Predator Generator Not Starting - Fix

This Predator generator was not running. The fuel was bad and the carburetor had some varnish. Removed the bad fuel and cleaned up the carb. The main get was partially clogged. Was surprised it would not run at all. Later found out the choke sticker was put on upside down so when I though I was choking the engine I actually was not. May have run if I had realized sooner.
Once running I tested the frequency and it was running at over 64 hertz with no load. Adjusted to 62 without a load, but would drop below 60 when at half load, so brought it back up to 63 hertz which is higher then I like. Normally with no load I like to keep at 62. Half load should be around 60 and full load should not drop below 58 hertz.
Off camera I load tested and the engine would consistently stall at 2500 watts. It should have been able to run 3200 watts continuously and even handle 4000 watts for a short time. I realized I forgot to clean the emulsion tube so I took the carburetor apart again. The tube did have a couple clogged holes and some green copper corrosion.
I use Harbor Freight Super Heavy Duty Degreaser in my ultrasonic cleaner www.harborfreight.com/1-gallo...
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[@davidkitchens3404]

*A quiet **Generater.Systems** , love the dual fuel capabilities, camper is 50 amp but the adapter helps and found it still handles the load. Haven't taken a camping trip yet, that's in a couple of weeks. Will see how well it does over a long weekend.*

[@gonzaleznadia2]

We have used the kzbin.infoUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!

[@ericholmes1892]

We had an ice storm and I could barely get cell service, but I had one bar and this video helped me clean out the carburetor to get my generator started. Thank you!

[@jcondon1]

Glad it helped!

[@calvinhobbes7504]

Thanks for these great videos, James .... I have learned a LOT from you ..... mostly self-confidence. I used to cringe at the thought of disassembling these small engine carburetors ... Now I've actually repaired two. My riding lawnmower (surging) and my generator (glued shut with varnish). Thanks again! :)

[@parri0923]

Saved me $600. Thank you so much!! I’m in Moore County, NC where a domestic terror attack took out power to the whole county. Thanks again! 🎉🎉🎉

[@chrislincoln489]

Watch your video today. cleaned my main jet and started on second pull. Thank you for your help!

[@nicapoo05]

Hey James! Wanted to thank you for the video! Just wanted to let ya know that you helped out a family that was trying to get their generator running in preparation for Hurricane Ian. Thanks again man! Really helped! God Bless!

[@crisprtalk6963]

This is the generator I have. Had it for 9 years and love it. We use it to run a fridge, couple lights, recharge cell phones and run a TV whenever we lose power for extended times after a storm. Which to be honest is not very often. Southern Company/Alabama Power is very good about getting power back on after storms. I make sure it gets ran every month, and gets fresh non ethanol fuel sometimes with a bit of seafoam. Oh yeah.. I always shut off the petcock.

[@jcondon1]

Just a little fuel maintenance and it should last a long time.

[@tonisam962]

Generator safety is very important for everyone especially during hurricanes kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2LNhWZ3g6qBrKs hope you all agree with this advice

[@TheWilferch]

Have the same model.....I test run it every 3 months for 30-40 minutes.......I shut off by closing the fuel petcock so it runs the carb dry.....I think this is better than using the on-off switch.

[@pierrevidal8601]

Great Video!! Helped me get my generator started after leaving it full of gas for over 1 year. Cleaned the carb and spark plug and was all set. Many thanks for saving me $$$!!

[@howto1537]

Thanks for the vid! I just got my predator 4000 working with your help. My gas on/off sticker was backwards... I thought it was off for the last 4 years... I only cleaned the jet with carb cleaner, real quick and dirty but it works like new. Thanks again!

[@jcondon1]

Eric Moeller glad to hear it. That sticker threw me for a loop. I can only imagine how many went out like that.

[@robertrussel6706]

My generator hadn't been used in over a year. It would run on starter fluid but quit when fluid was gone. I drained the tank and followed your guide to cleaning the carb and jets. Amazed how much gunk was inside. Put it back together and it starts first pull. Thanks for your help!

