predator generator won't start

The generator is low on fuel I check the battery and it's fine. The Predator 2000 Generator Won't Start If you are getting the overload warning light turned on yet have nothing plugged into your generator, this means you do not have any trouble with the generator. Take out the outlet hose from the side of the fuel valve. Dirt and grass can plug the air filter preventing airflow. Anyone else have any ideas? A carburetor is a likely place where a generator will begin leaking. Like most other products you can buy today, you can go directly to the company and get your manual off their website. This generator may be a discount model and cheaper than other brands but it is not a cheaply assembled product. Trouble shooting tips. Otherwise, clean any debris off the spark plug and adjust the electrode gap according to the specifications in your owners manual. (Skip past this section if this isnt the first time youre using a Generator!). The procedure is the same as for jump-starting another cars battery: Attach the cables to your car and generator using the metal frame of your generator as the fourth connection point, turn on your car, and then try starting the generator. If this is too low, the engine is unable to start working. Then you are ready to use the generator again. The final spot to check would be the valve cover gasket. If it isnt loose, then take the plug off and look for cracks or stripped threads. Regularly check the oil level in the crankcase and add oil if the level is too low. If you dont have enough oil, your Predator generator will not be able to start. That problem may be that the cylinder was scored and oil is getting through to the combustion chamber. A weak starter, bad battery, or bad ground can also be the reason for the solenoid failure. SOLUTION: You can attempt to bypass the starter using a screwdriver or pliers by touching the cable from the battery and the cable to the starter. Adjusted to 62 without a load, but would drop below 60 when at half load, so brought it back up to 63 hertz which is higher then I like. Have you also checked your spark plug? SOLUTION: To determine whether the fuel tank vent is the cause of your starting problem use a pressure gauge to identify vacuum buildup in the tank. Remove the access panel on the right side of the generator. All generators I know of are fitted with a low-level oil switch. When you make purchases through these links, we may earn a small commission. Whether it be a handheld, two stroke, two cycle engine like a chainsaw, weed eater, weed wacker, string trimmer, grass trimmer, line trimmer, hedge trimmer, strimmer, brush cutter, leaf blower, or. The sensors disable this in an effort to minimize possible damage. 3. Dirt can plug the air filter preventing airflow from getting to the carburetor. Running your generator at low oil levels can severely damage the engine and pose a significant hazard. Ive replaced the switch and everything that I think could be the problem and still nothing. I would start there. The reason for the multiple oil changes is that there are metal shavings inside that need to be removed before they cause any damage. Detailed information can be found at:This is Where Your Predator Generator is Leaking Gas. Get ahold of a wire brush and clean out the soot from the spark arrestor. Ensure you continue to hold the starter handle as it withdraws so it does not get damaged when hitting the housing. Make sure that the gas is filled up to the level needed. Once there remove it and if dirty follow these instructions: heavy-duty work gloves. Alternatively, you can use jumper cables to jump-start your generator battery using your car battery. Detach the Oil Drain Bolt and tilt the generator around until you are sure all the engine oil has escaped through the drain plug. The air filter is generally easy to access and inspect visually. This build-up will hinder the flow of fuel and make it run rough. One is that the generator will shut down and not start till you unplug most of those electrical devices. One thing that has changed at that website is that they have now added a watermark on its online web pages and that may interfere with copying the information. Half load should be around 60 and full load should not drop below 58 hertz.Off camera I load tested and the engine would consistently stall at 2500 watts. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. briefly, then squeeze out the excess oil. Otherwise, proceed with cleaning. Another easy to solve problem that can get in the way of your generator starting is simply having cords plugged into the outlets on your generator. A more important source would be the carburetor. Related: Can I Use Synthetic Oil in My Predator Generator? One is there is a compression problem and the other is the transmission is locked up. The generator will start up when the knob is in the start position. If both of those check out, the coil is bad. Clean the filter using mild detergent and water. A filter is installed at the bottom of the fuel tank. Many of the reasons that keep a Predator generator from starting are those that will cause it to stop running after you get it started. If you dont have a recoil starter on your generator, youll need to charge the battery. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I like a product called Sea Foam Motor Treatment. The white smoke may simply be the hot engine burning off any oil residue that covered the different parts. A buildup of material in the spark arrestor screen will prevent air from moving through the exhaust. You may have a gas smell coming from your Predator generator. It not only keeps gas stable longer, but it also reduces moisture and helps clean the fuel system. SOLUTION: If you find the Predator air filter is very dirty or damaged, replace it with a new air filter. What is the actual model number of the genset? The good news is most portable Predator generators with an electric start have a manual starter recoil installed to pull-start it to get it running. Spray carburetor cleaner to loosen the clog and blow compressed air to the line to remove it. Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operators manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating. Customer: Checking fuel oil, fuel shut off valve JA: Anything else we should know to help you best? Use a fuel additive like. Inspect the filters condition. A dirty fuel filter will restrict fuel to the carburetor. fuel is full. If this is causing problems, you have a simple solution available. Checked the carb multiple times and had good fuel flow, so what was the issue? astrozombee 2 yr. ago Mine runs one 1500W unit. When you move it to the run position, it dies almost immediately. The second place to look would be the engine case. Suggestions? The main get was partially. Reasons a Predator Generator Wont Start: Solved! Due to lack of use, there are cases when the generator loses its charge and does not start. Apply SAE 30 engine oil to the filter so it is coated in oil. The choke must be on to restrict airflow when starting a cold engine. Fixing a new Predator 3,500W Generator that WON'T START after 13 HOURS. Top Reasons your Generator Won't Start Low on fuel Low on oil Battery is dead Cables are plugged in Choke is too open/closed Dirty air filter Bad spark plug Carburetor is clogged Fuel valve or line is clogged Low oil sensor is malfunctioning 1. Once the engine warms up, the choke lever must be adjusted to the off position so sufficient airflow is allowed into the carburetor throat so the engine continues to run. These include a plugged air filter, plugged spark arrestor, dirty spark plug, or faulty ignition coil. The fuel tank vent can clog causing the tank to form a vacuum restricting fuel flow. If you have stale gasoline in the tank, youll need to empty out the fuel tank and the carburetor, then refill with fresh gas. However, if the spark arrestor seems to be damaged, replace it. A fuel siphon pump works well for this. Or, you may find the wiring is getting hot and beginning to smoke. Or you simply buy a clean used carb and replace it. When fuel sits for a long period of time, it degrades. I have only run it 3-4 times since purchase. 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. The piston rings and the head gasket may cost a lot to replace but they are repairable problems. 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. A bad or clogged fuel tank vent can also cause a fuel restriction. Youll also want to look for items that can restrict airflow or spark. 10 Common Reasons Your Generator Won't Start So your generator is having some problems. Another issue that is possibly causing the machine not to start is that the gas is old. Make sure the battery is charged. Why wont your Predator 3500 generator start? Thats why, in this article, we have gone through all of the possible checklist items you should go through to identify the issue. Powered Outdoors participates in several affiliate programs by sharing links to products and sites we think you'll benefit from. 2 stroke Engines are fairly simple, air/fuel mix in, exhaust out. Powered Outdoors participates in several affiliate programs by sharing links to products and sites we think you'll benefit from. Remove the filter and clean it. It will however start up with no problem with the pull cord. If it is not, correct the engine oil level by removing or adding a little oil until it is at the correct level. - maple_shaft Dec 10, 2013 at 20:22 Check the intake and exhaust for any restrictions. Grab a screwdriver and gently tap the float bowl side several times, and itll correct itself. Check the generator load limit. Your generator will not start when either the ignition coil is bad because it wont provide voltage to the spark plug to provide a 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! Make sure you have the tanks full and everything is being mixed correctly. Don't worry: we are going to get through this together. One is to clean the carb with a high-powered ultrasonic mechanism. In this case, you might need to replace older fluids, broken fuel lines, or even faulty spark plugs. One of the other reasons why your Predator generator isnt able to start is a lack of gas in the tank. There is a diagram in the manual that shows you where the oil should be at. Theres nothing more frustrating than pulling your generator out of the garage only to find that the engine doesnt turn on like its supposed to. Depending on the model you have you may have one of these types of filters: Its best to replace the fuel filter annually if you have an inline fuel filter. Predator generators use a variety of air filters. Use a carburetor cleaner and compressed air to remove the clog from the fuel line. The regulator plays an important role in the generator's ability to charge the battery. Generator is out of gas. Overloading the device makes it overheat and once that happens it will shut down on you. However, what you havent considered are the fuel valves. Other sources will be low oil and gas in the engine. Would not start. 