Not sure what to do next. Replace the filter if it is in bad condition. Hard to say without knowing more details. If your carburetor needle is stuck, you only need a tap of effort to solve it! Replace a screen that is damaged. Continue with Recommended Cookies. fuel is full. Clean all of the components making up the carburetor. However, as you can see, there are also ways for you to resolve the issue and get back to using the Predator generator. Don't worry: we are going to get through this together. If you do not want to clean, you can always buy a new air filter. Its best to take the generator to a service center to be repaired. 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. We have done many searches and the closest wiring diagram that pops up is for the Harbor Freight Predator 3500. Fill it with fresh fuel and a fuel additive like. A bad choke may also cause this problem. The best place to start with troubleshooting your generator is with some of the most common causes of starting 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). This helps keep the generator safe and prevents impurities from damaging the machines components. Inspect the filters condition. Consult a professional if you dont have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely. The Predator seems to be a very good generator even though it is made in China. With the over-filled oil tank, remove the excess oil as best as you can. The scored cylinder source means you will need a new generator. If it is loose, oil can make its way back up the hole and out the fill spout. Carburetor: https://amzn.to/3WhGvmV Show more Show. If you can't find recoil starter then use some other method. That is the most common issue. Be careful as it may throw a spark. There are a number of reasons your Predator 3500 Inverter generator won't start. Reasons a Predator Generator Wont Start: Solved! Would not start. If adjusting the choke seemed to help, but didnt solve the problem, your air filter may be to blame. Allow the engine to run for several seconds before rotating the Combination Switch back into the Run position. It can be worrying when you take your Predator generator out for a spin, and when you turn it on, the machine doesnt respond. 2. The second place to look would be the engine case. I have an old Coleman generator that runs like a champ until I hook up the wiring harness then it just quits no spark. That should clear the clog and get the generator running as it should. A dirty spark plug may provide an intermittent spark. Ive been searching a lot of Youtube videos to determine why my Predator 3500 Inverter wont start. Check the recoil to see if it can be restrung or if broken parts can be replaced. Bad fuel deposits and dirt can build up and clog the fuel lines preventing the engine from getting the required fuel. The choke controls the amount of air thats flowing into the carburetor during startup. Drain the fuel tank. Fix or replace faulty parts. Solution if you answered yes to any of the above questions . You might be wondering, is there a serious problem I cant fix? Predator 3500 generator will not start. What Spark Plug Does a Predator 2000 Generator Take? Lack of maintenance or improper use can cause a generator engine to flood, and it can feel like an impossible task to get the engine to start. 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. When it isnt set right, the air needed to run the generator will be restricted. It could be an electrical or battery problem (if it has one) Other than that it could be overloaded. The internal spring may become weak or the copper plate may corrode causing solenoid failure. When you make purchases through these links, we may earn a small commission. 152K views 4 years ago This Predator generator was not running. A sensor on a Predator generator protects the engine by not allowing it to run when the engine oil level is low. 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. Set down an oil drain pan directly under the drain plug opening. Most modern generators are equipped with a sensor that will automatically shut down your generator when oil levels are low to protect the engine. A dirty fuel filter will restrict fuel to the carburetor. The fuel was bad and the carburetor had some varnish. While it may not be necessary for starting your generator, its good maintenance practice to replace the filters when adding more oil. Rotate the choke to the Start position. I haven't started troubleshooting yet, but figured I'd ask . Ensure it is in the full range on the dipstick. Oil is just as important as having fuel for running your generator. Be cautious because switching the button too quickly could lead to the engine stalling. Have you also checked your spark plug? Manage Settings Detach the Oil Drain Bolt and tilt the generator around until you are sure all the engine oil has escaped through the drain plug. It has several options for you to look over and select. nothing. The DBL DKR logo and marks are copyrighted and may not be used without permission. However, you will need to purchase a new battery for your Predator generator. This way, you can save a lot of money and time. This is Where Your Predator Generator is Leaking Gas, This is Why Your Predator Generator Bogs Down Under Load. Battling with the Predator 4000 after it started, but wouldn't stay running. In this case, you might need to replace older fluids, broken fuel lines, or even faulty spark plugs. Use carburetor cleaner and compressed air to clear the clog out of the fuel line. i am currently unable to start my generator. A weak starter, bad battery, or bad ground can also be the reason for the solenoid failure. The sensors disable this in an effort to minimize possible damage. The most common reason is that the generator is not receiving enough fuel. If you are unable to remove the fuel restriction or you find the line is dry or cracked replace it with a new fuel line of the same diameter and length. These include a plugged air filter, plugged spark arrestor, dirty spark plug, or faulty ignition coil. 