The Pulsar Generator Won’t Start for These 15 Reasons (SOLVED)

It is common that you will not discover there is a problem with the starting of your generator until you are already in a situation in which you do not have access to energy. This is because problems with generators often manifest themselves after they have already been used. I have collected a list of things that will help you start your generator so that it can provide you with the power that you need. I hope that this information is helpful to you.

A Pulsar generator won’t start if the air filter is blocked, the choke is set incorrectly, the spark plug is defective, the fuel filter is clogged, the fuel line is clogged, the carburetor is filthy, the fuel tank vent is clogged, the spark arrestor is clogged, or the recoil starting is broken.

If the model of your Pulsar has an electric start, look for a defective starting solenoid, a low battery, and an ignition switch that is malfunctioning.

In the Pulsar operator’s handbook, there are safety precautions that should be followed. Before performing repairs, you must do this step, which involves removing the spark plug boot.

Many Possible Explanations for Your Pulsar Generator’s Starting Issues

1. A Pulsar Generator with an Empty Fuel Tank

A portable Pulsar generator often has a fuel tank that is not very large. It’s possible that your generator will only operate for a few hours before it has to be refueled, but it all depends on the model you have and how much you have it working.

You may have simply forgotten the last time you supplied gasoline to the generator, the fuel gauge may be broken, or you may have developed a fuel leak that caused the generator to run out of fuel. Any of these scenarios might have led to the generator running out of fuel.

SOLUTION: Carry out a detailed check of the fuel system, and if any of its components are discovered to be faulty or leaking, either repair them or replace them with new ones. Take out the old gasoline from the tank and put in some fresh fuel.

When combining fuel for pulsar generators driven by two-cycle engines, the ratio of oil to gas utilized in the blending process must be 30 to 1. Generators with four-cycle engines typically run on uncut gasoline as their fuel source. There is a storage area that is specifically designated for the motor oil to use.

2. A Pulsar Generator with Damaged or Outdated Fuel

After being purchased, fuel may begin to deteriorate as quickly as thirty days later. Since stale fuel might cause a Pulsar generator to malfunction, it is essential to use it up within the first month after purchasing it.

The majority of gasoline contains ethanol, which is a liquid that draws moisture into the fuel system. Not only does the combination of ethanol and water leave behind varnish that reduces the amount of gasoline that can flow through the engine and damaged components, but it also separates from the gas and sinks to the bottom of the storage tank.

While acquiring, storing, and using fuel, it is essential to keep the following points in mind because of the negative impact that ethanol has on a Pulsar generator:

• Find out if the engine that powers your Pulsar generator is a two-cycle or a four-cycle one.
  • two-cycle engine: Calls for a ratio of 30 parts gas to 1 part oil in the fuel mixture. Combine newly purchased gas with high-quality air-cooled two-cycle engine oil.
  • four-cycle engine: Demands unleaded gasoline only. Oil should not be mixed in.
  • In this post, you will learn more about how to choose the appropriate fuel for your Pulsar generator.
• Get new gasoline with a least 87 octane rating and keep it topped up.
• Never use gas that has a higher percentage of ethanol than 10% in it. Fuel that does not include ethanol is optimal.
• Use the gasoline within the next month.
• If you will not be able to use the gasoline within the next 30 days, you should add a fuel stabilizer to it in order to make it last a little longer before it degrades. (New gasoline always has to have fuel stabilizer added to it. It will not be possible to undo the impacts of using outdated gasoline.
• Keep the fuel within an appropriate fuel container and keep it away from any moisture or things that might catch fire.

SOLUTION: If you discover stale fuel in your Pulsar generator, you will need to empty it. A gasoline siphon pump is an effective choice for this purpose.

After that, combine newly purchased gasoline with a fuel additive in a fuel container, and then pour the resulting combination into the fuel tank of the vehicle.

When you have successfully started the generator, let it run for about ten minutes so that the combination of gas and fuel additive may make its way through the fuel system.

The product known as Sea Foam Motor Therapy is one that I like using. Every time I fill up my tank with gas, I add this product to assist mitigate the problems that might arise from using gasoline that contains ethanol.

