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 wont even attempt to turn over during startup, the problem may lie with your spark plug. Check the recoil to see if it can be restrung or if broken parts can be replaced. Old gas is something that will cause component failures and fuel restrictions. Powered Outdoors participates in several affiliate programs by sharing links to products and sites we think you'll benefit from. The reason for the multiple oil changes is that there are metal shavings inside that need to be removed before they cause any damage. The first thing that you should check in this case is your fuel tank. The most common Predator generator problems are: Take caution when performing repairs. Weve written a helpful guide if youd like to bypass the low oil sensor on your generator. Disconnect all load devices from the generator. The choke must be on to restrict airflow when starting a cold engine. You usually dont find out you have a starting problem until you absolutely need a power source. Start the fuel flow and watch the amount of fuel coming out of the line into the container. A Predator generator may have a low engine oil sensor that will shut off the generator and not allow it to start. When it isnt set right, the air needed to run the generator will be restricted. When the choke is placed in the correct position and you continue to have airflow problems, check the choke linkage to make sure it is not stuck and is opening and closing correctly. It will however start up with no problem with the pull cord. If you do not have the manual, here are the instructions: 1. The link to the instructions at Harbor Freight is found at this link. The most common reason is that the generator is not receiving enough fuel. Running your generator at low oil levels can severely damage the engine and pose a significant hazard. Check the generator load limit. However, when you own a generator long enough, youre likely to run into some type of problem. Anyone else have any ideas? oil is right on. When the spark plugs get fouled, they lose the needed spark, and then the gas does not combust like it should robbing the engine of needed energy. Due to lack of use, there are cases when the generator loses its charge and does not start. Wait for the engine to cool down before refilling the engine oil, or you may suffer burns. If you didnt drain the carburetor before putting your generator away for a month or more of storage, this is likely the culprit for why youre having starting issues now. You could also rain the gas and oil and refill if you keep having issues. My. 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. When the ignition coil fails it wont provide voltage to the spark plug. Generators are not the same as using shore power. Push starter again and turns over once. A pull start generator may have a damaged or broken recoil preventing the recoil to initiate starting your engine. 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.. Each generator comes with a sensor that helps you track the amount of oil. Always remove the spark plug wire and wait for the engine to cool. If this is causing problems, you have a simple solution available. This will cause a Predator generator not to start because of a lack of spark. 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. A Predator generator is one of the most popular kinds of portable inverter generators. Rick is an engineer and manager, hes used generators his whole life and specializes in fact checking our articles. It is also corrosive to the fuel system and engine. The rope on the recoil can become unstrung or the pulley, springs, or clips may break causing your starting problems. Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operators manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating. I have an old Coleman generator that runs like a champ until I hook up the wiring harness then it just quits no spark. I am particularly fond of using this generator when I am out on camping trips with kids because it is durable and quiet. In between replacements, you must check the filter and clean it regularly. Keep reading to learn more about switching on your Predator generator! Due to medical problems, it was left unattended for about 6 months. I have included instructions for cleaning a couple of types of filters below. The best place to start with troubleshooting your generator is with some of the most common causes of starting issues. Pull the starter handle gently until you feel resistance- you must allow the starter cable to retract fully before pulling it back quickly. How old is it? Learn about our team here. 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 regulator plays an important role in the generator's ability to charge the battery. Consult a professional if you dont have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely. There are a number of reasons your Predator 3500 Inverter generator won't start. A Predator generator that loses power when it is under load is most likely the result of an air or fuel restriction. The first would be the drain plug. Any help is appreciated. 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 . It is a discount generator. Turn the ESC Throttle switch to the Off position. 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. A fuel siphon pump works well for this. Not only does it begin to break down, but it also leaves behind a varnish causing fuel restrictions. Make sure you have the tanks full and everything is being mixed correctly. Metal and plastic shut-off valves are prone to leaking. 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? A bad or clogged fuel tank vent can also cause a fuel restriction. Should we start with gasoline for first time? The owners manual has this information as well. How do You Clean The Air Filter On a Predator 2000 Generator? No help. Predator 3500 Inverter Generator - Starts up on Start - Dies on Run. Was surprised it would not run at all. Look for a bad starter solenoid, weak battery, or bad ignition switch on Predator generators with an electric start. Hello, I had a predator 3500 inverter generator given to me that was having issues. That is the most common issue. It was last running on 10% ethanol gas, so from the videos, I determined I should remove and clean the carb. The piston rings and the head gasket may cost a lot to replace but they are repairable problems. If the battery fails to hold a charge, replace the battery. Chad is a writer and webmaster helping to keep things running smoothly on the site. Not a major issue but you do have to watch what you are placing in your RV or trailers outlets. If you are unsure where the fuel filter is located on your generator, contact the Predator service center at 888-838-3421. I also replaced the spark plug. What Spark Plug Does a Predator 2000 Generator Take? You may have a gas smell coming from your Predator generator. Even though it is cheaper than other famous name brands for generators, it seems to work well and perform up to and beyond expectations. If it wont hold a charge, its time to replace the battery with a new one. Stop and start the fuel flow while you check the flow coming out of the fuel line. Bad battery, loose wires, dirty terminals (electric start). (Answered). We really just want to use it with propane only. Check the fuel filter on the generator. Because I am completely dumbfounded at this point. Consult a professional if you dont have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely. About Us - Affiliate Disclosure - Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy, How to Fix a Kohler Courage XT-7 thats Not Starting. Push the start button nothing at all. It is best to stick with the spark plug the manual recommends when you are under warranty. If you try and troubleshoot, you can get to the bottom of the problem and resolve it beforehand. 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. If your choke lever is in run position you need to make sure to move it back to start position. Always remove the spark plug boot prior to performing repairs and wait for the engine to cool. Thats frustrating. SOLUTION: Check the voltage of the battery and charge it if it is weak. 2021 DBLDKR. Replace the line if necessary. Generator Not Starting. Customer: Checking fuel oil, fuel shut off valve JA: Anything else we should know to help you best? Other places to check for a fuel leak are the fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel shut-off valve, and fuel tank. The fuel tank vent can clog causing the tank to form a vacuum restricting fuel flow. 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. I would start there. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. One is that the generator will shut down and not start till you unplug most of those electrical devices. How To Check The Oil On a Predator 2000 Generator? With a fresh battery, new gas and plenty of oil, it still wont fire. Repeat this process until the Predator 3500 generator fires up. 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. 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