Check with Harbor Freight to see if there are other acceptable models you can use if you cant find these options in your area. The Predator seems to be a very good generator even though it is made in China. Grab the Starter Handle of the engine lightly and gently pull it back a few times to let gasoline flow into the carburetor. Running your generator at low oil levels can severely damage the engine and pose a significant hazard. Sometimes, the low oil level can be a false reading by the oil sensor. 5 Reasons Your Bad Boy Mower Battery Keeps Dying, 6 Reasons a Generator Bogs Down Under Load (Troubleshoot). Bad battery, loose wires, dirty terminals (electric start). In this case, you might need to replace older fluids, broken fuel lines, or even faulty spark plugs. (Literally). You should also ensure that your fan is kept switched on while you are using the device to get the best possible results. If it looks dirty or clogged, try replacing it and moving the choke back to the proper starting position. In some cases, though, the generator may not be able to switch back on. Make sure that you use the correct oil that Predator recommends for use with the generator. Purchases made through these links may provide a commission for us, at no extra cost to you. 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. Ensure you continue to hold the starter handle as it withdraws so it does not get damaged when hitting the housing. Remove the filter and clean it. Trouble shooting tips. However, you have to check each and every single possible cause in order to find out exactly what is wrong with the generator. have tried main starter switch and remote control. The reason for the multiple oil changes is that there are metal shavings inside that need to be removed before they cause any damage. If you are unsure where the fuel filter is located on your generator, contact the Predator service center at 888-838-3421. Finally, another problem that you can run into is that your generator is not starting. Never use gas with more than a 10% ethanol content. Turn the ESC Throttle switch to the Off position. Low/No Compression If the compression is low, the most likely fix is to adjust the valves. If it is loose, oil can make its way back up the hole and out the fill spout. The generator wont start in these two situations. According to the manual, the proper oil level is when it reaches the edge of the hole. And if the A/C is starting hard for some reason it will be even worse. Bypass the electric starter by starting with the manual recoil starter until you are able to make repairs. The switch is a fail-safe feature, preventing engine failure. Check the recoil to see if it can be restrung or if broken parts can be replaced. (Answered). Reinsert the dipstick into the oil-fill tube, but dont screw on the cap. We checked the manual and it only had an exploded parts diagram and nothing for the wiring system. Replace the fuel lines. Check both tanks to make sure they are not your problem. If you have stale gasoline in the tank, youll need to empty out the fuel tank and the carburetor, then refill with fresh gas. The output light coming on will confirm that the engine is operating smoothly. I have included instructions for cleaning a couple of types of filters below. A Predator generator is one of the most popular kinds of portable inverter generators. Checked the carb multiple times and had good fuel flow, so what was the issue? Dirt and grass can plug the air filter preventing airflow. Add oil if the level is low. Otherwise, proceed with cleaning. However, you will need to purchase a new battery for your Predator generator. When the starter recoil wears or parts of the recoil break, its hard or impossible to get the generator started. This post may include affiliate links. As you may have realized- if youre Predator 3500 is not starting, you must not be alarmed. 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 fuel was bad and the carburetor had some varnish. Chad is a writer and webmaster helping to keep things running smoothly on the site. 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. A low charge on a battery will prevent the generator from starting. A buildup of material in the spark arrestor screen will prevent air from moving through the exhaust. Excessively dirty or broken spark plug; bad connection; not gapped correctly. . If the engine turns over with the solenoid bypassed, it is likely the starter solenoid is bad. Sounds healthy but thats it. 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. If it wont hold a charge, its time to replace the battery with a new one. Check the cables and wiring to make sure you have good continuity and making good connections. Turn the 'ESC Throttle switch to the 'Off position. 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. 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. Drain the fuel tank and fill it with fresh fuel. Unplug a few items from your electrical system. 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. Take out the outlet hose from the side of the fuel valve. You can check the oil level using the dipstick on your generator, which may be located inside the crankcase. 