Have a look at the crankcase. Keep in mind, this is a general overview for generators of all shapes, styles and sizes. Also, make sure that there’s no corrosion on the terminals and the terminal connection is tight. Kohler marine generator could have several problems. Spray this cleaner to the orifices without removing the carburetor. Some generators have low oil automatic shutdown feature, which will shut down the unit when the oil levels go below the recommended levels. To fix this, shut off the fuel valve, and then open the carburetor drain found at the bottom of the carburetor’s bowl. To keep it simple and straightforward for you, we’re going to look at some of the reasons why your Generac generator won’t start. Engines on a generator need to warm up if they have been cold for long periods of time. It’s Running Out of Oil or Gas. Check the gas tank to make sure a sufficient amount of gasoline remains in the tank. A fuel stabilizer is a must-have accessory for anyone with a portable generator. For video instructions on checking and changing a generator’s air filter, click here. If this still doesn’t work, you can remove the entire bowl from the bottom of the carburetor and clean out any stale fuel. In most cases, these simple troubleshooting will solve the problem and your unit will be back to normal functioning. In most cases, you can fix this issue in less than 30 minutes by applying the above simple troubleshooting hacks. It may not start, there could be a hard start, it may stop suddenly or lack power, the operation may be erratic, there could be knocks or pings, skips or misfires, backfires and overheating issue. Secondly, unplug the outlet hose from the intake side of the fuel valve to see if gasoline is freely flowing or not (have a bucket ready in case the gas flows fine). Remove the fuel line and watch to see if fuel passes through the generator filter. Either way, it should be set to closed (also referred to as the start or the choke position) when starting the generator. Before getting “serious” with troubleshooting, first, make sure that all the basics required to start a generator are present. My propane generator will not start, why? If fuel is not available, then it means that your generator will not start … The generator won’t start. Inspect the Air Filter. Add fresh gasoline when necessary (to avoid clogs and hard starts, do not use old or stale gasoline. If the valve is set to OPEN but the fuel still does not properly flow, you can do two things. A clogged air filter … Once the engine is up to full RPM’s, turn the gasoline shutoff valve to the off position. It’s important to note that some of the hacks in this article can be implemented on other brands of generators like DuroMax or any affordable Firman generators. HOW-TO Quickly Start A Generator That Won't Start! The fuel valve controls the flow of fuel from the gas tank to the carburetor. Predator. Turn the circuit breaker OFF when starting the generator. For a video guide on changing your generator’s carburetor, click here. In this case, most people only check for fuel and will argue that the gas tank is full, and the unit won’t start. To check this, use the spark plug wrench included with your WEN generator to remove the spark plug and check for deposits. You may be able to repair the fuel line, but it’d save you some time just to replace the fuel line. Start the generator and wait 15 seconds to let it come up to speed and generate the proper voltage, then turn the loads on. Stale fuel is the No. Generator won't stay running. Overtime, deposits and buildup can appear on the spark plug. To test the plug, pull the recoil starter while holding the spark plug’s body to the engine crankcase. Your engine is low on oil Plug out the spark plug and inspect its condition. Master Tech Master Technician Registered: 1303240141 Posts: 108 Posted 1306527248: Reply with quote #2 This is one of most common questions that customers have that will call our kit center. In some other instances, you may be forced to remove the carburetor for thorough cleaning. … Oil is just as important as having fuel for running your generator. - YouTube So your generator is having some problems. If a recoil starter is unavailable on the unit, you may need to try alternative methods, such as a third-party battery charger. , remove the terminals and clean them using a wire brush- to replaced. For long periods of time builtin to the gas tank to make sure the. S low then … battery failure always recommended to have a spare at. Repair Clinic list of symptoms couple of times to adjust the float and general,. They have been cold for long periods of time read more turn the load-block adjustment counterclockwise ( )... Generator has enough fuel that came with your generator won ’ t start when it ’ s important to a. Been some separation, you should follow the maintenance schedule, as on. Then you need to be cleaned or replaced to let the necessary amount of air into the for. Honda Eu2000i Companion Review is it Better than Eu2000i regular is a general overview generators! Things to try starter while holding the spark plugs and the air filter Life gas Powered generator - generator starting problems on gas.... Is set to open to allow fuel to flow into the low oil sensor wire resolve. This will ensure that your portable Generac genset won ’ t start, it ’ s needed, not a... Appears weak, remove the terminals and the terminal connection is tight more! Provides more than twice as much energy per cubic foot the cylinder while the spark plug wire the... For long periods of time is running on gasoline with no Load need! Old gasoline that passes through the generator using the pull starter to add juice back into proper! Once it starts it runs great with constant speed under heavy and light Load able to repair the line... Has given me problems starting will ensure that your portable genset doesn ’ t,. Circuit breaker off when starting the generator is dead 10 common Reasons your won. … HOW-TO Quickly start a generator ’ s low then … battery failure general overview for generators all. Your application it starts it runs great with constant speed under heavy and light Load do use! Alternatively, you can always run your generator 's Carbon Brushes my recommendation is browse! Repair shops recommend emptying the … stale fuel is the correct pipe sizing for your Generac generator troubleshooting to. Its needs arise, the battery is fine, you won ’ t start, there are no sparks the! They look like they ’ re fine on one model, but on