problems with my duromax 13000 dual fuel

[@Digidoc316]

Take note that there is a picture diagram of the gas petcock positions for "Off" and "On" just above the gas valve. There should be no confusion as to which position is which. Every video I've seen regarding this unit says to shut off the gas completely prior to starting on propane. One potential reason for the CO trigger is the exhaust is coming out the side where there is a restricting wall. Make certain the exhaust has adequate ventalation or extend the exhaust pipe away from the weathershed. The choke restricts the amount of air the engine gets. The choke is most effective on gas as engaging the choke creates a low pressure condition behind it, drawing fuel from the carb bowl. The propane/NG port resides close to the throttle plate. Propane and NG are pressurized sources, unlike the gasoline. Many people hook everything up correctly then open the propane/NG valves quickly, shocking the regulators into a "bypass" mode which forces a lean condition. Shut off the propane tank, crack open the hose connectors to allow excess pressure to escape, then retighten the hose fittings. SLOWLY open the propane cylinder valve for the first 1/2-3/4 turn, then open it normally. The regulator should have reset and the unit should run fine. Check your valve clearances; sounds too tight. May have a bent pushrod from the backfire.

[@mattsitton6826]

It may be from switching back and forth between fuels. If there is fuel in the carburetor when you switch to propane mode, I can see the engine vacuum sucking both fuels into the cylinder. Try shutting off the gasoline and run the generator until it stalls. Then try switching to propane. That’s my guess anyway.

[@christianlords1340]

it was back firing way before I put gasoline in the unit. I only put gasoline in the unit because i wanted to see how it ran. So gasoline / propane is not causing the backfires. I has to do with the valves. or timing. going to check the timing and valves next.

[@christianlords1340]

change out the factory supplied crap spark plug.

[@soundbitesandclips9396]

no never ran propane until I later wanted to make sure it would run in current condtion. I did run on propane but not gas

[@onemoreshow]

@@christianlords1340mines doing the same thing. Brand new. It started right up but after I shut it off it does the same thing yours is doing. What did you find out the problem was? The spark plug???

[@christianlords1340]

@@onemoreshow are you on propane? how cold is it during this shutdown.? I changed the spark plug. I bypassed the fuel selector, I have a video on this.

[@jessiewoodard7590]

When using propane, you need to shut off the fuel valve, if it’s open, it’s a possibility that you’re feeding your propane back through your gas tank

[@christianlords1340]

turns out the most likely cause was the chinese crap spark plug. i put a NGK in there and all issues went away. I don't know, but seemed to have worked.

[@revit4909]

@@christianlords1340 nice, just bought one of these, I will replace that as soon as it gets here. or at the very minimum keep it in the shed for when it goes out.

[@rj5403]

Which plug # ngk?​@@christianlords1340

[@pferrondoss2075]

I just bought the same generator and after 3 hours and a dead battery decided to communicate with the supplier. No result but after a deep dive into the web, someone stated that the spark plug that comes with the generator sucks. so it was recommended to use a new plug. i bought the E3.22 plug from Home Depot. Right away it started in both the propane and gas modes. Good luck

[@dadlovestofish]

Well brother you just showed us how to convert from gas to propane while this thing runs. I too have had issues with propane. At least we know now you proved you can swap to propane while it's running. Good to know and thank you. I just bought this and had the same issues with starting on propane. Serious backfires and RPM up and down until it quits on LP. Gas seems to work fine but this dual fuel system has issues at start up using propane. Hope it powers my hut. Guess I'll see here soon when I test this thing I just bought.

[@mp-xt2rg]

A weird thing about propane regulators. If there is no pressure on the line when it's turned on it will just trickle gas. Try turning on the tank and letting it sit for a minute or two so the trickle pressurizes the line. Once the line has pressure it will flow normaly. To see what I'm taking about try turning on your grill with the all the burners on you will notice you get almost no flame. Then turn off the burners wait a minute then try to light them again and they will function normally. I believe it's a safety thing incase the hose breaks. I believe you're not getting enough fuel flow so its misfiring then blowing in the muffler.

[@mp-xt2rg]

Basically you are trying to start it before the regulator is ready. I don't think there is anything wrong with the generator.

[@christianlords1340]

@@mp-xt2rg sounds reasonable, after I put it back togehter I will try this, thank you.

