Repairing Guides

how to repair a generator that won t start

by Prof. Adrianna Kub I Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Common solutions for: Generator won’t start

  1. Spark Plug. Inspect the spark plug for signs of wear or damage. ...
  2. Carburetor. The carburetor might be clogged. ...
  3. Ignition Coil. The ignition coil sends voltage to the spark plug while the engine is running. ...
  4. Recoil Starter. The recoil starter assembly engages the crankshaft to turn over the engine. ...
  5. Safety Switch. ...
  6. Start Switch. ...
  7. Flywheel Key. ...
  8. On - Off Switch. ...

If the carburetor is clogged, chances are the fuel valve is clogged as well. Check to ensure that the fuel and vacuum relief valves above the generator's gas tank are open. If your generator still won't start, unplug the fuel hose and check if gasoline can flow through the fuel line.Aug 17, 2021

Full Answer

Why won't my Generator start?

10 Common Reasons Your Generator Won’t Start

  1. The generator is low on fuel. It may seem obvious, but it’s worth checking whether your generator has gasoline in the...
  2. Your engine is low on oil. Oil is just as important as having fuel for running your generator. Most modern generators...
  3. The battery is dead. If your generator has an electric starter in the form of...

Why wont my Generac pressure washer start?

  • Make sure the rocker switch that controls the engine is in the On position.
  • Check the fuel; the engine won't start if the engine is out of fuel or if the fuel is stale or contaminated with water. ...
  • Bad fuel can contaminate the carburetor. ...
  • The engine on a power washer that won't start may also need a good tune-up so it will start easily. ...

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How to turn on the generator?

When the utility power goes out:

  • Turn off all the circuit breakers in the transfer switch to the off position.
  • Move your generator outside. Connect the generator cord to the transfer switch or inlet box.
  • Start the generator and let it warm up.
  • Flip the main breakers in the transfer switch to the Generator position.
  • Turn on the circuits you wish to power, one at a time. ...

Is it good to start the generators at no load?

Of course. Not only good but it is necessary too to start generator on no-load. On no-load, we get the rated or no-load Voltage generated and then we can put on the load once we get the optimum value.

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What can cause the generator to be not starting?

One of the most common reasons a generator will not start is due to a battery failure. Often this could be caused by a loose connection or a sulfation build-up (a build-up of lead sulphate crystals on the plates of lead-acid batteries).

How do you diagnose a generator problem?

Portable Generator Troubleshooting GuideCheck the fuel. There's always a chance that you may be getting a false fuel level indication when the fuel tank is actually empty. ... Check the Spark Plug. Find out, are there signs of wear and tear in the spark plug? ... Check the Air Filter. ... Check the Battery. ... Check the Oil Level.

How do you force start a generator?

0:474:10HOW-TO Quickly Start A Generator That Won't Start! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOil that's flammable make sure you have a straw at the end and if your generator won't start just goMoreOil that's flammable make sure you have a straw at the end and if your generator won't start just go in the carb. And spray it in there.

How do you manually start a generator?

1:453:27How to Start Your Portable Generator - Pull Start - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf your generator is not an electric start model grab the handle on the recoil rope and pull theMoreIf your generator is not an electric start model grab the handle on the recoil rope and pull the recoil rope. One to two times briskly to start the generator.

What is the common problem of generator?

The single most common generator problem is neglected maintenance. Think of the engine on an industrial generator the same as you would the engine in your car. It is well known that there are going to be problems if you don't check the engine's components for wear and tear in addition to preventative maintenance.

Can a generator be repaired?

Fortunately for you, this issue can be fixed by merely checking your circuit breaker to see which slot was flipped off. After it has been located, flip it back on, and the generator should now be operable again. If it's not, then the culprit could be dirty connections.

How do you unclog a carburetor on a generator?

1:285:05Cleaning the Carburetor in your Generator or Inverter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse a small wire carb cleaner and compressed air to clean any gunk out of every hole and the centerMoreUse a small wire carb cleaner and compressed air to clean any gunk out of every hole and the center passageway on this bolt. Use a cotton swab.

How do you start a generator that has been sitting?

0:001:11how to START a generator that's been “sitting too long” - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf your generator. Won't start because it's been sitting i'll show you a few easy things you can doMoreIf your generator. Won't start because it's been sitting i'll show you a few easy things you can do to get it fixed. Make sure the gas valve is turned on make sure the choke is on start.

How do you fix a generator?

4:337:39How To Fix a Generator That Won't Put Out Power - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure that the breaker is turned on like that plug your drill in start your generator run yourMoreMake sure that the breaker is turned on like that plug your drill in start your generator run your generator. Like like you always do make sure everything's on and it's running.

Why would a generator run but not produce electricity?

Answer provided by. Jumpstarting a car with a generator is entirely possible—so long as you have the correct type of generator. You'll need to use a model with an electric start—any other type of generator will not be effective.How would I jumpstart a car with a generator? - Jerryhttps://getjerry.com › questions › how-would-i-jumpstart-...https://getjerry.com › questions › how-would-i-jumpstart-...Search for: Can you jump start a generator?

When generator fails to produce voltage you will check?

Did you know that generators use the same motor oil, that you use for your car? In most cases, you will need an SAE 10W-30 oil type.Apr 29, 2020Choosing the Best Oil for Your Generator: Shopping Guide & Tipshttps://generatorist.com › choosing-the-best-oil-for-your-...https://generatorist.com › choosing-the-best-oil-for-your-...Search for: Can motor oil be used for generator?

How do you restore residual magnetism in a generator?

There are electronic components that have to operate and, just like a car, the battery operates them. So essentially, the generator does start with the battery, as it wouldn't be able to start without it. The good news is that standby generator batteries are relatively low maintenance just like a car battery.Aug 5, 2015Does My Generator Start with a Battery? -https://www.midwestgenerators.com › does-my-generator-...https://www.midwestgenerators.com › does-my-generator-...Search for: Will generator start without battery?

Why would a generator stop making power?

Why does your generator not produce any power / voltage? The most common causes of a generator producing no power are the loss of residual magnetism in the alternator and a failed AVR or another excitation component. If the voltage is around 50-70V on each phase, then it is likely the AVR needs replacement.

What happens if a generator engine stops suddenly?

If the generator engine stops suddenly, the flywheel key may break in half. To determine if the flywheel key is broken, remove the flywheel from the engine and inspect the flywheel key. If the flywheel key is broken, replace it.

How to tell if spark plug is defective?

To determine if the spark plug is defective, use a spark plug tester. You should see a strong spark between the tester’s terminals when the engine is cranking. If there is no spark, this indicates that the spark plug is defective and should be replaced. Required Part. Generator Spark Plug.

What happens if a spark plug is cracked?

If the porcelain insulator is cracked, an electrode is burned away or damaged, or there is heavy carbon buildup at the electrode, replace the spark plug.

What happens if the ignition coil is defective?

The ignition coil sends voltage to the spark plug while the engine is running. If the ignition coil is defective, the engine may not start. Before replacing the ignition coil, ensure that the spark plug is working properly.

How does a recoil starter work?

Remove the starter assembly and inspect it to determine if it is working properly. When you pull the starter rope, tabs extending from the pulley and cam should grab the hub on the engine, causing the engine to turn. When you release the rope, the tabs should retract and the rope should rewind back on the pulley.

Why is my carburetor clogged?

The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the generator for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and prevent the engine from starting.

What happens when you pull the starter rope?

When you pull the starter rope, tabs extending from the pulley and cam should grab the hub on the engine, causing the engine to turn. When you release the rope, the tabs should retract and the rope should rewind back on the pulley. Required Part. Generator Recoil Starter.

How to fix a clogged generator?

To fix this, shut off the fuel valve, and then open the carburetor drain found at the bottom of the carburetor’s bowl. If this still doesn’t work, you can remove the entire bowl from the bottom of the carburetor and clean out any stale fuel. Clean out the main jet (the brass nozzle found in the central stem) with a needle. To avoid this in the future, try to run your generator at least once a month, and never store it for long periods of time without draining the gas tank and the carburetor first. For a video guide on changing your generator’s carburetor, click here.

Why does my electric generator lose charge?

8) The battery is dead. For electric start generators, the battery may lose its charge over time due to a lack of use. If this happens, simply start the generator using the pull starter to add juice back into the battery.

How to check if a WEN spark plug is good?

Clean the spark plug using a small knife or a similar tool as needed. Make sure the electrode is properly gapped (check the specifications page of your manual to see the proper gap for your particular model). To test the plug, pull the recoil starter while holding the spark plug’s body to the engine crankcase. If the sparks are strong with a blue color, then the ignition coil is good. If there is no spark or if the spark appears weak, remove the spark plug and cap. Put the end of the spark plug wire near the engine’s body and pull the recoil starter to check the ignition coil. If there are now sparks appearing between the spark plug boot and engine, then the spark plug needs to be replaced. If there are no sparks, the ignition coil may need to be replaced.

How to check if low oil sensor is working?

To check this, disconnect the wire coming from the side of the crank case. This is the wire running from engine’s body into the low oil sensor, see the images below. The location of this wire will vary slightly from generator to generator. If the generator starts once this has been unplugged, then the oil sensor is not working. Many times, running the engine with this unplugged for several minutes before reconnecting the oil sensor wire will resolve the problem. Otherwise, the engine may require a complete tear-down in order to replace the oil sensor.

What is the phone number for a generator?

After all this, if you are still having trouble getting your generator started, feel free to give us a call at 1-847-429-9263 (M-F 8AM to 5PM CST) or drop us a message here to talk to our friendly and knowledgable technical support team. Share:

Why is my gas tank full but no fuel is getting to the carburetor?

If the gas tank is full, but no fuel is getting to the carburetor, there may be a problem with the fuel line or fuel valve. The fuel valve controls the flow of fuel from the gas tank to the carburetor. Make sure that this is set to OPEN to allow fuel to flow into the proper channels. If the valve is set to OPEN but the fuel still does not properly ...

Where is the choke lever on a generator?

On many generators, it can be found directly above the air filter on the side of the unit. On others, the choke is builtin to the power control knob (such as with the WEN Inverter series). Either way, it should be set to closed (also referred ...

How to tell if spark plug is defective?

To determine if the spark plug is defective, use a spark plug tester. You should see a strong spark between the tester’s terminals when the engine is cranking. If there is no spark, this indicates that the spark plug is defective and should be replaced. Required Part. Generator Spark Plug.

What happens when you pull the starter rope?

When you pull the starter rope, tabs extending from the pulley and cam should grab the hub on the engine, causing the engine to turn. When you release the rope, the tabs should retract and the rope should rewind back on the pulley. Required Part. Generator Recoil Starter.

Why is my carburetor clogged?

The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the generator for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, ...leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and prevent the engine from starting.

What does a recoil starter do?

The recoil starter assembly engages the crankshaft to turn over the engine. If the recoil starter assembly is defective, it may not engage the crankshaft correctly. Remove the starter assembly and ins...pect it to determine if it is working properly.

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