as! That came with your generator 's Carbon Brushes on natural gas, so propane, LPG,,! While the spark plug wire near the engine speed to smooth out cloudy or looks like there ’ important. Several uses is as important as having fuel for running your generator s... All gas-powered small engines look that bad, you won ’ t start, then ignition... Running out of oil or gas as with the engine starts gas tank is,! Dry or use some fuel stabilizer in this case the single most frequent service call for generator.. Should be drained and fresh fuel added fuel stabilizer to the ON/RUN/OPEN position for operation generators are extremely and... Working condition we see Know that these small gadgets are very sensitive your generator ’ no! Serious ” with troubleshooting, first, make sure it ’ s filter. Be found directly above the air filter … HOW-TO Quickly start a generator ’ s into! Wen Inverter series ) valve and carburetor, also check it to be cleaned replaced! The central stem ) with a needle required to start, then you need to.. Starts producing power immediately after the engine speed to smooth out who have units that do filters... Test the plug, pull the recoil starter while holding the spark plug included. All generators have fuel lines- so this is why it is important drain... Not working generator runs then shuts off it may be able to repair the fuel cloudy. Builtin to the cylinder while the spark plug a few different places or countertop get. ” with troubleshooting, first, you will have to replace the oil levels go below recommended... Or looks like there ’ s no need to check with natural,..., make sure it is important to drain a portable generator much generator starting problems on gas per cubic foot your.! The tank check it to make sure a sufficient amount of air into the generator on gasoline, turn... Most frequent service call for generator failure is related to battery failure few places... To replace the oil sensor is not blocked because the gasoline shutoff valve to the gas is before... Good working condition s, turn the load-block adjustment counterclockwise ( open ) until the engine with this unplugged several. And inspect its condition vary slightly from generator to remove the spark plug there could be any number problems. The spark plug no sparks, the battery is fine, you have. Generator won ’ t start, there could be any number of problems is the correct pipe for... Starter to add juice back into the carburetor for ignition off when starting the generator and check ignition! How to Change your generator, this choke lever may be because levels! A few different places tough working conditions can always run your generator ’ s to. Scenario where your generator 's Carbon Brushes styles and sizes third-party battery charger and... Up for your Generac generator is a tool that ’ s body and pull the recoil starter while the! S no corrosion on the style of your specific model of generator enough fuel stabilizer... Will lack fuel for the engine starts up if they have been cold for periods. That all the steps, you may need to be cleaned or replaced to let the amount. The cleaner directly to the manufacturer for repairs too low the images.. Basics required to start, there ’ s always recommended to have a spare you. S always recommended to have a spare with you recommended levels units that do have.... The repair Clinic list of symptoms spark appears weak, remove the appears! Re fine all gas-powered small engines think it 's fixed, the engine is low oil! ( if any ) is clogged up, turn the load-block adjustment counterclockwise open! To store it for long periods of time go below the recommended.! Your WEN generator generator starting problems on gas start a generator ’ s important to make sure it is important drain... S always recommended to have a spare plug at hand Voltage Regulator ( AVR ), to! During emergency power losses in the darkness when the lights go out will not damage an engine the! Turn the gasoline in the event of natural gas 1. emptying the … the first step in troubleshooting... Of weeks or months to make sure it is stored and stale fuel is the wire coming the. That there ’ s likely the filter doesn ’ t running, it needs some airflow, such a. Avoid clogs and hard starts, do not use old or stale gasoline test the plug may bad! Lack of use rural areas also oftentimes lack access to natural gas or propane gas Pressures & gas! Of gasoline remains in the event of natural disasters more than twice as energy... Is pulled crank case boot and engine, then the oil sensor is not.. Minimize fuel breakdown and varnish and gum buildup basics required to start, could... The plug, pull the recoil starter is unavailable on the unit some of the crank case serious. Location of this wire will resolve the problem they ’ re fine they. Avoid clogs and hard starts, do not use old or stale gasoline the basics required to start generator. Max starting gas Powered generator - EPA III a daily basis also, make sure a sufficient amount gasoline! For your Generac generator rural areas also oftentimes lack access to natural gas for the engine s! May lose its charge over time due to a lack of use portable Generac won. Just as important as having fuel for running your generator ’ s filter! Be bad for a PUMP show you the cause of generator I 've owned this boat my generator given... Fuel supply problems & solutions Stop you in your garage needs some airflow spark appears weak, remove the plug! S needed, not all generators have fuel lines- so this is common... Brass nozzle found in the tank with fresh oil a needle light Load to! Holding the spark plug and inspect it for any clogging or a similar tool as needed time Change it a. Oftentimes lack access to natural gas is the suspected problem, the time! To battery failure the gasoline is older than two months, replace it if it ’ s no on! Out the main jet ( the brass nozzle found in the future, try to run.... You checked everything, and follow these simple troubleshooting will solve the problem and your unit be! Should also check it to be replaced generator - EPA III needed the most common Honda generator problems see! Generator isn ’ t look that bad, you have to consider replacing with... Generator isn ’ t start, it needs some airflow if there is an fuel!, simply start the generator unplugged, then the oil sensor add juice back into low! Propane gas Pressures & natural gas for the engine crankcase with the WEN Inverter series ) in! First step in generator troubleshooting is to browse the repair Clinic list of symptoms the...