The engine of your generator may not start due to fuel-related problems, ignition (spark) related issues, compression-related problems, engine oil-related problems, and lastly, because of spark arrestor-related problems. Keep reading to learn more about switching on your Predator generator! 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. Those who followed the step-by-step guide to start their generator already have this one nailed! Use a fuel additive like. The carburetor can become dirty and clogged due to bad fuel and ethanol deposits preventing fuel flow. 152K views 4 years ago This Predator generator was not running. Old fuel can clog the fuel jet or cause internal parts to freeze and no longer function correctly. We advise you to use the SAE 10W-30 oil to refill up to the edge of the oil fill hole. The choke controls the amount of air thats flowing into the carburetor during startup. Take a look at the carburetor float, float needle, and fuel jet to make sure they are sufficiently clean and in good condition. Your fuel filter may not be easily accessible and you may want a mechanic to find and replace the filter. Was surprised it would not run at all. astrozombee 2 yr. ago Mine runs one 1500W unit. This build-up will hinder the flow of fuel and make it run rough. 1). Twist the oil fill cap clockwise until its secured against the generator. If you find the choke is stuck, use carburetor cleaner to help free it up so it moves without sticking. Be cautious because switching the button too quickly could lead to the engine stalling. Defective Voltage Regulator. Removed the bad fuel and cleaned up the carb. This Predator generator was not running. 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. Generator turns over one time. Turn the 'ESC Throttle switch to the 'Off position. Is it feasible to junk my generator in my RV. So, you have made sure there is enough fuel in the generator, but its still not starting. The air filter is generally easy to access and inspect visually. Sometimes, a rust hole can be repaired if you can no longer find a replacement tank. The piston rings and the head gasket may cost a lot to replace but they are repairable problems. Unscrew the six bolts at the back of the generator and remove the grate. A filter is installed at the bottom of the fuel tank. The choke is required to restrict airflow to start a cold engine on a Predator generator or it wont start. Regularly check the oil level in the crankcase and add oil if the level is too low. I have an old Coleman generator that runs like a champ until I hook up the wiring harness then it just quits no spark. Once the generator starts warming up as it runs, the choke can be gradually moved towards fully open or run.. Clean a Predator generator FOAM air filter: Clean a Predator generator PAPER air filter: The fuel tank must be able to vent. Plus, there are key safety features that protect you and this device from any electrical overload. These fuels contain up to 15% and 85% ethanol. Detailed information can be found at:This is Where Your Predator Generator is Leaking Gas. (Cummins, Freightliner, Detroit), Cat C12 Oil Capacity, Type, and Change Interval (Guide), The Predator 2000 Generator keepsShutting Off. The spark arrestor screen is a metal piece on the muffler that prevents sparks and hot material from emitting from the Predator muffler. Maybe something has clogged the fuel valve? Other sources will be low oil and gas in the engine. Push and hold the Starter Engine Button for three seconds. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Be careful as it may throw a spark. The owners manual has this information as well. 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. The generator is low on fuel The first thing that you should check in this case is your fuel tank. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Including the make and model number of the generator might be useful. 1) It's low on oil Check the oil level in the crankcase. This involves a starter cord that you can pull on. The engine cannot use any of the fuel, and so the generator cannot start. Later found out the choke sticker was put on upside down so when I though I was choking the engine I actually was not. This applies to both a manual and an electric start. Remove the spark arrestor screen and clean it with solvent or a small metal brush. The fuel tank vent can clog causing the tank to form a vacuum restricting fuel flow. Another issue that is possibly causing the machine not to start is that the gas is old. battery full and on permanent trickle charge. A bad or clogged fuel tank vent can also cause a fuel restriction. Note: the container must be placed lower than the fuel tank because fuel cannot run uphill without the assistance of a pump. 2. Add up the wattage for the items that will be plugged in at one time to ensure it doesnt exceed the load limit. SOLUTION: Remove the spark arrestor screen from the muffler. Because I am completely dumbfounded at this point. Not a major issue but you do have to watch what you are placing in your RV or trailers outlets. 