Troubleshooting Tables for Common Pulsar Generator Issues

Oil changes, filter replacements, and regular cleaning of your generator will keep it running smoothly with fewer interruptions. But if you keep a generator long enough, eventually you’ll have to deal with some sort of issue.

For those times, I’ve compiled some diagnostic tables that should assist you figure out what’s wrong with your Pulsar generator. Links to more in-depth articles are provided for those who require assistance.

The most typical issues with pulsar generators are:

Generator won’t start
The Pulsar Generator starts before going out.
Generator is leaking gas
Gas is leaking from the Pulsar Generator.

Before you start working on your generator, be sure you’ve taken all the necessary safety measures. The user guide for your Pulsar should have this data. Before making any repairs to an engine, you should always turn off the ignition and pull the wire from the spark plug.

Before diagnosing, repairing, or operating, be sure you’ve read and understood all of the safety recommendations in the equipment’s operator’s manual.If you are unsure about how to proceed or if you lack the necessary expertise or experience, you should seek the assistance of a professional.

Table of Contents

4 Typical Pulsar Generator Issues

Pulsar Generator Won’t Start

If the engine isn’t getting air, gasoline, and spark, it may have trouble starting.

If your Pulsar manual start generator is having starting issues, try checking the on/off switch and the starter recoil. For vehicles with an electric starter, inspect the starter solenoid and ignition switch.

If the engine cranks over but won’t start, check for any obstructions that could prevent fuel, air, or spark from reaching the spark plugs. There could be an issue with the gasoline filter, the fuel lines, the carburetor, the vent in the gas tank, the spark plugs, or the ignition coil.

Cause	Reason for Problem	Solution
No gas in the tank	There’s no gas in the tank.	Refill the tank with new gas.
Old or faulty gasoline	Over time, fuel loses its effectiveness, and it can block the fuel system and damage its components.	Erase the fuel in the tank. Add a fuel stabilizer like Sea Foam and new gas to the tank to clean out the fuel system and keep it running smoothly.
If your vehicle has a gasoline tank, the fuel cap vent or another fuel tank vent may be faulty.	A vacuum can form in the tank if the vent gets clogged, which limits how much fuel can be pumped out.	If your gas cap or another gasoline tank vent is clogged or broken, you should replace it.
Faulty spark plug	Spark plug is either too dirty or broken to function properly, or the spark plug gap is incorrect.	Put in a new spark plug, tighten the connections, and check the gap according to the manual.
Ignition coil failure	If the ignition coil is faulty, there will be no voltage sent to the spark plug, and the generator will not start.	Check for and repair a faulty ignition coil.
Air filter obstruction	The carburetor can fail if the air filter becomes clogged with dirt.	Take apart the filter so it may be cleaned. If the filter is worn out, replace it.
Stuck fuel filter	If your gasoline filter is unclean, your engine won’t be able to get the gas it needs.	Change out the fuel filter.
Due to clogged gasoline lines	The engine may not get the fuel it needs if dirt and sediment build up in the fuel lines.	Clean the fuel line using carburetor cleaning and compressed air. If the line is broken, replace it.
Unclean carburetor	Bad fuel and ethanol deposits can cause the carburetor to get dirty and clogged, cutting off the fuel supply.	The carburetor’s parts should be cleaned. Substitute if broken.
Low oil pressure in engine	A Pulsar generator’s sensor prevents the engine from starting when the oil is too low to be safe.	Set on a flat surface and fill with oil up to the maximum mark on the oil dipstick.
Choke is either set incorrectly or is stuck.	When starting a cold engine, the choke must be engaged to limit air intake. Once the engine is at operating temperature, the switch should be turned off.	Verify that the choke is set properly. If the adjustment is right, make sure the choke linkage is unobstructed and the choke is free to move.
Recoil broken in starter	It’s possible that the recoil on your pull start generator is faulty, rendering it useless.	The recoil should be inspected for restringing or broken pieces that can be replaced. When the recoil assembly wears out, replace it.
Electrical failure due to a weak battery, sloppy wiring, or filthy terminals.	The generator won’t turn over if the battery isn’t fully charged.	Battery charging, please. When a battery stops holding a charge, it should be replaced.
Electric motor failure due to a faulty solenoid.	Solenoid failure can be brought on by either a weak internal spring or corroded copper plate.	To determine if the solenoid is at fault, try disabling it. If it breaks, get a new one.
The electric starter’s ignition switch is broken.	On electric starter Pulsar versions, the switch is broken.	Run a multimeter test on the toggle switch. Until you can have the electric starter fixed, you should use the recoil starter.

Causes of a Pulsar Generator Won’t Start

The Pulsar Generator Starts Before Going Out.

The same issues that prevent a Pulsar generator from beginning also contribute to its eventual shutdown.

In addition to reducing fuel efficiency, using old gas might damage your vehicle’s components. Gummy residues may be left behind in the gasoline filter, the carburetor, and the fuel lines if it evaporates.

Fuel restriction can also be caused by a faulty or blocked fuel tank vent. If the engine isn’t getting enough fuel, it will sputter and eventually stop working.