[@jcondon1]

Glad I could help. Good job fixing it up.

[@DrBatanga]

Thanks a lot for the detailed video. My generator didn't start right before a winter storm and after sitting unused in my garage for a couple of years. Got some Carb/Choke Jet Spray from Autozone which got the generator running for a second or so after spraying some into the carburetor. This was telling me that there was a spark, the oil shutoff was not triggered, but there was no flow of fuel. Based on this video, I took the cap off the carburetor and unscrewed the jet which turned out to be totally clogged. Cleaned the jet, put it back in and the generator worked. There was no need to take the whole carburetor off.

[@offgridmangogrower]

Thanks for taking the time to go thru the carb. I have a couple of these and one thing I notice they all burn fuel at different rates so I'm planning to do a carb teardown and look for any tell tale signs.

[@The_Happy_Aviation_Enthusiast]

Portable generator safety: Always make sure you follow all the generator safety rules whenever you use your portable generator. This is only a reminder. Generators can be dangerous if not used carefully. Every year, hundreds of people die or get injured when using portable generators due to carbon monoxide poisoning and electrocution. Make sure you are using your generator carefully and keeping others safe as well. There is something very serious that everyone should always be aware of when using generators. Some people do run their generator indoors which is not safe and that increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning which can cause death of family and you. Some people run their generator in wet conditions which can electrocute them. Please remember that you should never run your generator indoors. Remember that carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas that you cannot see or smell. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. Keep that in mind. Make sure your generator is 15-20 feet away from your house and away from doors, windows, and vents. Never use your generator in your porch too. Having a carbon monoxide detector is very important against generator safety. Some people also allow children to go near the portable generator which could pose risks. We need to keep an eye on our children making sure that they are not near the portable generator so they won’t get electrocuted or burned by the generator which is dangerous. A locking enclosure also keeps kids safe. A generator shed might look like a tempting place to explore, or take cover during a game of hide and seek, but a generator is a dangerous piece of equipment that can cause injury. It says on the manual that we should also keep children away at all times from the portable generator to avoid injuries. Please do not allow a child or unqualified people to operate the portable generator. It is important to keep your children safe especially little ones. The portable generator can be hot during an operation. Just because some manuals missed what should be listed doesn’t mean it’s safe to do. Always follow the generator safety rules when using portable generators. Generators pose electrical risks. If you need to use your generator during wet weather, you need a generator tent to protect your generator from getting wet. Don’t let your generator get wet. Keep your generator dry and before using your generator, please make sure your hands and your generator is dry. Do not wear loose clothing when operating the generator. Everything that is said on the generator’s operating manual should not be ignored. Never smoke cigarettes near the generator. Please keep flammable things away from the generator. Never overload your generator too. Your generator can catch fire. Never ever try to plug a generator cord into a wall outlet to avoid back feeding. Back feeding your generator is dangerous. Always turn on your generator first before plugging in appliances and shut off the appliances before turning your generator off. Use a heavy duty cord for your generator and the cord should not be worn out. All the instructions should be followed carefully. Never refuel your generator while it’s running. It can cause fire if fuel spills while your generator is hot. You should turn off your generator and let it cool off before refueling it. Having a fire extinguisher next to the generator is also important. This is only a reminder for everyone’s safety of using generators. Make sure your generator is properly grounded. Having a fire extinguisher next to the generator is also important against the safety rules. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2LNhWZ3g6qBrKs and here is a video more about keeping others safe when using generators and also about our family’s safety. It’s important to keep our little children safe as well. Make sure your little children are kept away from the generator at all times especially when it’s running. Hope this helps. Always remember that being safe is better than being sorry.

[@mattiefee]

Great video! Definitely is done in great detail. Brand new carburetors for these generators run approximately $19 to $25 and sometimes can be delivered next day.

[@williamwatson9471]

where can you get a new carb from?

[@mattiefee]

@@williamwatson9471 most of my carburetors were bought online through websites like Amazon or other third party machine parts websites.

