How to Start a Generator that Won't Start

if your generator will not start, I will take you through the steps needed to get it running again. It could be anything from something as simple as no fuel, the start switch being off, not using the choke, or even old fuel in the generator

[@GalacticKid407]

Watched this video and started my generator right up after 2-3 years. Thanks for the video!

[@SuchAstud666]

Did you have old fuel in it? What was the problem?

[@paultenney3333]

Thank you so much for the basic tutorial on getting the generator started. I have a slightly newer Briggs and Stratton model, so you going over the fundamentals helped me get mine started. As it turned out, I did not have the fuel valve open.

[@flannelguydiy6458]

I am glad it helped Paul...

[@allpowercorp]

We love what you are doing here! Great tutorial for help starting a generator that won't turn on. Subscribed!

[@flannelguydiy6458]

Thanks for the sub!

[@Dominic.Minischetti]

Great tips, pretty much can use those tips for any small engine! Thanks for sharing my friend!

[@Trap..house.]

Had a customer bring me a two-stroke generator that would not start Watched this video (changed the bad gas and spark plug boot ) fired right up after 3 years of sitting Thank you

[@alejandramatlock3546]

Your “painfully obvious” tips got mine to start, thanks!

[@flannelguydiy6458]

Glad I could help!

[@cheerwather]

thanks for the video your instructions really works, thumbs up

[@vhaldemarr]

Thank you man I live in New Orleans and I was able to start my generator. 🤜🤛

[@flannelguydiy6458]

thanks for watching

[@VIKINGOCATIRE]

Man. Thanks gor your video. Im here in new orleans hours before the arrival of hurricane ida. I know we will lose power. Our neighbors evacuated but offerred us to use their portable generator. Im not familiar with it. Its s black max 6560. I will certainly do what your video explains and hopefully ill get it running

[@flannelguydiy6458]

thanks for watching....

[@kirkb2286]

Living in southeast La ….no power for 16 days….did we have fun or what….my wife said next time I can stay if I want but she is gone. Hope you didn’t have too much damage.

[@erictasman2108]

Thanks F.G. At least you have given me workable options before the expensive repairs. I'll let you know If I'm successful. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@flannelguydiy6458]

thanks for watching...

[@erictasman2108]

@@flannelguydiy6458 Fresh gas did the trick. Seems if gas is a little old it will not work. Using ethenol free gas is the ticket. Thanks for sound advice.

[@markmonckton]

Hey thanks for the vid. As a new generator owner here, this helps me feel confident using mine. Also Briggs & Stratton

[@flannelguydiy6458]

thanks so much for watching

[@yahvellbanephraim461]

Blessings to you... My brand new predator 1400 is not starting.. Started one time but kept tripping... I change the oil after it looked Milky. I'm going to try fresh gas like you said. I hope that work

[@nathanas64]

Thank you! I have the same model.. fairly reliable. Agree that you must have fresh fuel!

[@flannelguydiy6458]

thanks for watching

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Northeast guy here also. Great video!

[@flannelguydiy6458]

thanks for watching Jimmy....

[@ajacobs6955]

Thank you for the video it helped us alot

[@SgtGJP3]

I have gone through all these steps and still will not start any other suggestions. I have used starting fluid / carb cleaner / changed the gas / cleaned the spark arrester/ have completely removed the carburetor and checked cleaned it. It starts fluid and even straight gas in the carb but acts like it can’t get fuel. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Not sure how long we will be without power here.

[@NajRellim]

My B&S 5000 Series Generator started and ran well last month. When I tried to start it today, the pull cord on the recoil starter would not budge at all...not even an inch. It seems like it has locked up but I can't see anything that would obstruct it. B&S riveted the recoil pull cord housing onto the engine, so I am reluctant to use a drill on it for fear of generating a spark. Do you have any suggestions on how to access the recoil rope to check for obstructions?

[@theresawase5981]

By the way, thanks for your help. I know nothing about engines...except that sometimes you are supposed to mix oil in the gas... Anyway thanks again.

[@flannelguydiy6458]

thanks for watching!

