16
Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator
Troubleshooting
PROBLEM
CAUSE
CORRECTION
Engine is running, but
AC output is not
available.
1. Circuit breaker OPEN.
2. Poor connection or defective
cord set.
3. Connected device is bad.
4. Fault in generator.
5. GFCI receptacle is OPEN (if
equipped).
1. Reset circuit breaker.
2. Check and repair.
3. Connect another device that is
in good condition.
4. Contact IASD.
5. Correct ground fault and press
reset button on GFCI recepta-
cle (if equipped).
Engine runs well at
no-load, but bogs when
load is applied.
1. Short circuit in a connected
load.
2. Generator is overloaded.
3. Engine speed is too slow.
4. Shorted generator circuit.
1. Disconnect shorted electrical
load.
2. See
.
3. Contact IASD.
4. Contact IASD.
Engine will not start; or
starts and runs rough.
1. ON/OFF switch is OFF
2. Fuel shut-off is OFF.
3. Dirty air filter.
4. Out of fuel.
5. Stale fuel.
6. Spark plug wire not connected
to spark plug.
7. Bad spark plug.
8. Water in fuel.
9. Overchoking.
10. Low oil level.
11. Excessive rich fuel mixture.
12. Intake valve stuck open or
closed.
13. Engine lost compression.
1. Turn ON/OFF switch ON.
2. Turn fuel shut-off ON.
3. Clean or replace air filter.
4. Fill fuel tank.
5. Drain fuel tank and fill with
fresh fuel.
6. Connect wire to spark plug.
7. Replace spark plug.
8. Drain fuel tank; fill with fresh
fuel.
9. Set choke to no choke posi-
tion.
10. Fill crankcase to correct level.
11. Contact IASD.
12. Contact IASD.
13. Contact IASD.
Engine shuts down
during operation.
1. Out of fuel.
2. Low oil level.
3. Fault in engine.
1. Fill fuel tank.
2. Fill crankcase to correct level.
3. Contact IASD.
Engine lacks power.
1. Load is too high.
2. Dirty air filter.
3. Dirty fuel filter.
4. Engine needs to be serviced.
1. Reduce load (see
).
2. Clean or replace air filter.
3. Replace fuel filter.
4. Contact IASD.
Engine surges or
stumbles.
1. Choke is opened too soon.
2. Carburetor is running too rich
or too lean.
1. Set choke to halfway position
until engine runs smoothly.
2. Contact IASD.