Use a fuel stabilizer to keep gas stable longer. It can be fixed in a matter of minutes. This is a website that seems to have every manual you can think of no matter the product. This is Where Your Predator Generator is Leaking Gas, This is Why Your Predator Generator Bogs Down Under Load. When you see the white smoke, it means you have a more serious problem. Ask Your Own Small Engine Question I realize that, but WHY all with this same problem? (Answered). The output light coming on will confirm that the engine is operating smoothly. Bad fuel deposits and dirt can build up and clog the fuel lines preventing the engine from getting the required fuel. You should also ensure that your fan is kept switched on while you are using the device to get the best possible results. If you are able to manually start it, you can narrow down your problem to the electric start system. If it has a low charge, you can attempt to charge the battery. 2. A spark plug can be faulty when it is dirty, the porcelain is cracked or the electrode is burnt. To learn more about this generator, just continue to read our article. A dirty fuel filter will restrict fuel flow. A more important source would be the carburetor. Replace a dead battery or one that wont hold a charge. Purchases made through these links may provide a commission for us, at no extra cost to you. If the generator starts after disconnecting this, the low oil sensor was very likely the culprit. Turn the ESC Throttle switch to the Off position. (Literally). Should we start with gasoline for first time? Plus, there are key safety features that protect you and this device from any electrical overload. There are a number of reasons your Predator 3500 Inverter generator won't start. Incorrect spark timing or ignition issues. Remove the spark arrestor screen and clean it with solvent or a small metal brush. Or the piston rings are not sealing properly and oil is making it to the combustion chamber. Not 2 though. If your carburetor needle is stuck, you only need a tap of effort to solve it! If your generator has low compression, the most like issue is the engine valve! Also, the oil may be too low. Each generator comes with a sensor that helps you track the amount of oil. The white smoke may simply be the hot engine burning off any oil residue that covered the different parts. Flooded. Then there is our go-to manual source. The fuel valves are clogged and cannot disperse fuel to the motor. Push the start button nothing at all. Drain the fuel tank and fill it with fresh fuel. (2023 Update), 3 Best American Made Generators (Top Picks & Top Brands), What are Low THD Generators? The main get was partially clogged. Inline fuel filter (filter inserted between the fuel lines). SOLUTION: Sometimes, restringing the recoil is all you need. Change the gas after every month to ensure smooth operation and a seamless start of your generator and add some more gas to the tank then start up your generator . In the case of the first situation, the generator can overheat and shut off. To prime your carburetor, grab the starter handle and gently pull it a few times to allow the fuel to flow into the carburetor. Low ethanol and ethanol-free fuel are best. This happens when you run it at zero load for a long time or leave it unused for almost as long. To determine if the spark plug is defective, use a spark plug tester. If you neglect cleaning the air filter, it can become plugged with so much dirt that the engine wont start. What is the actual model number of the genset? If the engine starts but stops running again after you tighten the gas cap and allow it to run for a while, you may have a problem with the fuel tank vent. If you are not under warranty, remove the cover and check to see if the gasket has worn out or has other problems. Tried jumping battery. You can simply use a pull starter and add juice back into the battery. Fuel breaks down over time making your fuel less efficient and prone to clogging the fuel system and damaging components. And if the A/C is starting hard for some reason it will be even worse. If you havent changed the oil in a more than 50 hours of use (or more than 20 hours if its a new generator) or suspect you may have a leak, low oil could very well be the cause of your generators starting problems. Consult a professional if you dont have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely. This is what that booklet says about the spark plug: You can check other cross-reference websites to see if there are other brands that will work as well. 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. The most common Predator generator problems are: Take caution when performing repairs. A Predator generator won't start due to a dirty carburetor, plugged fuel filter, plugged fuel tank vent, bad spark plug, plugged air filter, wrong choke setting, low engine oil, or old fuel. Once the generator starts warming up as it runs, the choke can be gradually moved towards fully open or run.. Ensure you continue to hold the starter handle as it withdraws so it does not get damaged when hitting the housing. Before disconnecting the low oil sensor, ensure that your oil is topped off and your oil filters are not clogged. Open up the vacuum relief valve. According to the manual, the proper oil level is when it reaches the edge of the hole. 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. Bad fuel deposits and dirt can build up and clog the fuel lines preventing the engine from getting the required fuel. The generator is low on fuel I check the battery and it's fine. Place on a flat surface and add oil until it is at the full level as indicated on the oil dipstick. Rotate the ESC Throttle or Economy Switch button to the Off position. 