[@freddifish6272]

I have a Boliy 3600SI inverter generator. I bought it used about 10 years ago and have had this problem since day one. I cannot get it to start using the pull rope, but it runs fine once I get it started. Starting it is the issue. I can pull the starter with or without the choke on and it will not start. Usually no hint that it is trying to start either. But one person suggested that I remove the spark plug and squirt just a touch of gas directly into the cylinder. Then replace the spark plug and try to start it. It works great. Starts first pull and runs great. But, my main use of this generator is for power backup in case power goes down, I at least can save the food in the fridge and have some power for lights and other necessary stuff. Anyway, once running, if I pull the choke, it bogs the generator down so it seems like the mechanism for the choke is working, but for some reason, it doesn't seem like the choke is working to give the carb more gas at start up. Does anyone have any ideas to fix this issue. I don't want to be having to deal with pulling spark plugs and squirting gas into the cylinder every time I need the generator running. Been dealing with for ten years and getting tired of it.

[@pescaenfloridaconjulio1345]

This video has helped me a lot a lot

[@flannelguydiy6458]

thanks for watching!

[@SJG-96]

Thanks for your explanation. Serge , Surrey BC.

[@flannelguydiy6458]

You are welcome! and thank you for watching

[@SJG-96]

@@flannelguydiy6458 Hello again, It’s still not starting, the electric starter is fully charged and turning the engine, (fast) the tank is full, but there’s something else probably simple. But it was late in the evening and pouring rain after an awful snowstorm. So I just got back indoors and I’ll deal with it when the rain stops, in a few days. Thanks anyway. S.J. G.

[@aglaedsahagun9514]

GOOD TIPS , THANK YOU !!!

[@nicolasmorales766]

Thanks man and great job . But mine has gas, fire and I had to tk oil sensor wire off to start and put bk on b4 last stall ran great ran outta gas won't start. It was slightly cover due to rain but had good ventilation.. I do not have a screen on mine and am cleaning carb but am out of ideas it's a briggs 5000

[@taniagonzalez3464]

Got her running - thx!

[@flannelguydiy6458]

thanks for watching

[@ForbiddTV]

Most generators these days have a low oil shut off sensor and will not run if oil is too low. Add oil, or bypass the sensor to check if that is the problem.

[@bassetofl]

How do I bypass the sensor

[@ForbiddTV]

@@bassetofl Locate a yellow line wire from the low oil sensor, then depending on your generator brand, you may find a green wire connector. Disconnect the yellow wire from the connector by removing the wire connecting the yellow wire and green wire. connector. You will need to use a pair of pliers to remove the wire from its clip gently.

[@dustinwarren3125]

Hello my carbon brushes are bad will this hinder my generator from starting?

[@ForbiddTV]

@@dustinwarren3125 That would have no affect on the engine starting, but the generator might not produce electricity.

[@dustinwarren3125]

Thank you i took the generator ALL apart because i suspected that the governor gear was broken the generator ran before i took it apart just ran WIDE OPEN would not regulate. While i was taking it apart i made the mistake of not draining the oil and when i tipped it a certain way oil leaked all over basically probably all internal parts stator, rotor ect.. now do you think this would ruin them internal parts hindering it not to start. Or maybe the valves might not be in the correct position that could cause it not to start also right. And thank you fir taking the time out of your day to help out s complete stranger. You are a blessing to me.

[@jimmiller4743]

Thanks for the video. My generator will pull Start but the key won't. Any ideas why key isn't working?

[@williamgarcia1832]

Can you add a battery for an easier start??? To the 6500 predator generator

[@ryemc915]

Thanks for the 4 nin vid . One was 30cmin was great he did so hut i didnt want to make popcorn ! !!

[@flannelguydiy6458]

No problem 👍

[@d.m.soucie552]

i have a sportsman dual fual 4000. it did sit for quite a while and clean the tank and I'm going to the carburetor so when I pull the cord all I get is a h i s s sound does not turn over I mean doesn't start and move it and stop it doesn't even start and check the spark plug I've got propane plugged into it now and still does the same thing important and it goes hiss sound. I'm sorry gave me this generator so I want to pull over the time and do it cuz if you can be up and running let me drive what's your thoughts

[@ricknazzaro6586]

Have a new genkins 2300 started on choke and would shut down in a few seconds,now no start at all? Any help ...fresh gas.