It contributes to the reduction of moisture, the cleaning of the fuel system, and the maintenance of the gas’s consistency. STA-BIL is yet another viable alternative to consider.

3. A Pulsar Generator’s Fuel Filter That Has Been Plugged

On certain Pulsar generators, you could discover a fuel filter either in the fuel tank or fitted in the space between the gasoline lines. You may not be able to clearly detect the filter on other models since those models can have filters that are not in working order.

In the case that the filter becomes clogged, it will prohibit a sufficient flow of gasoline from reaching the engine for combustion. If you have a gasoline filter that is replaceable and either inline or located within the fuel tank, it is imperative that you change it on a regular basis so that it does not get clogged.

In the event that you are experiencing problems with fuel blockage because of a clogged filter and the filter on your Pulsar model is not serviceable, you should have a Pulsar service facility address the issue for you.

SOLUTION: After turning off the gasoline valve, replace an inline filter with a new one. To remove the gasoline hose from both sides of the filter, use needle-nose pliers to crimp the clamps and then pull the hose off. Replace the old filter with the new one, and then activate the fuel valve.

When dealing with a gasoline filter that is housed inside of the tank, the petrol has to be drained from the tank before the filter can be inspected or replaced. The use of a gasoline siphon pump is effective in emptying the tank.

4. Clogged Fuel Line on a Pulsar Generator

As old gasoline is burned, it typically leaves behind sticky deposits or dirt, both of which have the potential to clog the fuel system, including the fuel line. Do a thorough inspection of the fuel line to identify any potential blockages that may be preventing gasoline from reaching the engine.

SOLUTION: If there is a restriction in the fuel line, you will need to disconnect the line from the generator. Sprinkle carburetor cleaning on the obstruction to help it become more loose, and then direct a stream of compressed air into the line to remove it.

In the event that the fuel restriction cannot be removed, a new fuel line should be installed in its stead.

5. A Pulsar Generator With a Grimy Carburetor

The carburetor’s job is to control the proportion of fuel to air that is introduced into the cylinder, where it will eventually be burned to produce energy.

Components inside the carburetor can no longer perform their intended functions when the carburetor is unclean and gummed up due to the presence of old gasoline. It’s possible that the carburetor won’t let the necessary amount of gas through to start your Pulsar generator.

Examine the carburetor after you have established that fuel is reaching it and after you have confirmed that it is functioning properly. This is a frequent component that may fail because stale gas can block fuel pathways, which can lead to failure.

SOLUTION: To get rid of the varnish and deposits that have formed in the carburetor, you will need to remove the carburetor and clean it with a carburetor cleaner.

Check the float, the float needle, and the fuel jets in the carburetor to ensure that they are suitably clean and in excellent shape.

If you discover any broken components, you will need to replace them with new ones using either a carburetor repair kit or an entirely new carburetor.

6. An Air Filter that is Connected to a Pulsar Generator

To prevent dust and other particles from entering the vehicle via the air intake, an air filter is fitted. This is done to protect the engine against harm that may be caused by even a little quantity of dirt, which can be generated by certain types of weather.

I would advise the typical homeowner to clean or replace the air filter a few times each year and to replace it once per year on average. If you run your generator in dusty circumstances, you could find that you need to clean it more often.

You may need to change the filter if you discover that it is excessively soiled or has been destroyed.

If you do not clean or replace the filter on a regular basis, it is possible for the filter to get clogged with so much dirt that the engine will not receive the necessary amount of air. It is possible for the engine to overheat, which would result in substantial and irreparable damage.

SOLUTION: If you notice that your air filter has become clogged, clean it by following the steps outlined below for the specific kind of air filter that you have. Consult the operator’s handbook if you are unclear about the kind of filter you have and the cleaning technique associated with it, or if you have a different sort of filter altogether.

Doing maintenance on a foam-style air filter for a Pulsar generator

• Take out the air filter and place it somewhere safe.
• Remove any leftover dirt from the housing and cover of the air filter using a clean cloth. It is essential that the air intake not be contaminated with dirt.
• Examine the foam filter for any signs of wear and tear; if necessary, replace it.
• If the filter is in excellent condition, wash it in soapy water and rinse it until the water is clear. If the filter is not in good condition, replace it.
• When you have squeezed the filter, set it aside to dry.
• When it comes to different models, some call for the foam filter to be doused in oil, while others demand that it be doused in gas. Apply some pressure to the filter in order to remove any surplus fluid. If you are unclear as to the fluid you should use to coat the filter on your model, the operator’s handbook should be consulted for guidance.
• Put in place the new air filter.
• Re-attach the lid to the air filter.

