Portable generators sit unused for months and then are expected to start on the first pull. The usual culprit is fuel that has gone stale in the tank and carburetor, but there are several other causes.
- Stale fuel and a gummed-up carburetor
- A worn spark plug or a dirty air filter
- Low oil, which can trigger an automatic shutdown
- A faulty recoil starter or, on electric-start models, a weak battery
- A tripped breaker, a damaged outlet or a failed voltage regulator when the engine runs but there is no power
- Surging or stalling under load
Repair means cleaning or replacing what has failed and then testing the generator with a load. Describe what is happening when you call, and we will connect you with a local provider.