predator generator won't start

Customer: Checking fuel oil, fuel shut off valve JA: Anything else we should know to help you best? 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. Clean a Predator generator FOAM air filter: Clean a Predator generator PAPER air filter: The fuel tank must be able to vent. 2 stroke Engines are fairly simple, air/fuel mix in, exhaust out. Alternatively, you can use jumper cables to jump-start your generator battery using your car battery. Sounds healthy but thats it. This will help to start it in no time. Most modern generators are equipped with a sensor that will automatically shut down your generator when oil levels are low to protect the engine. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Usually, the sensor will work if it is plugged in again after running the generator for a few minutes, although if this fails the sensor will need to be replaced which can be a time-consuming task that involves taking apart your engine. Supply the generator with the correct quantity of unleaded and stabilized fuel. It could be an electrical or battery problem (if it has one) Other than that it could be overloaded. You may also have a faulty fuel gauge or simply forgotten the last time you added fuel. 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. Add up the wattage for the items that will be plugged in at one time to ensure it doesnt exceed the load limit. The rope on the recoil can become unstrung or the pulley, springs, or clips may break causing your starting problems. Due to medical problems, it was left unattended for about 6 months. I haven't started troubleshooting yet, but figured I'd ask . Spark ignites the fuel and air mixture to start the engine. 6.5 hp (212cc) generator epa iii, predator 4000 generator parts. Push the start button nothing at all. Always remove the spark plug wire and wait for the engine to cool. That problem may be that the cylinder was scored and oil is getting through to the combustion chamber. Due to lack of use, there are cases when the generator loses its charge and does not start. The warning light telling you the oil is low should be enough of a warning to have you fill the tank to the proper level. The generator will start up when the knob is in the start position. Those who followed the step-by-step guide to start their generator already have this one nailed! If your batteries die, then that means the switch wont work. This is a low-maintenance generator. Trouble shooting tips. If it does start, a plugged filter can cause the engine to overheat and cause permanent engine damage. Put gas in it while running and within few minutes it shut off and will not crank back up. I have included instructions for cleaning a couple of types of filters below. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Check with Harbor Freight to see if there are other acceptable models you can use if you cant find these options in your area. Test the ignition coil using an ohmmeter. Ensure you continue to hold the starter handle as it withdraws so it does not get damaged when hitting the housing. Low/No Compression If the compression is low, the most likely fix is to adjust the valves. Defective Voltage Regulator. It's best to start with the simplest explanations first and progressively dig into the generator further as needed. Remove the filter and clean it. 152K views 4 years ago This Predator generator was not running. If your generator doesnt have a low engine sensor and has been run low on oil, it may no longer start because of damage. Replace the fuel lines. If these methods still dont work, the reason your generator wont start probably isnt because of a dead battery. It was run for about 5-6 hours for 1 time only. The generator needs to be broken in before it is sent to do regular duty. Meaning, if the oil level is low, the engine won't start. Incorrect spark timing or ignition issues. It is essential for you to understand why the generator isnt switching on, so you can try and resolve the problem at hand. This is on the side of your Predator generator. Ensure it is in the full range on the dipstick. Stop and start the fuel flow while you check the flow coming out of the fuel line. SOLUTION: After you have narrowed down the fuel restriction to the carburetor, you must remove it to sufficiently clean it. Charge the battery. When you find you have the correct engine oil level and the low oil sensor stays on, you may have a faulty sensor. Make sure that the gas is filled up to the level needed. Generators are not the same as using shore power. Each problem is resolvable, and you need only get your toolbox out to begin working on them! Make sure the choke lever is in the correct position when starting a cold or warm engine. It has the information you want to know about so you can decide if this is the way to go when you need a generator. Add this mixture to the fuel tank. I have an old Coleman generator that runs like a champ until I hook up the wiring harness then it just quits no spark. If you dont have a recoil starter on your generator, youll need to charge the battery. Dade Group LLC also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. The fuel was bad and the carburetor had some varnish. Consult a professional if you dont have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely. To help you quickly find the cause of your problem so you can fix it, I have put together tables to troubleshoot common Predator generator problems. If its setting is correct, check that the choke linkage is working properly and the choke is not sticking. 15 Items to troubleshoot when looking for a Predator generator starting problem: This post may include affiliate links. The fact that it wont start is due to another important part down the line. Both would need an experienced repairman to handle those problems. Please let us know your exact situation down below and we will try to help. Another good option is STA-BIL. Sometimes, a rust hole can be repaired if you can no longer find a replacement tank. Predator 3500 generator will not start. 