Common Issues & Solutions with Generac Generators (with Charts)

Even while having a generator on hand is an excellent idea in the event of a power failure, a broken generator isn’t much use. The issue frequently goes unnoticed prior to when you actually require your generator.

I have put prepared charts for problem-solving typical Generac generator issues to assist you locate your issue quickly. Links to other resources are also provided for each issue.

These are the most typical Generac generator issues:

Generator from Generac won’t turn on
Generator starts, then stops working.
The Generac generator is gassing.
Under load, the Generac generator bogs down.

Exercise caution when making repairs. Always unplug ignition wire, as well as let the engine cool before reinstalling it. All safety measures listed in the Generac operator’s manual must be followed.

Table of Contents

Generac Generator Won’t Start

On a manual start, examine the starter’s recoil type and the battery, ignition switch, and starter solenoid on an electric start model while trying to figure out why your generator won’t start or even turn over.

Investigate potential problems that could result in an air, spark, or fuel restriction if the generator turns over but just won’t start. This could be caused by a clogged fuel filter, clogged fuel lines, filthy carburetor, incorrect ignition coil, or malfunctioning fuel tank vent.

For other items that may stop as soon as your Generac starts, see this information:

Reasons a Generac Generator Won’t Start: Solved! has further information.

Cause	Reason behind the issue	Solution
Unfilled fuel tank	Having no petrol in the tank	Refuel with new fuel.
Bad or old fuel	Fuel degrades with time, becoming less effective and more likely to clog fuel systems and harm components.	Deplete the gasoline supply. Fill it up using new fuel and a fuel source stabilizer and system cleaner like Sea Foam.
Depends on your model, incorrect fuel cap venting or another issue kind of gasoline tank vent.	The fuel tank vent may get blocked, creating a vacuum that prevents the flow of fuel.	Replace any gasoline tank vents that may be located on the top of your fuel tank that are plugged, damaged, or otherwise defective.
Bad spark plug	Excessively soiled or damaged spark plug; faulty connection; incorrect gaping.	Secure connections, swap out the spark plug for a new one, and make sure the gap is set as directed by the manufacturer.
Bad combustion coil	If the combustion coill is damaged, your generator won’t turn on because a spark plug won’t receive enough voltage to ignite it.	Inspect and replace a defective combustion coil.
Plugged air filter	The air filter may become clogged with debris, which will stop airflow a carburetor.	Clean the filter by removing it. If the filter is in poor shape, replace it.
Plugged fuel filter	Fuel flow will be impeded by an unclean fuel filter	Switch out the fuel filter.
Blocked fuel lines	The gasoline lines might become clogged by sludge-filled gasoline tanks and debris, which prevents the engine from receiving the necessary fuel.	To clear the obstruction in the gasoline line, use compressed air and a carburetor cleaning. The line may be changed if necessary.
Dirty carburetor	Due to ethanol deposits and faulty gasoline, the carburetor might get dusty and blocked, restricting the flow of fuel.	The carburetor’s components should be cleaned. Replace as necessary.
Low level of engine oil	When the engine oil level is low, a sensor on a Generac generator prevents the engine from running.	Put on a level surface, and fill to the maximum amount shown an oil dipstick by adding oil.
Either a stuck choke or the wrong choke setting	whenever a chilly engine is started, to limit airflow, the choke must be engaged. Following the engine has warmed up, it needs to be changed to off.	Ensure that the choke is set properly. Check to see that the choke linkage is functioning properly and that the choke is not stuck if the setting is correct.
Broken starter recoil	One or more of a pull-start generator’s faulty or damaged recoil, making it impossible for the recoil to start your engine.	See if the recoil can be re-strung or if any damaged components can be replaced. If necessary, swap out the assembly for recoil.
Unstuck wires, a bad battery, and filthy terminals (electric start)	The generator won’t start if a battery has a low charge.	Battery charge. Replace the battery if it cannot maintain a charge.
Defective beginning solenoid (electric start)	Failure of the solenoid could result from deterioration of the copper plate or a weakening of the internal spring.	To determine whether the solenoid is the root of the problem, bypass it. In case it’s broken, replace.
Defective ignition switch (electric start)	On Generac versions with an electric start, the switch is broken.	A multimeter should be used to test the switch. Until you can make repairs, start the engine using the hand-crank starter to avoid using the electric starter.

Generac generator starts, then stops working

Numerous the factors that prevent from running a Generac generator also prevent it from functioning once it has been started.

Fuel limits and component problems are two effects of using old gas. It may evaporate, leaving sticky leftovers in the carburetor, fuel filter, and fuel lines.

A fuel restriction may also be brought on by a poor or blocked fuel tank vent. Without adequate fuel, the engine may operate slowly and may even shut off.

Additionally, you should search for anything that can hinder airflow or spark. These can be an obstructed spark arrestor, clogged air filter, filthy spark plug, or damaged ignition coil.