To clean a paper air filter used by a Pulsar generator:

• Take out the air filter and place it somewhere safe.
• Remove any leftover dirt from the housing and cover of the air filter using a clean cloth. It is essential that the air intake not be contaminated with dirt.
• Check the paper filter that is in the air. Tap the filter to dislodge dirt, which will then fall out of the filter as a result of your tapping. Replace the filter with a new one if it has a lot of dirt on it, if it is broken, or if it does not seal the air intake properly anymore.
• Put in place the new air filter.
• Re-attach the lid to the air filter.

7. The Fuel Vent on a Pulsar Generator Was Blocked Off

The fuel tank of the portable Pulsar generators that have this feature vents out of the gas cap. It is necessary to have a vent in order to maintain a pressure in the fuel tank that is equivalent to the pressure of the surrounding air.

A vacuum will develop within the gasoline tank if the vent on the gas cap is blocked in any way, preventing air from escaping through the opening in the cap. Because of this, gasoline will not be able to reach the carburetor of your generator, and it will thus be unable to start.

In some of the other Pulsar generators, the vent is not located in the gas cap; rather, it is a small component that is attached to the top of the fuel tank and serves the purpose of allowing the fuel to escape.

SOLUTION: If you suspect that a clogged fuel tank vent is the source of your starting difficulty, first try to start the generator after removing or removing the cap from the fuel tank to increase the amount of air that may enter the tank.

If it begins running, but then stops again after you put the cap back on the generator and let it run for a bit, the problem may be that the vent is blocked. I would suggest changing a gasoline cap that is leaking or a tank vent that is leaking.

8. Spark Arrestor with a Plug Installed on a Pulsar Generator

A spark arrestor screen is a piece of metal that is attached to the muffler and serves the purpose of preventing sparks and other hot material from being expelled from the muffler. Because of the potential for injury and fires, this screen is essential.

In the event that it gets clogged, the generator will have a difficult time starting up and continuing to operate.

SOLUTION: Take the spark arrestor screen from the muffler and set it aside. Examine it carefully to see that it hasn’t been ripped and that the screen doesn’t have any holes in it. If it occurs, the screen has to be swapped out for a new one immediately.

If it does not have any damage, you may clean it with a commercial solvent or softly brush it with a tiny metal brush to remove any carbon deposits. If it does have damage, do not clean it. When it has been thoroughly cleaned, the screen should be reattached to the muffler.

9. A Pulsar Generator with a Defective Spark Plug

If the tip of the spark plug is dusty, if the porcelain is fractured, or if the electrode is scorched, the spark plug may not function properly. Since there will be no spark produced, your generator will not start as a result of this.

SOLUTION: The deposits on the tip of the spark plug may be removed by cleaning the spark plug. If the tip of your spark plug is broken or seems to be particularly dark in color, you need to replace it with a new one.

Your spark plug must have the appropriate gapping according to the manufacturer’s regulations, which may be found in the owner’s handbook for your vehicle. An improperly gapped spark plug or a spark plug wire that is not securely fastened may both contribute to starting difficulties in an engine.

10. A Pulsar Generator with an Incorrectly Maintained Engine Oil Level (4-Cycle Engine Models)

In the event that the engine oil is not at the appropriate level, the generator will refuse to start. A sensor in the generator may detect whether there is insufficient engine oil in the vehicle.

In order to preserve the engine from damage caused by low oil levels, the sensor will turn off the engine and make it impossible for it to start.

SOLUTION: To start monitoring the quantity of engine oil, arrange the generator so that it is lying flat and level on a surface. Positioning the generator this way will make it easier to see its level. To empty the engine’s oil, first remove the oil fill cap, and then using a clean piece of cloth, wipe the dipstick clean. This will allow the oil to flow out of the engine.

