17 Reasons Why Your Generator Isn't Working | Part II | Moore Heating
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17 Reasons Why Your Generator Isn’t Working | Part II

17 Reasons Why Your Generator Isn’t Working | Part II

Dec
19

Last month, we shared part I of our series on “reasons why your generator isn’t working.” Today, we’re publishing part II! Keep learning about what you can do to troubleshoot your stubborn, uncooperative generator until a professional arrives.

9. Fuel Shut-Off Valve Is Closed

If your generator is struggling to start, it may be because your fuel shut-off valve is closed. Not all generators have these, and some are located on the gas cap. Check to see if your generator has a shut-off valve, and if it does, make sure it is open. If it is not, the generator will start momentarily on old gas and fumes, but it will stop just as soon as this gas has left the engine.

10. Fuel is Bad or Wrong

Generators that have not been used in a while sometimes run into the issue of having old, untreated fuel leftover in the tank. When this happens, the fuel leaves a residue in the fuel system that clogs the generator and makes it difficult to run. Fuel can also degrade over time. If either of these situations is the case for your generator, it may need to be drained and the fuel replaced. You should also make sure that you are using the recommended fuel type for your generator.

11. Fuel Goes Back Into the Tank

This issue is only common among new generators that are manufactured according to the latest emissions requirements. If you are having this issue with an old generator, it is likely that you have a leak in the fuel line or valves. Check these for leaks.

12. Low Oil

Some generators have a low oil sensor that causes the engine to shut down when it senses low levels of oil. Just like with your car engine, your generator engine can experience permanent damage if it runs without oil. Be sure to replace your oil regularly.

13. Coolant Temperature Is Low/High

There are also generators that have an alarm for when their coolant is approaching high temperatures. This could be due to an internal or external leak. Low coolant temperatures are often due to a failed block heater.

14. Block Heater Failure

Block heaters are made to heat the coolant in your generator when it circulates around the engine block, to keep it warm and to prevent the oil in the engine from thickening. This helps the engine start in cold weather and it also keeps all of the different kinds of metal in the engine expanded so that they do not rub against each other in the wrong way and cause wear. You may be experiencing difficulty starting your generator because the block heater has failed.

15. Clogged Carburetor

Your generator may not be starting because the carburetor is clogged. If this is true, do not touch it, your carburetor needs to be disassembled and cleaned by a professional.

16. Clogged Valves, Lines, or Fuel Pump

Clogged valves, lines, or a clogged fuel pump will hurt the delivery of fuel to your engine, which could also be the reason why your generator is not starting.

17. Generator Overload

Finally, your generator may not be starting due to overload. Each generator is designed to handle a specific load. Check to see if you might be running too many appliances, turn some off, and see if the change helps.

If none of our suggestions are working for you or if your generator seems to have an issue that requires a professional, give us a call at Moore Heating! We sell Generac generators and our technicians are factory trained and certified for their repairs. Stay warm this winter!