[@kennethmurphy2629]

Can also the float in the carburetor go bad besides the stuff that you already said that could also give you a problem starting the generator to turn over I also had a hard time but I put cold start and the generator will keep on but then it was shut off is you get a screen about the exhaust like you said is bad or is all futile because I think the owner told me he makes them old few with new fuel after I put inside a tank he told me about it so thank you for the tip the very helpful

[@Powerstroke98]

I have a Karcher 2,000 generator, which is actually my 84 year old father in laws, in that he really doesn't have the strength to pull the cord too many times any more, so I brought it home with me, as I told him I'd give it a try. To me, the gas smelled off...so I dumped out the tank of fuel, added new fuel, and it still won't fire. I even pulled the spark plug to give it a look see, and dribble a bit of fuel into the cylinder, then replaced the spark plug. This generator is basically brand new, having less than an hour on it, but it's about 2 years old now sitting in my father in laws garage for a 'just in case of a storm' reason. It does have a plastic 'bulb' you push, which I'd imagine pulls fuel to the carb, and I've pushed it many times, and see their is a small overflow hose that allows fuel to drain to out the tube to the bottom side of the generator. When pulling the spark plug, it didn't smell of gas, and of course looked pretty well brand new as well. It did 'fire' once or twice, albeit wouldn't start, and then pulling again and again many times, even leaving it several hours and trying again, with no success. I'm not sure if the old fuel can harm the carb or not, albeit it should be flushed through by now with all the times I've pushed the bulb, basically filling and replacing any residual fuel. I do put the choke on, and make sure the fuel selector is in the correct position, and as far as I can tell this unit doesn't have an off/on button as shown on the one on the video. Any help would be appreciated, as I don't know if I've overlooked something, but as said I doubt this generator has an hour on it, so it should be able to run, as I've heard it run last year when I test ran it and brought some gas for him in case of a storm. Thanks.

[@jamesmoller5760]

Sometimes the primer hose cracks n will not create a suction. But always best to soak carb in carb cleaner over night after sitting a while. Cleans any tarnish out.

[@airozmoney7189]

I have a tiger tg950 that is firing from the block and it won't start. I have tightened the screws but no luck. What do I do. Thanks.

[@michaelsutton8764]

I have a 5500/ 8250. My on/off breaker switch will not turn on the power. it keeps tripping. What could cause this problem internally. BTW, I have already replaced the switch.

[@savoielvis1]

Thx🎉 that really helped me!

[@flannelguydiy6458]

Glad it helped!

[@ChrisTigani]

I have a Powerstroke 3500 W, and I pulled off the red choke lever. It won’t start now. What can I do? Thanks!

[@invis7150]

I have watched some of your videos but you have not talked about Koehler whole house generators. I have a 8500 natural gas, that is about 20 years old. My generator starts hard but if I start it every few days it starts good, do you have any ideas? Thanks

[@flannelguydiy6458]

Paul, I would have to be there with you to look at it.

[@asanulueliky7319]

Hello. .. I have tried all the methods you mentioned in the video but still yet my generator will not start. ..

[@user-qe4it3jw6g]

Thanks for this great clear video. I bought a used Briggs Stratton portable generator that resembles the one you have in your video here. It is several years old but only been used 2 times but it has been years since it has been cranked. The gas tank was dry when I bought it so I know the gas is new and not a problem. It starts fine but only runs for about a minute or two then shuts down. Any thoughts on what that problem might be?

[@jamesmoller5760]

not getting enough gas to run at higher rpms be my guess

[@adrianhill4808]

R😅😅😅😅😅u

[@jamesg1810]

I have a Ex-cell 4000 watt generator that has never been used or gas in it and won’t start I need any help or information Thanks

[@AGC173]

thanks for the tips

[@flannelguydiy6458]

Any time

[@aletheamorris3946]

Thank you so much you saved my bacon 🥓 😅

[@flannelguydiy6458]

thanks for watching!

[@KH-hg2wj]

i have a Westinghouse DF9500 dual fuel, electric start generator. Took it out of the box a few weeks ago. It ran fine last week. Now, battery is charged, but no power shows on the charge indicator light and no power to the starter. It does not fire when pulling the recoil either. Fuel is on, tank is full, On/Off switch is on. I don't find any loose connections. Maybe a bad starter relay? Can't have over 2 hours on the machine. Thanks.

[@wrichtsmeier1]

I have this same problem

[@IamSquidword]

I have the exact same problem

[@BLAM777]

My westinghouse 5300 won't run after only just over 5 hours of actual run time. checked oil, put the choke on, switch is on and nothing except it wants to run then when I shut the choke off it dies. I've only run propane through it. The thing is just over 3 months old and calling westinghouse customer service is a waste of time because no one answers. I don't havebone of those screens over the exhaust don't think that wo u ld stop it from running or wouldn't? where upnin the middle of nowhere trying to build our cabin and any help would be much appreciated.

[@joytrucker5709]

I was running my generator to power my RV. The generator ran out of gas while it was still running and under a load. I added new gas and now it wont start. What can I do?

[@michaelmurdoch7788]

Use or predator 9000 almost daily. Was turned off because of a little white smoke near choke area after sounding like it was going to cut off on its own. Now I can’t get it to start. It’s trying but it’s a no go. Can’t figure it out.

[@fukyoosocial-media5937]

what if it had old fuel nearly on empty and I didn’t drain the tank first before topping it off with new? Still doesn’t start, should I capture fuel and top off with fresh again?

[@flannelguydiy6458]

hard to say. Will depend upon how much of each

[@leethompson6021]

Brand new 5100w Power Force Generator - I have new fuel, and fuel is on, oil is correct level, choke is over to left, - still not starting - have sprayed Carb cleaner to no effect any other ideas?

[@codycamet3682]

Goodevening I own a SUA5000 generator jus bought it last year worked great for hurricane season... I drained the gas to pick it up for winter, jus watched your video and tried everything, now I cannot get that sucker to start, doesnt even sound like it wants to... The only thing I can tell was. Different was my on/off switch was on the whole time I had it locked up, the gas line was closed and screen is cleaned,.. please help

[@seanroyal3002]

Hi, I have the CMXGGAS030731 Never really used it, Tried to started up nothing, but when I use stater fluid it acts like it wants to starts then dies, My friend said that I may have a bad carb.

[@toddhoffman6503]

I have the exact same generator in the video. Just put on a new carburetor. Started up for 5 seconds and died. Won’t start now. Fuel on, switch on. Any ideas? Might just remove and retry.

[@bmacdonald5137]

Great video! Very helpful. My generator turns over, but wont run. The choke turns off before the engine catches. I tried holding the choke in the On position manually, and that used to work for me, but now it doesn't. Any suggestions will be much appreciated! Thanks!

[@flannelguydiy6458]

maybe the throttle cable needs adjusting

[@davidjones1393]

THKS

[@DonP-rb4so]

Does the spark plug have anything to do with starting?

[@catherinemullaney8413]

Hey I have a generator identical to that one but it’s a Campbell hausfeld brand it won’t run unless I spray gas into the carb, but it stalls immediately. I made sure the carb was cleaned drained all gas and replaced all fuel lines. I found a plug with two black wires looks like it comes off the magneto and isn’t plugged into anything... also there’s a ground connection below that with nothing hooked up to it..is it missing a ground maybe?

[@flannelguydiy6458]

Catherine... it is really hard for me to say without looking at it myself

[@2tallB]

@@flannelguydiy6458 AND SO ... you should take it to a local service and have them check it out

[@antondelosreyes3360]

Hi. I have the same kind of generator and I start it regularly. I tried it a few minutes ago and the pull string feels different. It’s tight and quiet. Normally you hear it turn. But it just spins quietly. Any suggestions?

[@flannelguydiy6458]

hmmmm not sure

[@dennisgallo86]

My Ryobi generator seems like it starts, but then dies immediately. I cleaned the carb, used new gas & it still won’t start. Any suggestions?

[@Jayarrin1]

Thank you for the video from a new subscriber. Sir, I have a question I didn't know about the gas needing to be drained. I thought that the generator wasn't starting because it was low on fuel. So, I added more fuel essentially mixing fresh gas with stale gas. So, my question is will have to dispose of it all, or is that gas still useable? Thank you in advance for your help.

[@flannelguydiy6458]

adding fuel does not always help. you would have to add so much to dilute the bad gas. Draining the old fuel is the only real solution. You can potentially use it in another machine sparingly.

[@Jayarrin1]

​@@flannelguydiy6458 Okay will do. Thank you for your advice, I really appreciate it!

[@MsLisamartin]

@@flannelguydiy6458 thanks

[@HEMZbEATS]

Would the spark plug be an issue as well if it doesn't start?

[@IndependentArmz]

thanks for the video

[@flannelguydiy6458]

Glad it helped....now you can help me by sharing this video on Facebook

[@efrainmendoza9101]

I have a home life I thousand 500 generator is three wires coming out of the on and off switch one goes to the ground. The other one goes to the oil switch I believe and there’s a white wire on the opposite side that it’s just hanging I don’t know where it goes and it won’t start and I’m assuming it’s because the light is not keeping it’s not on when I turn on the switch.

[@bakervinci163]

The fuel valve is impossible to get to on a quite series gen, without taking it totally apart

[@thom8982]

I have drained the fuel, disconnected the oil sensor, cleaned both filters, even sprayed starter fuel into carb. Blue flame will shout out of carb so I know it is getting spart but won't start. It is a Stratton engine on 3 years old with a pull cord. What to do? L

[@TheEastCoastSensation]

I just bought the new Predator 4400 Inverter Generator. I put oil in it. New gas, Pulled the choke and put the gas to the on position. It started. ran it for hours. Shut it off. The next day. Same thing but I go to pull start it (no electric start) and I pulling and pulling with no luck. I return that genny and buy the same one again. The problem haunts me again. Same process about and boom the same thing again. I am doing everything in your video plus turning eco mode to off when starting. What do you think?

[@flannelguydiy6458]

really not sure. I know this sounds stupid but make sure the fuel is switched to ON and the same with the run switch

[@michaelroby1809]

I have the Briggs and Stratton 5500 generator. I put fresh gas in. Gas flowing to carburetor. Only start by putting gas in carburetor. Starts off high and cuts down to slow running and stop. Have not check screen yet. Need help!

[@flannelguydiy6458]

hard to say without seeing it myself

[@robertfortner8733]

I have a power stroke 3500 generator it sat 2 yrs..I pulled the cord 2 times it cranked up and ran shortly then shut off. Wouldn't crank again. I bought new carb put it on ,still won't crank. Plug is firing,cleaned gas tank , unplugged low oil shut off . Still don't even act like it wonts to start .what am I doing wrong...thanks

[@chrishamilton4278]

I have a Champion, I thought it was gummed up by old fuel so I emptied the fuel, checked spark plug and replaced with new one and added new air filter. Charged up the battery, tried starting but it just makes a rapid clicking noise when I use the electric start. What could be causing this noise? is the Starter bad? Solenoid bad?

[@flannelguydiy6458]

the clicking is the starter

[@halcampbell1384]

I recently purchased a new Lifan ES5700 generator that also has a honda clone engine. In my case, it starts easily and reliably when cold but if I shut it down after running awhile (like 3-5 minutes) it will not restart (either unchoked or choked) unless I give it some starting fluid and it will start right off. What is causing this problem, and is there a fix for it? I am mechanically inclined and would like to get this corrected as much as possible. Thanks for any help you can offer.

[@flannelguydiy6458]

hmmm not sure what that is

[@boosomentity]

got myself a Hyundai 6500 petrol inverter a couple years ago decided to warm it up ready for this winter coming. followed the instructions to the letter drained the preserve fluid filled it up with the appropriate oil, added the right fuel, switched on all the right knobs and started it up but the generator wont bite. is there any quirks I need to know about this particular generator that might explain the lack of success?

[@flannelguydiy6458]

unfortunately I cannot speak for that specific generator

[@MikeElkashawy]

Hello, I have a brand new predator generator that I bought 5 years ago but never used it. Tried to start it last week and I added fuel for the first time and it ran right away then it died an hour later. Have been trying to fit but can’t find the problem. The original oil was there for the last 5 years so I drained it out and replaced it with fresh one. I tried to start it but I’m getting this scary loud pop and some white smoke that seems like it’s coming from the carburetor/ air filter area. Any idea what the problem is

[@flannelguydiy6458]

Mike... really hard to diagnose without seeing it in person.

[@l33b80]

Can you do a walk though guide on adjusting the idle/rpm and output voltage of this generator? I have one of these that came with my house, it has not run in over 8 years.

[@andrewkleinwaks6379]

so, mine starts, but runs for 2 seconds and cuts out. Can't figure out how to remove the carb to completely clean and rebuild... Same model as yours.

[@philherrera9749]

Hi my generator seems to have no spark , it's pretty much a new generator but have kept it in my shed for 1yr I drained the unit about 6months ago to store it again . I went thru all the steps you said and even tried a new spark plug but still not seem to want to start , I can use some help thanks

[@flannelguydiy6458]

Phil... it is really hard to figure it out without seeing it in person. Make sure you have the little power switch in the on position. Sometimes people forget about that stupid thing.

[@thomasmonica6101]

Won't start but if I put gas in plug hole it will run and should the cab bowl be full of gas nothing in mine

[@JoeMarine77]

Ty very helpful

[@flannelguydiy6458]

thank you.. now you can help me by sharing this video on Facebook,

[@lboogie6263]

Hello. I have a Westinghouse generator 11 months old. Never used it more than 15 minutes a month. It has been 2 months since I started it but we have storms coming. I cleaned carb with cleaner. I have only used propane in it. Would not start today. Can you help?

[@flannelguydiy6458]

I would need to see it...

[@gcampbel55]

The first thing i would do is take the air filter off, open the choke, and squirt a shot or two of carburetor cleaner directly into the carburetor. It kicked right off right after i did that. Saved myself a lot of trouble.

[@flannelguydiy6458]

thanks for watching....please share the video for me. Thx

[@malefactorrr9414]

Thank you

[@flannelguydiy6458]

You're welcome

[@ForbiddTV]

The biggest problems with generators not starting is the use of fuel with ethanol in it (standard US gas station fuel). Always use non ethanol fuel (about $1/gal more), or buy the stuff in the cans at the hardware stores. Fuel with ethanol can start gelling up filters, screens and carburetors within months. This is the same problem you will have with any engine not regularly used such as chainsaws, snow blowers, weed whackers, etc. Do yourself a big favor and use non-ethanol fuel, it could save you in a bind.

[@otrotland5377]

I have the same model generator as you, last month I ran it for an hour, then when I tried it again a month later it will not turn over with spark plugs in, it is a hand crank. It just gets to where the pull crank feel locked up. I can take the spark plug out and it turns when I pull the cord. Any ideas

[@flannelguydiy6458]

hard for me to say without being there

[@otrotland5377]

@@flannelguydiy6458 after watching more videos it is looking like a carburetor problem. I did find ice all over the air filter area which had melted later in the day. Before this, it was leaking gas from the fuel line shut off valve. I did not have another so I got an adapter and just ran the gas straight into the carburetor. The next day is when I found the air filter area frozen and gas once again leaking from the air filter area now. Getting ideas to look at and having the free time to check them makes it take longer to fix. Everything seemed to be pointing to a broken cam. Which meant taking the whole thing apart. I found another video where the float can get bent and cause gas leaks. Since that area is what froze I will look into that next when I get time. Thank you for the video.

[@nidalshehahadeh7485]

Old generators ? I'm sure many of you would like to dust off the generator , here's some tips for you and I speak as someone who have been in the automotive business for over 38 years . 1st remove the spark plug , 2nd squirt small amount of WD-40 through the spark plug hole on the piston to lubricate the Rings, if WD-40 is not available then any other similar rust9 treatment or light lubrication will do , 3rd spin the engine few times before installing the spark plugs , you want to make sure that the lubrication you squirted inside the spark plug hole have blown out , one of the biggest problems with small engine not starting is a dirty spark plug , brush whatever it is on the spark plug with a clean wire brush , the spark plug have to be clean and dry especially from any oil or carbon residue that might be on it , use a propane torch to heat up the spark plug , heat up the spark plug until the electroids negative and positive on the spark plug will turn red , allow the spark plug to cool down before touching it , if you don't have a blow torch then use the barbecue , if all fails as the last ditch effort , do the following and be extremely careful ,it is what I used to do in the old country Palestine, put a small amount of gasoline in a metal dish , if a dish is not available then do it on the ground , put the spark plug in it and Light It Up , wait until the spark plug cool down before cleaning it , again clean the spark plug and reinstall it on the engine , if a generator is left outside ? look on the bottom of the carburetor to see if there is a carburetor drain plug, open it and drain any liquid it might be in it , most likely there will be water in the carburetor ball , if there's too much contaminants you might have to open the carburetor ball and clean it out , make sure that the carburetor float freely operate without sticking , 5th rd check the oil level , small gasoline engine require constant oil replacement , some small engines require oil change every 40 hours , if possible do an oil change before starting the engine , 6th ,make sure the ground connection is hooked up , 7th make sure the generator or engine is an inventilated area before starting it up .

[@aliciapuckett4447]

Our generator won't start its 2500 I craftsman . We have spark from the coil and the spark plug everything has been cleaned and then some. I don't know what else it could be if you could please help, please do. Thank you for your time

[@Boston617]

I have a brand new out of the box 6250 watt Briggs and can’t get it crank. What am I doing wrong

[@Boston617]

Forget it, lol got it.

[@shanemallett7188]

Hey I’ve got a 5700 McCULLOCH generator that started fine last Ur but won’t now could you help??

[@duncanmcconachie3733]

I can start my generator but not conventionally at all. Backing up a sec. I do not know more than the most basic things relating to small engines or gas engines at all really. But I know big diesels so I'm capable. Lol. I cleaned the carb. No start. Fresh fuel same. Disassembled the carb. Cleaned the needle float. Everything. Still can't start it. Shot of ether it fires right up. But only till the ether is burnt off. Squirt gas directly into the carb and it will fire but still won't draw fuel to keep running. If I drop the drain screw on the bowl fuel dumps out. So if it can get fuel into the carb why won't it draw up the needle and run on its own? Please if you have any ideas. I am about ready to leave it on my tailgate and go 4x4 ING for a while. More info. When I got it I broke the vacuum line fitting off the side unloaded it. But I used it no problem for 2 years intermittently. It sat for a year in my storage trailer and since then I have managed to get it running a few times only and only briefly. Maybe 5 min once at the most. Thank you

[@flannelguydiy6458]

Not sure without being there myself. Maybe compression.

[@zellamatthews1305]

My husband put gas in a generator that we had set up for like 2 years and not even realizing that he might have old gas in it c?ould that be a problem?

[@brentonmanser7350]

I have a Honda EMC 3500DXS generator that fires then cuts out like you switch it off, then it wont start for a few minutes then same thing. it has new spark plug and coil. if low oil sensor is unplugged no difference, new fuel , carby thoroughly cleaned. any ideas:

[@flannelguydiy6458]

see if it has a spark arrestor screen. If so, remove and clean it

[@user-skrilla1000]

I have a SUA7000LC generator I bought new and only crunk it a couple but it was sitting a while with gas in it so I drained the old gas cleaned with carb cleaner and I spray carb cleaner and it cranks and goes back dead spray again it cranks and goes back dead what could be the problem it’s brand spanking new I’m about to put a new spark plug and see if that helps but let me know thanks

[@flannelguydiy6458]

you can install a new spark plug but also check to make sure you are getting compression

[@travisjohn2943]

Any tips for a brand new Generator that won’t start …

[@gcampbel55]

What do you consider old? My fuel is 3 months old and has been treated with stabilizer. Whenand if it does start, runs 5 seconds then dies. It is a 3 month old Westinginghouse 9500DF. Could the fuel treated with stabilizer be bad in that short of a time?

[@flannelguydiy6458]

old = fuel that has lost octane over time.

[@gcampbel55]

How many months does stored fuel last with fuel stabilizer? 1 month, 2, 3 6???

[@Angela-pi6zc]

Thankd

[@flannelguydiy6458]

thanks for watching. please share the video

[@joelbell9082]

I have the generator that's always been stored indoors it has the tape on the gas cap for the gasoline it's never been added there's no oil that's never been added and it's been inside for around 8 years I'm just wondering what the procedure would be involved I was thinking that I would have to take the air filter off and spray in some starting fluid I'd have to add oil to the generator I'm not sure whether or not I have to pull the spark plug in use spray oil into the cylinders if these procedures seem like they might be the right way to go about this please let me know I only paid around 3 or $400 for this generator so I don't want to put too much money out thank you for taking the time to read this I'm going to find the owner's manual and see exactly what type of viscosity the oil should be and what's the quantity and I plan on using freshly purchase gasoline

[@flannelguydiy6458]

thanks for watching

[@brired1977]

I have a 7500w generator. Changed spark plug, new gas, took off carburetor clean everything and made sure I cleaned jets and hoses. Cleaned filter on fuel. When I spray starting fluid will start up immediately but stalls 2 sec later. Will not start at all if no starting fluid. No clue what else to do? Thanks.

[@flannelguydiy6458]

you may be losing compression.

[@sebonac83]

I drained old fuel and put in new fuel. Not sure how much new fuel I need just to get it started. I don't want to put in too much fuel because I never use this. I am going to try 1 gallon. Suggestions?

[@flannelguydiy6458]

you dont need that much. put a half gallon

[@bjj_9925]

Can I start a generator using the pull cord with a dead battery? I know its a dumb question, just wanted to know

[@flannelguydiy6458]

yes you should be able to do that

[@davidstang6041]

My generator would not start after 2 or 3 years. In my search to find the problem I went and got some Starter Fluid. I thought to myself if its an ignition issue it won't start at all. If its a fuel issue it would start then shut off when it burned all the Starter Fluid. It started easily then shut off when all the starter fluid was burned. The can says spray the starter fluid for 3 seconds. I sprayed the starter fluid into the air filter 3 quick shots, less than 3 seconds. It fired right up so I knew it was a fuel issue.

[@MegaDriverman]

Hi, thanks for the video, I just put a new carb on mine and only starts with starter fluid, and idles smooth with the choke on, any ideas ? Thanks in advance

[@flannelguydiy6458]

check your work. There may be an air gap somewhere. or something just not properly installed. Maybe remove the fuel and try high octane

[@MegaDriverman]

Thanks, was going to take apart again and put old carb back on, bowl looked clean, not sure about needle and seat which I thought that caused the problem

[@tomambler4437]

I have a predator 8750. I replaced the carburetor, changed the oil, drained the gas, changed the spark plug and it still won’t turn over. It pushes air through the system, and sounds like it wants to go but won’t. I’m hesitant to do the testing of the spark plug because when I drained the gas tank my funnel wasn’t working, 2 pieces, dumbest design ever) so gas leaked onto the generator itself. I’m at a loss. Thanks tom

[@flannelguydiy6458]

i wish that I could see it and help

[@johanferreira8905]

Hi There, I have Changed my Generator to gas and had very good service out of it until now. I have changed the plug. I have changed the oil. The pipe going to the air filter had a crack, I have replaced that, but still I cant get it to start

[@flannelguydiy6458]

i wish I could diagnose it for you

[@terenceryan6051]

should you always try to start it on the choke position? second question, if you leave that on/off switch on for months will it drain the battery?

[@flannelguydiy6458]

yes on the choke. No on the battery because there isn't one

[@terenceryan6051]

@@flannelguydiy6458 thanks, using the choke worked

[@bobhelton9653]

I have a Briggs & Stratton 01975 stand-by generator, natural gas. I use it when the power goes off. It was running for about 24 hours on the latest power outage and just stopped. The start switch is a rocker switch that you are to hold until a LED light indicates the machine thinks the engine is running. Holding the starter switch I can tell the engine is running fine, getting fuel, it is running. The indicator light doesn't come on. When I let the rocker switch go the engine dies. I thought it could be the low oil pressure sensor but I unplugged the terminal and same problem. I don't see anything else that would prevent the generator from turning on the LED. Any thoughts? Thank you.

[@flannelguydiy6458]

Bob... I really do not know. Maybe there is a sensor that went bad? See if you can find that sensor, then cut it out of the loop to see if the engine stops running still