Solved: 16 Causes of Generac Generator Not Starting!

For my fall football tailgates, during a power outage, for emergencies only, and to power my residence, I always keep a couple different generators on hand. For me, they are essential to maintain in good working order if there is a power outage so that I won’t put off dealing with a pressing issue.

An old, empty gasoline tank fuel, clogged fuel lines, a dirty carburetor, a bad spark plug, a malfunction coil, a plugged air filter, a plugged spark arrestor, an inaccurate level of engine oil, a bad dial, a faulty starter recoil, or a bad starter switch can all prevent a Generac generator from starting.

To avoid injury, use caution when doing Generac repairs. Prior to making repairs, remove the spark plug and allow all components to cool. Observe every safety instruction listed in the Generac operator’s manual.

The Causes of Generac Generator Failure

Empty Fuel Tank on a Generac Generator

The fuel tank on a Generac generator is modest. It’s possible that you don’t remember when you last added petrol, or that your fuel gauge is no longer functional and giving you an accurate reading.

I simply bring up this simple explanation for a starting issue because it’s simple to neglect the fuel level being checked while you’re upset.

FIX: Fill the fuel tank with new gasoline.

Fuel in a Generac Generator that is bad or old

Many people are unaware that gas starts to deteriorate and loses effectiveness when it sits for extended periods of time. Within 30 days after the purchase, this may start to happen.

Most gasoline contains ethanol, which draws moisture into the fuel system. The varnish that is left behind as the mixture of ethanol and water evaporates might lead to failure of a component and fuel limits.

When buying, storing, and using gasoline, keep the following points in mind because of the detrimental ethanol’s impact on a Generac generator:

• 87 octane minimum fresh fuel should be purchased (91 RON).
• Never use gas that has more than 10% ethanol. The best fuel is ethanol-free.
• Fuel must be used within 30 days.
• If you can’t use it within 30 days, use a gasoline stabilizer to extend its shelf life and keep it from degrading. (A fuel stabilizer must be introduced to new fuel; old fuel will still have an impact.)
• Keep fuel avoiding moisture and flammable materials in a fuel container that has been authorized.

Use a gasoline siphon pump to drain the fuel from your Generac generator if you discover old fuel within. To aid with fuel system cleaning, eliminate moisture and gas stabilization, combine new gas combined with a fuel additive.

Fill the fuel tank with the gas. Allow the generator to operate for about 15 minutes after starting it to give the gas and stabilizer time to circulate throughout the fuel system.

I enjoy a product by the name of Sea Foam Motor Treatment. I add this substance to each tank of petrol I fill up to assist minimize any problems that could arise from using ethanol-containing fuel. STA-BIL is still an excellent choice.

Plugged Fuel Filter on a Generac Generator

To prevent entry of dirt and particles into the gasoline system and wearing down the engine, fuel is filtered as it leaves the fuel tank. This filter might clog up if it isn’t changed frequently or if unclean fuel is put in the tank.

As a result, less fuel will be able to travel through the filter, preventing the engine from receiving the fuel required for starting, and run.

For the typical homeowner, I advise replacing the gasoline filter once a year. You should replace your generator more frequently if you use greater frequency than 300 hours per year.

A blocked inline fuel filter must be changed. The direction in which the replacement filter must be fitted is indicated by an arrow on its side. The filter should be installed so that the arrow points in the fuel flow direction.

Clogged Fuel Line on a Generac Generator

Old fuel can leave behind sticky sludge or dirt that can clog the fuel line and other parts of the fuel system. Examine the fuel line for obstructions that might be preventing fuel from reaching the engine.

SOLUTION: Disconnect the fuel line from the generator if you discover a limitation in it. Spray carburetor cleaning on the obstruction to loosen it, then exhale a pressured air through the line to clear it.

Replace the gasoline restriction with a new fuel line if you are unable to get rid of it.

An unclean Generac generator’s carburetor

The carburetor’s job is to control how much gas there is combined with air in a cylinder of an engine to create combustion.

Components in the carburetor stop working correctly when it is unclean and clogged with old fuel. The gas needed to start your Generac generator might not be allowed by the carburetor.

