12 Causes of a Champion Generator’s Untimely Demise

If your generator suddenly stops working, leaving you without power, you must investigate the cause promptly. I hope this guide becomes useful to you.

An empty gasoline tank, a clogged fuel filter, filthy carburetor, clogged fuel line, faulty gas cap, dirty spark plug, faulty ignition coil, low engine oil level, or old gas might cause a Champion generator to start up and then shut down.

The engine must be allowed to cool completely before any work can be started, therefore disconnect the spark plug wire first. Always remember to take the measures outlined in the instructions.

champion generators

When troubleshooting, repairing, or using a piece of equipment, be sure to first read and follow all safety instructions found in the manual. If you don’t feel confident in your ability to conduct the repair safely on your own, it’s best to call in an expert.

The Champion Generator Attempts to Start, but Immediately Stops Working

Champion Generator Has No Gas

When the fuel level gets too low, the generator automatically shuts off. If the generator stops working sooner than expected, it may be due to a fuel leak or an inaccurate fuel gauge, so make sure to inspect both.

Put the generator on a level surface, that’s the answer. Fix any leaks and replace the broken fuel gauge. When the generator’s fuel gauge drops to “E,” it’s time to refuel.

An Outdated Fuel Supply for a Champion Generator

The vast majority of homes with backup generators rarely use them. It’s common to have on hand in case of an unexpected outing or emergency.

A generator’s fuel system can become clogged with varnish if gas is left in it for extended periods of time. The generator will splutter and possibly stop working if fuel pressure drops.

For optimal performance, gas should be used as soon as possible after purchase and completely used up within 30 days.

It’s easier said than done, I know. Only during a power outage can you use the generator, and how long it lasts is anyone’s guess.

This is why you should treat new gas with an additive before putting it in the gas tank. Sea Foam Motor Treatment is a gasoline stabilizer and moisture remover that can extend the fuel’s useful life.

To maximize fuel efficiency, consider the following:

  • Unleaded gasoline having an octane value of 87 or above and no more than 10% ethanol is recommended for use in
  • Champion generators with 4-cycle engines. Don’t fill up with gas that has a high ethanol percentage.
  • Put gas to use within 30 days.
  • Gas should not be stored outside or in damp places.
  • Keep gasoline away from moisture.
  • Don’t stock up on more gas than you can use in the next 30 days. If you need to store additional gas, you should use a fuel stabilizer.

Drain used gas into a container for proper disposal. In order to stabilize the gas and clean the fuel system, new gasoline with a fuel additive mixed in should be added.

Champion Generator Fuel Filter Clogged

The fuel filter in your Champion generator prevents debris from entering the fuel system and damaging the motor.

If the filter isn’t regularly replaced, it can become clogged, preventing fuel from passing through. The engine may sputter and eventually stop working if there isn’t enough fuel.

The fuel filter can be an inline kind, making it simple to detect and swap out. Many Champion generators, however, make it difficult to get to the filters.

The gasoline filter can be installed at the fuel tank’s bottom or in a separate fuel component.

REMEDY: Swap out the clogged fuel filter. In the case of generators without an inline fuel filter, having a professional locate and replace the filter is recommended.

A Clog in the Champion Generator’s Fuel Line

Another factor that can prevent fuel from flowing freely is a plugged fuel line. A clog in a fuel line can be located by turning off the fuel supply and then turning it back on again while monitoring the fuel flow at each fuel line branch.

The gasoline line can be disconnected from the generator and carburetor cleaner sprayed into the line to assist break up the obstruction. Compressed air should then be used to flush the line until the obstruction is gone.

Bring the line back in. If the fuel line is dry and cracked and you can’t get the clog out, a new fuel line is simple to install.

Champion Generator Fuel Pump Failure

When the Champion generator’s carburetor is situated above the fuel tank, the unit will necessitate the use of a fuel pump. Fuel cannot be pumped uphill without a pump. A fuel pump is not necessary for all types of generators.

The generator will stop working if the fuel pump fails to supply gas to the carburetor.

Make that the fuel pump’s inlet port is receiving fuel before proceeding with testing. Then, put the carburetor line in a storage container.

Turn the key and keep an eye on the line to see if there is a steady or pulsing flow.

If your fuel pump is intermittently supplying fuel to the carburetor, you should replace it.

Your Champion Generator’s Filthy Carburetor

Carburetor varnish can prevent the correct ratio of fuel to air from being delivered to the engine’s cylinder for combustion.

If the engine isn’t getting the right amount of air and fuel, the Champion generator could sputter and eventually shut down.