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. Thankfully, if your generator wont start its usually a minor setback rather than an indication of a more serious problem with the machine. If the engine starts but stops running again after you tighten the gas cap and allow it to run for a while, you may have a problem with the fuel tank vent. If you can't find recoil starter then use some other method. Replace the recoil assembly if needed. The final spot to check would be the valve cover gasket. Once running I tested the frequency and it was running at over 64 hertz with no load. If you are able to manually start it, you can narrow down your problem to the electric start system. Other times you will have to replace broken parts in your recoil. Other sources will be low oil and gas in the engine. Customer: Checking fuel oil, fuel shut off valve JA: Anything else we should know to help you best? Charge the battery. If the battery fails to hold a charge, replace the battery. Squeeze excess water out of the filter and allow it to completely dry. The good news is most portable Predator generators with an electric start have a manual starter recoil installed to pull-start it to get it running. 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. One is to clean the carb with a high-powered ultrasonic mechanism. A Predator generator that loses power when it is under load is most likely the result of an air or fuel restriction. 152K views 4 years ago This Predator generator was not running. I've got a predator 3500 ran fine yesterday, today doesn't do any thing. 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). Spark ignites the fuel and air mixture to start the engine. Clean the components making up the carburetor. Youll also want to look for items that can restrict airflow or spark. Also, the oil may be too low. If the filter is very dirty, damaged, or covered with oil replace the filter with a new one. Clean the filter using mild detergent and water. 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. If not, thats a clear reason why your engine would fail to turn over. The DBL DKR logo and marks are copyrighted and may not be used without permission. Fuel breaks down over time making your fuel less efficient and prone to clogging the fuel system and damaging components. 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? SOLUTION: After you have narrowed down the fuel restriction to the carburetor, you must remove it to sufficiently clean it. 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. 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. Should we start with gasoline for first time? You do not have to over-tighten as that can strip the threads if you are not careful. But we understand everyones situation is unique. Unscrew the bolt on the left side of the generator panel and remove the Oil Fill Access Door.. Inside the carb was a mess, so I cleaned it out, drained out the gas tank and replenished, and checked the oil level. Inspect the filters condition. Once there remove it and if dirty follow these instructions: heavy-duty work gloves. Always remove the spark plug wire and wait for the engine to cool. Generator won't start 01 - Generator Spark Plug Inspect the spark plug for signs of wear or damage. 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) Remove it and look at the oil level on the dipstick. Check the fuel filter on the generator. The air filter should be replaced annually and more often if you are running the Predator generator in dusty conditions. There are a number of ways that your generator can struggle to switch on. Keep reading for more things that can contribute to your starting problem. 3. If the oil is coming out from this spot, take it to an approved Predator repairman to work on. If these methods still dont work, the reason your generator wont start probably isnt because of a dead battery. Do you know what the problem could be?. Its best to take the generator to a service center to be repaired. Dade Group LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking toAmazon.com. If both of those check out, the coil is bad. When starting a generator cold that is, it hasnt been running for at least the past few hours the choke should be set all the way closed. When the ignition coil fails it wont provide voltage to the spark plug. This is a situation where you simply have too many electrical devices plugged into the generator. My. OR, can I replace it with a portable generator. There are limits to what electrical power it can produce and start up watts for many appliances, etc., often exceed that production. astrozombee 2 yr. ago Mine runs one 1500W unit. What make/model on your RV and what size output does it produce? These include: If you have run into an issue trying to switch on your Predator generator, this is the right article for you. It will however start up with no problem with the pull cord. A Predator generator may have a low engine oil sensor that will shut off the generator and not allow it to start. Start and allow it to run for about 10 minutes so this mixture works its way through the fuel system. Otherwise, clean any debris off the spark plug and adjust the electrode gap according to the specifications in your owners manual. The generator will start up when the knob is in the start position. Replace if needed. The first thing that you should check in this case is your fuel tank. These include: There is too little oil to start running as expected. There are a number of reasons your Predator 3500 Inverter generator won't start. Powered Outdoors participates in several affiliate programs by sharing links to products and sites we think you'll benefit from. Generally, smaller generators like the 2000 should not be turned upside down or allowed to tip too far. The most common source for this problem is that the carb is clogged. Apply SAE 30 engine oil to the filter so it is coated in oil. I have only run it 3-4 times since purchase. You could also rain the gas and oil and refill if you keep having issues. Fuel Passage blocked & clogged fuel filter. If the voltage regulator is damaged, it will prevent the battery from getting the charge it needs, causing the component to die. The most common Predator generator problems are: Take caution when performing repairs. nothing. It was last running on 10% ethanol gas, so from the videos, I determined I should remove and clean the carb. Before you start tearing apart the carburetor to clean it, make sure you are getting sufficient fuel to the carburetor. Take a look at it to ensure it isnt torn and doesnt have any holes in the screen. Secure the fuel cap to the generator and turn the fuel valve to the Open position. That is an interesting one. Reasons a Predator Generator Wont Start: Solved! Chad is a writer and webmaster helping to keep things running smoothly on the site. Just make them nice and snug so that the oil cannot get out anymore. My firman generator Model #P08004 is brand new (4 months old). 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. Set down an oil drain pan directly under the drain plug opening. . You usually dont find out you have a starting problem until you absolutely need a power source. Dade Group LLC also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. Click here to get to it. A quick check saves you on embarrassment at the repair shop. Use a fuel stabilizer to keep gas stable longer. 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. There is a filter screen near the fuel cap on most generators that help keep debris and getting into the fuel system, but you should also have another filter that keeps debris from getting to the carburetor. Manage Settings You can simply use a pull starter and add juice back into the battery. battery full and on permanent trickle charge. Just breathe easy, and follow these simple instructions to help diagnose your unit's problems. That is a good deal especially since the Predator model is said to be very quiet and performs beyond expectations. - Tester101 Dec 13, 2013 at 12:03 Make sure the battery is charged. 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. Check the back of the owners manual for other trouble shooting tips. One of the other reasons why your Predator generator isnt able to start is a lack of gas in the tank. Another website you can use is found at this link. Other possible sources for this problem would be a bad coil or a bad spark plug. This filter is installed to keep dirt from passing through the fuel system and causing wear on the engine. 1) It's low on oil Check the oil level in the crankcase. Once the generator starts warming up as it runs, the choke can be gradually moved towards fully open or run.. Check for sticking valves, or blockages. Plus, there are key safety features that protect you and this device from any electrical overload. [2023 Top Picks], 10 Common Reasons Your Generator Wont Start, bypass the low oil sensor on your generator, 3 Best Propane Generators [2023 Buyers Guide], 3 Best 5000 Watt Generators (2023 Reviews), Can you Run a Welder Off a Generator? Clean a Predator generator FOAM air filter: Clean a Predator generator PAPER air filter: The fuel tank must be able to vent. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If the oil is low, check your manufacturers guidelines on what type of engine oil is suitable for your generator. These include a plugged air filter, plugged spark arrestor, dirty spark plug, or faulty ignition coil. To clean out the carburetor, close the fuel valve and then remove the bowl at the bottom of the carburetor. Clean all of the components making up the carburetor. Both would need an experienced repairman to handle those problems. Use a brush and towels to clean out any fuel debris and use a sewing needle or safety pin to clean out the brass jet nozzle. Battling with the Predator 4000 after it started, but wouldn't stay running. Remove the engine cover and check the coil gap. This could be just about anything that went wrong with the unit. Just like in a car, if your generators battery has run out the electric starter cant work. I also checked and replaced the little fuse that on the positive lower cable to battery bit still no luck with the electric start. The fuel valves are clogged and cannot disperse fuel to the motor. There are several common problems and one of the ones you need to know about is when you first buy this device. There are several reasons the Predator 3500 generator may not start. Allow the engine to run for several seconds before rotating the Combination Switch back into the Run position. Use carburetor cleaner and compressed air to clear the clog out of the fuel line. Ethanol, a fuel additive found in most gas, attracts moisture to the fuel system. Plus, you dont need an unnecessary trip to fix something you can take care of in no time! 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. If it does, the screen must be replaced with a new one. (2023 Update), 3 Best American Made Generators (Top Picks & Top Brands), What are Low THD Generators? If its setting is correct, check that the choke linkage is working properly and the choke is not sticking. It has only been ran one time for about 4 hours then gassed up getting ready for bed and it shut off. Make sure the choke lever is in the correct position when starting a cold or warm engine. Its easy to forget to check this simple obvious reason a generator wont start. Either through the on/off switch, which runs because of the battery, or manually. Thats why, in this article, we have gone through all of the possible checklist items you should go through to identify the issue. 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