Check the back of the owners manual for other trouble shooting tips. A poly tank can leak at the seams of the tank. Just make them nice and snug so that the oil cannot get out anymore. Turn the 'ESC Throttle switch to the 'Off position. Routine maintenance is required to keep your generator performing at its best and minimize issues. When your engine is running, the valve goes up and down, controlled by the camshaft, so when the valve isnt seated properly, the combustion chamber loses compression (the air-fuel mix). You will find that the battery drains at a much faster rate. I also checked and replaced the little fuse that on the positive lower cable to battery bit still no luck with the electric start. This is because the carburetor bowl gasket may fail to seal properly or internal parts will stick allowing too much fuel into the bowl and causing it to overflow. These are items that can cause the solenoid to not work correctly. This is a fix you cannot do if you are under warranty. Other places to check for a fuel leak are the fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel shut-off valve, and fuel tank. Follow the below-mentioned steps to resolve it-. The most common reason is that the generator is not receiving enough fuel. Before replacing parts, price out a full recoil replacement. Make sure you have the tanks full and everything is being mixed correctly. Use a carburetor cleaner and compressed air to remove the clog from the fuel line. In a well-ventilated, area away from bystanders, use pressurized, Squeeze out excess water and allow it to dry, completely. You should also try and remember to replace it after every few months to keep things running well. Follow all safety precautions found in the Predator operator's manual. The Predator 2000 Generator Won't Start If you are getting the overload warning light turned on yet have nothing plugged into your generator, this means you do not have any trouble with the generator. Take a look at it to ensure it isnt torn and doesnt have any holes in the screen. One reason your Predator won't start is that it has an automatic shut-off system that keeps the generator from running when it is low on fuel or oil. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A Predator generator that loses power when it is under load is most likely the result of an air or fuel restriction. Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operators manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating. SOLUTION: If you find a restriction in the fuel line, turn off the fuel flow, and remove the line from the generator. Battling with the Predator 4000 after it started, but wouldn't stay running. If you are getting the overload warning light turned on yet have nothing plugged into your generator, this means you do not have any trouble with the generator. Take a look at the carburetor float, float needle, and fuel jet to make sure they are sufficiently clean and in good condition. This applies to both a manual and an electric start. If your carburetor needle is stuck, you only need a tap of effort to solve it! We have done many searches and the closest wiring diagram that pops up is for the Harbor Freight Predator 3500. There are three main places to check when you see oil leaking from your generator. If these methods still dont work, the reason your generator wont start probably isnt because of a dead battery. Proceed to unscrew the two bolts keeping the spark arrestor bracket in position. If you are not under warranty, remove the cover and check to see if the gasket has worn out or has other problems. Once the panel is removed, look to the lower middle area of the inside of the generator. 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. Predator 3500 Inverter Generator - Starts up on Start - Dies on Run. Charge the battery. 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. A carburetor is used on the generator to regulate the amount of gas that is mixed with air for combustion. Finally, another problem that you can run into is that your generator is not starting. Its easy to forget to check this simple obvious reason a generator wont start. This might call for the inclusion of a professionals opinion or for you to contact a repair shop or service center. Removed the bad fuel and cleaned up the carb. 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. The second place to look would be the engine case. Including the make and model number of the generator might be useful. Check the clamps to ensure the fuel line is securely attached to the fuel components. I have included instructions for cleaning a couple of types of filters below. Low ethanol and ethanol-free fuel are best. Open up the vacuum relief valve. I use this product in every tank of gas to help reduce the issues that can result from using fuel with ethanol. The fix for this problem is for you to use the proper sockets for each size of the bolt and tighten them up. If you cant, replace it with a new filter. It's best to start with the simplest explanations first and progressively dig into the generator further as needed. Make sure that the gas is filled up to the level needed. If you cant even get your generator to turn over, check the starter recoil on a manual start generator and the battery, ignition switch, and starter solenoid on an electric start model. Weve written a helpful guide if youd like to bypass the low oil sensor on your generator. The easiest way to troubleshoot this is to try starting with the auxiliary recoil starter if your generator has one. The fuel was bad and the carburetor had some varnish. - maple_shaft Dec 10, 2013 at 20:22 Check the intake and exhaust for any restrictions. We