You can find more details at: Generac Generator Starts Then Dies

Cause	Reason behind the issue	Solution
Bad fuel	Fuel degrades with time, becoming less effective and more likely to clog fuel systems and harm engines.	After emptying the old tank, refuel the vehicle. Use a gasoline stabilizer and cleaner like Sea Foam to keep the engine system clean.
Plugged fuel filter	Fuel flow to the carburetor will be restricted by a filthy fuel filter.	Change a fuel filter that is clogged.
Plugged air filter	Grass and dirt can clog the air filter and block ventilation.	Clean the filter by removing it. If the filter is in poor shape, replace it.
Clogged fuel lines	The engine may not receive the necessary gasoline if bad fuel deposits and dirt accumulate in the fuel lines.	Clean the filter by removing it. If the filter is in poor shape, replace it.
Dirty carburetor	Ethanol and poor fuel deposits can clog the carburetor and cause it to get unclean.	Clean the carburetor’s individual parts thoroughly. Replace as necessary.
Fuel tank vent / faulty gas cap	The fuel tank vent may get blocked, creating a vacuum that prevents the flow of fuel.	Replace any gasoline tank vents that may be located atop your gasoline tank that are plugged, damaged, or otherwise defective.
Dirty Spark Plug	An erratic spark could be produced by a dirty spark plug.	A highly dirty spark plug should be replaced. Make sure the spark plug wire is firmly secured and that the electrode gap is accurate.
Bad Ignition Coil	The failure of the ignition coil prevents the spark plug from receiving voltage.	Apply an ohmmeter to the ignition coil to test it. If you notice a break in the continuity, replace the ignition coil.
Low Engine Oil Level	When the engine oil level is low, a sensor on a Generac generator prevents the engine from running.	Place there and drizzle in oil until the level reaches the highest shown on the oil tester.

Gas is leaking from the Generac generator.

Your Generac generator might be emitting a gas odor. Before you keep running the generator, you must locate the leak since fumes are dangerous.

A generator’s carburetor is where leaks are most prone to start. This is due to the possibility that gasket in the bowl of the engine won’t adequately seal or that internal components may stick, enabling too much fuel to enter the bowl and leading to an overflow.

The fuel filter, gasoline lines, fuel shut-off valve, and fuel tank are additional areas to look for fuel leaks.

This is Where Your Generac Generator Is Leaking Gas has more information.

Reason behind the issue	Solution
Dirty carburetor	The accumulation of chemicals from old gas in the carburetor might lead to blockages or component failures.	In place of any harmed components and clean the carburetor.
Weak fuel filter	The filter’s plastic may deteriorate and seams that leak.	Switch out the fuel filter.
Fuel tank	A rust hole may appear in a metal tank. The seams of a poly tank are susceptible to leakage.	change out the gasoline tank. If you can’t obtain a new tank, a rust hole can occasionally be repaired.
Fuel shut-off valve	Shut-off valves made of metal and plastic are prone to leaking.	Switch out the shut-off valve.
Old fuel lines	Fuel lines that are too dry or damaged can leak gas.	Fuel lines should be changed. To make sure the fuel line is connected to the fuel components firmly, check the clamps.

Bogs Down Under Load with the Generac Generator

The most frequent cause of a Generac generator losing power when it is under load is a fuel or air constraint. Trying to power more devices than your generator is capable of could potentially be the cause.

This is Why Your Generac Generator Bogs Down Under Load has more information.

Cause	Reason behind the issue	Solution
Applying too much load	The generator will bog down if you plug in more things than it can handle by overloading it.	Check the load cap for the generator. Add the combined wattage of all the devices that will be plugged in at once to ensure that it doesn’t exceed the load limit.
Bad or Old fuel	Fuel degrades with time, making it more likely to block fuel systems and harm parts.	Fill the tank with new petrol after draining the old one. To stabilize the fuel and help clean the fuel system, use a fuel additive like Sea Foam.
Clogged fuel filter	Fuel flow to the carburetor will be restricted by a filthy fuel filter.	Clean out a dirty fuel filter.
Plugged air filter	Grass and dirt might clog the air filter and stop ventilation.	Clean the filter by removing it. If the filter is in poor shape, replace it.
Incorrect Choke Setting / Stuck Choke	To start a cold engine, air is restricted using the choke. The air that the generator needs to operate will be constrained if it is not properly set up.	The choke must be turned off or open once the engine has warmed up in order to provide enough air for it to keep running.
Plugged spark arrestor	By using screen for the spark arrestor become clogged with debris, obstructing airflow by way of the exhaust.	Screen for the spark arrestor should be taken out and cleaned using a solvent or a tiny metal brush. Damaged screens should be replaced.
Dirty carburetor	Due to ethanol deposits and faulty gasoline, the carburetor might get dusty and blocked, restricting the flow of fuel.	Clean the carburetor’s individual parts thoroughly. Replace as necessary.