Troubleshooting
Problem
Possible Causes
Probable Solutions
Engine will
not start
FUEL RELATED:
1. No fuel in tank or fuel valve closed.
2. Air trapped in fuel line/Filter.
3. Low quality or deteriorated, old diesel.
4. Not enough oil in crankcase.
5. Dirty fuel passageways blocking fuel
flow.
6. Low oil sensor failure.
7. Generator is not on level surface.
8. Load connected.
9. Air filter dirty.
10. Battery dead.
FUEL RELATED: *
1. Open fuel valve and fill fuel tank.
2. Bleed fuel line.
3. Use only fresh #2 diesel fuel.
4. Add or replace oil.
5. Clean out passageways using diesel fuel
additive or biocide. Heavy deposits may
require further cleaning.
6. Add oil, disconnect low oil sensor, start
engine and allow to run for several
minutes before reconnecting the sensor.
7. Move the generator to a level surface to
prevent low oil shutdown from triggering.
8. Disconnect load.
9. Change air filter.
10. Replace battery.
Black smoke
from exhaust
1. Generator overloaded.
2. Oil in cylinder.
3. Contaminated diesel fuel.
4. Fuel injection malfunction.
5. Clogged air filter.
6. Improper setting for specific altitude.
1. Reduce load.
2. Check oil level and drain excess from
crankcase.
3. Treat engine with biocide.
4. Have the Generator serviced by a
qualified mechanic.
5. Replace air filter.
6. Have a qualified technician inspect/ reset
the engine fuel system.
White smoke
from exhaust
1. Water in fuel
1. Empty and clean fuel tank, fuel lines and
filter.
Generator
runs but does
not support
all loads
1. Device connected is faulty.
2. Engine overloaded.
1. Check devices for problems.
2. Turn off and unplug devices, shut
Generator off for several minutes, restart
generator, connect fewer loads.
Engine
backfires
1. Impure or low quality diesel fuel.
2. Engine too cold.
3. Engine not properly adjusted for high
altitude operation.
4. Intake valve stuck, incorrect timing,
clogged carburetor, or overheated
engine.
1. Fill fuel tank with fresh #2 diesel fuel.
2. Use cold weather fuel and oil additives to
prevent backfiring.
3. Qualified technician must adjust engine at
altitudes greater than 5,000 feet above
sea level.
4. Have qualified technician diagnose and
service engine.
AC output,
but not DC
output
1. Fuse burnt out.
1. Replace fuse.
* Every time fuel system is serviced, replace the fuel filter.
Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the equipment or engine.
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