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Portable Gasoline Generator Problems and Their Solutions

  • gxkingring
  • Jan 15, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: May 23, 2024

If you have a portable gasoline generator, it might be convenient to have an instant electricity supply wherever you are. However, it can face some problems, which can put you in slight trouble. If you are going to purchase one for yourself from a portable gasoline generator manufacturer, you need this info first. Some problems are familiar with it, but there are solutions, too. Could you have a look at them?


Battery Problem


A battery can stop working because of many reasons. When you use your generator regularly, the battery gets time to charge through its charger. When you stop using it and give intervals like days or weeks, the battery starts losing energy. In that case, you will find it becoming weak.


Solution: Check its water level; if it is low, adjust it as per the standard limit.

If it still does not work, recharge it at the nearest battery service provider. If you have a battery charger, you can do it alone.


Voltage Fluctuation

Sometimes, a portable gasoline generator starts fluctuating, and you may randomly see low and sudden high voltage. It is a sign of an internal wiring problem, which could be damaged wires or any other reason. You will have to open it and then inspect it.


Solution: After you open its wiring box, there will be damaged or tangled wires. You need to check the voltage coil to see if anything is wrong with them. When a voltage coil wears out, it starts losing voltage-producing consistency.


Faulty Spark Plug

If your generator does not start after being ignited or pulling the starting cord multiple times, it must be inspected. The oil/fuel level is low, or the spark plug is faulty.


Solution: If you have checked the oil and fuel levels and they are fine, the problem is in the spark plug. Too many carbon layers are blocking the spark, or there is moisture. Clean the plug with sandpaper to restore its shine. Then plug it back in and check if its cord is in good condition.


Broken Starting Cord

You never know when a starting cord could break. It happens when you use it too much, and one day it gives up. So, you might face this problem at any time.


Solution: Buy a new cord, and a handy advice will be that you should keep an extra cord. You can connect it any moment your older cord breaks down.


Grey Smoke from the Exhaust Pipe

Have you ever noticed grey smoke from your portable gasoline generator’s exhaust pipe? The piston rings or valve seals might need to be replaced, or the engine oil may need to be changed due to wear.


Solution: Check the engine oil and change it if it is dark black and thin. If that is fine, you must check if its piston rings are in bad condition. If they are also acceptable, check the valve seals. If all of them are fine, check the carburetor and do some tuning.


Debris in Fuel and Air Filter

Your portable gasoline generator can show signs of a blockade in its fuel and air passage system. It is related to the generator’s sound inconsistency, which could be the reason for clogged filters.


Solution: Inspect and clean the fuel and air filters. You must tune the carburetor, air filter, and fuel filter together.


Harsh Sound in Head and Tappet

Have you ever heard a harsh sound like a stone or piece of metal striking inside your engine? When the tappets inside the head lose their settings, they start making fierce sounds.


Solution: You will have to inspect the tappets by opening the head of a generator. Adjust them as per the exact timing of the engine’s pistons. It will take some time to adjust the placement of tappets to do that. Then, you can close the head back and test it.

 
 
 

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