Troubleshoot and Fix Pulsar Generator Not Running
Because you have no other choice, you have to resort to using a generator. In order to keep the essentials functioning when it breaks down, prompt repair is essential.
When the Pulsar generator is overworked, running on too little oil, or not receiving adequate air, fuel, and spark, it will shut down.
Possible causes include a clogged air filter, fuel filter, clogged fuel line, filthy carburetor, dirty spark plug, lack of lubrication, old gasoline, or an overload.
The Pulsar operator’s manual contains important safety information that should never be ignored. The spark plug wire must be disconnected and the engine allowed to cool before any maintenance can be done.
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 don’t feel confident in your ability to conduct the repair safely due to a lack of experience, training, or health, it’s best to call in an expert.
Table of Contents
6 Reasons a Pulsar Generator Starts but Stops
Too Much Work for Such a Tiny Pulsar Generator
Various Pulsar generators have various maximum power requirements. If you try to operate more appliances than your generator model can handle, it may shut down.
The load limits of most Pulsar generators are clearly displayed. A running wattage and, sometimes, a starting wattage will be listed.
- A generator’s starting watts are the additional watts it can manage for a brief period of time when something is plugged into the generator and turned on.
- The amount of power (in watts) that a generator can keep up with in order to keep something operating.
The generator will shut down if you try to power more appliances than its starting or operating load capacity allows.
Check the generator’s load limit to ensure you don’t overload it with too many appliances. The next step is to calculate how much power you’ll need to run everything at once.
Total up the power consumption of everything you have turned on at once. The total amount of power drawn by the appliances cannot exceed the generator’s rated capacity.
Determine the watts by using these guidelines:
- Most electrical equipment will have a label with the wattage listed on it.
- It takes more power to get some motors going. The initial power consumption should be determined by the starting wattage.
- To get a total, add up the wattage of everything that will be hooked into the generator at once.
- The sum of these watts must be lower than the generator’s maximum safe power.
The Pulsar Generator Is Running Out of Air
To determine if a choke is closing or a filter is clogged, examine the air intake to ensure that airflow is unimpeded.
The Air Filter Is Blocked
To prevent harmful debris from being sucked into the engine, an air filter is installed. Even a little bit of dirt can shorten the life of an engine and harm it irreparably.
If you don’t keep up with cleaning and maintaining the air filter, it might get clogged with debris and dust. It’s possible that the engine won’t have enough air to keep running.
Take out the filter and check it out to see whether it’s working properly. If the filter is broken or very unclean, you should get a new one. If it is otherwise clean but needs a little sprucing up, go ahead and do it.
Cleanse a Pulsar generator foam-style air filter
- Take out the filter and throw it away.
- The air filter housing and cover should be cleaned of any lingering dust or debris. Keep the air intake free of debris.
- The foam filter should be checked for wear and replaced if necessary.
- The filter can be cleaned with soapy water and rinsed until the water comes out clear if it is in good condition.
- To dry the filter, simply squeeze it.
- The foam filter may need to be soaked in oil or gas, depending on the model. Remove any surplus fluid from the filter by squeezing it. If you are unsure about the fluid that should be used to coat the filter in your model, I recommend consulting the handbook.
- Put the air filter in place.
- The air filter cover must be reattached.
Cleanse a Pulsar generator paper air filter:
- Take out the filter and throw it away.
- The air filter housing and cover should be cleaned of any lingering dust or debris. Keep the air intake free of debris.
- Check the air paper filter. Tap the filter to dislodge dirt, allowing it to fall through the openings. If the filter is unclean, torn, or no longer effectively seals the air intake, a new one should be installed.
- Put the air filter in place.
- The air filter cover must be reattached.
Mistaken Choke Position
When trying to start a cold engine, you must use the choke. To allow more air into the carburetor throat, the choke lever must be moved from the on (closed) position to the off (open) position when the engine warms up.
Incorrect choke setup or a choke that is stuck in the closed position could cause the engine to shut down shortly after starting.
The solution is to check the location of the choke lever.
Check the choke to see if it is stuck in the closed position if the choke lever is set properly but airflow problems persist. If your choke is stuck and won’t open or close, you can use carburetor cleaning to release it.
The Pulsar Generator Has Run Out of Fuel
Several factors mean that a Pulsar generator can’t supply the engine with enough fuel.
