With the National Power Grid now over 80 years old, power outages are becoming increasingly prevalent in the United States. In fact, a survey conducted recently revealed that almost a quarter of adults in the U.S have experienced a power outage of 12 hours or more in the last two years.
Consequently, an increasing number of American home and business owners are investing in standby and portable generators to avoid hours and hours of darkness and inconvenience.
However, in a power outage, the last thing you want on your hands is a generator that refuses to start. Just like all machines, a generator is prone to developing problems and faults – particularly if it hasn’t been maintained properly. Here are some of the common reasons why generators fail to start.
Low Oil Level
Since backup generators are powered by internal combustion engines, they need the right amount of oil to function properly. So, if your generator s refusing to start, the first thing you should do is inspect the oil level in the crankcase. Also, remember that running a generator on an uneven surface can trigger the oil-level sensor even if there’s a sufficient amount of oil in the crankcase.
Clogged Fuel Valve
If your generator has enough fuel, but it doesn’t seem to reach the carburetor, chances are the fuel valve or fuel line is clogged. The fuel valve is responsible for controlling the fuel flow from the tank to the carburetor, and over time, it can become clogged with the dirt and impurities from the fuel. You can check if the fuel valve is clogged by removing the outlet hose from the fuel valve’s intake side. If fuel isn’t flowing freely, chances ae there’s a problem in the fuel system. Also check the fuel lines and the fuel filter (if your generator has one).
The Battery is Dead
A dead battery is perhaps the most common culprit behind generator startup issues. If you’re using your generator after a long time, chances are the battery has lost its charge. If this is the case, you should be able to start your generator by pulling the recoil starter. If your unit doesn’t have a recoil starter, you’ll have to either jump start your battery or get it recharged.
Generac Super Store is the ultimate one-stop to all your generator needs. In addition to offering generators for sale, we also provide generator installation, repair, and maintenance services to home and business owners in Birmingham and Huntsville, AL, and Nashville, TN. Call us at (855) 880-1880 today to learn more about the products and services we offer.