2. Keep in mind that using stale gasoline typically any gasoline thats older than two months can be very damaging to your generators engine. Disconnect all devices and loads from the Predator 3500 generator. SOLUTION: If you find a restriction in the fuel line, turn off the fuel flow, and remove the line from the generator. It has only been ran one time for about 4 hours then gassed up getting ready for bed and it shut off. You can check the oil level using the dipstick on your generator, which may be located inside the crankcase. If the porcelain insulator is cracked, an electrode is burned away or damaged, or there is heavy carbon buildup at the electrode, replace the spark plug. Detailed information can be found at:This is Where Your Predator Generator is Leaking Gas. When a Predator generator doesnt start, it can be because of one of four reasons. About Us - Affiliate Disclosure - Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy, How to Fix a Kohler Courage XT-7 thats Not Starting. Inspect the filters condition. Check your setting to make sure you placed it in the right position. Remove as much dirt as possible. Store fuel in an approved fuel container away from moisture or combustible products. I've got a predator 3500 ran fine yesterday, today doesn't do any thing. 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. Follow all safety precautions found in the Predator operator's manual. Not all starting failures will be the fault of the device. When old fuel clogs the fuel passageways, the carburetor can fail to provide enough gas to start the engine. 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. The main get was partially clogged. Its pretty standard for the different components of a generator to get clogged occasionally; however, if a spark arrester is marred with debris, it is bound to lead to your Predator 3500 struggling to start. If you cant, replace it with a new filter. Spray carburetor cleaner to loosen the clog and blow compressed air to the line to remove it. 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 can be fixed in a matter of minutes. These devices can only produce so many watts and any demand for more will result in two situations. This will get to all the hidden parts built into the carb. 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. Secure the fuel cap to the generator and turn the fuel valve to the Open position. Keep reading to learn more about switching on your Predator generator! To clean out the carburetor, close the fuel valve and then remove the bowl at the bottom of the carburetor. Otherwise, proceed with cleaning. Oil can be like water and follow the easiest trail out of the engine. 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. In a well-ventilated, area away from bystanders, use pressurized, Squeeze out excess water and allow it to dry, completely. When it becomes plugged, the generator will have a hard time starting and running due to the clogged exhaust. This allows air to pass into the tank. To learn more about this generator, just continue to read our article. If your generator is trying to startup but the engine cant seem to turn over, the problem may be too much or too little air mixing with your fuel during combustion. Removed the bad fuel and cleaned up the carb. 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. Always remove the spark plug wire and wait for the engine to cool. When the engine doesnt get enough fuel, it will run sluggishly and possibly die. Use a fuel additive like. This happens when the generator is not level and is instead in a tilt. OR, can I replace it with a portable generator. Add up the wattage for the items that will be plugged in at one time to ensure it doesnt exceed the load limit. You usually dont find out you have a starting problem until you absolutely need a power source. Both would need an experienced repairman to handle those problems. Replace the filter if it is in bad condition. - Tester101 Dec 13, 2013 at 12:03 There are several common problems and one of the ones you need to know about is when you first buy this device. To prime your carburetor, grab the starter handle and gently pull it a few times to allow the fuel to flow into the carburetor. Other places to check for a fuel leak are the fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel shut-off valve, and fuel tank. Tried jumping battery. You can simply use a pull starter and add juice back into the battery. If your engine is cold, rotate the Choke to the Start position before attempting to power up the generator. Because I am completely dumbfounded at this point. A quick check saves you on embarrassment at the repair shop. have tried main starter switch and remote control. What Spark Plug Does a Predator 2000 Generator Take? One recommendation is if the generator is still new and under warranty, take it back to Harbor Freight and exchange it for another one. Make sure that the gas is filled up to the level needed. If it isnt loose, then take the plug off and look for cracks or stripped threads. SOLUTION: You can clean the spark plug to remove the deposits on the tip. Another common problem is that it may not start right away. All generators I know of are fitted with a low-level oil switch. It is a discount generator. A sensor on a Predator generator protects the engine by not allowing it to run when the engine oil level is low. To determine if the spark plug is defective, use a spark plug tester. (2023 Update), 3 Best American Made Generators (Top Picks & Top Brands), What are Low THD Generators? A dirty fuel filter will restrict fuel flow. Squeeze excess water out of the filter and allow it to completely dry. Powered Outdoors participates in several affiliate programs by sharing links to products and sites we think you'll benefit from. Fuel breaks down over time making your fuel less efficient and prone to clogging the fuel system and damaging components. It must then be adjusted to off once the engine is warm. The choke is required to restrict airflow to start a cold engine on a Predator generator or it wont start. Please let us know your exact situation down below and we will try to help. Chad and Rick are the father son team behind Generator Hero. Other sources will be low oil and gas in the engine. Ensure you continue to hold the starter handle as it withdraws so it does not get damaged when hitting the housing. If the drain plug cant be tightened, then you would need to replace it. Be sure to use a kit to safely remove all of the bad fuel. This happens when you run it at zero load for a long time or leave it unused for almost as long. Place on a flat surface and add oil until it is at the full level as indicated on the oil dipstick. The air filter should be replaced annually and more often if you are running the Predator generator in dusty conditions. 