Generator won't stay running: Common Causes & How to Fix
1Generator Carburetor
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
Your carburetor could be blocked. This often happens when fuel stays in the generator for a long while. As time goes by, parts of the fuel can disappear and leave a sticky, thicker material behind. This sticky material can block the carburetor and stop the engine from starting. If your carburetor is blocked, try using a carburetor cleaning product. If it still doesn't work well after cleaning, you might need to rebuild or replace the whole carburetor.
How to Replace Generator Carburetor
- Disconnect the battery. Always disconnect the negative terminal first to prevent sparks.
- Drain the fuel. Use an approved container to drain gas from the carburetor bowl and fuel tank.
- Remove air filter housing. Detach the air filter assembly to access the carburetor.
- Disconnect fuel line. Loosen the fuel line clamp and detach the line from the carburetor. Plug line to stop fuel flow.
- Remove carburetor. Take out the carburetor mounting bolts and detach the throttle linkage. Carefully remove the carburetor.
- Install new carburetor. Carefully mount the new carburetor, attaching throttle linkage and mounting bolts.
- Connect fuel line. Attach the fuel line to the carburetor inlet and tighten the clamp securely.
- Reattach air filter housing. Reinstall the air filter assembly and inspect for proper fit.
- Refill fuel. Add fresh gasoline back into the fuel tank.
- Check for leaks. Inspect the fuel line connection and seals before starting the engine.
- Reconnect battery. Reconnect the negative battery cable once all checks are complete.
2Generator Carburetor Repair Kit
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The generator carburetor may be blocked. This often happens when fuel is left in the generator for too long. As time passes, parts of the fuel can evaporate and leave a thick, sticky material behind. This can block the carburetor and stop the generator engine from starting. If you think the carburetor is blocked, try cleaning it with a special cleaner. If it still doesn't work after cleaning, you may need to rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.
How to Replace Generator Carburetor Repair Kit
- Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
- Drain the gasoline from the carburetor bowl into an approved container.
- Remove the air filter cover and air filter to access the carburetor.
- Detach the fuel line connecting the carburetor to the fuel tank.
- Remove the carburetor from the generator by unscrewing the mounting bolts.
- Disassemble carburetor and remove old gaskets, diaphragms, o-rings, etc.
- Install new parts from repair kit, replacing all gaskets, diaphragms, o-rings, etc.
- Reassemble carburetor with new components per kit instructions.
- Reinstall carburetor using mounting bolts, ensuring proper alignment.
- Reattach fuel line to carburetor inlet.
- Replace air filter and tighten air filter cover.
- Add fresh gasoline to fuel tank.
- Reconnect spark plug wire.
- Test run generator to ensure proper performance. Make adjustments as needed.
3Generator Fuel Cap
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
When the engine uses fuel, the amount in the tank goes down. To balance this, the fuel cap has a tiny hole, or vent, to let air in. But if the vent gets blocked, air can't enter, creating a vacuum or "vapor lock". This stops fuel from getting to the carburetor, causing the engine to stop. To see if the cap's vent is blocked, try loosening the cap a bit before starting the engine. If the engine keeps running with the cap loose, the vent is likely blocked and you'll need a new fuel cap.
How to Replace Generator Fuel Cap
- Clean area around fuel tank cap to prevent dirt and debris getting into fuel tank.
- Turn fuel valve to ""OFF"" position to prevent fuel from leaking.
- Unscrew existing fuel cap counterclockwise and remove it from the fuel tank opening.
- Inspect fuel tank opening and threads for any damage. Clean threads if dirty.
- Check that new fuel cap gasket is in good condition. Replace if worn or damaged.
- Install new fuel cap by screwing it clockwise into fuel tank opening.
- Tighten new fuel cap securely until snug. Do not over-tighten.
- Turn the fuel valve to ""ON"" position once the new cap is installed.
- Check for fuel leaks around the new fuel cap by tipping the generator on its side.
- Refill fuel tank with fresh gasoline once the leak check is complete.
- Wipe up any spilled fuel before operating generator.
- Start the generator and check the fuel cap area carefully for any signs of leaking.