[@specialservicesequipment393]

I honestly had the same thing happen on two occasions. The first time was the CARB California compliant hose on the back of the air cleaner that put unfiltered crank case oil fumes directly into the carburetor. I removed that, and sealed off the opening in the back of the air cleaner with FOIL HVAC tape, and drilled a hole in the front of the air cleaner, installed a hose nipple and reconnected it to the front, clogging problem solved. I flushed out those ports with the cover and filter off using b12 chem tool and it started running just fine. The second time I accidentally left fuel in it for a year and the carb bowl clogged up with sludge. I removed the air cleaner assembly (makes it easier to get to everything, then I removed the fuel line from the carb and let the remaining fuel run out into a container, swished some SEAFOAM cleaner in the tank and left it run through the strainer and fuel shutoff valve. I removed the drain screw from the bottom of the carb bowl, and flushed b12 chemtool through the fuel line input and out the drain screw. Then put the carb drain screw back in and filled it up through the fuel input with b-12 and let it sit for about 10 minutes, then drained it, and flush it through one more time. put it back together and with fresh fuel it fired right up and ran great. just to be sure the fresh fuel had the normal amount of seafoam added to it and I ran it for about 30 minutes to further flush the system.

[@mrwill0910]

Thanks for the content. I have the exact same problem and I am hoping i can get it resolved. Keep it the good work

[@myxa5872]

no comments! just perfect...thanks!👍

[@MyIronman8]

Turn the gas off you let it run until it runs out of gas out of the carburetor and that's how you store it

[@Saladandfruitbowl]

You mean that's what the problem was is most people juss for forget about it or don't know or are just lazy idk , but if you don't fmdrain it , this is the results?

[@ivanaguilar8314]

I picked up today a brand new predator 4000 but it was sitting with gas for 1-2 years I guess im gonna hace to clean everything from fuel tank to carburator Great video man👌🏼💪🏼

[@jcondon1]

Good luck!

[@fjcook]

James, I have watched many many of your videos. In everyone you are super at camera usage and voice. This I am assuming one of your very first. Still good!

[@Mr73vw]

Almost give up and trash my generator … then I watch your video !!!… I got it run!!

[@novicgoer891]

It does the job. Excellent product.

[@muosadak]

Thank you for your time and effort

[@doubleuill]

You fixed my problem! Main jet clogged! Thank you so much!

[@jcondon1]

Glad to help

[@Kgio-2112]

Mine too. Was sitting for over 5 years. Removed the carb and douched it. New fuel and oil change . Running good now

[@hutchrt0596]

Spark arrestor, almost every time on these! It is suppose to be cleaned every oil change. Some remove them. Read and learn more about them to understand if and why you need these. If cleaning your carburetor doesn't do it, heck it doesn't even matter if your carburetor needed cleaner or not, check this out!

[@rf4215]

It worked. Thanks James.

[@johnodum4078]

Thanks man! This helped me get my generator going!

[@Mikesorrento3344]

Nice job. These are decent generators, I have a Predator 4000 and 2000 inverter. I like to run AVGAS 91 octane in my equipment. Can be bought at local municipal airports. No ethanol and has a shelf life of a few years if properly stored.

[@1Shignog]

I run ethanol free gas it does cost a bit more but worth it, also run it in my truck as well.

[@jayfoster8981]

I have one exactly like that..It has required starting fluid even in 90 degree weather.Always been cold natured.Runs great after you spray the starting fluid in the breather

[@chrisweb4070]

Yes the motion tube comes out

[@MyIronman8]

Wow good at fixing them

[@jameswhelan3149]

Did the trick. Now I will clean carb before putting it in storage.

[@PNWSmallEngineandLawn]

Something I use that is very effective and easy to dispose of is pinesol. Good with plastics and other soft carb pieces

[@tonisam962]

Please watch this video about generator safety if you have a portable generator kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2LNhWZ3g6qBrKs

[@robertheinkel7579]

I always try to get ethanol free fuel add sea foam regularly run carb dry my 15 year old pressure washer never had the carb apart ! Works for me !

[@andrewelrod5568]

Need advice with the choke setting. ran mine for a few hours but it only ran good when the choke lever was set right in the middle. All the way to the right, and mine would choke it self out. I saw that you ran it with the choke all the way to the right? Is the run position all the way to the right? I assumed all the way to the right was full choke?

[@jcondon1]

On my generator, full choke is to the left and run is to the right. The sticker on my airbox was upside down. If unsure, remove the airbox cover and filter and look at the choke plate. Open is run, closed is choke.

[@andrewelrod5568]

@@jcondon1 thanks. That's exactly what I did. Had to clean Clean out the carb and it's running great

[@tonisam962]

@@andrewelrod5568 here’s a video about generator safety kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2LNhWZ3g6qBrKs

[@michaelboykin9881]

My 8750 ran great, untill I shut it off one day, and an hour later it wouldn't restart. The carb was gunned up pretty bad so I ordered a new carb which came with a fuel filter, fuel line and spark plug. After installing everything it still wouldn't fire. I tried starting fluid and got nothing which told me the fuel wasn't making it to the combustion chamber. I pulled the valve cover and found the intake valve stuck open, causing the pushrod to pop off the rocker. I got the valve moving freely again with ATF, reinstalled the pushrod, set the valve lash, and had it running like new in 45 minutes. Give that a check before tearing everything down. The valve cover is just 6 bolts.

[@arthurbatti9854]

Very impressed with Harbor Freight degreaser.

[@mh5454]

My similar HF generator has the same problem. I hope this works for me too ! Thanks

[@mh5454]

I don't have an ultrasonic cleaner but I used Carb cleaner and a needle. And it got mine starting very well. Thank you again.

[@albjorneby5731]

Do you have a brand name or part number for the carb you got? I have the same predator 8750 and bought a new carb on Amazon but the throttle and choke linkage connections don't match up? Very frustrating.

[@jcondon1]

Al Bjorneby I only cleaned my carburetor, did not buy a new one. You will need to find the model number on your generator and do a google search for a carburetor for that model.

[@TitanFlare]

I had the same problem. My main jet couldn't be removed without drilling, the metal stripped every time I tried using a flathead. Then I bought a new carb and the fuel hose was too short

[@jameslarson6555]

Al Bjorneby sometimes you can swap parts from your original to the new one when they don’t match as long as carb body is same

[@TheWilferch]

Would like to know if there was a follow-up to see if you can load it up to ovr 2500 watts.....maybe you CAN if you use the 4 prong 240V outlet ???

[@jamesgriffis9499]

Ok Now I was having a lot of trouble getting my 2 predator generators to start and stay running Well yesterday I discovered something I totally forgot about the reason they wouldn't stay running There is a screen on the back of the muffler and once I cleaned and removed that screen both my generators are running and even burning less gas

[@davidbeaumont4455]

James! Great videos! Very helpful stuff! I do need help, I have this generator and it'll start (fire) on choke and immediately die. I've disconnected all the electrical safeties, changed carbs (new), new NGK plug adjusted valves, on TDC. No change. Gas is fresh. Good gas flow. I'm stumped! I've checked all the things I've seen you do except check the compression release. HELP!

[@davidfrank2824]

When I saw that air filter I started laughing. A few years back one of my neighbors asked me could I look at their generator that when we had the big blackout around here that the day before the electric came back on their generator shut off and could not get it restarted. So I told them to bring it down sit it in front of my garage door and I will go out later and bring it in. When I started messing around with it just like you I'll spray some ether or carb cleaner and give it a couple pulls. Nothing happened and I checked spark it had plenty so then I started to take the plastic apart to get to the carburetor. They had the same filter as this generator except their filter fell apart as I was trying to remove it. I had to get the shop vac out for the first time ever to clean a carburetor and air box and my floor. When I started taking the carburetor apart it was almost like someone was messing with me. There was foam everywhere. I'm not afraid to admit that I had to take that carburetor apart three separate times before I finally got all the junk out of it. I got it to run everything worked. I called my neighbor up and told them and told them it will need an air filter. She told me that she thinks her husband has one for it. That when they bought the generator brand new it came with parts for a tune-up after 25 hours. They could not even remember how long ago that they had even bought that generator. Like always I enjoyed your video.

[@tonisam962]

Please watch this video as well it’s very important kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2LNhWZ3g6qBrKs it’s about generator safety. Everyone really needs to agree with this advice I’m sharing. Thank you

[@carminemurray6624]

I have a Predator Generator in the same situation, and I decided to get a replacement carburetor in order to run it on Propane, since I have Propane available to Me, ⛽ gasoline / petrol ⛽ not so much.

[@VERB65]

thx dude

[@jamesgriffis9499]

The little black piece that has a screw above it is there any specific way it's to be installed back into And are they only for that carbarator it was removed from or do they interchange with other carbarators

[@jcondon1]

That piece has a flat edge on the top. Just have to align it properly so it drops all the way in. That is the pilot jet. All Honda clones in the 6hp range have it. They are interchangeable, but the jetting might vary a little.

[@jamesgriffis9499]

Ok now I noticed that one hole is bigger than the other on both the spot it goes in and that piece I've got 2 predator generators and I have not been able to get them running they start open the choke and then dies like it's out of gas and I have rebuilt carbarators and it's all the same thing

[@Bart12349]

With every Predator generator there should be an extra carburetor with it.

[@steveod3198]

Got the same generator except mine will not pull at all. I remove spark plug and it pulls no problem but as soon as I put it back in nothing won't pull but like an inch or whatever like seized almost. Any ideas on where to start?

[@RafaelHernandez-hx4rv]

Your generator is. Vapor lock

[@dougharlow6037]

How is that P4400 Kill A Watt hook to the generator to test output? I've never seen one. Thanks

[@jcondon1]

You just plug it into the 120v outlet.

[@logancook5261]

Thanks, four more gens then i can open the exit gates!

[@boboslickjohn1471]

I see these at Harbor Freight incredibly cheap and wonder if there are any parts available....definitely not at HF.

[@lillianm1242]

How did you get the spring off the throttle body? Sitting here fixing it now it’s starting but won’t run any help plz!!!

[@jcondon1]

Take a look at my Duromax video. Link below. At 3:55 in, I show a close-up of the carburetor. It uses the same type. To remove the throttle arm, you rotate the throttle clockwise and lift the arm out. The spring is very flexible. You can carefully straighten the hook of the spring that is in the carburetor and lift it out. Will see if I have another video showing actually showing how the spring comes out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZ61gqRvnJKkabs

[@jcondon1]

4 minutes 10 seconds in of the video linked below shows me removing the spring. Different carburetor type, but removed the same way. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWibe5uaZZh4gsk

[@lillianm1242]

Got it cleaned out now it’s running really rough had to remove the black screw now the throttle is bouncing and knocking very hard any ideal? Thank you for the quick response! I’m currently stuck without power until the morning but trying to figure this out lol

[@jcondon1]

Does it get any better using the choke? If so then that means it is not getting enough gas and something is still clogged up. You would have to double check the holes on the pilot jet, main jet and emulation tube. Also if the gasket between the engine and carburetor was damaged could be sucking air though that area instead of the carburetor. Additionally there are holes in the Venturi tube on the air filter side and the side wall of the throttle plate side although those rarely get clogged. Would check the pilot jet first since that can be done without removing the carburetor again. Depending on how bad the carb was to start with, it might not come back.

[@edwardarruda7215]

I have same model same problem. I emptied the fuel tank and bought trufuel from home depot. It start right up. It hates E85 fuel.

[@dougharlow6037]

I have a Harbor Freight Predator 3500 generator. I have 17 hours of run time. Only 4 hours under 75% load the rest is exercising. I just started it for the monthly exercising, and it ran rough and I notice the volt meter only registering hours only, no volt or amp output on gauge. I did connect 2, 1800 watt heaters and it seem to run them, but again runs real rough. How to test this generators output? So, I know if it’s the generator or just the gauge? I’ve changed fuel, spark plug, check the oil, charcoal canister, air filter, removed the spark arrester, all looks like new. Help, Thanks

[@jcondon1]

Running rough could be a lot of things, but usually it is the carburetor. Also the spark plugs on those are not a good brand. Would swap that out first. Does it get better if you choke it some? If so, then it is the carb. Would just get a P4400 Kill A Watt and plug it into the 120v outlet to get the voltage and hertz.

[@HybridJr.]

What is the machine you soaked parts in?

[@jcondon1]

Harbor Freight ultra sonic cleaner

[@DragonPilot]

I have a Honeywell 7500w, Generac engine. It starts and runs just fine when I use the pull cord, but it doesn't do a thing when I press the electric start switch...no turn over, nothing.

[@aboveaveragejoe6291]

Wow, that carb was a lot dirtier than it looked.

[@SHOINOFF]

I think you may need an extra mic for your camera cause alot of the times in your videos my volume needs to be all the way up just to hear what your saying.

[@jamesdiehl8690]

I have a 9000 predator. It looks almost identical except it has a solenoid on the bottom of the fuel bowl.

[@danielcantrell3872]

What kind of solenoid? Is it a bystarter? I’m looking at getting a 9000

[@jamesdiehl8690]

@@danielcantrell3872 I'm not sure of the details, but it has a rod that runs into the main jet to meter the gas somehow. It still has a float and needle valve. I would guess it meters the gas like an injector does on a car engine.

[@harrisonandrade978]

I have a 9500 that I got for free because it doesn’t start. I opened up the valve cover and one of the valves has a zip tie around it. Is this normal?? The guy told me he took it to a specialist and said he had valve issues. Do you think he was out to screw him?

[@jcondon1]

It is not normal to have a zip tie on the valve. Maybe it is holding the valve from falling into the engine? Is the valve spring retainer broken or keepers missing?

[@harrisonandrade978]

@@jcondon1 it just doesn’t have a spring on one of them, the generator cranks over but doesn’t start

[@georgecasel4177]

No spark on the spark plug that’s why it won t start any idea

[@jamesdiehl8690]

All that black cloud that comes out in the cleaner. The carb doesn't look that dirty.

[@tonyherculez8940]

Argument me puede desir cual es Esa maquina donde lo mete Para limping el carburador

[@ranch60]

The tube filter does come out I

[@jcondon1]

By tube filter, do you mean the emulsion tube? If so, then yes I think it does come out on this carburetor. Not sure why I left it in.

[@marvisbeard2146]

The pull cord is hard to pull...what can I do to fix this

[@billhenry7833]

Get electric start. Lol

[@johnwaller2333]

This is just like the one that I have.

[@susandonoghue-rick7238]

must replace fuel petcock assembly on predator 6500 watt portable gas generator...part on order...need schematic

[@michaeltarasenkoop2389]

Looks like most of the problems with generators and lawnmowers is problems with the carburetors! Looks like the manufacturers relie on selling new generators and lawn mowers by installing complicated carburetors so if they don’t. Start or run they sell a new machine ! I couldn’t possibly fix it ! Or pay over $ 100 to have it fixed !

[@abrahaml.g.9785]

Asi nadi va a sertu suscriptor

[@inesmontescedeno1922]

Mine is predator 1600 2000

[@philippselectri]

Can't hear you

[@user-ye7tu4ww5c]

+

[@abrahaml.g.9785]

Asi no se hace

[@williammielenz3752]

I gave up on gasoline, now using propane

[@MyIronman8]

People leave the gas on and they don't run the motor until the gas is out of the carb cuz they're lazy

[@MrChip8970]

why are you talking so low? is the family asleep? lmao