[@paulmarshall1706]

Also you need to turn off the gasoline valve. It's trying to feed two fuels at once. And it's a safety issue. If there were a fire it would keep feeding gasoline. You may have to cover the co detection or run a fan on it if you are going to have it installed in a inclosers. The backfire is from the co trying to shut it off and on. It's basically flooding its self out. Now I'm not a mechanic but I did sleep at a holiday Inn express 😊

[@mp-xt2rg]

@@paulmarshall1706 @paulmarshall1706 it's not really a safety issue. The carburetor stops fuel from randomly flowing. It looks like this guy ended up buying a new generator under a different brand built by the same umbrella corporation. In the new video he does follow proper fuel activation procedure and it works fine as one would expect... Weirdly he blames the manufacturer. That's like saying Chevy is terrible I'm going to go buy a GMC.

[@christianlords1340]

@@mp-xt2rg for the first trys I only did propane and only propane. I was getting backfires. Never had gasoline in it at all. I finally put gasoline in it to see what would happen. Still had issues. I suspect that the fuel transfer switch is defective. But I don't know. I tried to get help from duromax several times to guide me because I figured I was doing something wrong. I think there is something wrong with this unit. The transfer fuel Valve.

[@soundbitesandclips9396]

don,t feel so bad. I bought a dual feed westinghouse 9500. Started every mont and no problems. Was gone and waited 3 months and gas just poured out carb and no start. Generator is only 5 montghs old and under 45 minutes run time. Spent $300 to overhaul carb and ran good. Then 6 weeks later same problem. Even had stabil in gas from the start. This Westinghouse is a piece of crap. Have a old generator with the same gas for 5 years and during Texas Febuary freeze started great. It will run of propane but during a hurricane I will need 250 gallon tank.

[@markbroad119]

As the saying goes, they just don't build them like they used to.

[@gordiehattrick]

My somewhat educated guess (I have the same model) is a problem with the fuel selector switch. I have only run mine on propane since new, never had gas in it. Starts up and runs perfect every time. The only difference in my setup is using 40lb propane tanks with the regulator that came with the unit. @bentaylor2519 has a point about the length of your gas hose, it might not be allowing enough pressure to the generator. Any way, good luck getting it sorted out!

[@christianlords1340]

replace your factory supplied spark plug with a high quality. I think that was my issue all along. easy and cheap , you don't want that spark plug failing you this winter in a blackout and freezing temps. please do it.

[@dadlovestofish]

Did you have issues running it with a 20lb tank that most of us use in our BBQ grills? Curious if a 20lb tank can't be used for this big generator. I have 10 of them and thought I could. So far I have had issues, but I'm hoping the tank I used had a bad valve. Will test with another tank here soon.

[@js7447]

​@@dadlovestofishI have the same generator, it runs fine on a 20lb or 40lb tank. I get about 6 hours on a 20 pounder running at 50-70 percent load. Running the central air eats propane 😁.

[@TinNguyen-q7y]

I have the same model. It ran good for a first 4 days, then the multimeter stopped working and then carbon monoxide detector light came on, machine got shut off and never be able to start back up. It’s sad to buy this generator as a back up in case of emergency, but unable to use it when you need it the most

[@brianlamb2117]

Had same issue....take out air filter and see if it runs ok. If it does...replace filter with new

[@skunklepew6469]

I read somewhere when using propane to open the tank valve slowly. Open too quickly, the regulator safety will restrict the gas flow.

[@danburch9989]

Yep. The high flow rate is sensed that a gas leak has occurred. The sensor is in the valve at the tank. I have to close the vavle at the tank, disconnect the hose from the tank, then reconnect the hose. That resets the sensor. Then open the tank valve about 1/8th turn. Wait about 10 secs, then open the valve fully.

[@waynepless222]

Tell us you didn't read the owner's manual without telling us you didn't read the owner's manual.

[@christianlords1340]

tell me what you are refering to?

[@waynepless222]

@@christianlords1340 At 1:56 you state your confusion about the gasoline valve position while switching over to propane.

[@christianlords1340]

@@waynepless222 I was doing it correctly in the beginning, but it turns out that the fuel type selector valve shust the fuel off also, so it doesn't matter. I fixed it I think, it was a intermittant factory spark plug. As long as you feel superior, that is all that matters.

[@christianlords1340]

@@waynepless222 You can down load the manual, it does not state that you have to put the gas valve to off when running on propane. there is a check list hanging on the unit I followed, and being a pilot I would in the beginning I opted to shut the gas vavle to off, and I was having problems, so i started trying it with it on. but the manual didn't state either way. it later started back firing again. So in conclusion the gas vavle doesn't matter at all.