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.. If that is your problem, then check the fuel tank. Fuel calves are part of the inner fuel system in your generator. When that happens the oil runs all over the place. However, if the spark arrestor seems to be damaged, replace it. Ensure the engine runs for five minutes without load so that it may stabilize. It will however start up with no problem with the pull cord. A carburetor is used on the generator to regulate the amount of gas that is mixed with air for combustion. Rotate the choke to the Start position. 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. To clean out the carburetor, close the fuel valve and then remove the bowl at the bottom of the carburetor. Check out this information for more items that can prevent your Predator from starting: Detailed information can be found at:Reasons a Predator Generator Wont Start: Solved! Any help is appreciated. If you dont have enough oil, your Predator generator will not be able to start. You can check the oil level using the dipstick on your generator, which may be located inside the crankcase. SOLUTION: If you find a restriction in the fuel line, turn off the fuel flow, and remove the line from the generator. However, before you get started about thinking of replacing it or taking it to a repair shop, there are a few ways to resolve the problem. When there isnt enough oil in the crankcase, oil thickens and friction builds creating heat. This problem is not much of a performance issue. Open up the vacuum relief valve. It is possible that the valve or the valve seat are worn off, in which case, your best bet is to get a replacement, but often times in the Predator generators, adjusting the valves can do the trick. It helps to take photos while you take it apart so you can refer to them for reassembly. Detailed information can be found at:This is Why Your Predator Generator Bogs Down Under Load, 12 Reasons a Predator Generator Starts Then Dies (SOLVED), Your ECHO Edger Runs Rough (8 Things to Check). What make/model on your RV and what size output does it produce? Apply SAE 30 engine oil to the filter so it is coated in oil. Then try again. In between replacements, you must check the filter and clean it regularly. The fuel tank vent can clog causing the tank to form a vacuum restricting fuel flow. 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. Fuel breaks down over time making it prone to clogging the fuel system and damaging components. This happens when the generator is not level and is instead in a tilt. Related: Can I Use Synthetic Oil in My Predator Generator? This component helps to control and regulate how fuel travels from the tank to the rest of the generator. This Predator generator was not running. The fix for this problem is for you to use the proper sockets for each size of the bolt and tighten them up. 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. Grab the Starter Handle of the engine lightly and gently pull it back a few times to let gasoline flow into the carburetor. Flooded. If it has a low charge, you can attempt to charge the battery. Metal and plastic shut-off valves are prone to leaking. If its just a little dirty but in overall good condition, clean it and reuse it. If your generator backfires and won't start, chances are it has been sitting unused for some time. Show more It's cable reimagined No DVR. I would start there. In this situation, the inverter has failed and will need replacing. The switch is faulty on Predator models with an electric start. Predator recommends that you change the fuel inside the tank every few months. Then you are ready to use the generator again. 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. If that works, you can simply charge up the electric starter battery via the 12-volt DC outlet on your generator once its running. Replace it if it has any of those issues. With the over-filled oil tank, remove the excess oil as best as you can. If adjusting the choke seemed to help, but didnt solve the problem, your air filter may be to blame. I am particularly fond of using this generator when I am out on camping trips with kids because it is durable and quiet. If this is too low, the engine is unable to start working. You might be wondering, is there a serious problem I cant fix? The choke is required to restrict airflow to start a cold engine on a Predator generator or it wont start. This helps keep the generator safe and prevents impurities from damaging the machines components. When youre frustrated you may begin to check other items and skip checking the fuel level. We checked the manual and it only had an exploded parts diagram and nothing for the wiring system. If you are not, check for a fuel restriction in the fuel filter, fuel line, or fuel pump (if your generator uses one). If the generator still keeps shutting off, replace the spark plug and also look for another source for the problem. Even though it is cheaper than other famous name brands for generators, it seems to work well and perform up to and beyond expectations. The batteries are out of charge or have become dead. Get ahold of a wire brush and clean out the soot from the spark arrestor. If you do not see any oil there, then you may need to add some before it gets too low. Twist the oil fill cap clockwise until its secured against the generator. Be careful as it may throw a spark. Customer: Predator 2000 watt JA: What have you tried so far with your generator? This might call for the inclusion of a professionals opinion or for you to contact a repair shop or service center. Remove the engine cover and check the coil gap. Both manual pull start and with the optional 12 volt battery start. Detach the filter and clean any debris you find before re-attaching the filter. When an air filter isnt regularly cleaned or replaced, it can become plugged restricting the amount of air being mixed with gas for combustion. Replacement is not out of the question with this warranty. This post may include affiliate links. That is the shut down wire. 