checked the manual and it only had an exploded parts diagram and nothing for the wiring system. It has several options for you to look over and select. Just like when a cars head gasket blows, the oil seeps into the combustion chamber and is burned up with the gas. Another source would be a fouled spark plug. Consult your operators manual if you are unsure what type of filter is used on your generator and how to clean it. Meaning, if the oil level is low, the engine won't start. The fix for this problem is to drop the load demand. One of the most common reasons a generator won't start is because the gas is old. Stop and start the fuel flow while you check the flow coming out of the fuel line. Check the fuel filter on the generator. This prevents fuel from getting to the carburetor and your generator will fail to start. Secure the fuel cap to the generator and turn the fuel valve to the Open position. A pull start generator may have a damaged or broken recoil preventing the recoil to initiate starting your engine. The spark arrestor screen is a metal piece on the muffler that prevents sparks and hot material from emitting from the Predator muffler. And if the A/C is starting hard for some reason it will be even worse. The regulator plays an important role in the generator's ability to charge the battery. Read more about Rick and Chad, or send a message using this contact form. Depending on the model you have you may have one of these types of filters: Its best to replace the fuel filter annually if you have an inline fuel filter. 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. Add fresh gas to the fuel tank. So, you have made sure there is enough fuel in the generator, but its still not starting. 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. The switch can go bad on a generator with an electric start preventing it from starting. I have an old Coleman generator that runs like a champ until I hook up the wiring harness then it just quits no spark. Thankfully, if your generator wont start its usually a minor setback rather than an indication of a more serious problem with the machine. A quick check saves you on embarrassment at the repair shop. - Tester101 Dec 13, 2013 at 12:03 Try to stay under that limit when plugging in new electrical devices that require huge start up watts to get going. The main get was partially clogged. oil is right on. Also, the oil may be too low. Just breathe easy, and follow these simple instructions to help diagnose your unit's problems. 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. Check your setting to make sure you placed it in the right position. Can I Use Synthetic Oil in My Predator Generator? SOLUTION: You can clean the spark plug to remove the deposits on the tip. To fix this problem, just hook it up to a 12-volt battery. If it looks dirty or clogged, try replacing it and moving the choke back to the proper starting position. Replace with a new spark plug, secure connections, and ensure it is gapped to manufacturer specifications. That is an interesting one. The first would be the drain plug. If you do not see any oil there, then you may need to add some before it gets too low. NOTE: If a warm engine will not start- turn the combination switch to the Run position before reattempting to start the engine. The DBL DKR logo and marks are copyrighted and may not be used without permission. In general, properly cleaning your generator can help solve your problem. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A Predator generator wont 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. There is a lot of good buzz concerning this device and it may be a good option for many RV owners. This filter is installed to keep dirt from passing through the fuel system and causing wear on the engine. If you do not want to clean, you can always buy a new air filter. The owners manual has this information as well. Ensure it is in the full range on the dipstick. To clean out the carburetor, close the fuel valve and then remove the bowl at the bottom of the carburetor. SOLUTION: Sometimes, restringing the recoil is all you need. One is to clean the carb with a high-powered ultrasonic mechanism. Detach the filter and clean any debris you find before re-attaching the filter. If you dont have a recoil starter on your generator, youll need to charge the battery. A predator generator switches on in one of two ways. Trouble shooting tips. Drain the fuel tank and fill it with fresh fuel. Bad fuel deposits and dirt can build up and clog the fuel lines preventing the engine from getting the required fuel. It helps to use fuel that is high-quality and recommended by the manufacturer. While it may not be necessary for starting your generator, its good maintenance practice to replace the filters when adding more oil. We really just want to use it with propane only. Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | About Us | Contact Us, 5110 28th Street #1056, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616-805-9640 [emailprotected]Copyright 2023 Powered Outdoors. Predator 3500 Inverter generator won't start Causes and how to fix from powerinsiderpro.com. It should have been able to run 3200 watts continuously and even handle 4000 watts for a short time. Replace a screen that is damaged. Fuel lines become dry and cracked causing gas to leak. Both manual pull start and with the optional 12 volt battery start. To check whether the low oil sensor is responsible for your starting troubles, disconnect the sensor by unplugging the wire that runs out of the engines crankcase. Tried jumping battery. Use a fuel stabilizer to keep gas stable longer. Inspect the filters condition. (2023 Update), 3 Best American Made Generators (Top Picks & Top Brands), What are Low THD Generators? A fuel siphon pump works well for this. In this situation, the inverter has failed and will need replacing. It should be .008" - .010" from the flywheel magnet. I realized I forgot to clean the emulsion tube so I took the carburetor apart again. Metal and plastic shut-off valves are prone to leaking. Ethanol and water will separate from gas and leave behind gummy deposits. 