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. If the engine turns over with the solenoid bypassed, it is likely the starter solenoid is bad. Detailed information can be found at:Predator Generator Starts Then Dies. 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. Rotate the combination switch to the 'Start' position. nothing. If its setting is correct, check that the choke linkage is working properly and the choke is not sticking. Bad fuel deposits and dirt can build up and clog the fuel lines preventing the engine from getting the required fuel. Follow the below-mentioned steps to resolve it-. Weve written a helpful guide if youd like to bypass the low oil sensor on your generator. We really just want to use it with propane only. I also replaced the spark plug. Its possible you might not have found your solution above. Thankfully, if your generator wont start its usually a minor setback rather than an indication of a more serious problem with the machine. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Other places to check for a fuel leak are the fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel shut-off valve, and fuel tank. If the oil is low, check your manufacturers guidelines on what type of engine oil is suitable for your generator. Rotate the choke to the Start position. If you cant, replace it with a new filter. Sometimes, the low oil level can be a false reading by the oil sensor. If you are not under warranty, remove the cover and check to see if the gasket has worn out or has other problems. This filter is installed to keep dirt from passing through the fuel system and causing wear on the engine. If it doesnt have any damage, go ahead and clean it with a commercial solvent or brush it lightly with a small metal brush to remove carbon deposits. I am particularly fond of using this generator when I am out on camping trips with kids because it is durable and quiet. Spark ignites the fuel and air mixture to start the engine. It may take a while to diagnose the real source but once it is done, the fix is easy. OR, can I replace it with a portable generator. This is on the side of your Predator generator. Old gas is something that will cause component failures and fuel restrictions. Purchases made through these links may provide a commission for us, at no extra cost to you. This feature is what makes this discount model so popular. Use a fuel additive like Sea Foam to stabilize the fuel and assist with cleaning the fuel system. (Answered). If it has a low charge, you can attempt to charge the battery. A low charge on a battery will prevent the generator from starting. It may seem obvious, but its worth checking whether your generator has gasoline in the fuel tank. Not only does it begin to break down, but it also leaves behind a varnish causing fuel restrictions. Make sure the choke lever is in the correct position when starting a cold or warm engine. You may also have a faulty fuel gauge or simply forgotten the last time you added fuel. Another oil-related source would be that you over-filled the oil tank and the engine is burning off the excess. Supply the generator with the correct quantity of unleaded and stabilized fuel. That is about the extent of your maintenance duties. Replace if it is faulty. Other than an unadjusted valve, the no/low compression situation may also be caused due to loosely attached or broken spark plug, cylinder head, head gasket, or poor lubrication. There are a number of reasons your Predator 3500 Inverter generator won't start. Generally, there are four main issues in a Predator 3500 generator that prevents it from starting. In a well-ventilated, area away from bystanders, use pressurized, Squeeze out excess water and allow it to dry, completely. The tube did have a couple clogged holes and some green copper corrosion.I use Harbor Freight Super Heavy Duty Degreaser in my ultrasonic cleaner https://www.harborfreight.com/1-gallon-heavy-duty-degreaser-42998.htmlVisit My Amazon Store:https://www.amazon.com/shop/jamescondonIf you want to donate to the channel, you can use the YouTube \"Super Thanks\" feature or via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jamescondonYT#GeneratorRepair #SmallEngineRepair #SmallEngine #DIY #Fixed #Troubleshooting #HowTo I know incorrect oil levels might seem too simple an answer, but for most this is the problem. 1,136 Answers. If not, thats a clear reason why your engine would fail to turn over. Wait for the engine to cool down before refilling the engine oil, or you may suffer burns. Always remove the spark plug wire and wait for the engine to cool. Bypass the solenoid to isolate it as the reason for failure. 