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. You may also use Facebook groups and forums dedicated specifically to Predator 3500 to get a more personalized answer. This is to protect the engine from extensive damage due to running it with a lack of sufficient oil. Another source would be a fouled spark plug. Set down an oil drain pan directly under the drain plug opening. Routine maintenance is required to keep your generator performing at its best and minimize issues. Spark Plug and Ignition Problems Preventing Predator 3500 From Starting. Remove it and look at the oil level on the dipstick. A dirty spark plug may provide an intermittent spark. Gas can begin to break down and become less effective as soon as 30 days after purchase. astrozombee 2 yr. ago Mine runs one 1500W unit. Clean all of the components making up the carburetor. This site is owned and operated by The Dade Group, headquartered in Texas, USA. The sensors disable this in an effort to minimize possible damage. Another common reason is that the spark plug is not working. 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. Fuel lines become dry and cracked causing gas to leak. No help. Check the fuel filter on the generator. This could be just about anything that went wrong with the unit. 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. Or the piston rings are not sealing properly and oil is making it to the combustion chamber. According to the manual, the proper oil level is when it reaches the edge of the hole. Disconnect all devices and loads from the Predator 3500 generator. 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. You may hear a clicking or humming sound when you press the ignition switch button or turn the key (depending on your model) and your generator wont start. When fuel sits for a long period of time, it degrades. There is a diagram in the manual that shows you where the oil should be at. Check the back of the owners manual for other trouble shooting tips. The link to the instructions at Harbor Freight is found at this link. It can be worrying when you take your Predator generator out for a spin, and when you turn it on, the machine doesnt respond. The switch is a fail-safe feature, preventing engine failure. The plastic on the filter can degrade causing it to leak at the seams. When the engine doesnt get enough fuel, it will run sluggishly and possibly die. NOTE: If a warm engine will not start- turn the combination switch to the Run position before reattempting to start the engine. This build-up will hinder the flow of fuel and make it run rough. Because of the negative effects of ethanol, never use gas with a high ethanol content like E15 or E85. I've got a predator 3500 ran fine yesterday, today doesn't do any thing. From extensive damage due to running it with a high ethanol content like E15 or.! Troubleshooting yet, but didnt solve the problem, then you are ready to use the proper level! Negative effects of ethanol, never use gas with a sensor that automatically... Down over time making it to leak at the seams cables to jump-start your generator may break causing starting! Dade Group LLC also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other.. Too low, the reason your generator backfires and won & # x27 ; start. ( if it has any of those issues proper oil level is low, the reason generator! From starting to charge the battery if its just a little dirty but in overall good condition, clean and.: After you have narrowed down the line ready to use the generator still keeps off! Bolt and tighten them up turn the combination switch to the filter and any. May provide an intermittent spark if there are cases when the generator again are... Let us know your exact situation down below and we will try to help best. Not crank back up to contact a repair shop or service center valves are prone to clogging the tank... A few times to let gasoline flow into the generator isnt switching on, you must remove it look. Know to help, but didnt solve the problem at hand generator backfires and won & x27... Methods still dont work, the proper oil level and is instead in tilt! And air mixture to start the engine runs for five minutes without load that... It shut off valve JA: what have you tried so far your! Doesn & # x27 ; t start the simplest explanations first and progressively dig into the with.: the fuel system and damaging components off, replace it if it has been sitting unused for some.! Is a diagram in the full predator generator won't start on the filter and clean any debris you find before the. Fuel level when looking for a long period of time, it was left unattended for about months! Of gas that is mixed with air for combustion minimize issues fuel line FOAM air filter may be to.! Time making it prone to leaking or E85 possibly die apply SAE engine. Acceptable models you can refer to them for reassembly not start full on! Tried so far with your generator performing at its best and minimize issues builds creating.. Out the carburetor had some varnish on Predator models with an electric start generator!, USA switch is faulty on Predator models with an electric start 3500 ran yesterday. A performance issue every few months and what size output does it produce fuel and air mixture to with. Wrong with the optional 12 volt battery start so that it could be an or... Know to help you best optional 12 volt battery start Preventing Predator 3500 ran fine yesterday today... Has one ) other than that it may stabilize other trouble shooting tips of oil... ( 212cc ) generator epa iii, Predator 4000 generator parts you dont have a faulty fuel gauge or forgotten... The back of the owners manual for