You should also check for anything that can cause a spark or block ventilation. A malfunctioning ignition coil, filthy spark plugs, a clogged air filter, or a clogged spark arrestor are all examples.

Cause	Reason for Problem	Solution
Dull gas	Over time, fuel loses its effectiveness, increasing the risk of fuel system obstruction and engine damage.	Empty the tank and replace the fuel with new fuel. To prevent the fuel from deteriorating and to aid in the cleaning of the fuel system, use a fuel additive such as Sea Foam.
Stuck fuel filter	If the gasoline filter is clogged, the carburetor won’t get enough fuel.	It’s time to change the gasoline filter.
Air filter obstruction	When the air filter gets clogged with dirt and grass, the engine can’t breathe.	Take apart the filter so it may be cleaned. If the filter is worn out, replace it.
Obstructed gasoline lines	The engine might not get the fuel it needs if dirt and sediment build up in the fuel lines.	To remove the obstruction from the gasoline line, you can use carb cleaning and compressed air.
Unclean carburetor	Bad fuel and ethanol deposits can clog the carburetor and prevent fuel from flowing.	The carburetor’s individual parts should be cleaned. Substitute if broken.
Ineffective Gas Cap/Fuel Tank Vent	A vacuum can form in the tank if the vent gets clogged, which limits how much fuel can be pumped out.	If your gas cap or another gasoline tank vent is clogged or broken, you should replace it.
Spark Plug Gunk	If your spark plug is unclean, you may only get a weak one.	A dirty spark plug needs to be changed. Check that the spark plug wire is properly attached and that the electrode gap is appropriate.
Ineffective Ignition Coil	If the ignition coil dies, there will be no electricity to the spark plug.	Perform an ohm test on the starter’s ignition coil. If you detect a break in continuity, it’s time to replace your ignition coil.
Low Oil Pressure in Engine	A Pulsar generator’s sensor prevents the engine from starting when the oil is too low to be safe.	Set on a flat surface and fill with oil up to the maximum mark on the oil dipstick.

Causes of a Pulsar Generator Starts Then Dies

Gas is Leaking From The Pulsar Generator.

The Pulsar generator could be the source of the gas odour. Finding the source of the leak is necessary before restarting the generator, as the fumes it produces are dangerous.

The generator is most likely to start leaking near the carburetor. This occurs when the carburetor bowl gasket fails to seal properly or when internal pieces become stuck, creating an overflow of fuel.

In addition to the gasoline tank and shut-off valve, you should inspect the fuel filter, fuel lines, and fuel tank for leaks.

You can get further information at:
Gas Leaks from Pulsar Generator (5 Checkpoints)

Reason for Problem	Solution
Unclean carburetor	Old gas residue can accumulate in the carburetor and eventually lead to blockages and component failure.	Get the carburetor serviced and any broken components replaced.
Filter for the fuel supply is inadequate.	Degradation of the filter’s plastic might lead to leaks at its joints.	Change out the fuel filter.
Gas tank	Rust can eat a hole in a metal tank. Poly tanks are susceptible to leakage at the seams.	Substitute the gas tank. If a new tank is no longer available, rust holes can be patched.
Gasoline tank shutoff	Valves made of metal and plastic are notorious for leaking.	Fix the broken valve.
Used-up fuel lines	When gas lines dry out and crack, gas leaks.	It’s time to get new fuel lines. Make sure the fuel line is securely fastened to the fuel components by checking the clamps.

Possible Gas-Leak Locations in a Pulsar Generator

Pulsar Generator is Bogs Down Under Load

When under load, a loss of power in a Pulsar generator is typically due to a restriction in airflow or fuel supply. It could possibly be because you’re trying to run too many appliances on your generator.

Cause	Reason for Problem	Solution
Applying Excessive Force	If you try to plug too many things into the generator at once, it will stall out.	Make sure the generator isn’t overloaded. Make sure the total wattage of everything that will be plugged in at once is below the maximum safe level.
Faulty or stale gasoline	Over time, fuel deteriorates, increasing the risk that it will clog the fuel system and cause mechanical failure.	Empty the tank and replace the fuel with new fuel. To prevent the fuel from deteriorating and to aid in the cleaning of the fuel system, use a fuel additive such as Sea Foam.
Stuck fuel filter	If the gasoline filter is clogged, the carburetor won’t get enough fuel.	Remove the gasoline filter and clean it out.
Air filter obstruction	The air filter might become clogged with dirt and grass, blocking the flow of air.	Take apart the filter so it may be cleaned. If the filter is worn out, replace it.
Misconfigured or Stuck Choke	To get a cold engine started, you have to tighten the choke. Incorrect adjustment prevents the free flow of air necessary for the generator to function.	When the engine has reached operating temperature, the choke should be opened to enable unrestricted airflow.
Spark arrestor with a plug	If debris accumulates on the spark arrestor screen, it will restrict exhaust flow.	To clean the spark arrestor screen, take it apart and use a solvent or a tiny metal brush. Fix a broken screen by getting a new one.
Unclean carburetor	Bad fuel and ethanol deposits can cause the carburetor to get dirty and clogged, cutting off the fuel supply.	The carburetor’s individual parts should be cleaned. Substitute if broken.