Put the dipstick back into the oil-fill tube, but do not re-torque the lid onto the tube just yet. Remove it, and after it’s off, check the oil level that’s shown on the dipstick. Examine the dipstick to see whether or not it falls within the permissible range.

In the event that the oil level in the engine is not at the right level, the level may be adjusted by draining some oil from the engine and replacing it with new oil until the level is at the correct level.

If you check the oil level in the engine and find that it is at the correct level, but the low oil sensor continues to light up, it is possible that the sensor is not working properly. It is in everyone’s best interest to have the generator repaired at a site that is allowed to do such services.

11. A Pulsar Generator with a Defective Choke Dial/Switch or the Incorrect Choke Setting

There is a possibility that the OFF-RUN-CHOKE dial on the Pulsar models that feature it has been damaged and no longer functions in the appropriate manner. A generator will not start if the malfunctioning dial on the generator prevents the choke from being adjusted when the generator is moved between the CHOKE and RUN positions. This movement of the generator is necessary for starting the generator.

There are maybe more types of the Pulsar that include a choke lever or a choke knob. They are used to choke a cold engine before starting it. When the engine has reached operating temperature, the choke should be moved to the “off” position so that the engine may receive air and continue to operate.

SOLUTION: When the dial is in the correct places, but the generator still won’t start, take it to a service facility so they can determine if the issue lies with the dial itself or with another component, such as a choke that won’t move.

If your generator has a manual choke lever, check that it is in the appropriate position before attempting to start the machine.

12. A Pulsar Generator with a Defective Recoil When Started Manually

It becomes more difficult, if not impossible, to start the generator when the beginning recoil wears down and pieces of the starter recoil break. It’s possible that the rope on the recoil is unraveling, the pulley is broken, the springs are broken, or the clips are broken. All of these things might create problems with starting.

SOLUTION: Just restringing the recoil may be all that is required in some situations. On other occasions, you may have to repair or replace damaged components of your recoil system. Before you start changing components, you should get an estimate for a complete recoil replacement.

It is possible that it would be more cost effective to just replace the Pulsar recoil assembly as opposed to disassembling it and searching for and replacing any damaged components.

13. A Pulsar Generator Suffering from a Defective Ignition Switch (Electric Start)

With a generator equipped with an electric start, the switch may become faulty, preventing the generator from being started. In the event that the electric start is malfunctioning, you should make use of the manual recoil to start the generator until the problem can be resolved.

SOLUTION: Using a multimeter to conduct tests on the switch, and if required, replace it.

14. A Pulsar Generator with a Defective Battery (Electric Start)

Check to see that the battery is fully charged. You may try charging the battery even though it has a low charge if it is available to you. If it is unable to maintain its charge, you should get a replacement battery for it as soon as possible.

Be sure that you have proper continuity and that you are making good connections by checking the cables and the wiring.

SOLUTION: If the battery’s voltage is low, give it a charge; otherwise, check its strength. Whether it’s completely dead or just won’t retain a charge, a battery has to be replaced.

15. A Pulsar Generator Suffering from a Defective Starting Solenoid (Electric Start)

When you try to start your generator and push the button on the ignition switch or turn the key (depending on your model), you may hear a clicking or buzzing sound. But, your generator will not start. On the other hand, you can discover that the wiring is growing hot and is starting to smoke.

These are warning signs that the solenoid could be defective. When the internal spring of a starting solenoid becomes brittle or when the copper plate starts to corrode, the solenoid will no longer function properly. Failure of the solenoid might also be caused by an ineffective starter, a faulty battery, or an issue with the ground.

SOLUTION:

By using a screwdriver or pliers to make a connection between the cable coming from the battery and the cable going to the starter, you may make an effort to circumvent the starter.

Be cautious, since it might potentially produce a spark. If the engine can be started even with the solenoid removed, it is probable that the problem is with the starting solenoid.

When you replace the solenoid, you need to make sure there are no wires hanging loose or a problem with the ground. These are some of the things that might result in the solenoid not functioning properly.

The good news is that the majority of portable Pulsar generators with an electric start have a pull-start manual starting mechanism fitted so that the generator can be started manually. If you are able to start the vehicle manually, you may determine that the issue is with the vehicle’s electric start system.