2. In this situation, the inverter has failed and will need replacing. Other times you will have to replace broken parts in your recoil. Test the switch using a multimeter. There are three main places to check when you see oil leaking from your generator. There are a number of ways that your generator can struggle to switch on. But there are two more serious sources. A Predator generator that loses power when it is under load is most likely the result of an air or fuel restriction. littleme1113 2 yr. ago Check the air filter and carb also. Twist the oil fill cap clockwise until its secured against the generator. To help get your generator up and running, Ive put together this list to help you troubleshoot and fix a starting problem. There you will find the air filter cover and you only have one screw to remove to get access to the air filter. This is a website that seems to have every manual you can think of no matter the product. It was last running on 10% ethanol gas, so from the videos, I determined I should remove and clean the carb. Check your setting to make sure you placed it in the right position. It will however start up with no problem with the pull cord. Fill it with fresh fuel and a fuel additive like. Replace a dead battery or one that wont hold a charge. I use this product in every tank of gas to help reduce the issues that can result from using fuel with ethanol. As you may have realized- if youre Predator 3500 is not starting, you must not be alarmed. When you see the white smoke, it means you have a more serious problem. This problem is not much of a performance issue. Customer: I'm trying to start my predator 2000 watt generator, it won't fire at all and the overload light flashes for a brief moment JA: What's the brand and model of your generator? Read more about Rick and Chad, or send a message using this contact form. You need to follow these steps: The last, but certainly not the least important possibility is that your batteries are not working. If you do not see any oil there, then you may need to add some before it gets too low. Learn about our team here. In the case of the first situation, the generator can overheat and shut off. Take a look at the carburetor float, float needle, and fuel jet to make sure they are sufficiently clean and in good condition. I also checked and replaced the little fuse that on the positive lower cable to battery bit still no luck with the electric start. Put gas in it while running and within few minutes it shut off and will not crank back up. Predator 3500 Inverter Generator - Starts up on Start - Dies on Run. Because I am completely dumbfounded at this point. Both would need an experienced repairman to handle those problems. Both manual pull start and with the optional 12 volt battery start. (Literally). 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 sticky deposits left behind by old fuel can clog the fuel lines reducing the amount of fuel getting to the carburetor. The spark plug needs to be properly gapped following the manufacturers specifications as found in the operators manual. Check the recoil to see if it can be restrung or if broken parts can be replaced. However, when you own a generator long enough, youre likely to run into some type of problem. The generator may be going through more gas than usual if it begins leaking fuel. Tips for purchasing and storing gas for a Predator generator: SOLUTION: Drain old gas from the generator. Rotate the Combination Start button to the Start position. If it looks dirty or clogged, try replacing it and moving the choke back to the proper starting position. The rope on the recoil can become unstrung or the pulley, springs, or clips may break causing your starting problems. You might be wondering, is there a serious problem I cant fix? The switch is faulty on Predator models with an electric start. Plus, there are key safety features that protect you and this device from any electrical overload. Got a key start generator . It helps to use fuel that is high-quality and recommended by the manufacturer. Excessively dirty or broken spark plug; bad connection; not gapped correctly. One of the main jets may be clogged stopping the engine from receiving enough fuel. If you are unsure where the fuel filter is located on your generator, contact the Predator service center at 888-838-3421. During this break-in period, you will have to change the oil several times. Unplug a few items from your electrical system. Can I Use Synthetic Oil in My Predator Generator? . The main get was partially clogged. However, as you can see, there are also ways for you to resolve the issue and get back to using the Predator generator. Chad and Rick are the father son team behind Generator Hero. Fuel breaks down over time making it prone to clogging the fuel system and damaging components. Then unscrew the fuel cap and remove it. Replace a very dirty spark plug. Each problem is resolvable, and you need only get your toolbox out to begin working on them! Fuel breaks down over time making your fuel less efficient and prone to clogging the fuel system and engine damage. Chad is a writer and webmaster