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. BE2000 or Predator 2000 Generator Won't Start Bruce's Shop 43.1K subscribers Subscribe 549 29K views 4 years ago This little generator is exactly like the Harbor Freight Predator 2000. Remove the engine cover and check the coil gap. If the battery fails to hold a charge, replace the battery. Is it feasible to junk my generator in my RV. Another easy to solve problem that can get in the way of your generator starting is simply having cords plugged into the outlets on your generator. Purchases made through these links may provide a commission for us, at no extra cost to you. Got a key start generator . Spray carburetor cleaner to loosen the clog and blow compressed air to the line to remove it. Spark Plug and Ignition Problems Preventing Predator 3500 From Starting. When you make purchases through these links, we may earn a small commission. Ive replaced the switch and everything that I think could be the problem and still nothing. The choke controls the amount of air thats flowing into the carburetor during startup. It has to be just right for the generator to work smoothly. Your fuel filter may not be easily accessible and you may want a mechanic to find and replace the filter. Apply SAE 30 engine oil to the filter so it is coated in oil. This is a situation where you simply have too many electrical devices plugged into the generator. Never remove the low oil sensor to mask a problem with low oil. Generator won't start 01 - Generator Spark Plug Inspect the spark plug for signs of wear or damage. This could be just about anything that went wrong with the unit. Squeeze the filter to remove excess oil. As you may have realized- if youre Predator 3500 is not starting, you must not be alarmed. The key is to take care of it so that it will last a long time. It may take a while to diagnose the real source but once it is done, the fix is easy. Chad is a writer and webmaster helping to keep things running smoothly on the site. Bad battery, loose wires, dirty terminals (electric start). You need to follow these steps: The last, but certainly not the least important possibility is that your batteries are not working. The engine cannot use any of the fuel, and so the generator cannot start. My inverter generator will no longer start ( turn over) when pressing the electric start button. Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | About Us | Contact Us, 5110 28th Street #1056, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616-805-9640 [emailprotected]Copyright 2023 Powered Outdoors. This is Where Your Predator Generator is Leaking Gas, This is Why Your Predator Generator Bogs Down Under Load. If its setting is correct, check that the choke linkage is working properly and the choke is not sticking. Add up the wattage for the items that will be plugged in at one time to ensure it doesnt exceed the load limit. In this case, you can switch the generator on by using the manual method. The carburetor will have to be cleaned and damaged parts will have to be replaced to get it working again. If all checks out, replace the spark plug in the engine and try starting the generator again. 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. 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 the filter is very dirty, damaged, or covered with oil replace the filter with a new one. Replace a dead battery or one that wont hold a charge. It may be too low or out of fuel. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. One of the main jets may be clogged stopping the engine from receiving enough fuel. Keep in mind that using stale gasoline typically any gasoline thats older than two months can be very damaging to your generators engine. It was last running on 10% ethanol gas, so from the videos, I determined I should remove and clean the carb. Remove the spark arrestor screen and clean it with solvent or a small metal brush. 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. Another issue that is possibly causing the machine not to start is that the gas is old. There is a huge power demand when it comes to start up watts compared to running watts. 1). A bad or clogged fuel tank vent can also cause a fuel restriction. The carburetor can become dirty and clogged due to bad fuel and ethanol deposits preventing fuel flow. Clean out the passageways of your generator using a fuel additive. Pull the plug and clean it, if it can be cleaned. (Cummins, Freightliner, Detroit), Cat C12 Oil Capacity, Type, and Change Interval (Guide), The Predator 2000 Generator keepsShutting Off. Unscrew the bolt on the left side of the generator panel and remove the Oil Fill Access Door.. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. However, as you can see, there are also ways for you to resolve the issue and get back to using the Predator generator. There are limits to what electrical power it can produce and start up watts for many appliances, etc., often exceed that production. Grab and gently pull the starter handle several times to air out the chamber. Dirt can plug the air filter preventing airflow from getting to the carburetor. According to the manual, the proper oil level is when it reaches the edge of the hole.