6 Signs your Generator Needs Repairs
1. Your Generator Has Trouble Starting
Nothing is more frustrating than when your generator refuses to start. There are multiple reasons why this might happen.
- Is there gas in the tank? May seem like a simple solution, but sometimes the solution is the easiest.
- Check the oil level in the crankcase.
- Check the choke and make sure it is closed.
- Check out the fuel valve and carburetor. Sometimes sediment can cause clogging when fuel has set for too long.
- The spark plug may need to be cleaned or replaced.
- The battery may be dead.
- Be sure that nothing is plugged into the generator while trying to start it.
- If your air filter is dirty, it may prohibit the flow of oxygen and could prevent your generator from starting.
2. It Has Low Power Flow
If your generator is not providing as much power as it is supposed to, you could have a problem with the master phase selector switch, master breaker, or control panel.
If you think that low power is an issue,
3. Its Electrical Components Show Signs of Wear
Most wear of electrical components may be observed visually. They include but are not limited to:
- Frayed wiring, bare wires
- Worn, cracked, or missing control knobs
- Loose connectors
4. There May Be an Internal or External Leak
Look for puddles of rainbow colored fluid with a film on top. This is either oil or coolant.
5. Check for Damage to the Body
Again, this could easily be a result of long storage. Either something fell on it, ran over it, or pushed up against it.
6. Low-Charged Battery
Check the voltage on a regular basis using a voltmeter.