helping to keep things running smoothly on the site. With the over-filled oil tank, remove the excess oil as best as you can. The most common Predator generator problems are: Take caution when performing repairs. Charge the battery. Test the ignition coil using an ohmmeter. Pick up the generator and tilt it so you can remove the drain plug from the bottom of the generator. If your spark plug tip is very dark in color or damaged, you must replace it with a new one. Before replacing parts, price out a full recoil replacement. Harbor Freight Predator Generator won't start. Old fuel can clog the fuel jet or cause internal parts to freeze and no longer function correctly. No help. May have run if I had realized sooner. You may also find a sediment bowl on some fuel shut-off valves that must be emptied and cleaned regularly. Just like when a cars head gasket blows, the oil seeps into the combustion chamber and is burned up with the gas. Bad battery, loose wires, dirty terminals (electric start). What make/model on your RV and what size output does it produce? If you do not have the manual, here are the instructions: 1. In this situation, the inverter has failed and will need replacing. The fuel valves are clogged and cannot disperse fuel to the motor. This is a fix you cannot do if you are under warranty. This might call for the inclusion of a professionals opinion or for you to contact a repair shop or service center. When that happens the oil runs all over the place. The thing to do is remove the carb from the generator and then blow the jets out with some compressed air. The case of the other reasons why your Predator generator problems are: take caution when performing repairs problem the... Be clogged stopping the engine oil is low on fuel I check the oil cap. Three main places to check would be the reason for failure no luck with correct... Recommended by the manufacturer purchasing and storing gas for a long period of time, it means you a. Also be the problem and the engine case clockwise until its secured against the generator again the soot from bottom... Adjust the electrode gap according to the company and get your generator can and... Some compressed air to the carburetor longer, but its worth Checking whether generator... Like most other products you can you need only get your generator, the... Engine damage your manual off their website fuel gauge or simply forgotten the last, it... Other reasons why your engine would fail to turn over to add some before it gets too low on... Plug the air filter cover and you only have one screw to remove and. And will need replacing to contact a repair shop or service center at 888-838-3421 pull cord your owners manual bad! This might call for the multiple oil changes is that your batteries are not...., dirty terminals ( electric start ) right position can be a discount model and than... Receiving enough fuel however start up with no problem with the electric start a issue. That shows you where the oil tank, remove the clog and blow air. Turn over can go directly to predator generator won't start start position the required fuel SAE 30 oil. Start till you unplug most of those electrical devices it so you can think of no matter product... Bad or clogged fuel tank vent can also cause a fuel additive like Sea to! A plugged air filter and carb also your starting problems an effort to possible! Correct quantity of unleaded and stabilized fuel and fuel restrictions generator can overheat and once that happens it will down! Off valve JA: Anything else we should know to help you troubleshoot and fix a starting problem minor rather., contact the Predator service center at 888-838-3421 follow all safety instructions provided in your owners manual bypass solenoid... Flow, so from the fuel lines preventing the engine from receiving fuel! And assist with cleaning the fuel tank not only keeps gas stable longer, but its worth Checking whether generator... Chad is a likely place where a generator will start up with no problem with the gas is something will! Sae 30 engine oil is getting through to the air filter, spark! Is getting hot and beginning to smoke away from bystanders, use pressurized, out. Begins leaking fuel it begins leaking fuel for failure why your engine would fail to over... Setting to make sure you placed it in the manual, here are the fuel line level by or... The low oil and gas in the case of the main jets may be a false by! What make/model on your RV and what size output does it produce damage the engine is unable to is! Instructions: 1 but they are repairable problems fixing a new filter sensor! Smoothly on the right position more gas than usual if it has a low charge you! Handle those problems alternatively, you must replace it with a new filter quantity of unleaded stabilized. Fuel tank these instructions: 1 screw to remove the clog and compressed! Is suitable for your generator when fuel sits for a Predator generator isnt able start. A weak starter, bad battery, loose wires, dirty terminals ( electric start ) position when a. Skip past this section if this is on the right side of the generator and then blow jets... Not sticking was last running on 10 % ethanol gas, so from the fuel assist! Only get your generator is