Generator Starts But Won’t Running? So don’t start a panic attack! Generator troubleshooting is what I do, and the tips here will help you get your generator running again.
Most generator service calls in the US are due to faulty starting circuits.
A generator will only keep running if it can start. If a generator can’t start, it’s not producing power. Understanding the starting circuit is important because it’s one of the easiest and most common problems you’ll encounter when working on residential generators.
The Generator Starts But won’t Stay Running
Here are two potential problems to look for if your generator begins but won’t continue to run: check to see if it’s not too full. The first thing to check is the fuel source. If there isn’t any gas in the tank, it won’t start. After that, you should check for mechanical problems preventing it from turning over.
When a generator doesn’t start, the issue is usually not the same as when an engine won’t. There are many reasons why a generator won’t keep running, so to ensure you have a solution that works, you need to know exactly what’s wrong with your generator.
The Generator shuts off after 20 Minutes
When your generator runs for 20 minutes but shuts off after that, it could be a few different issues. First, it could be an electrical issue where the generator is not getting enough electricity to run or won’t even start.
If the problem is with the generator itself, you need to contact a professional who can fix it. However, if the problem is related to your home’s power source, there are a few things you can check on your end.
Check your circuit breakers and reset them if needed. Also, check your fuses and replace them if needed. If these are all intact, check your outlet with another appliance to ensure there is still power to the outlet and that nothing is overheating due to an overload of appliances hooked up.
If everything seems normal and you still have no luck getting the generator to turn on again, you may have a problem with the wiring in your house or the wires connecting your house to the pole outside.
Again, a professional electrician can help you determine what’s wrong and how best to bring power back into your home without turning off the rest of the neighborhood.
Possible Causes
The generator starts but won’t keep running.
If your generator starts but will run for a maximum of a few minutes, there is a good chance that the problem is a dirty carburettor.
The main cause of short-running generators is dirty fuel filters and clogged fuel passages. Dirt can get into the carburettor and choke off the fuel supply. This can happen when you are not using your generator for long periods or using poor-quality fuel with low octane levels.
To fix this issue, you need to do two things: clean out the carburettor and adjust the air/fuel mixture (if necessary). Here are some steps to help you get started:
Remove the fuel tank drain plug and let the gas drain out. This will remove most of any dirt from inside the tank itself.
Clean off all external debris around the carburettor housing (if necessary). Debris can interfere with airflow through the carburettor, especially if it blocks an air filter element or screen in one of the outlets on top of your carburettor housing.
Low oil level – Low oil in your generator can cause it to overheat and damage its internal components. Check the oil level and add more if needed.
Faulty fuel line – If the fuel line is kinked or damaged, it may not be able to deliver enough fuel to keep your generator running. Inspect the fuel line for damage and replace it if necessary.
Leaking fuel filter – A leaking fuel filter can prevent enough gas from reaching your engine, causing it to stop working properly. Check the filter for leaks and replace it if necessary.
Also See: Understanding the capabilities of a 1200 watt generator
Check to See if Your Generator Is Getting Enough Fuel
Generator Starts But Won’t Keep Running? Check to See if Your Generator Is Getting Enough Fuel
If your generator starts but won’t keep running, the problem may be a low fuel level. This is especially true for portable generators, which have limited fuel tanks. If you haven’t run your generator in a while, it might need more fuel to keep going for more than a few minutes.
To avoid this problem in the future, make sure you check the fuel level before using your generator. Keep an eye on what fuel you’re using, too — if it’s ethanol-based, that could affect how much you need. And avoid turning on your generator when it’s not connected to any appliances — this can drain its fuel supply, create carbon monoxide leaks, and even start fires!
Here’s how you can see if there is any problem with the fuel pump.
Change the Fuel Filter
There are instances where your generator cannot acquire enough fuel to keep running because of a defective fuel filter.
A bad or malfunctioning fuel filter will cause power fluctuations, misfiring, or stalling. The same symptoms will be present with your generator.
The gasoline left in the fuel line allows you to start the generator, but once it has burned off, it will no longer operate.
This issue can be resolved by changing the fuel filter.
