10 Reasons Why Your Generator Won’t Start

Your generator has some problems. Don’t worry, you will handle it. Now take a deep breath and follow these simple instructions to identify the issues with your device:

1) Not enough oil

Check the oil level in the crankcase. If the level is low, add oil. Remember that trying to start the generator on an uneven surface may cause the low oil sensor to trigger, even if there is enough oil.

2) Ran out of gasoline

Check the fuel tank to make sure there is enough gasoline in it. Add fresh gasoline if necessary and do not use old or degraded fuel to avoid clogging and difficult starting. If the gasoline is more than two months old, replace it with fresh fuel.

3) The choke lever is in the wrong position

The choke of any engine should be set to the "closed" position during startup and switched to the "open" position after the engine warms up. Depending on the type of your generator, this lever may be located in different places. In many generators, it can be found directly on the side of the device, above the air filter. In others, it is integrated into the power control switch. In any case, when starting the generator, it should be in the closed position. After the engine starts, switch the choke to the ONRUNOPEN position for normal operation.

4) The fuel valve is closed or clogged

If the fuel tank is full but fuel does not reach the carburetor, there may be a problem in the fuel line or fuel valve. The fuel valve controls the flow of fuel from the tank to the carburetor. Make sure it is in the OPEN position. If the valve is open but fuel still does not flow properly, you can do two things. First, if there is a vacuum release valve on the fuel tank cap, make sure it is open. Second, disconnect the outlet hose from the inlet side of the fuel valve to check whether gasoline is flowing freely. This will help determine which part of the fuel line (if any) is clogged. If there is an inline fuel filter between the valve and the carburetor, make sure it is not clogged as well.

5) The carburetor is clogged or air is locked

If you stored your generator for a long time without draining the carburetor first, there is a high chance of clogging due to old gasoline. To fix this, close the fuel valve and then open the carburetor drain at the bottom of the bowl. If this still doesn’t work, you can remove the entire bowl from the bottom of the carburetor and clean out the old fuel. Clean the main jet hole with a needle. To prevent this in the future, try to run your generator at least once a month and do not store it for long periods without draining the fuel tank and carburetor first.

6) The spark plug needs to be replaced

Over time, deposits and buildup can form on the spark plug. To check this, use the spark plug wrench that comes with your generator, remove the spark plug, and inspect it for deposits. Clean the spark plug with a small knife or similar tool if necessary. Make sure the electrode gap is correctly set (see the specifications page in your manual for the correct gap for your specific model). To test the spark plug, hold its body against the engine crankcase and pull the recoil starter. If the sparks are strong and blue, the ignition coil is working properly. If there is no spark or it appears weak, remove the spark plug and cap. Hold the spark plug wire close to the engine body and pull the recoil starter to test the ignition coil. If sparks appear between the wire and the engine, the spark plug needs to be replaced. If there is no spark, the ignition coil may need to be replaced.

7) The low oil sensor is not working properly

If the spark plug is properly connected, there is no buildup, and it still does not ignite, then the low oil sensor may not be working properly. To check this, disconnect the wire coming from the side of the crankcase — usually a black, yellow, or black-yellow wire; see the images below. The location of this wire may vary slightly from generator to generator. If the generator starts after being disconnected from the circuit, then the oil sensor is faulty. Often, letting the engine run for a few minutes without reconnecting the wire will solve the problem. Otherwise, the engine may need to be completely disassembled to replace the oil sensor. Also, watch our helpful video on how to disconnect the oil sensor.

8) The battery is discharged

In generators with electric start, the battery may lose its charge over time due to lack of use. If this happens, simply start the generator using the pull starter to recharge the battery. If the device does not have a recoil starter, you may need to try alternative methods such as a third-party battery charger.

9) Electronics are connected during startup

Before starting the generator, make sure all electrical devices are disconnected. During startup, nothing should be connected to the generator, including empty extension cords.

10) Check the air filter

For proper combustion, the carburetor must receive enough air, so the air filter may need to be cleaned or replaced. Open the air filter housing on the side of the generator and check the sponge filter element inside. Clean or replace it if necessary. For video instructions on checking and replacing the air filter, click here or watch our helpful video on replacing the air filter kit.

Please note that this is a general overview for generators of all shapes, styles, and sizes. For a more detailed analysis of recommended startup and troubleshooting procedures, refer to the user manual for your specific generator model. If you are still having difficulty starting your generator, you can contact our service specialists at (+994) 50 247 44 03 or via email at [email protected].