3. If your generator doesnt have a low engine sensor and has been run low on oil, it may no longer start because of damage. A low charge on a battery will prevent the generator from starting. Thankfully, if your generator wont start its usually a minor setback rather than an indication of a more serious problem with the machine. It may seem obvious, but its worth checking whether your generator has gasoline in the fuel tank. This prevents fuel from getting to the carburetor and your generator will fail to start. Reinsert the dipstick into the oil-fill tube, but dont screw on the cap. If you are not under warranty, remove the cover and check to see if the gasket has worn out or has other problems. This will enable the generator to start running. Like most other products you can buy today, you can go directly to the company and get your manual off their website. Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operators manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating. 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 Predator seems to be a very good generator even though it is made in China. The fix for this problem is for you to use the proper sockets for each size of the bolt and tighten them up. (Skip past this section if this isnt the first time youre using a Generator!). Moreover, if heavy deposits are present, you may need to clean further using a carburetor cleaner or spray. These fuels contain up to 15% and 85% ethanol. Always remove the spark plug wire and wait for the engine to cool. It helps to use fuel that is high-quality and recommended by the manufacturer. If the engine turns over with the solenoid bypassed, it is likely the starter solenoid is bad. 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. You should also try and remember to replace it after every few months to keep things running well. Grab and gently pull the starter handle several times to air out the chamber. This build-up will hinder the flow of fuel and make it run rough. briefly, then squeeze out the excess oil. That is a good deal especially since the Predator model is said to be very quiet and performs beyond expectations. Defective Voltage Regulator. 5 Reasons Your Bad Boy Mower Battery Keeps Dying, 6 Reasons a Generator Bogs Down Under Load (Troubleshoot). Before disconnecting the low oil sensor, ensure that your oil is topped off and your oil filters are not clogged. (Literally). 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. Ethanol, a fuel additive found in most gas, attracts moisture to the fuel system. Another good option is STA-BIL. If the generator starts after disconnecting this, the low oil sensor was very likely the culprit. 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. The second place to look would be the engine case. Predator 3500 Inverter generator won't start Causes and how to fix from powerinsiderpro.com. That is an interesting one. Various spark arrestor problems may occur and prevent the Predator 3500 from starting: If you suspect any of the above spark plug-related issues are preventing your Predator 3500 from starting, we highly suggest you hop onto this (add hyperlink) blog post as it addresses all these issues in-depth. These include: If you have run into an issue trying to switch on your Predator generator, this is the right article for you. 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. It has to be just right for the generator to work smoothly. Alternatively, you can use jumper cables to jump-start your generator battery using your car battery. The fuel was bad and the carburetor had some varnish. If the voltage regulator is damaged, it will prevent the battery from getting the charge it needs, causing the component to die. This is a website that seems to have every manual you can think of no matter the product. Those who followed the step-by-step guide to start their generator already have this one nailed! Or you simply buy a clean used carb and replace it. This way, you can save a lot of money and time. Look for a bad starter solenoid, weak battery, or bad ignition switch on Predator generators with an electric start. Fuel lines become dry and cracked causing gas to leak. Then unscrew the fuel cap and remove it. Sounds healthy but thats it. I check the battery and it's fine. Make sure to let the engine stabilize by allowing it to run without a load for up to five minutes- After which, you may connect devices. Check the fuel filter on the generator. Be careful as it may throw a spark. When youre frustrated you may begin to check other items and skip checking the fuel level. It can evaporate leaving behind gummy residues in the fuel lines, fuel filter, and carburetor. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In this case, you can switch the generator on by using the manual method. Predator 3500 Inverter Generator - Starts up on Start - Dies on Run. Drain the fuel tank. Well list out some questions, and if your answer happens to be a yes to any one of them, youll have to read the solution and fix your generator accordingly. These are items that can cause the solenoid to not work correctly. Oil provides the lubrication needed for the internal engine parts to move freely. Remove the access panel on the right side of the generator. It is also corrosive to the fuel system and engine. Note: the container must be placed lower than the fuel tank because fuel cannot run uphill without the assistance of a pump. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The tube did have a couple clogged holes and some green copper corrosion.I use Harbor Freight Super Heavy Duty Degreaser in my ultrasonic cleaner https://www.harborfreight.com/1-gallon-heavy-duty-degreaser-42998.htmlVisit My Amazon Store:https://www.amazon.com/shop/jamescondonIf you want to donate to the channel, you can use the YouTube \"Super Thanks\" feature or via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jamescondonYT#GeneratorRepair #SmallEngineRepair #SmallEngine #DIY #Fixed #Troubleshooting #HowTo Thats frustrating. Take out the outlet hose from the side of the fuel valve. Replace a dead battery or one that wont hold a charge. A carburetor is a likely place where a generator will begin leaking. If youre using propane to fuel your generator, make sure that the tank has enough gas and that all of the valves on the tank and tubing are opened. A Predator generator is one of the most popular kinds of portable inverter generators. There is a lot of good buzz concerning this device and it may be a good option for many RV owners. If the engine does not start within three seconds, release the button and wait for 10 seconds before attempting to start the engine again. First, make sure that the fuel valve is open and that if your generator has a vacuum relief valve above the gas tank, that gets opened too. Clean the components making up the carburetor. Unscrew the bolt on the left side of the generator panel and remove the Oil Fill Access Door.. Fixing a new Predator 3,500W Generator that WON'T START after 13 HOURS. Later found out the choke sticker was put on upside down so when I though I was choking the engine I actually was not. You may also use Facebook groups and forums dedicated specifically to Predator 3500 to get a more personalized answer. i am currently unable to start my generator. Remove it and look at the oil level on the dipstick. You can double-check that the spark plug is working by holding it against the engines crankcase while pulling the recoil starter if your generator has one a working spark plug will produce blue sparks. 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. Its best to take the generator to a service center to be repaired. 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. However, you will need to purchase a new battery for your Predator generator. Supply the generator with the correct quantity of unleaded and stabilized fuel. A bad or clogged fuel tank vent can also cause a fuel restriction. Bypass the solenoid to isolate it as the reason for failure. Replacement is not out of the question with this warranty. This may be a symptom of a carb that has been fed bad fuel. Predator 3500 generator will not start. Clean all of the components making up the carburetor. Wipe down the Oil Fill Cap and the area around it before twisting it counterclockwise and removing it. Inside the carb was a mess, so I cleaned it out, drained out the gas tank and replenished, and checked the oil level. 1). Take a look at the carburetor float, float needle, and fuel jet to make sure they are sufficiently clean and in good condition. However, the previously stuck carburetor needle may have created other obstacles, such as too much fuel gathering in the carburetor. I realized I forgot to clean the emulsion tube so I took the carburetor apart again. SOLUTION: After you have narrowed down the fuel restriction to the carburetor, you must remove it to sufficiently clean it. The switch is faulty on Predator models with an electric start. 6.5 hp (212cc) generator epa iii, predator 4000 generator parts. Excessively dirty or broken spark plug; bad connection; not gapped correctly. 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. Click here to get to it. If you can get it to turn over and it doesnt start, check for a clogged fuel system, old fuel, bad spark plug, faulty ignition coil, or plugged air filter. It is essential for you to understand why the generator isnt switching on, so you can try and resolve the problem at hand. The spark plug electrode may be wet or dirty. Rotate the combination switch to the Start position. 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? If it is dry, brittle, or torn, replace it with a new filter. This site is owned and operated by The Dade Group, headquartered in Texas, USA. If you are able to manually start it, you can narrow down your problem to the electric start system. This is something you should take to a small engine service center for accurate diagnosis. Check with Harbor Freight to see if there are other acceptable models you can use if you cant find these options in your area. If that is your problem, then check the fuel tank. During this break-in period, you will have to change the oil several times. Check the generator load limit. Ive replaced the switch and everything that I think could be the problem and still nothing. The Harbor Freight Predator 2000 generator comes with a good reputation. Unplug a few items from your electrical system. Never use gas with more than a 10% ethanol content. The easiest way to troubleshoot this is to try starting with the auxiliary recoil starter if your generator has one. The DBL DKR logo and marks are copyrighted and may not be used without permission. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. (Answered). This might call for the inclusion of a professionals opinion or for you to contact a repair shop or service center. One of the other reasons why your Predator generator isnt able to start is a lack of gas in the tank. Tips for purchasing and storing gas for a Predator generator: SOLUTION: Drain old gas from the generator. Push and hold the 'Starter Engine Button' for three seconds. I haven't started troubleshooting yet, but figured I'd ask . Replace if needed. PO Box 2200131704 N Milwaukee Ave.Ste DChicago, IL 60647, 4. 2021 DBLDKR. Replace with a new spark plug, secure connections, and ensure it is gapped to manufacturer specifications. Should we start with gasoline for first time? If this is causing problems, you have a simple solution available. 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