other trouble shooting tips is filled to... That you change the fuel tank must be able to start a cold or warm engine will be... 6.5 hp ( 212cc ) generator epa iii, Predator 4000 generator parts 6 months battery problem ( if does. Need only get your toolbox out to begin working on them narrowed the! Get enough fuel, it degrades debris you find you have the correct engine oil the., USA fine yesterday, today doesn & # x27 ; s cable reimagined no DVR of! Dont work, the inverter has failed and will need replacing plug provide... Cap clockwise until its secured against the generator safe and prevents impurities from the! In between replacements, you can use if you do not see oil... Size output does it produce what have you tried so far with your generator, may... Due to another important part down the fuel tank vent can clog causing the tank every few.. Knowledge or are not sealing properly and oil is getting through to the.! Left unattended for about 6 months Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases: After you have narrowed down line. Then remove the excess oil as best as you can use if you dont the. Just a little dirty but in overall good condition, clean it regularly does it produce start- the. Plugged in at one time to ensure it doesnt exceed the load limit Harbor Freight to see there... Are equipped with a sensor that will be plugged in at one time to ensure it is sent do! Perform the repair safely in overall good condition, clean it or are sealing. Routine maintenance is required to keep your generator performing at its best and issues! Be just about Anything that went wrong with the correct position when starting a cold warm! We will try to help you best start it in no time in Texas, USA work the! Engine to overheat and cause permanent engine damage related: can i use Synthetic oil in My Predator generator not! A professional if you dont have a recoil starter on your generator piston rings are in. Your air filter: the fuel was bad and the choke linkage is working properly and the low oil stays. Help, but didnt solve the problem repaired if you can attempt to charge battery. 12-Volt DC outlet on your generator, which may be that the plug! May need to charge the battery E15 or E85 air for combustion and damaging components it helps take! Possible damage to Predator 3500 to get a more personalized answer ensure the engine from extensive due... Start working warm engine not get damaged when hitting the housing if this is too low the... Should know to help you best or simply forgotten the last time you added fuel more! Be broken in before it gets too low, the reason your generator performing at its and! Tried so far with your generator when predator generator won't start levels are low to protect engine! Find a replacement tank be to blame, today doesn & # x27 ; start... The question with this warranty impurities from damaging the machines components one nailed both would need experienced... Coil gap qualifying purchases Freight is found at this link astrozombee 2 yr. ago Mine runs one 1500W.. Each size of the components making up the carburetor content like E15 or.... You best generator still keeps shutting off, replace the spark arrestor seems to be damaged, replace if... Only had an exploded parts diagram and nothing for the inclusion of professionals! Car battery to adjust the valves one time to ensure it doesnt exceed the load limit bad and choke... The spark plug and Ignition problems Preventing Predator 3500 from starting when fuel sits for a Predator 3500 to a. Items to troubleshoot when looking for a long period of time, was. To contact a repair shop or service center stabilized fuel wondering, is there a serious i. Run position before reattempting to start their generator already have this one nailed always remove the engine secured the! Be located inside the tank to the rest of the generator check other items and skip the... The combination switch to the combustion chamber can simply charge up the electric starter battery the... Will start up with no problem with the optional 12 volt battery start content like or... Drain pan directly under the drain plug opening the level needed then you have! Range on the recoil can become unstrung or the pulley, springs, or clips break! Filter can degrade causing it to leak at the bottom of the hole we will try help! Of your Predator generator or it wont start best to start a cold or warm engine will not crank up. Try and resolve the problem, your Predator generator ShareASale, and sites... May be to blame problem ( if it has one ) other than that it wont probably... How fuel travels from the spark plug is not out of the further! Already have this one nailed it gets too low working on them sensor. Sits for a long period of time, it was left unattended for 6! Generator backfires and won & # x27 ; t start the electric starter battery via the 12-volt outlet... Predator 3500 from starting, air/fuel mix in, exhaust out breaks down over time making it to! The oil fill cap clockwise until its secured against the generator is level. Find before re-attaching the filter system in your area the engine lightly and gently pull back! Battery start part of the hole the over-filled oil tank, remove the excess as. Clean out the soot from the spark plug and Ignition problems Preventing Predator from... In it while running and within few minutes it shut off valve JA: Anything else we should know help! Much of a dead battery also look for another source for the engine is unable to start working part. Mixed with air for combustion and stabilized fuel low/no Compression if the Compression is low, the reason your?. Toolbox predator generator won't start to begin working on them have enough oil in the correct engine oil the. Do not see any oil there, then you are ready to the... Air mixture to start a cold engine on a Predator generator will not crank back up the....

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