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. A metal tank can develop a rust hole. However, if there is a clog or obstruction in the way, the whole pathway is disturbed. Dirt can plug the air filter preventing airflow from getting to the carburetor. It has to be just right for the generator to work smoothly. Rotate the combination switch to the 'Start' position. Wipe down the Oil Fill Cap and the area around it before twisting it counterclockwise and removing it. However, the previously stuck carburetor needle may have created other obstacles, such as too much fuel gathering in the carburetor. 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. The white smoke may simply be the hot engine burning off any oil residue that covered the different parts. Not 2 though. In this case, the choke will need to be halfway to fully open in order to restart the generator. Grab a screwdriver and gently tap the float bowl side several times, and itll correct itself. 4. Just making clicking sound and pull cord stuck too. This helps you get most technical issues repaired when it is not your fault. SOLUTION: Check the voltage of the battery and charge it if it is weak. It has only been ran one time for about 4 hours then gassed up getting ready for bed and it shut off. How To Start a Predator 3500 Generator Electrically? If you find any damaged parts, you must replace them using a carburetor rebuild kit or a replacement carburetor. If the spark plug has deposits that cant be cleared away with a brush, cracked porcelain, or broken electrodes, it needs to be replaced. My inverter generator will no longer start ( turn over) when pressing the electric start button. Just like when a cars head gasket blows, the oil seeps into the combustion chamber and is burned up with the gas. If any of these components cant seem to be tightened, they will need to be replaced with a new part. However, do not rotate it too quickly because the engine could stall. The other is that it will reduce the number of watts sent to each electrical device and those items will not run properly. Portable Generator Predator 63080 Owner's Manual & Safety Instructions 4000 watt (28 pages) Portable Generator Predator 69675 Owner's Manual & Safety Instructions 3200 rated watts 4000 max watts (25 pages) Portable Generator Predator 68527 Owner's Manual & Safety Instructions 4000 watt portable generator (24 pages) 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. Just breathe easy, and follow these simple instructions to help diagnose your unit's problems. A low charge on a battery will prevent the generator from starting. If it does start, a plugged filter can cause the engine to overheat and cause permanent engine damage. That should clear the clog and get the generator running as it should. Spark Plug and Ignition Problems Preventing Predator 3500 From Starting. Use a fuel additive like Sea Foam to stabilize the fuel and assist with cleaning the fuel system. However, if your engine has a lower oil level than required, you have to refill. To prime your carburetor, grab the starter handle and gently pull it a few times to allow the fuel to flow into the carburetor. 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. It will however start up with no problem with the pull cord. There is a lot of good buzz concerning this device and it may be a good option for many RV owners. If your carburetor needle is stuck, you only need a tap of effort to solve it! Unscrew the bolt on the left side of the generator panel and remove the Oil Fill Access Door.. Thats frustrating. Predator recommends that you change the fuel inside the tank every few months. The generator wont start in these two situations. It could be an electrical or battery problem (if it has one) Other than that it could be overloaded. Always remove the spark plug wire and wait for the engine to cool. There are two fixes for this particular problem. The most common Predator generator problems are: Generator won't start Generator starts and then dies Generator is leaking gas Generator bogs down under load Take caution when performing repairs. The plastic on the filter can degrade causing it to leak at the seams. Spray carburetor cleaner to loosen the clog and blow compressed air to the line to remove it. Keep reading for more things that can contribute to your starting problem. The DBL DKR logo and marks are copyrighted and may not be used without permission. The switch is faulty on Predator models with an electric start. Supply the generator with the correct quantity of unleaded and stabilized fuel. Or you may have overloaded the device and drawn more power than the generator can produce. Weve written a helpful guide if youd like to bypass the low oil sensor on your generator. Check the cables and wiring to make sure you have good continuity and making good connections. If you neglect cleaning the air filter, it can become plugged with so much dirt that the engine wont start. Sounds like a fuel flow problem.Pull the fuel line off at the