When emergencies happen, you need your generator ready to go. Standby generators are critical for many industries, but they often sit unused for long periods, leading to problems that prevent the generator from starting when needed most.
If your industrial or commercial generator will not start, here are some troubleshooting tips you can try to get it running. Generators come in various shapes, sizes, and styles, so you will need to refer to your model’s manual for specific guidelines, but this general overview can teach about common issues and how to prevent them from happening in the future.
If your generator cranks but won’t start, it could be because of a fuel problem. Check your fuel levels to ensure there is enough supply. Look for any fuel leaks due to human error or issues with the fuel level gauge. Gauges can become stuck in position and display incorrect readings, so regularly confirm accuracy by manually measuring fuel levels.
For generators that run on gasoline, always add fresh gasoline when it runs low. Old or stale gasoline can cause clogs and hard starts, so if your gasoline is over two months old, it may be time to replace it.
Engines require oil to run smoothly, so if you are running low, your generator won’t start. Maintain your oil levels to ensure optimal performance. If you haven’t used your generator in a while, you may want to replace your oil so you can trust that it will run seamlessly when you need it.
Most generators have an oil sensor that will notify you when levels are low, but sensors can malfunction. Always check oil levels with a dipstick when doing monthly maintenance. If oil levels are acceptable and you suspect your sensor is preventing the generator from starting, try disconnecting its wire. If the generator starts, then you should look into repairing or replacing your sensor.
Spark plugs can become dirty over time as carbon deposits build up on their surfaces. Remove your spark plug to inspect it for buildup, wear, or damage. You can clean it to see if that helps, but if it has extensive wear or damage, it is time to replace it.
Ensure the spark plug is properly gapped and fastened. You can test the spark plug by holding it close to the tester’s terminal while the engine cranks. Strong sparks with a blue color mean the plug and ignition coil are fine. If there are no sparks, try removing the spark plug and cap and then putting the end of the wire near the engine body. Sparks signify that the spark plug needs to be replaced, while no sparks mean the ignition coil should be replaced.
The choke should be closed, not open, when starting your generator. When it is closed, it restricts air intake to create an ideal fuel-to-air mixture for a cold start. As the engine ignites and warms up, you can open the choke valve to let in more air for more efficient performance. If your generator is not starting, check to see if your choke lever is in the open or closed position.
Your generator needs clean and plentiful air intake to circulate throughout the engine. Dirty air filters can prevent the generator from starting. Filters are easy to check, clean and replace as needed to ensure the carburetor gets enough air for ignition.
To get a generator started, you need to ensure the carburetor has enough air and fuel to ignite. If your air filters are clean and your fuel tank is full, you may have an issue with the fuel supply getting to your carburetor. Looking into these components can reveal where the fuel line could be clogged:
Standby generators are not used every day, so carburetor problems can be common when they are not properly drained between uses. Leftover fuel that sits in the generator for extended periods can clog the carburetor and prevent it from starting. To start a generator that has been sitting, first check that the carburetor is clean.
The best way to maintain your carburetor is to drain it and your fuel tank before storing the generator. You can open the drain at the bottom of the carburetor’s bowl or remove the entire bowl to clean it out. Running your generator at least once a month can also help ensure the carburetor is functioning properly.
If your generator won’t turn over, you may have a battery failure. Batteries can lose their charge over time if they aren’t used regularly. You may need to charge your battery to ensure it is ready for use. Some issues can start with the battery charger itself, so check the charging source as well to ensure it is not faulty.
Loose wiring, dirty buildup, and rusted connections are other common battery issues. Regular maintenance to clean, tighten, and replace components as needed will help you prevent potential failure in the future. Running your generator at least once a month can also prevent the battery from draining.
You should always start your generator with no load and let it run at a stable speed before plugging anything into it. The initial power surges and sudden spikes during startup can damage electrical devices. Electronics plugged in during startup can also strain interior generator components, leading to more damage.
If your generator starts up but shuts down after a while, there could be a problem with the cooling system. Coolant is critical to regulating temperatures and prolonging engine life span. Check coolant levels regularly to prevent your generator from overheating or experiencing mechanical failures.
Schedule Preventive Maintenance for Your GeneratorRegular maintenance is the key to ensuring your generator is ready when you need it most. By frequently checking fuel and oil levels, cleaning and replacing components, and running your generator, you can keep it in optimal condition.
At Thompson Power Systems, we understand generators and what it takes to maintain them. Our experts can help you develop a maintenance plan and perform regular maintenance on your generator to verify that your generator will operate when you need it. Contact us today to schedule maintenance or learn more about our equipment selection.