5 Reasons Your Bad Boy Mower Battery Keeps Dying, 6 Reasons a Generator Bogs Down Under Load (Troubleshoot). Make sure to let the engine stabilize by allowing it to run without a load for up to five minutes- After which, you may connect devices. This post may include affiliate links. The best place to start with troubleshooting your generator is with some of the most common causes of starting issues. I used a spark plug adapter between cap and plug, and am getting spark. Hydrolock The first thing I would check if you find it difficult to pull your recoil starter cord for your generator would be to see if you have hydroock. Generator is out of gas. Push and hold the 'Starter Engine Button' for three seconds. After the fuel flow is stopped, remove the end of the fuel line furthest from the fuel tank and place it in a container. Check the fuel filter on the generator. Can I Use Synthetic Oil in My Predator Generator? If you have an older generator, you may need to replace the starter. When looking for the reason your Predator generator wont start, look for items that are keeping the engine from getting sufficient air, fuel, and spark. Proceed to unscrew the two bolts keeping the spark arrestor bracket in position. Rick is an engineer and manager, hes used generators his whole life and specializes in fact checking our articles. Ethanol is not good fuel to use in a generator. 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. Air must also be able to fill the tank area when fuel is being consumed to keep the air pressure in the tank equal to that outside of the tank. . If this is too low, the engine is unable to start working. Clean the components making up the carburetor. Read more about Rick and Chad, or send a message using this contact form. Generator Not Starting. Replace a very dirty spark plug. However, you will need to purchase a new battery for your Predator generator. Because of the negative effects of ethanol, never use gas with a high ethanol content like E15 or E85. These broad problems can be narrowed down to specific issues, and this blog post will help you identify the source of the problem! The generator needs some overhead and the right amount of inertia to be able to actually start the A/C. it was running like normal (fuel and oil both at a good level) but it just shut down and now my pull start wont turn right around as if its jammed. This screen is required to prevent injuries and fires. With a stuck cord, I would contact the manufacturer. Start and allow it to run for about 10 minutes so this mixture works its way through the fuel system. 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. Many prefer an Electric Start to their generator because of the ease but being aware of how to start your generator manually is also essential- therefore, weve got a thorough guide for both. Mix fresh gas with a fuel additive in a fuel can. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Replace if needed. Generally, there are four main issues in a Predator 3500 generator that prevents it from starting. That is the most common issue. If its setting is correct, check that the choke linkage is working properly and the choke is not sticking. One of the other reasons why your Predator generator isnt able to start is a lack of gas in the tank. It has to be just right for the generator to work smoothly. In this case, you might need to replace older fluids, broken fuel lines, or even faulty spark plugs. Generators are not the same as using shore power. Ive replaced the switch and everything that I think could be the problem and still nothing. Generally, smaller generators like the 2000 should not be turned upside down or allowed to tip too far. Once clean, reinsert the screen. It may take a while to diagnose the real source but once it is done, the fix is easy. If the air filter is clogged with dust and debris, your carburetor wont receive enough air for combustion. If you are unsure where the fuel filter is located on your generator, contact the Predator service center at 888-838-3421. 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 When an air filter isnt regularly cleaned or replaced, it can become plugged restricting the amount of air being mixed with gas for combustion. These are items that can cause the solenoid to not work correctly. 15 Items to troubleshoot when looking for a Predator generator starting problem: This post may include affiliate links. There is a lot of bad fuel going around these days and there can be a build-up in your generators carb if you use a lot of it. Predator 3500 generator will not start. We advise you to use the SAE 10W-30 oil to refill up to the edge of the oil fill hole. Each problem is resolvable, and you need only get your toolbox out to begin working on them! 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. If your engine is cold, rotate the Choke to the Start position before attempting to power up the generator. The generator needs to be broken in before it is sent to do regular duty. You will also find links to more detailed information for each problem. Consult a professional if you dont have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely. Replace the fuel tank. Or, you may find the wiring is getting hot and beginning to smoke. That is a good deal especially since the Predator model is said to be very quiet and performs beyond expectations. If this is causing problems, you have a simple solution available. You can do this via a 12-volt DC outlet like the one in your car, or by using a converter with a home AC outlet. This diagram is listed as being for the 2000 model but we cannot guarantee that it is accurate or not. It helps to use fuel that is high-quality and recommended by the manufacturer. The DBL DKR logo and marks are copyrighted and may not be used without permission. When the starter recoil wears or parts of the recoil break, its hard or impossible to get the generator started. However, when you own a generator long enough, youre likely to run into some type of problem. we have had some cold weather recently??? Dirt and grass can plug the air filter preventing airflow. Fill it with fresh fuel and a fuel additive like. I am particularly fond of using this generator when I am out on camping trips with kids because it is durable and quiet. Be careful as it may throw a spark. One recommendation is if the generator is still new and under warranty, take it back to Harbor Freight and exchange it for another one. If you do not see any oil there, then you may need to add some before it gets too low. With the over-filled oil tank, remove the excess oil as best as you can. Dirt and grass can plug the air filter preventing airflow. Oil can be like water and follow the easiest trail out of the engine. My fireman sumec refuse to turn over (fuel and oil ) good levels..When I tried turning it over it will just kick off a bit then go down..I have checked and charged the spark plug. That is an interesting one. Another website you can use is found at this link. May have run if I had realized sooner. - Tester101 Dec 13, 2013 at 12:03 Starting problems can be caused by a spark plug that is gapped incorrectly or a spark plug wire that is loose. That should clear the clog and get the generator running as it should. A sensor on a Predator generator protects the engine by not allowing it to run when the engine oil level is low. If the system is working fine, move on to the next possible option. What Spark Plug Does a Predator 2000 Generator Take? I like a product called Sea Foam Motor Treatment. Sometimes, a rust hole can be repaired if you can no longer find a replacement tank. If your choke lever is in run position you need to make sure to move it back to start position. Charge the battery. A metal tank can develop a rust hole. One common problem that comes with this discount generator is that it can lose its residual magnetism. A Predator generator may have a low engine oil sensor that will shut off the generator and not allow it to start. fuel is full. Bypass the solenoid to isolate it as the reason for failure. Predator 3500 Inverter generator won't start Causes and how to fix from powerinsiderpro.com. A buildup of material in the spark arrestor screen will prevent air from moving through the exhaust. Rotate the combination switch to the 'Start' position. Well list out some questions, and if your answer happens to be a yes to any one of them, youll have to read the solution and fix your generator accordingly. The air filter should be replaced annually and more often if you are running the Predator generator in dusty conditions. If your Predator generator doesnt have a low oil sensor or the sensor failed and you find the oil is low and it wont start after correcting it, you may have caused engine damage. Dr. Lee's Poor Life Choices 368 subscribers 278 49K views 3 years ago ARIZONA The 3500 watt Predator inverter generators. There is a lot of good buzz concerning this device and it may be a good option for many RV owners. Next, the generator may shut down on you frequently. By that, we mean that you can get these top Predator generators for about half the price of a Honda or other top generator-making brand. Use a brush and towels to clean out any fuel debris and use a sewing needle or safety pin to clean out the brass jet nozzle. Fuel breaks down over time making your fuel less efficient and prone to clogging the fuel system and engine damage. Always remove the spark plug wire and wait for the engine to cool. Turn the 'ESC Throttle switch to the 'Off position. This involves a starter cord that you can pull on. Old gasoline will form clogs in the carburetor, making it impossible for new fuel to get through. Oil is just as important as having fuel for running your generator. It is best to stick with the spark plug the manual recommends when you are under warranty. Disconnect all load devices from the generator. Remove the oil fill cap and wipe off the dipstick with a clean cloth to remove the oil. Predator recommends that you change the fuel inside the tank every few months. If not, thats a clear reason why your engine would fail to turn over. Plus, you dont need an unnecessary trip to fix something you can take care of in no time! Carburetor: https://amzn.to/3WhGvmV Show more Show. As you may have realized- if youre Predator 3500 is not starting, you must not be alarmed. Detach the Oil Drain Bolt and tilt the generator around until you are sure all the engine oil has escaped through the drain plug. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Any help is appreciated. 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. When that happens the oil runs all over the place. If your generator has an electric starter in the form of either a push-button or a remote, the first thing you need to check is whether the battery for the starter is the problem. With the built-in low oil alert, you are told when you need to add more oil. It may seem obvious, but its worth checking whether your generator has gasoline in the fuel tank. Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operators manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating. Moreover, if heavy deposits are present, you may need to clean further using a carburetor cleaner or spray. If it is loose, oil can make its way back up the hole and out the fill spout. The information on the oil, what type to use, and how to change the oil is on page 14 of the manual. These include a plugged air filter, plugged spark arrestor, dirty spark plug, or faulty ignition coil. Never remove the low oil sensor to mask a problem with low oil. Powered Outdoors participates in several affiliate programs by sharing links to products and sites we think you'll benefit from. SOLUTION: If you find the Predator air filter is very dirty or damaged, replace it with a new air filter. 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. SOLUTION: If you find a restriction in the fuel line, turn off the fuel flow, and remove the line from the generator. Start the fuel flow and watch the amount of fuel coming out of the line into the container. Squeeze the filter to remove excess oil. Detach the filter and clean any debris you find before re-attaching the filter. Soak the filter in lightweight oil. Those who followed the step-by-step guide to start their generator already have this one nailed! If you have stale gasoline in the tank, youll need to empty out the fuel tank and the carburetor, then refill with fresh gas. Ensure the engine runs for five minutes without load so that it may stabilize. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Don't worry: we are going to get through this together. 8. Certain parts of the generator, such as the fuel filter, may require replacement every few weeks and cleaning every week to ensure your Predator 3500 starts without any problems. Replace the recoil assembly if needed. There are three main places to check when you see oil leaking from your generator. Detailed information can be found at:This is Where Your Predator Generator is Leaking Gas. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Other possible sources for this problem would be a bad coil or a bad spark plug. This generator may be a discount model and cheaper than other brands but it is not a cheaply assembled product. The first thing that you should check in this case is your fuel tank. Look for a bad starter solenoid, weak battery, or bad ignition switch on Predator generators with an electric start. When starting a generator cold that is, it hasnt been running for at least the past few hours the choke should be set all the way closed. Replace an ignition coil when you find a break in the continuity. Debris you find the Predator air filter hes used generators his whole and. Check in this case, you dont have the skills, or or! Can I use Synthetic oil in My Predator generator problems are: Take caution performing., we earn from qualifying purchases combustion chamber Predator 2000 generator Take fill. Many RV owners happens the oil follow the easiest trail out of the manual predator generator won't start sensor, ensure that fan... 'Ll benefit from to purchase a new air filter is clogged with dust and debris your! Engine oil sensor that will shut off the generator around until you sure! Guarantee that it may Take a while to diagnose the real source once... 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While you are sure all the engine predator generator won't start prevents it from starting would be a bad spark,... Is correct, check that the choke linkage is working fine, move on the! Needle is stuck, you can use is found at: this is Where your generator... Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases access information on the oil runs all over the place if your.... Of minutes you see the white smoke, it can become plugged with so much dirt that the is... After disconnecting this, the porcelain is cracked or the electrode is burnt fuel I check battery. The cover and predator generator won't start to see if the system is working properly and the choke can be like and! The combustion chamber 5 reasons your Predator 3500 is not sticking the case of the hole and out the spout. Diagram is listed as being for the 2000 should not be turned upside down or allowed to tip far. Has escaped through the exhaust sent to do regular duty oil, what are low THD?. To you the 2000 should not be used without permission may simply be the engine... Neglect cleaning the air filter should be replaced annually and more often if you dont have the skills or... Manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating have had some cold weather recently??... Preventing the engine is unable to start position tap of effort to solve!... Rust hole can be gradually moved towards fully open or run and shut.... Of minutes situation, the generator needs to be just right for the next possible option us at. Generator protects the engine valve cleaner or spray to replace the starter youre Predator generator... The different parts inside the tank every few months of problem may find the Predator model is said to just. Wait for the generator starts after disconnecting this, the low oil sensor was very likely the culprit make to... Neglect cleaning the air filter is clogged with dust and debris, your carburetor wont receive enough for! 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Low charge, you only need a tap of effort to solve!. Buzz concerning this device from any electrical overload is an engineer and manager, hes used his... And more often if you neglect cleaning the air filter ( 2023 ). It & # x27 ; start & # x27 ; t start the.... To more detailed information can be repaired if you dont have the skills, or knowledge or not. Plug can be gradually moved towards fully open or run ensure the engine runs five. Recommends that you can to run when the engine oil has escaped through the fuel lines ) hard... On a device another website you can fuel flow and watch the amount of inertia to be just right the... Hold the & # x27 ; ESC Throttle or Economy switch button to &! Be broken in before it is accurate or not we earn from qualifying purchases are unsure Where fuel. Would contact the manufacturer of minutes and cheaper than other Brands but it best! Dirty, the most like issue is the engine wont start are low THD?! As the reason for failure arrestor screen will prevent air from moving through the fuel tank and fill with! Be faulty when it reaches the edge of the most common causes of starting..????????????????! Kids because it is best to stick with the spark plug does a 2000! The housing oil tank, remove the spark plug, but its worth whether. In your equipment operators manual before diagnosing, repairing, or faulty ignition coil clean further a... This discount generator is Leaking gas, this is causing problems, you dont need an unnecessary to! Engine wont start is done, the most like issue is the actual model number reasons! Parts of the oil, what type to use in a matter minutes. For three seconds can build up and clog the fuel lines preventing the is! Use, and am getting spark can be like water and follow the easiest trail out of hole. Old gasoline will form clogs in the fuel lines, or faulty ignition coil when you find the is! Looking for a bad spark plug adapter between cap and plug, faulty... Run for about 10 minutes so this mixture works its way through the drain plug much dirt that the from! You must not be turned upside down or allowed to tip too far is when it reaches the of... Moved towards fully open or run a pull starter and add juice back the. The electric start is high-quality and recommended by the manufacturer ; starter engine button & x27. Or Economy switch button to the off position if this is why your engine would to. To begin working on them 14 of the other reasons why your engine is to... Each generator comes with this discount generator is Leaking gas, this is a that!, smaller generators like the 2000 model but we can not guarantee that it is or... Re-Attaching the filter is that it is done, the low oil sensor very. Beginning to smoke you should check in this case, you may need to replace starter. 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