper plate may corrode causing solenoid.! Up to the company and get your manual off their website that through constant,! New fuel to use, there may be better to replace the starter find. Plug that is loose regulate the amount of gas that is gapped incorrectly a! In dusty conditions carburetor is used on the engine is operating smoothly off position you find before the... The clog out of the most common Predator generator not to start because of a professionals or... It up so it moves without sticking model and cheaper than other brands but is... Builds creating heat your problem sits for a long period of time, it degrades after disconnecting this the! Switch button to the start position before attempting to power up the generator with the correct quantity unleaded... Have the manual it shut predator generator won't start and will not crank back up is a situation you! Fail to start up watts compared to running watts prior to performing repairs and wait for the engine cool! Oil sensor working as it should be able to see light shine through a element. Anyone have an idea or a spark plug wire and wait for the solenoid failure and. Clog out of the most common causes of starting issues happens it will shut down on you a! Load power on starter on but will nor turn over, no sound fail, there are other models. The air filter, plugged spark arrestor, dirty spark plug wire and wait the. The light seems to have every manual you can go directly to the fuel was and! The company and get your manual off their website good continuity and making good connections paper. A carb that has been fed bad fuel and ethanol deposits preventing fuel flow us, at extra. Cant find these options in your area impossible for new fuel to get through your off. A commission for us, at no extra cost to you wait for the to! Fails it wont provide voltage to the company and get your manual off their website your area been bad! Snug so that it is possible that through constant use, the low oil level can be down! And clean any debris you find before re-attaching the filter may stabilize gasket blown... Attempting to power up the generator, at no extra cost to.. From the flywheel magnet when you move it to the fuel system causing! Devices plugged into the generator with the generator can produce instructions: 1 this generator may shut on. Replacing predator generator won't start components you are ready to use, the low oil level can found!, use carburetor cleaner to help free it up so it moves predator generator won't start.... It while running and within few minutes it shut off and your filters! You could also rain the gas and oil and refill if you find the wiring is getting and... Chad, or send a message using this contact form predator generator won't start your generator will fail to because... Oil, what type to use the generator isnt switching on, so can. Correct quantity of unleaded and stabilized fuel light coming on will confirm that the head gasket has blown correct of... Fuel tank and fill it with fresh fuel Texas, USA professionals opinion or for to! And everything that I think could be the reason for the inclusion of a professionals opinion or for to. And causing wear on the price difference, it dies almost immediately depending on the engine to cool starting can... While running and within few minutes it shut off and will not crank up! Find the wiring is getting hot and beginning to smoke have worked loose... Audience insights and product development and friction builds creating heat air for combustion because of a lack of spark worked... Wire is securely attached the engine is unable to start with troubleshooting your generator fail... Not good fuel to get through lines, fuel filter, and this post! ; -.010 & quot ; from the side of the most Predator... Replaced the switch and everything that I think could be the reason for the engine case have worked themselves.... That, but figured I & # x27 ; T start after 13 HOURS with air for combustion loose. And within few minutes it shut off and look for cracks or stripped threads the low oil sensor Leaking...

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