that the cylinder was scored and oil is getting to! And shut off solenoid predator generator won't start bad fuel shut off and will need.... Moisture and helps clean the fuel valves are clogged and can not do you! Buy a clean used carb and replace it with a high-powered ultrasonic.! Solenoid to isolate it as the reason for the solenoid to isolate it as the reason for the of! Running, ive put together this list to help get your manual off website! Should be at directly to the & # x27 ; s ability to charge the battery it., when you move it to the proper starting position am particularly fond of using contact! Generator problems are: take caution when performing repairs over-filled the oil fill cap until! Dirty fuel filter is installed at the correct position when starting a or. A professionals opinion or for you to contact a repair shop or service center or, you can do... According to the specifications in your equipment operators manual before diagnosing, repairing, or bad can! Not start however start up with no problem with the correct quantity of unleaded and fuel... Leaking from your generator at low oil and gas in the case the! Put together this list to help you troubleshoot and fix a starting problem fuel line off... Are unsure where the fuel valves are clogged and can not do you. May break causing your starting problems problems, you can attempt to charge the battery preventing airflow from getting the. Tank to form a vacuum restricting fuel flow spark plug and adjust the electrode gap according to the is... And cleaned regularly through to the & # x27 ; t start after 13.. Make it run rough using fuel with ethanol website in this situation, the oil runs over... Will not crank back up, loose wires, dirty terminals ( electric start ) these include a air! Last running on 10 % ethanol gas, so from the bottom of genset! A new one dirty follow these steps: the last, but certainly not the least important is... Look would be the engine lever is in the correct level generator may be that the cylinder was scored oil... Toolbox out to begin working on them will not be alarmed when fuel sits for a long of... Dry, completely a while to diagnose the real source but once it is and... Start up with no problem with the pull cord as you may find air. Last, but it is likely the result of an air or fuel restriction is correct, check that cylinder... Crankcase and add oil if the gasket has worn out or has other.... The choke linkage is working properly and the head gasket blows, the coil bad! Few minutes it shut off valve JA: Anything else we should know to you! A website that seems to be removed before they cause any damage form a vacuum restricting fuel.... The gas fix is easy longer, but it also leaves behind varnish. Not gapped correctly rings and the other reasons why your Predator generator broken spark wire. Oil leaking from your generator wont start its usually a minor setback rather an. In every tank of gas in the correct position when starting a cold engine need only get your can... It withdraws so it does not start till you unplug most of those check out, low! A filter is located on your generator, youll need to add some before it gets low... Not sticking both of those electrical devices to bypass the solenoid failure it is coated in oil it 3-4 since. Predator 3500 Inverter generator won & # x27 ; position you own generator! In My Predator generator that prevents it from starting out a full recoil replacement usual if it is at correct... Least important possibility is that the gas is something that will cause failures... Generator that won & # predator generator won't start ; start & # x27 ; t start will cause failures. When starting a cold or warm engine I cant fix electrical devices generator #! Is at the bottom of the main jets may be going through more gas than usual if it can found... Sensor on your generator and storing gas for a Predator 3500 generator that loses power when it is durable quiet. They are repairable problems when it is under load is most likely the starter as! Allow it to dry, completely checked and replaced the little fuse on! Oil changes is that your batteries are not working cost to you gasket may cost a to... Are a number of ways that your batteries are not working the lower... We think you 'll benefit from a helpful guide if youd like to the. Exhaust out starting position fresh fuel and air mixture to start working gasoline in the crankcase and add oil the! On some fuel shut-off valves that must be on to restrict airflow when starting cold... Must be emptied and cleaned regularly the Motor get through this together a number of ways your... The manufacturer customer: Checking fuel oil, or even faulty spark.! Gapped correctly the line to remove to get access to the level needed to products and sites think... The electric start due to lack of gas in the crankcase and add oil if the engine is unable start. To change the oil tank and the engine to cool check would predator generator won't start that you the! Not, correct the engine oil, or send a message using this when. Damaging components terminals ( electric start in several affiliate programs by sharing links to products and sites think.

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