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HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT COMMON PROBLEMS WITH YOUR CAMPING/HOME GENERATOR

Philip Brown
  Jun 6, 2023 2:11 PM

The generator is a must for outdoor events for outdoor parties to be complete. Even the most trusted brands can go wrong sometimes, so it's important that you know what you need to do when something goes wrong. 

Our frequently encountered troubleshooting guide lists common problems that can affect any generator, what to check to diagnose the problem, and simple fixes that you can do to get the generator working again. Read on to know more.


1. Generator Failure to Start

Check that automatic operation controls are set up if your generator fails to start. Your generator's automatic setting could have been turned off if someone had pressed the emergency stop button or turned off the alarm on the control switch.

Carefully Check The Generator When It Failure to Start

Carefully Check The Generator When It Failure to Start

Source: Pinterest

Check the Fuel Tank 

The first place to check if your home generator will start is the fuel tank. You will have to refuel if there is no fuel or a low fuel level. Never use old fuel or leave it for more than two months to avoid clogging and damage to the engine.

Check the Starter Switch

If the transmitter switch is in the "OFF" position, turn it to the "ON" position. If it doesn't start in the "ON" position, use a multimeter to test for continuity, which is a complete electrical path, and replace the switch if it tests negative in the "ON" position.

Check the Choke Valve Switch

The choke valve switch should be set to "CLOSE" during starting and then to "OPEN" after the engine is warmed up. If it is set to "OPEN" before starting the engine, change it to "CLOSE" and try starting the home generator again.

Check Spark Plugs

Spark plugs will degrade over time, so check for damage or wear. Use a spark plug tester to determine if the current reaches the spark plugs in your engine.

  • If there is some carbon buildup, clean it with a wire brush and a little carbon cleaner.

  • If it's worn or damaged, the insulator is cracked, or has a lot of carbon deposits that you can't get rid of; it's time to replace the spark plug.

Check the Carburetor

Old fuel can cause a build-up on the carburetor, preventing new fuel from getting through to start burning and starting the home generator's engine. If there is a blockage, clean it with a carburetor cleaner.


2. The Generator Runs But No Electricity

If your generator is running but not generating electricity, it is most likely due to a loss of residual magnetism. Residual magnetism is generated during the last run of the generator. This residual magnetism is enough to generate the initial amount of power needed at start-up and will help the generator generate more power when running. So, if the residual magnetism is lost, the generator will not generate energy when starting up.

The most common reason generators lose residual magnetism is days of non-use. Other factors that can cause residual magnetic loss are running the generator too long at no load, shutting down before disconnecting, and vibrations from long-distance transportation.

If the generator loses its magnetism, you can use a 12-volt battery to activate it to restore the remaining magnetism needed to increase the voltage.

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Quiet Generator for RV

Source: Pinterest


3. Failure of Generator Battery

The most common generator problem is battery failure. As batteries have been used for a long time, they lose capacity and provide less and less power. Knowing how long your generator battery will last will allow you to replace it before it fails.

Solution

Before using the generator, always make sure that the battery, charger, and all cables and connections to and from the battery are in good working order. Clean and tighten connections on a regular basis and remove any sulfate buildup on the plates. Lead sulfate can prevent batteries from delivering significant current, leading to system failures that could have been avoided.


4. Home Generator Lacks Coolant

Running out of coolant can cause your home generator engine to overheat.

Coolant is the liquid that keeps your generator cool by absorbing heat throughout the engine and preventing components from overheating. Coolant helps to combat the high temperatures generated by your generator engine. The liquid in the coolant evaporates over time when continuously exposed to those high temperatures, reducing the heat to the generator engine. 

Checking the coolant level and routine maintenance can ensure that your engine has the required coolant.

Coolant for Home Generator

Coolant for Home Generator

Source: Pinterest

Solution

If your alternator coolant level is full but still overheating, it could be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a damaged belt and actuator or a damaged radiator core switch blocking the radiator core. 

Regular equipment maintenance can prevent oil, gasoline, or coolant leaks. When troubleshooting generators, it's important to know what parts to look for and what fluid levels to check, so you stay supplied with oil, coolant, or fuel.


5. Home Generator Makes Too Much Noise

Place Your Home Generator On a Soft Surface

An important factor to consider when muting a generator is the surface on which you place the generator. Once you have found the right distance to place the generator, you need to place it on a surface that can reduce noise rather than amplify it.

It is best to avoid all hard surfaces. Therefore, do not place the generator on concrete, wood, or asphalt; these surfaces will only increase the noise. 

Usually, if you go camping, the best and only way to turn on a generator is to use land or grass. These are both great solutions as a surface to place your generator. Both of these will absorb and dampen the sound the rumbling generator produces.

Buying Quiet Generator Models

On the market today, there are many models and types of low-noise generators, from the quiet generator for camping to the quiet inverter generator for RV, all types and prices are available to suit the budget of many users.

Suppose you need a generator for outdoor activities. In that case, a quiet generator for camping is suitable, but if your picnic has already brought too many things, a quiet portable generator for camping is a great choice, it is compact, convenient, and easy to carry.

Quietest Champion Generator

Quietest Champion Generator

Source: Pinterest


Conclusion

Above are the problems that users often encounter when using the generators that we list. Hopefully, our solutions will help you find the cause of your generator not working and fix it properly. Always maintain your generator periodically.


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