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 battery shows 12.1 volts, power to the starter motor. Ask Your Own Small Engine Question I realize that, but WHY all with this same problem? Rick is an engineer and manager, hes used generators his whole life and specializes in fact checking our articles. The engine cannot use any of the fuel, and so the generator cannot start. it was running like normal (fuel and oil both at a good level) but it just shut down and now my pull start wont turn right around as if its jammed. Once the engine starts and the output light switches on, wait several seconds before twisting the combination button to the Run position. 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? The plastic on the filter can degrade causing it to leak at the seams. Check the generator load limit. However, I have sometimes run into issues with switching the generator on. 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. Incorrect spark timing or ignition issues. If it is not, correct the engine oil level by removing or adding a little oil until it is at the correct level. Spark Plug and Ignition Problems Preventing Predator 3500 From Starting. 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. 1 Incorrect Oil Level Will Prevent Start. How do You Clean The Air Filter On a Predator 2000 Generator? Be sure to use a kit to safely remove all of the bad fuel. Flooded. Disconnect all devices and loads from the Predator 3500 generator. 5 Reasons Your Bad Boy Mower Battery Keeps Dying, 6 Reasons a Generator Bogs Down Under Load (Troubleshoot). Squeeze excess water out of the filter and allow it to completely dry. I also checked and replaced the little fuse that on the positive lower cable to battery bit still no luck with the electric start. Check for sticking valves, or blockages. 1). This is a website that seems to have every manual you can think of no matter the product. Inline fuel filter (filter inserted between the fuel lines). Another website you can use is found at this link. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Make sure that you use the correct oil that Predator recommends for use with the generator. Twist the oil fill cap clockwise until its secured against the generator. Remove the oil fill cap and wipe off the dipstick with a clean cloth to remove the oil. Replace it if it has any of those issues. It is also corrosive to the fuel system and engine. No help. Use a fuel additive like. Customer: Checking fuel oil, fuel shut off valve JA: Anything else we should know to help you best? 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 . 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. It has to be just right for the generator to work smoothly. It will however start up with no problem with the pull cord. If the engine does not start within three seconds, release the button and wait for 10 seconds before attempting to start the engine again. Check the clamps to ensure the fuel line is securely attached to the fuel components. 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. Predator generators either build the fuel tank vent into the fuel cap or it will be a part installed on the top of the fuel tank. Chad is a writer and webmaster helping to keep things running smoothly on the site. However, do not rotate it too quickly because the engine could stall. Depending on the price difference, it may be better to replace the recoil assembly over tearing it down and replacing broken components. We really just want to use it with propane only. 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. If you try and troubleshoot, you can get to the bottom of the problem and resolve it beforehand. Just keep in mind that its maximum wattage output is 2000 watts. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Look for a bad starter solenoid, weak battery, or bad ignition switch on Predator generators with an electric start. If your engine is cold, rotate the Choke to the Start position before attempting to power up the generator. Other sources will be low oil and gas in the engine. Then you are ready to use the generator again. (Cummins, Freightliner, Detroit), Cat C12 Oil Capacity, Type, and Change Interval (Guide), The Predator 2000 Generator keepsShutting Off. 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. What make/model on your RV and what size output does it produce? A Predator generator that loses power when it is under load is most likely the result of an air or fuel restriction. 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. Tried jumping battery. Meaning, if the oil level is low, the engine won't start. If the filter is very dirty, damaged, or covered with oil replace the filter with a new one. These are items that can cause the solenoid to not work correctly. I know there are several sources that say you can clean it while installed, but you cant get it truly clean without disassembling it to remove as much buildup as possible. It is a discount generator. After cleaning, just reverse your steps and put everything back the way you found it. It must then be adjusted to off once the engine is warm. How old is it? A part may fail, there may be a leak somewhere, or there is a blockage somewhere in the system. Fuel lines become dry and cracked causing gas to leak. This allows air to pass into the tank. The link to the instructions at Harbor Freight is found at this link. The choke must be on to restrict airflow when starting a cold engine. The batteries are out of charge or have become dead. When the ignition coil fails it wont provide voltage to the spark plug. 6.5 hp (212cc) generator epa iii, predator 4000 generator parts. Back the way you found it keep in mind that its maximum output! 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