carb and see if fuel flows well when you turn the gas on.If the fuel is flowing to the carb,you will have to remove the float bowl off the bottom of the carb and check for fuel flow through the needle and seat which the float controls in the carb.If fuel flows well . Bad fuel deposits and dirt can build up and clog the fuel lines preventing the engine from getting the required fuel. A Predator generator is one of the most popular kinds of portable inverter generators. That is the shut down wire. I also checked and replaced the little fuse that on the positive lower cable to battery bit still no luck with the electric start. SOLUTION: You can attempt to bypass the starter using a screwdriver or pliers by touching the cable from the battery and the cable to the starter. SOLUTION: If you find a restriction in the fuel line, turn off the fuel flow, and remove the line from the generator. littleme1113 2 yr. ago Check the air filter and carb also. If you left fuel in your carburetor or gas tank before storage, the fuel valve could be clogged in addition to the carburetor. Would not start. Replace the filter if it is in bad condition. SOLUTION: Check for a fuel leak or fuel gauge failure. Ive replaced the switch and everything that I think could be the problem and still nothing. A Predator generator that loses power when it is under load is most likely the result of an air or fuel restriction. OR, can I replace it with a portable generator. There are cables plugged into the generator, How to Ground a Generator- 3 Safe & Easy Steps (2023 Update), What Kind of Oil Does a Generator Use? So, how can you fix this issue? You may also have a faulty fuel gauge or simply forgotten the last time you added fuel. What is the actual model number of the genset? Detach the Oil Drain Bolt and tilt the generator around until you are sure all the engine oil has escaped through the drain plug. The best place to start with troubleshooting your generator is with some of the most common causes of starting issues. The second place to look would be the engine case. It may also be due to trying to power more items than your generator is designed to handle. That is a good deal especially since the Predator model is said to be very quiet and performs beyond expectations. Always remove the spark plug wire and wait for the engine to cool. Just like in a car, if your generators battery has run out the electric starter cant work. Ethanol is not good fuel to use in a generator. It may take a while to diagnose the real source but once it is done, the fix is easy. Carburetor: https://amzn.to/3WhGvmV Show more Show. Powered Outdoors participates in several affiliate programs by sharing links to products and sites we think you'll benefit from. fuel is full. The air filter should be replaced annually and more often if you are running the Predator generator in dusty conditions. I know incorrect oil levels might seem too simple an answer, but for most this is the problem. A sensor on a Predator generator protects the engine by not allowing it to run when the engine oil level is low. Keep in mind that running your generator on an uneven surface can cause the low oil sensor to misread oil levels, so simply leveling the generator could fix this problem. Hello, I had a predator 3500 inverter generator given to me that was having issues. There are several common problems and one of the ones you need to know about is when you first buy this device. If this is too low, the engine is unable to start working. Incorrect spark timing or ignition issues. Replace the fuel tank. Another good option is STA-BIL. Replace if needed. It is essential for you to understand why the generator isnt switching on, so you can try and resolve the problem at hand. If your generator backfires and won't start, chances are it has been sitting unused for some time. The choke is used to restrict air to start a cold engine. (Literally). Dr. Lee's Poor Life Choices 368 subscribers 278 49K views 3 years ago ARIZONA The 3500 watt Predator inverter generators. Generac Generator Fault Codes List (1902, 1904, 2800, P2601), Kohler Generator Fault Code List (Troubleshooting Manual), Download Onan Marquis 7000 Service Manual and Wiring Diagram, Troubleshooting Predator 2000 Generator Problems (Wont Start), What Is The Diagnostic Code SPN 4357 FMI 5? Pull the starter handle gently until you feel resistance- you must allow the starter cable to retract fully before pulling it back quickly. Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operators manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating. Thankfully, if your generator wont start its usually a minor setback rather than an indication of a more serious problem with the machine. Pull the plug and clean it, if it can be cleaned. If the voltage regulator is damaged, it will prevent the battery from getting the charge it needs, causing the component to die. Or you simply buy a clean used carb and replace it. Before you start tearing apart the carburetor to clean it, make sure you are getting sufficient fuel to the carburetor. Get ahold of a wire brush and clean out the soot from the spark arrestor. The cause of the white smoke is that the excess oil is getting into the combustion chamber. However, these five broad issues can be broken into several problems that each require different solutions- and in this blog post, we make it easy for you to navigate through each! Removed the bad fuel and cleaned up the carb. Store fuel in an approved fuel container away from moisture or combustible products. Otherwise, clean any debris off the spark plug and adjust the electrode gap according to the specifications in your owners manual. Like most other products you can buy today, you can go directly to the company and get your manual off their website. Check with Harbor Freight to see if there are other acceptable models you can use if you cant find these options in your area. Ive been searching a lot of Youtube videos to determine why my Predator 3500 Inverter wont start. Replace a dead battery or one that wont hold a charge. Allow the engine to run for several seconds before rotating the Combination Switch back into the Run position. Battling with the Predator 4000 after it started, but wouldn't stay running. Fix or replace faulty parts. You can simply use a pull starter and add juice back into the battery. Check the generator load limit. Wipe the fuel cap and the area around it. Both would need an experienced repairman to handle those problems. We have done many searches and the closest wiring diagram that pops up is for the Harbor Freight Predator 3500. In this situation, the inverter has failed and will need replacing. The sensors disable this in an effort to minimize possible damage. How do You Clean The Air Filter On a Predator 2000 Generator? It is a discount generator. Secure the fuel cap to the generator and turn the fuel valve to the Open position. Remove the filter and clean it. I realized I forgot to clean the emulsion tube so I took the carburetor apart again. With the low oil sensor working as it should, you may not have to check the oil on a regular basis. Disconnect all load devices from the generator. If its just a little dirty but in overall good condition, clean it and reuse it. This usually takes place in the jets and it is not a serious problem. That problem may be that the cylinder was scored and oil is getting through to the combustion chamber. 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 your generator has low compression, the most like issue is the engine valve! A more important source would be the carburetor. 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. Checked the carb multiple times and had good fuel flow, so what was the issue? You should also add enough oil that the level is suitable for use. In some cases, though, the generator may not be able to switch back on. This helps keep the generator safe and prevents impurities from damaging the machines components. 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 . But we understand everyones situation is unique. The final spot to check would be the valve cover gasket. With the built-in low oil alert, you are told when you need to add more oil. Then unscrew the fuel cap and remove it. When air isnt allowed to pass through the gas cap due to a plugged vent, the fuel tank will form a vacuum. The scored cylinder source means you will need a new generator. The carburetor can become dirty and clogged due to bad fuel and ethanol deposits preventing fuel flow. Replace a very dirty spark plug. It is built to perform like its more expensive counterparts while not giving you a lot of work to do to keep it in shape. Once the engine starts and the output light switches on, wait several seconds before twisting the combination button to the Run position. Predator 3500 Inverter Generator - Starts up on Start - Dies on Run. Make sure that the gas is filled up to the level needed. When a Predator generator doesnt start, it can be because of one of four reasons. The key is to take care of it so that it will last a long time. Remember to turn the fuel valve back on before trying to start the generator again. The fix for this problem is to drop the load demand. Also, the oil may be too low. Fuel breaks down over time making it prone to clogging the fuel system and damaging components. 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. 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. This includes, if it's low on oil, out of gas, a clogged fuel valve, a dead battery, faulty low oil sensor etc. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Consult a professional if you dont have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely. In a well-ventilated, area away from bystanders, use pressurized, Squeeze out excess water and allow it to dry, completely. After the engine has warmed up, the choke must be in the off/open position to allow sufficient air for the engine to continue to run. Gas can begin to break down and become less effective as soon as 30 days after purchase. 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