The carburetor needs to be examined once you have made sure that fuel is getting to it. This is a typical component that might clog up and depart from crusty gas deposits.

The carburetor should be taken out and cleaned utilizing a carburetor cleaner get rid of varnish and deposits that have built up inside. Check the float, float needle, and fuel jets in the carburetor to ensure sure they are suitably good condition, clean shape.

If you discover any broken components, ou must swap them out with a rebuilt carburetor or a new one.

Plugged Air Filter on a Generac Generator

The air filter is put in place to prevent dirt and debris from getting into the air intake, similar to how the fuel filter is. This is done to safeguard the engine against harm that even a tiny bit of dirt might bring about.

Your generator must constantly have an air filter running. The filter needs to be cleaned and ensured to be in good condition numerous times a year.

I advise the typical householder to clean and replace the air filter many times a year. You must replace the filter when you see that it is severely clogged or broken. If you use the generator when it’s dry and dusty, you’ll need to repair it more frequently.

The filter can become so clogged with dirt if you don’t periodically clean and replace it, which will prevent the engine from receiving enough air. It may overheat and severely harm the engine permanently.

FIX: If you discover that your air filter is clogged, t must be cleaned according to the steps listed below for your particular model of air filter. Consult the operator’s manual if you’re unsure of the kind of filter you have or how to clean it.

Clean the foam-style air filter on a Generac generator.

• From the housing, take the air filter out.
• Clean housing and cover for the air filter to remove any leftover dirt. Do not let dirt enter the air intake.
• Look for damage on the foam filter, and replace it if necessary.
• Clean the filter inse it till the water is clear with soapy water is clear if it is in good condition.
• The filter should be squeezed and then dried.
• Put the air filter in place.
• the air filter cover back on.

Cleaning the paper air filter on a Generac generator:

• From the housing, ake the air filter out.
• Clean housing and cover for the air filter to remove any leftover dirt. Do not let dirt enter the air intake.
• Take a look at the paper air filter. To release dirt so it can fall from the filter, tap the filter. Replace the filter with a new one if it is too unclean, destroyed or not existing adequately air intake is sealed.
• Put the air filter in place.
• the air filter cover back on.

Plugged Fuel Vent on a Generac Generator

The gas cap is where the fuel tank vents on the majority of portable Generac generators. To maintain the fuel tank’s pressure at the same level as the surrounding atmosphere, a vent is necessary.

The gasoline tank will create a vacuum when air is prevented from passing by means of the gas cap owing to a blocked vent. This keeps fuel from reaching the carburetor, which makes it impossible for your generator to start.

When turning on and using your generator, make sure the lever on the fuel cap, which has a on and off position, is in the turned-on state.

On some Generac generators, the fuel tank’s top may have an independent fuel tank vent.

SOLUTION: To see if your cap is the source of your starting issues, try removing or loosening it to let air into the tank before attempting to start the generator.

After you put the cap back on the generator and let it run for a time, if it starts running but then stops again, there might be an issue with the cap. I advise changing a damaged fuel cap or vent.

A Generac generator’s plugged-in spark arrestor

A metal component on the muffler called the screen for spark arrestors keeps heated substance from sparks escaping through the muffler. To avoid accidents and fires, this screen is necessary. The generator will struggle to start and run once it is hooked in.

FIX: Take off the muffler’s onto the exhaustscreen for spark arrestors. Examine it to make sure the screen is not torn or otherwise damaged. If it happens, a new screen needs to be installed.

Clean it using a synthetic solvent if it isn’t damaged, or lightly scrub soot deposits off of it with a little metal brush. Reinstall the screen onto the exhaust after cleaning.

Bad Spark Plug on a Generac Generator

When the electrode is burned, the porcelain is fractured, or the tip is unclean, a spark plug may be defective. As a result, your generator won’t start because there won’t be enough spark.

The deposits on the spark plug’s tip can be removed by cleaning it. Replace your spark plug tip with a new one if it is excessively dark in color or damaged.

You must correctly gap your spark plug in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer in the user’s handbook. A loose spark plug wire or an appropriately gapped spark plug can also contribute to starting issues.