If you’ve been using old fuel or fuel with ethanol, you may need to clean your carburetor to get rid of sticky deposits and crusty buildups. Rebuilding or replacing your carburetor may be necessary if it is severely soiled or missing parts.

Champion Generator with Incorrect Choke Setting

If you want to start a Champion generator with a cold engine, you have to close the choke. If you want to keep your engine running after it has warmed up, you need to release the choke and let in more air.

If your engine fires up but immediately dies, checking that the choke is open could be the answer.

Champion Generator Air Filter Clogged

The air filter serves a crucial purpose in preventing engine wear caused by debris entering the air intake. This is a crucial component, thus it needs regular maintenance checks to ensure it stays in top shape.

Typically, a home’s air filter should be cleaned a few times a year and replaced once a year. You should change the filter whenever you see that it has become severely soiled or is broken.

If you are using the generator in dry, dusty conditions, you will need to replace it more frequently.

Filters can become so clogged with dirt that air can’t get to the engine if they aren’t cleaned and replaced periodically. Overheating is a leading cause of irreparable engine damage.

Cleanse a Champion generator foam-style air filter:

  • Take out the filter and throw it away.
  • Clean the air filter housing and cover by wiping away any lingering dust or debris. Keep the air intake free of debris.
  • The foam filter should be checked for wear and replaced if necessary.
  • Cleaning the filter with soapy water and rinsing it until the water runs clear will determine its condition.
  • To dry the filter, simply squeeze it.
  • Use a clean, light engine oil such as SAE 30 to coat the filter. Remove any extra oil from the filter by squeezing it.
  • Get the air filter in place.
  • The air filter cover must be reattached.

If you have a foam air filter and notice that it has become clogged, follow the steps outlined above to clean it. For information on maintaining filters of other types, see your Champion operator’s manual.

The Champion Generator’s Gas Cap or Fuel Tank Vent Is Clogged

A vent in the gasoline tank allows air to flow through, maintaining a constant pressure inside.

If the vent is blocked, the gasoline tank will develop a vacuum, preventing fuel from reaching the carburetor. The result is that the generator won’t be activated.

Use a pressure gauge to detect vacuum buildup in the tank to see if the fuel tank vent is to blame for your starting issue.

In the absence of a pressure gauge, it is possible to start the generator by releasing air from the tank and turning the engine over.

The gasoline tank vent may be clogged if the engine starts but then dies again after being run for a while with the gas cap securely fastened.

If you discover that your Champion’s gasoline tank is no longer venting properly, you can fix the problem by replacing the gas cap or the rollover valve.

Your Champion Generator’s Spark Plug Is Dirty

However, if the spark plug is extremely dirty or damaged, the generator may experience spark problems, resulting in sputtering and eventual shutdown.

REMEDY Take off the spark plug and inspect it. Replace the spark plug if the tip has turned a very dark color, the electrode is worn, or the porcelain is cracked.

If it seems fine, clean it with a wire brush, check the electrode gap, and make sure the spark plug wire is attached tightly. The generator could stop working because of a loose wire or a misaligned spark plug gap.

Champion Generator Ignition Coil Problems

Ensure that your spark plug is in good shape before you start looking for a faulty ignition coil. The engine can be started and kept running thanks to the ignition coil, which supplies voltage to the spark plug.

SOLUTION: Use an ohm meter to test the ignition coil for continuity. If a break in continuity is detected, the ignition coil must be replaced.

Your Champion Generator’s Engine Has Low Oil

Occasionally, your generator’s operation will just cease. See if the warning light for low oil has come on.

Champion is equipped with a sensor that will turn it off if the oil becomes too low, saving the engine from any harm. It won’t turn back on until the oil level in the engine is fixed.

The fact that it won’t keep running may be infuriating. The good news is that the generator has turned off.

If you’re running low on oil and you keep driving, you could do serious damage to your engine from the increased friction and heat. When the engine gets too hot, the components can melt.

SOLUTION: Set the generator down on a level place to check the oil level. To drain the oil, unscrew the oil fill cap and wipe the dipstick dry with a clean towel.

The dipstick should be reinserted into the oil fill tube, but the lid should be left off. Take it out and check the oil level with the dipstick. Make sure it’s inside the dipstick’s full range.

If it isn’t, you should either drain some oil or add some oil to get the engine to the right level.

In cases where the engine oil level is correct yet the low oil warning light persists, a defective sensor may be to blame. It’s recommended that you have the generator serviced professionally.