[@CarlosMorales-jd5hb]

In my experience as a mechanic normally backfires are caused by exhaust leaks. Its really easy to check, allow the engine to cool down but really cool down. Using a shop vac, tape the vacuum hose to the exhaust muffler outlet so it doesn't leak than turn on the vacuum cleaner and you will be able to hear vacuum leaks. Do this with engine off and it's ok to hear your throttle plate have a whistle sound. This can also be done on automobiles for backfiring iss and O2 sensor code issues.

[@cooltec]

I just fixed my neighbors same generator and had a similar problem and it was a bad fuel selector valve, the one on the front control panel that switches between gasoline and propane. I had to bypass the gasoline fuel line from the carburetor to go directly to the gas tank petcock. I also had to disconnect the gasoline shut off electric solenoid valve that is located at the bottom of the carburetor bowl. (2 Green wires that are located in the wire harness flexible wire cover) That solenoid shuts off gasoline flow when switched to the propane mode. I also had to replace the spark plug and put in an NGK gapped to 0.25-0.30”.

[@christianlords1340]

i bypassed that also, you can see the video on that in my channel. the generator does start and run but for some reason after about 5 mins just shuts down. in gas mode. not sure why, I have not had time to get back to it. sigh.

[@jeffIs47]

@@christianlords1340look at the petcock valve...mine was shipped with a bad valve that did not open all the way and caused the unit to shut down. Company is sending me a replacement

[@danielarmstrong3055]

I am having the same problem with propane. A buddy of mine recommended removing the regulator from the propane tank entirely because he seems to think it has an internal regulator? I am hesitant to try that though.

[@williambennon7532]

Saw another duromax owner with same problem. He solved his by putting in a new Ngk plug. Seems strange, but certainly doesn’t take much money to try. Good luck.

[@christianlords1340]

that is what I did in a later video with success.

[@timothybrown1433]

I have one that propane floods it because the propane keeps bleeding through carb even when not running and if valve in motor is open will cause backfire

[@christianlords1340]

It seems to have been the factory spark plug, I put a NGK in there and it works like a champ now. not 100% sure, but appears to be fixed. time will tell.

[@kevinthorrington2131]

Propane is good in warmer climates. The propane regulator will freeze up in winter with long use. Ask me how I know. If you’re running it on propane shut the propane tank valve off until the engine stops.

[@RDM-346]

I have the Duromax 13000 tri fuel. So far, I have had no problems running it with natural gas or propane. I will never use gasoline unless I don't have a choice. My problem with duromax is that they don't provide parts for these generators. I WOULD NOT ADVISE BUYING A DUROMAX FOR THIS REASON. I can't even order an air filter for it. The company said they would send me a free one, but still have not seen it. Now they claim it is on back order. Could be the case with all these companies. Good luck getting help from DUROMAX!!

[@SherryGentry-r6e]

I’ve not had any issues on propane, but have heard of issues w/the selector switch on the gas side which, DuroMax sent out a replacement. There’s a video on bypassing the gas selector switch!

[@ridemfast7625]

Bought a Durostar, same as a Duromax, and will bypass the CO sensor before even starting it. Green and blue wire on my gen and another Duromax gen on utube. Also, open the LP tank valve very slowly as a fast surge of LP can trigger a safety ball inside the valve. And will replace spark plug with NGK.

[@CarlosMorales-jd5hb]

The CO2 sensor might be going off if there's a intake leak (carburetor to engine) the vacuum cleaner test will indicate that kind of leak. Gasoline engines are vacuum pumps so checking for vacuum leaks is always a good idea.

[@mikecopenhaver4484]

It is obvious you shouldn’t play with big equipment. Starting gen in cold weather, start on gasoline first for a little warmth in engine, turn off gasoline valve then it will start on propane, do not choke!

[@johnm.harper773]

Turn off your gas value when using propane, and only on when using gas.

[@BOB12349307]

you should always turn off the fuel and let it run dry

[@christianlords1340]

probably a good idea, but have not consciencely done that yet. keep it in mind , but changing the factory supplied spark plug out seemed to fix the issues. shocking but all that headache was apparently from a crappy chinese spark plug. I am not 100% convinced but it appears to be the cause.

[@cottoncb]

I have the 13000EH and when starting on propane, i have to hold the choke half way open to start it every time

[@christianlords1340]

Believe me I tried all kinds of different things with the choke. I will try that again, but check out my latest video. I bypassed the fuel selection valve. In a couple of days I am going to try and test it out .

[@michaelp3076]

Did you replace the spark plug. These machines come with cheap Chinese plugs that don't work so well when they get hot.

[@christianlords1340]

I did much later, and that seemed to be the issue. a intermittant spark plug

[@christianlords1340]

yes, i did, and I have not had problems anymore.

[@lucasnelson08]

Needs a valve adjustment maybe?

[@stevelouk831]

I have the exact same problem, is there a solution?

[@jasonpatterson947]

Need to test gas pressure at the unit while running....... All signs of lower gas pressure from bad regulator

[@jimharrison1096]

Do not cover up the CO sensor vent. It can tell it is not getting air. Disconnect the sensor and put a jump wire on the Brown and Black wire to bypass the CO Sensor.

[@christianlords1340]

Yes. I was going to look how to jump out the sensor. Thanks for saving me time.

[@TCForster]

Brand new out of the box, it fired right up on gas. a month later....Nothing on either fuel. After reading the comments here, I simply changed out the sp plug to a name brand and it fired up instantly. That stock plug is garbage.

[@christianlords1340]

That is the intel I am getting from the comments in the numberous videos I made with this. i changed the spark plug and I have not had any issues.

[@Gebomartin215]

Which NGK plug did you replace the Chinese plug with?

[@Gebomartin215]

BPR6ES. 4008.

[@shakascuba]

I'm having a very similar issue. I started it up last year with no issue, now I can't get it to start. I think it's the fuel selector switch based on the things I'm seeing on the internet and here on youtube. Apparently, it's a known issue.

[@christianlords1340]

put a high quality spark plug in, those ones that come with the unit are questionable.

[@terrencelee669]

It appears you never shut the gas line off to the carburetor

[@joeclark9042]

Hey buddy I have the same one you got the best thing to do is if you're going to use propane turn the propane on turn the gas on start it with gas and then switch it to propane and then shut your gas off and you have to do that every time so try that that's the same as my generator I have

[@markbroad119]

Have you tried to warm it up in gas mode then switch to propane?

[@jasonpatterson947]

Need to test propane gas pressure at the unit..... That length rubber hose and regulator on tank doesn't look current...... Depends on the electrical load and engine RPM...... Lower gas pressure will cause backfire and shutdown.

[@julianmcalister3247]

Did you switch to a NGK spark plug? The spark that comes with it is a POS.

[@BOB12349307]

did you just switch from propane to gasoline while it was running?

[@christianlords1340]

yes, I did. no issues.

[@christianlords1340]

yes, I have done that frequently, no issues occured from doing that.

[@bentaylor2519]

I just bought the same item but as a 12,000. All the videos I have seen did convince me away from the large propane tank idea and switch over to gasoline. They are saying that its much more efficient with gas. Also, your gas line is a bit long, might be better if it was shorter, and maybe make sure your regulator is allowing the correct pressure to flow, but the videos and reviews I have seen when using gasoline seem to be positive experiences. Not sure about that noise and back firing. Might be a non related issue to the stalling with propane?

[@christianlords1340]

change out the factory supplied spark plug, they are crap.

[@potterytool7444]

@@christianlords1340I got the same problem, so the spark plug fixed it? I’m going to change spark plug and oil see if that helps.

[@christianlords1340]

@@potterytool7444 mine starts up but then stops after about 5 mins. not sure what is going on with it. I am using my generac for now. tired of messing with it.

[@jasont8475]

if it doesn't start on propane you have to put a hotter spark plug call duromax they will give you the number. mine backfired and would not start changed the plus starts perfect. my muffler looks the same

[@kevinhitt719]

I don't know much about propane engines but you might try carb adjustment depending where you are these generators are set for lower elevations from the factory. Also the last gasoline engine I had do what that one is I had to do a valve job on it but before you rip the head off try adjusting them first. Either way contact dura max if you can to get the proper settings. If you don't mind let me know how you make out as I just bought one and I'm always willing to learn all I can even if mine never does this because like I said I don't know propane.

[@christianlords1340]

check out my later videos, I fixed it. it was the fuel type selector vavlve

[@lpadron13]

​@@christianlords1340thank God I read down to your reply here. I just bought the 12000 and was hoping there'd be a fix if I ran into the problem.

[@christianlords1340]

change out your crappy chinese spark plug out also, put a NGK in there. that was the issue as well.

[@alanlurie8675]

Call the manufacturer. I agree with the other comments. Long propane line may not be helping you. The selector switch is critical to.

[@christianlords1340]

I did, no help from them, but figured it out. check out later videos. it is a roller coaster. for sure. spark plug.

[@curtisk84]

Mine has the exact same dent in the muffler

[@philliphall5198]

First you need a 20/20 box fan blowing on it😮

[@seymourscagnetti1413]

Buy a Honda or Yamaha. I own both. Zero issues.

[@urbanmacdonald7901]

You have to get the exhaust out away from that unit. You're going to destroy it. There is A reason why generators have to be run in a clear open Area if you can't do that pipe the exhaust up and away from the unit

[@jazhomes]

Years ago buy one in home depot is almost the same design...is lots and lots of problems whit the carburator.they all clogged and Need to buy new ones almost each 2 years..the only reazon I buy it was very very cheap price ...but they are not not not very reliable..is better that you buy another brand..

[@bennyadams6740]

mine is doing the same thing.

[@christianlords1340]

I replaced the spark plug, seems like that factory spark plug was garbage. put a NGK in there and it seems to be reliable now.

[@jimbob9799]

Mine works flawlessly. Return it for another

[@christianlords1340]

easier said than done for me.

[@christianlords1340]

I highly suggst you change out the factory supplied spark plug. that was my issue, I don't want your plug to fail you during a power outage this winter, please put a NGK spark plug to be sure. That fixed my issue, believe it or not. cheap, please.

[@philliphall5198]

Torch plug is 99% of the problem with it 😮😢😢😊

[@jimmygillmore1384]

They absolutely have to be open air definitely carbon monoxide is shutting off take it out from under the stairs and try it

[@lordnetsplits3192]

wow, I’d contact duromax about it. Change the spark plug to genuine ngk or champion, the Chinese spark plugs they come fail right away or last a few hours.

[@christianlords1340]

I have many attempts at contacting Duromax, and I have had no response. emails, phone calls, on hold for hours. tech support doesn't exist as far as I am concerned.

[@christianlords1340]

you were correct aobut the spark plug

[@sandersjones1577]

You have three year warranty

[@christianlords1340]

sure, if Duromax can pick up the phone, but they didn't but I found the issue and fixed it myself.

[@myopinionpal8880]

I've read lots of reviews about different companies that sell generators and also sell warranties that don't honor the junk they sell.

[@BOB12349307]

its your valves out of adjustment

[@christianlords1340]

no, I checked them later on.

[@christianlords1340]

I did take the valves off and checked for damage, and put them back and the unit runs good now that I went to the spark plug and replaced the factory plug with a NGK plug. Unit appears to be reliable now.

[@BOB12349307]

cant go wrong with ngk its all i use@@christianlords1340

[@johnevans9716]

I think it the user for sure,not the machine😐

[@christianlords1340]

You are welcome to think that

[@christianlords1340]

update, this user fixed the problem and it was not the user. It was the fuel selector valve and the spark plug.

[@petrollawd7776]

It’s the oil same thing got me back fired on me it need oil

[@fieldtrailer]

Northstar with Honda engine.

[@JosephNine]

DID YOU READ THE DIRECTIONS OR WATCH A KZbin ( HOW TO ) VIDEO ? I'M SURE BY NOW YOU DID READ THE DIRECTIONS, OR SOMEONE SHOWED YOU ? DON'T TAKE MY WORD BUT,WHEN YOU RUN ON PRO. CHOCK OFF- GAS OFF- SWITCH TO PROPANE-ON

[@petrollawd7776]

And turn the gas off bro

[@JDJD-tq1ct]

Yep, the backfire is from feeding BOTH fuels at one time. You are lucky it didn't catch fire. Whichever fuel you are using, shut off the other source.

[@christianlords1340]

the fuel selection valve is supposed to act like a second gasloline shut off vavle. so you have the valve #1 right at the tank, then after that valve, it gets piped to the fuel selection valve. If you are selected to propane, then the gasoline plumbing is shut off from the carburator. So thinking about it the first gasoline valve doesn't matter. But I initially was shuting the gasoline vavle off and I was getting the backfires. finally I started to think maybe that first vavle should be open, so I started experimenting with it open. made no difference. later after this video it started backfiring again with the gasoline vavle off.