Make sure your spark plug is in good shape before looking for a damaged ignition coil. The spark plug receives voltage from the ignition coil in order to ignite the engine.

The engine won’t start if the spark plug can’t ignite because it has a defective spark plug or ignition coil.

WORKAROUND: Use an ohm meter to test the ignition coil’s continuity. Replace the ignition coil if you notice a break in the continuity.

Bad Ignition Coil on a Generac Generator

Check the quality of your spark plug before looking for a defective ignition coil. In order for the spark plug to ignite the engine, the ignition coil supplies voltage to it.

The engine won’t start if the spark plug can’t ignite because the ignition coil or spark plug is defective.

WORKAROUND: Use an ohm meter to test the ignition’s continued operation. Change the ignition coil if you discover a break in continuity.

An incorrectly topped-off Generac generator’s engine oil

If the engine oil level is too low, the generator won’t turn on. A sensor on the generator detects low engine oil levels. It will stop the engine from operating with insufficient engine oil.

Start by setting the generator on a level, flat surface before determining the engine oil level. Remove the oil fill cap, then use a clean towel to wipe the oil off the dipstick.

Put the dipstick back into the oil-fill tube without tightening the lid. Check the dipstick’s oil measurement after removing it. Make sure the dipstick is in the middle of the range.

If not, adjust the engine oil level by taking a little oil out or adding a little oil till it is. When the low oil sensor illuminates even though the engine oil level is correct, you may have a malfunctioning sensor. The generator should ideally be taken to a service facility for repair.

A Generac generator’s stuck choke or a bad choke dial or switch

It’s possible that the OFF-ON-CHOKE dial or switch is broken and no longer works properly. If a generator’s defective dial or switch when the choke no longer has to be adjusted it is switched between the choke/start and on positions, the generator won’t start.

Solution: Establish a service center determine whether the dial is the issue or whether there is another issue, such a jammed choke, that is keeping starting the generator by turning the dial in the proper positions.

Bad Recoil on a Manual Start Generac Generator

It becomes difficult or impossible to start the generator when the starter recoil wears out or when components of the recoil break. Your starting issues may be caused by the recoil rope coming undone, a broken pulley, springs, or clips.

Sometimes restringing the recoil is all that is required. Other times, you’ll need to repair or replace damaged components in your recoil. Cost the replacement of the entire recoil before changing any parts.

Depending on the price difference, it can be preferable to replace the recoil assembly as opposed to disassembling it and doing so.

Bad Ignition Switch on a Generac Generator (Electric Start)

A generator with an electric start may have switch failure, rendering it incapable of starting. Start the generator manually by pulling the handle if the electric start isn’t functioning until you can have it fixed.

WORKAROUND: Check the switch with a multimeter and, if necessary, replace it.

Bad Battery on a Generac Generator (Electric Start)

A charged battery should be present. You can try to charge the battery if it has a low charge. It’s time to get a new battery if it won’t maintain a charge.

To ensure proper connections and adequate continuity, check the cables and wiring.

Check the battery’s voltage and, if necessary, charge it. Replace any batteries that are dead or won’t maintain a charge.

Bad Starter Solenoid on a Generac Generator (Electric Start)

Depending on your model, you might when you hear a clicking or humming noise turn the key or push the ignition switch button, but your generator won’t start. Alternately, you might notice that the wire is smoking and growing hot.

These are signs that the solenoid might be defective. When the copper plate starts to rust or the internal spring becomes weak, a starter solenoid malfunctions. The solenoid failure could also be caused by a weak starter, a defective battery, or a bad ground.

Solution: y making contact with the starter cable and the battery cable with a screwdriver or pair of pliers, you can try to bypass the starter. It might spark, so take care. The starter solenoid is probably broken if the engine starts when the solenoid is bypassed.

Before replacing the solenoid, make sure there are no loose wires or poor ground conditions. These things have the potential to make the solenoid malfunction.

The good news is that the majority of portable Generac generators with electric starts are equipped with manual starting recoils that may be used to pull-start them in order to start them. If you can start it manually, you can focus on the electric start mechanism as the source of the issue.