Common Reasons Why Your Generator Isn’t Starting And How A Generator Repair Service Can Help | Myrtle Beach, SC
A generator is a worthwhile investment for home and business owners in Myrtle Beach, SC. Although winters in Myrtle Beach, SC are typically cold, the last thing you want is winter without power. So, when your generator doesn’t start, it’s only natural to get worried, especially if you spent a lot on it.
Starting issues are normal with generators, and a generator repair service can help you solve the issue once and for all.
Here are a few common reasons why your generator won’t start and how a generator repair service can help you.
It Ran Out of Fuel
The most probable reason why your generator won’t start is that it’s low on fuel. Check whether your generator has enough fuel before starting it up. If not, refuel it and get it up and running again.
Tilting the generator could lead to a low fuel reading despite having enough fuel. Place your generator on a flat surface before turning it on, and see whether it starts. Always remember to put it at least 20 feet away from the house with the exhaust pointing outside the building.
Also, check the generator valves and tubings for any punctures or disconnections. Call a generator repair service if you notice issues with these parts. That way, they can repair or replace the damaged parts.
The Generator Has an Air Lock in Its Carburetor
The carburetor is responsible for mixing air and fuel to facilitate combustion in your generator’s engine. Keeping your generator dormant for too long can sometimes cause the carburetor to clog or form an airlock. Airlocks form when air enters or boils in the fuel line. On the other hand, clogs concur when old fuel in your generator percolates and clogs the fuel line.
If this happens, you’ll need to call a licensed generator repair service to remove the bowl at the bottom of the carburetor and get rid of the stale fuel. They’ll also help eliminate any air bubbles in your fuel line.
The Spark Plugs Are Dirty
Most people keep their generators in dusty environments, like outside or in their basements. Over time dirt and dust deposit on your spark plugs, rendering them ineffective. You’ll have to remove the spark plug to check whether they’re dirty.
Dirt spark plugs don’t produce the spark needed to kick-start your generator. Sometimes the build-up on the spark plugs is impossible to clean or scrape away. If that’s the case, you’ll have no option but to replace them.
A reputable generator repair service can help you replace your defective spark plugs. Doing so by yourself could worsen the problem and cost you more. They’ll also advise on what spark plugs to buy and how to keep the problem from recurring.
Issues with the Generator’s Choke Control
The choke control regulates the amount of air entering the carburetor. Too little or too much air in the carburetor leads to start-up issues. You can try adjusting the choke control and see whether that works. If not, you may need to replace it with the help of a credible generator repair service.
Engine Oil Is Low
Your generator needs enough oil to work properly. Most generators have an oil sensor to tell you when oil levels are running low. Sometimes these sensors malfunction and don’t accurately depict oil levels. You can solve this problem by simply refilling the oil.
Use a dipstick to check how much oil your generator has. It’ll also know whether you have a malfunctioned oil sensor. If so, call a generator repair service for a prompt replacement.
The Generator’s Battery Is Dead
A dead battery is the most common reason for starting failure in electric generators. It’s normal for the battery to lose its juice over time when left dormant. Normally, you’d use the pull starter to get the generator running again, but what if that doesn’t work?
If pulling the starter doesn’t work, your best bet is to replace the battery. Consult a generator repair service to get the best replacement battery for your generator model.
The Air Filter Is Dirty and Clogged Up
A dirty air filter compromises your generator’s functionality and sometimes leads to complete failure. Inspect your air filter and check whether it needs cleaning. If so, vacuum the filter, then clean it with water and vinegar.
But if the air filter is dirty enough to cause the generator to cause start-up failure, you have to replace it. Doing so is a breeze, but if you’re not up to it, you can get help from a licensed professional.
Faulty Wiring
Electric wires in your generator convey the electricity from your generator battery to the generator’s outlet. Sometimes these wires malfunction, and your generator fails.
If this happens, your best bet is to call a generator repair service to fix the wiring. Sometimes the wiring is just outdated and requires a revamp. Revamping your generator’s electricals should be a piece of cake for a licensed technician.
Generator wiring is complicated and not a DIY job. Electricity is also dangerous; handling wires alone could lead to electrocution and worsen the problem. Leave the handy work to the pros for our personal safety and a bang-up job.
A Leaking Coolant System
The coolant system in your generator keeps it from overheating. Any leak in this system compromises its ability to cool the generator down. The generator shuts down when it overheats, but sometimes it fails to start. A generator technician will help identify leaks in your generator’s coolant system and seal them accordingly.
Experiencing Issues with Your Generator? Contact Us Today
A generator that fails to start isn’t necessarily a dead one. If your generator is acting up, don’t hesitate to call a licensed generator service to get it back in tip-top shape. Avoid DIY repairs because you might end up doing more harm than good. With proper care and maintenance, your generator should last you decades.
Contact Mister Sparky Generators for help with your generator issues in Myrtle Beach, SC. We’re more than eager to serve you.
See our previous blog post here!