The lights go out, and the first thing you do is fire up the generator. As soon as it starts, you breathe a sigh of relief. But if it’s not continuing to run, it’s not of much help to you. Let’s figure out what could be the cause.

Fuel Line Problems

The fuel needs to continuously flow to the engine of your generator. Whenever you have air in the line or clogs that interfere with this, your machine won’t stay running consistently.

To determine if this is the problem and correct it, do these things:

• Check your fuel level.
• Inspect the line for disconnected pieces, leaks, and cracks.
• Bleed the line to remove trapped air.
• Replace or clean the fuel filter.
• Replace the gasoline.
• Check the carburetor.

Faulty Spark Plug

The spark plug is necessary for combustion, but a faulty, worn, improperly gapped, or dirty one may deliver a poor spark, causing the generator to run for a short period and then misfire or stop.

To tell if the spark plug is bad or needs to be cleaned, do the following:

• Look for oil, white ash, or black soot.
• Check for corrosion and wear.
• Evaluate for a gap between the side and center electrode.
• Assess for visible damage or cracks.

Try cleaning it if you’re unsure. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to replace it.

A Dirty or Clogged Air Filter

A dirty or clogged air filter prevents the engine from getting the right air-to-fuel ratio for combustion. Anytime your air filter is clogged or dirty, it limits airflow, causing the ratio to be fuel-rich. The spark plug will then struggle to ignite the mixture, making the engine start and stop.

Depending on your generator, you may need to either clean or replace it.

Malfunctioning Idle Control

Some generators have an automatic idle control. If it isn’t working properly, the unit may not change speed accordingly and will stall.

Oil Troubles

Your generator needs oil to continuously lubricate it and prevent overheating and premature damage. Check to see that the machine has adequate, clean oil. Replace the oil if necessary.

The problem could also be a faulty oil sensor, which you may want to replace yourself or hire a professional. Keep in mind that some sensors are difficult to access.

If you recently started having issues with your generator shutting off, it could be your spark plugs, idle control, or several other issues. While some of the fixes are simple enough for someone who’s comfortable working with an engine, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for an evaluation and repair.

Contact Sky Heating, AC, Plumbing & Electrical, serving Tualatin, OR, for a generator service visit to see why your unit won’t keep running.