Open the Fuel Valve
The fuel valve controls the flow of fuel into the appropriate pipelines. Your generator won’t even turn on if it’s shut. However, if your generator stops working after a while, it can be because a fuel valve is clogged and not allowing enough gasoline to enter the engine.
Replace or Clean a Clogged Fuel Pump
The fuel valve controls the flow of fuel into the appropriate pipelines. Your generator won’t even turn on if it’s shut. However, if your generator stops working after a while, it can be because a fuel valve is clogged and not allowing enough gasoline to enter the engine.
Clean the Carburetor if It Is Clogged
One of the most likely reasons why your generator stops working after a few minutes is a blocked carburettor. The fuel in the carburettor’s float bowl may be gummy and sticky or become clogged. Leaving fuel in the engine for an extended period frequently results in this.
Over time, some fuel additives will evaporate, leaving behind a thick, sticky fuel that might clog the carburettor’s ports and jets. This will then cause issues with the engine’s performance.
If cleaning your carburettor doesn’t keep your generator running, you might need to replace it.
A Quick but Temporary Fix
You can get your generator operating using Seafoam if it breaks down when you need it, and you think it has to do with the fuel system (link to Amazon).
I now frequently use this stuff in my little engines because I love it.
Using these things can be helpful if the issue is old, sticky fuel. Nevertheless, you will eventually need to clean the carburettor, fuel filter, and other parts.
Clean the Air Filter
Your generator may stall if your air filters are unclean, much like a poor fuel filter can. While unlikely, a dirty air filter prevents the generator’s engine from receiving enough air. As a result, it may cause your generator to shut off after a short period or possibly engine failure.
Prevent Vapor Lock
A vapour lock occurs when the fuel used in your generator overheats and vaporises too quickly. As a result, gas bubbles are created, which may obstruct fuel delivery. Your generator will become inoperable and won’t start again until the engine has cooled down.
Make sure only to add new fuel to the tank and use a fuel stabiliser as much as possible to prevent vapour lock. Additionally, clean the gasoline filter and apply oil of the proper quality.
Also See: Maximizing the use of your 3500 Watt generator
Exhaust system blockage
The generator won’t be able to run if the smoke is not eliminated from the system since it can’t burn any more gasoline. So for the generator to keep running, the smoke produced by the engine must be eliminated after combustion.
Check the exhaust system to the combustion chamber if you observe less smoke being created than usual.
Electrical problems
There may be issues with the generator’s wiring and the current passage from the battery to the components, leading to a shutdown. There won’t be ignition, and the rest of the system won’t work properly if there is an issue with the wiring or battery connections.
Also See: Generator wattage for a 5000 BTU air conditioner
Other Solutions
Here are some additional options you could try in addition to these:
- Make sure the engine has enough oil. Your generator might start with low oil levels, but it will sputter and shut off as the oil heats up and pushes the system to shut off. This safeguard was included in the engine to keep it safe.
- It was changing out a fouled spark plug. While a defective spark plug frequently prevents your generator from starting, it can occasionally cause it to run for a little while before shutting down. If this occurs, clean or replace the spark plug.
Conclusion
In the above article I have explained the condition Generator Starts But Wont Stay Running? When working on generator troubleshooting, it is always recommended to perform a visual inspection to look for any obvious problems like loose wiring and dirty gas tanks.
Beyond that, there are four common but simple and essential steps that you can take when things aren’t working correctly: (1) check the fuel, (2) check the battery, (3) check the starter, and (4) check the air filter. I have explained all possible causes of the given problem in this article. I hope you will find it useful.
FAQs
What might cause 3 cranks in a diesel generator to not start?
This issue could have a variety of causes. But a fuel shortage is the main problem. Your generator will now begin to run. In this circumstance, it will start to be more challenging. The problem should be resolved by adding new fuel to your generator.
Why is it not recommended to operate a diesel generator at a low load?
There may be poor combustion at low loads. Remains of unburned fuel result from this. Your generator will experience clogs and gummed-up pistons as a result.
Why do we use diesel generators?
With diesel generators, you can generate electric energy. This is, of course, with the help of a diesel engine and an electric generator. Diesel generators are fuel efficient, even more than petrol generators. It can be used when there is no power. Or it can even be used in areas where you won’t find connections to your power grid. That’s why diesel generators are a big deal.
Recommended Post: