How to Start a Generator that Won't Start

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@Billy-d8s1e]

My pull cord won't turn the motor over

[@joeljose-mk9vg]

Came here from a google search on the camera Olympus m1040. stuck around and watched the whole thing. why didn't you start the generator in the end man!!!!! very disappointed. GG

[@dustinbruce745]

I have tried all of those steps including making sure my carburator wasn't clogged and it still will not turn over.

[@jacquesminor1081]

He never said anything about the spark plug that might be the problem

[@grahamashmore6197]

​@@jacquesminor1081 sparkplug

[@donnadifiore3828]

I am exploring getting a generator and your video was very helpful. You have a good concise manner of explaining. TY

[@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

[@jimanderson6259]

Me too

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@debrataylor4299]

I've replaced the fuel, cleaned the carburetor and put fresh fuel in tank and it still won't crank. I removed the spark plug and checked it out for the spark. there was no spark. What next??

[@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

[@shanemallett7188]

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

[@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.

[@sarndav]

I have no internet so I drove away from my hime for ot to work. (Bad storms wioed out power and internet as well as phone service) I have tried all the steps above but still no luck. My generator is brand new BUT, its been sitting in our building for 10 years and never been used at all. Put fresh gas and oil. Turned on all switches as well as choke. Primed it by pulling slow and easy several times to get gas moving. Still wont start.

[@williampowell2327]

I ha e Centrio n 5000wyatt generator, cranks with starting fuild sprayed in carb then shut right off. What should I do to make it run.

[@karlhale5223]

So my partner started the generator and I noticed it sounded funny so I’ve looked and she had left the choke on I turned the choke off it lasted about 10 seconds then cut off and won’t start again any ideas?

[@basstracker06]

Have you ever heard of a pro quip q8.7k generator I ended up with it but I can't find a manual on it nothing about it at all.

[@rupertwilliams5681]

How u start agenerator when the cord hard to pull.

[@EKG1976]

Have you solved this problem? I have the same issue

[@michaelbacchiocchi8111]

Sometimes that pull cord will need to be replaced if it’s too rusty. However you can buy a kit to make it start from a battery

[@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.

[@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.

[@davidtank5293]

Generator refuses to start I have a 3-year-old ipower 12000e generator with 10 hours on it. Basically it's a Honda clone from China. While using it it suddenly stopped running. I replaced the carburetor and a new fuel solenoid. I disconnected the low oil sensor. I changed the oil. I am getting good fuel flow. I was getting a spark with the old spark plug but I changed to a new spark plug and there is no spark with that plug. I am thinking about buying a new coil these parts are fairly inexpensive.

[@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.

[@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

[@bakervinci163]

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

[@Javier-lp8tj]

Change out carburetor and changed oil, still won’t stay on and now won’t start

[@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

[@sapphiretiffin]

Hi my generator will not start. I've tried everything 😔 fuel,oil,spark plug etc with no luck. Please help 🙏😩

[@memphistennessee3251]

It’s leaking when I turn on the combustible

[@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?

[@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...

[@HowardWilliams-y8e]

Those steps. Still does not run changed carburetor to a new one still does not run getting fire but doesn't seem to be getting gasto plug

[@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.

[@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

[@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?

[@rockyhighwayroad7365]

My generator engine won't start but it's a propane fuel engine

[@DonP-rb4so]

Does the spark plug have anything to do with starting?

[@robertmcneill8278]

It looks like replacement peacock just round would half turn be open

[@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

[@geoffbowers7226]

Where is the low oil sensor and how do I disconnect it?

[@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

[@irvinglewis6419]

I just installed a new pet cock, however it appears that the gas is not going through the hose while in the on position.

[@nathanas64]

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

[@flannelguydiy6458]

thanks for watching

[@trishapresgraves7552]

My name is joey and I cant fix mine it comes on for like 2 mins and gos off can u please help me please i have a family

[@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

[@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

[@screamingsavage001]

I have a Baldor 5000 watt generator that won't start. I have replaced the spark plug and its getting fuel pass the filter. Please help

[@flannelguydiy6458]

not enough info to help

[@jkrealtymt]

Duhhhh turn on the gas 🤦‍♂️ simple things first … thank u sir

[@ellliwhite8773]

Hello, I have a pulsar 6000 and it won't start. Any suggestions. Thank you

[@flannelguydiy6458]

i would have to see it

[@shermansales9026]

I’ve installed a new carb, it has spark, it has fresh fuel, it has proper oil level, I’ve tried disconnecting the oil sensor, still no start….what now?

[@shermansales9026]

Champion 4500 series open frame generator

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Northeast guy here also. Great video!

[@flannelguydiy6458]

thanks for watching Jimmy....

[@cheerwather]

thanks for the video your instructions really works, thumbs up

[@PaulSolis-r7w]

Thank you for your video i did what you said but it still won't work i have a craftsman 7.8 overhead Valve engine 4200 watt it has spark but won't start what can i do? thank you very much for your video's videos.

[@flannelguydiy6458]

you may have to check your compression or swap out for high octane fuel

[@jimmiller4743]

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

[@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

[@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

[@jimeckenrode1271]

if you do not plan on using it for a while run it out of gas.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@TomBarber-r5c]

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

[@kennethwilliams7731]

My generator will start in the choke position but then it stops running after a few seconds! Even if I slide the switch into the RUN position. It starts over and over again but just won't run continuously! What's the issue? Any guesses?

[@flannelguydiy6458]

i would have to be there to figure it out with you

[@jamesmoller5760]

not getting enough fuel for higher rpms

[@michaelbacchiocchi8111]

Most likely the gas is old and/or the carburetor is clogged as a result. Use carburetor cleaner spray and drain the tank

[@angieg4811]

I have a Honda EB5000X generator. It was over hauled 2 and a half years ago then stored away. The gas was emptied out before it set so we just filled it up and tried to start it but no luck. Now what should I do? I'm new at tjis.

[@flannelguydiy6458]

follow the instructions carefully and use new gas

[@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

[@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?

[@asanulueliky7319]

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

[@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.

[@ryangomes7460]

I have a predator 3500 inverter generator. I haven’t used it in a year it won’t start. I’ve clean the carburetor out and still nothing when I use carpet cleaner in the carburetor it will start for a second then shuts off. I know my gas has been sitting in there all year

[@ForbiddTV]

Ethanol fuel only lasts about three months before it starts gelling. Check hoses/filters/screens in your fuel system for plugging as well.

[@louwhen7433]

I wonder If you mentioned low oil level

[@barryforet8521]

I have a generator 6000 watts to line brand new carburetor with electric shut off generator will not start it we'll talk maybe hit a couple times and nothing

[@flannelguydiy6458]

thanks for watching! please share the video

[@theresawase5981]

My boyfriend ran my little generator without putting oil in the gas, now it won't start. How can I fix it?

[@flannelguydiy6458]

not sure

[@Angela-pi6zc]

Thankd

[@flannelguydiy6458]

thanks for watching. please share the video

[@CrustyAbsconder]

People should not store their generator on its side or upside down. I am pretty sure during shipping and at some stores the generator is stored in its box upside down or on it side, and the oil seeps onto the plug and behind the valves. Also, do generators these days ship with a full tank of oil ??

[@flannelguydiy6458]

who was storing the generator on its side?

[@gerryg8207]

Check the spark plug

[@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!

[@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...

[@aletheamorris3946]

Thank you so much you saved my bacon 🥓 😅

[@flannelguydiy6458]

thanks for watching!

[@Dominic.Minischetti]

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

[@digitors]

I forgot there is instruction to start it every 3 months, I haven’t started it in more than a year. Stale fuel?

[@ForbiddTV]

Ethanol gelling. A common problem. Use non ethanol fuel, but you will likely have to clean everything out now.

[@ajacobs6955]

Thank you for the video it helped us alot

[@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.

[@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.

[@leroymyburgh836]

Can I come to work with you sir

[@letticiadenis850]

Still not starting. Help

[@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.

[@David-dk4oq]

Mine would start and die come to find out it was the exhaust screen!!

[@flannelguydiy6458]

thank you for watching

[@Lilbuddi1958]

Check air filter could be as important as the rest of the safety checks. After safety checks comes the carburetor. This should be done only with professional advice.

[@flannelguydiy6458]

thanks for watching...

[@josepimentel2796]

Mine starts, but dies 30 seconds later, it was sitting for a while, I cleaned the gas, but forgot about the muffler thing, it makes sense 😊, thank you!

[@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

[@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?

[@williampowell2327]

No

[@williampowell2327]

Should I drain all and start with fresh fuel

[@klgate]

Thank you, my problem what the choke..

[@flannelguydiy6458]

thank you for watching. please share the video

[@bobhoffman3981]

could it spark plug

[@taniagonzalez3464]

Got her running - thx!

[@flannelguydiy6458]

thanks for watching

[@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

[@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.

[@savoielvis1]

Thx🎉 that really helped me!

[@flannelguydiy6458]

Glad it helped!

[@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.