No Gas in the Tank
You have neglected to inspect the gasoline tank, despite its obvious importance in explaining why the generator keeps shutting off.
Possible causes include a faulty fuel gauge or the development of a fuel leak.
The ANSWER is to fill up the tank with new gas. If you discover any fuel leaks or a malfunctioning fuel gauge, you should fix them immediately.
Used Fuel
Varnish and deposits left behind by old fuel might reduce the amount of fuel that the engine receives, preventing it from starting or keeping running.
The problem can be solved by flushing out the gasoline tank. For this purpose, a fuel siphon pump is ideal.
In a gas container that meets safety standards, combine fresh gasoline with an additive like Sea Foam or STA-BIL. These additives are used to extend the gas’s stability and lower the fuel system’s moisture content.
Put the gas concoction into the gas tank. Turn on the generator and let it run for a while so the treated fuel can circulate through the system.
If you want to avoid or reduce fuel-related issues as much as possible, read this article.
Clogged Carburetor
The carburetor controls the ratio of fuel to air in the combustion chamber.
The carburetor might become coated with old gas over time, preventing it from doing its job and supplying the engine with the fuel it needs to keep operating.
When this occurs, the solution is to disassemble the Pulsar carburetor from the generator and clean it with carburetor cleaner to get rid of the crusty buildup caused by stale gasoline.
Taking pictures as you disassemble the carburetor helps ensure that it is put back together properly.
You can either buy a new one and try to clean it yourself, or take it to a small engine repair shop to be cleaned or replaced if you don’t feel like dealing with it.
The negative effects of using old fuel on your Pulsar Generator can be mitigated by using fresh gasoline and not letting it linger in your generator for extended periods of time.
Fuel Vent Blocked
Air must be able to freely enter and exit the fuel tank to maintain a constant internal pressure.
A vacuum will develop in the tank when fuel is used up and air is prevented from entering due to a blocked vent.
Because of the vacuum, fuel can’t reach to the carburetor, thus the generator will sputter and eventually turn off.
Your Pulsar generator’s fuel tank vent may be an integral element of the gas cap or a separate accessory. You may have an issue with the fuel tank vent if the generator turns off and won’t start again until you release the top.
The gasoline tank’s vent should be replaced.
The Pulsar Generator Doesn’t Have Enough Spark
Worn out spark plug
A clogged spark plug might result in a weak or nonexistent spark, which can make the engine sputter or even fail to start. An improper electrode gap or slack spark plug wires might also contribute to this issue.
A filthy spark plug can be cleaned with a wire brush. A new spark plug should be installed if you inspect it and see any damage, wear, or a particularly dark color.
Ignition Coil Problems
Overheating the generator can cause the ignition coil to come apart, resulting in a short circuit. If the spark plug isn’t getting enough voltage, it won’t be able to produce a spark.
As a first step, check the condition of the spark plug. Follow that up by making sure nothing has broken.
As a solution, if you notice a discontinuity, just replace it.
The Pulsar Generator Has Very Little Oil
When the oil level gets too low, most Pulsar generators will automatically shut off. This is a safety measure to prevent damage to the engine from using too little oil.
If your generator suddenly turns off and the low oil indicator light comes on, make sure it is sitting on a level surface. The sensor may go off if the generator is put up on uneven ground.
After making sure the generator is in the right place, check the engine oil level with the dipstick located in the oil cap.
Get rid of the oil cap. Use a clean cloth to wipe down the dipstick. To check the oil level, just replace the dipstick and cap and remove them. If you are checking the oil level, leave the top off.
If the dipstick indicates that the oil level is too low, add more oil until it reaches the proper level.
If the engine oil level is correct but the low oil sensor light persists, a defective sensor may be to blame. To get help, get in touch with a Pulsar generator dealer in your area.
Pulsar Generator with Blocked Spark Arrestor
The muffler has a spark arrestor screen that stops sparks from escaping when the exhaust is turned on. To lessen the likelihood of burns and forestall fires, this screen is needed.
A clogged spark arrestor screen causes the engine to sputter and perhaps shut down because the hot exhaust air cannot escape.
A solvent or a small metal brush can be used to clean the spark arrestor screen once it has been removed. A replacement screen must be installed if the old one is broken or has holes in it.