​Repairing A Portable Generator – What You Need To know​

​Simply owning a brand new portable generator isn’t enough. Do you have some warranty left on your generator? Well, you actually don’t need that warranty most of the time as it is usually a small issue which causes your generator to stall or chokes. Here are a few tips and tricks to help repair your generator. Remember that if nothing works, it’s time to call in the pros. Until then keep trying!

​Heard the term troubleshooting? It is the simple things one does when faced with a problem. For example, checking and looking for the problem with one of the basic components, checking the fuel level, whether it is ample and whether the quality of fuel is an issue. Many times, I have noticed that bad fuel jams up the carburetor quickly. Likewise, if the generator does not self-start, chances are the battery has been drained. And in the case of a starter crank being present, it could be a short fuse causing the problems.

Such solutions are simple yet elegant and stuff that mechanics charge a lot for because users aren’t aware of simple troubleshooting techniques. Your portable generator manual will provide basic solutions for common problems, make sure you go through it before calling in the expert.

Learn The “Field Flash”

Field flash is a simple jump starting technique used in case a portable generator fails to start normally. It can be done in two ways:

​Use a battery and connect the wires from the generator to the battery correctly (negative to negative, positive to positive, wires are usually color coded). Remove the spark plug from the generator, and pull the starter cord to get it working.

​Use an electric drill to connect the generator’s 120-volt receptacle and start the generator.

Check Generator For Overload

Sometimes the generator might be overloaded with appliances and devices that are drawing power pushing it up and above its normal load capacity. A good way to deal with it could be to try and switch off appliances and see if the generator starts again and works normally.

Generator Is Running But There Is No Power

If the Solar generator is running, but you are not getting any power, chances are some internal setting or the motor might have been damaged. To check on this, keep a voltmeter and ammeter handy. Find out what the correct readings ought to be from your generator user guide and check if the meters are giving a congruent reading. If not, then it is most certainly an internal issue, which needs the expertise of a professional to fix. So, call in the experts!

The best way is to prevent any issues from happening in the first place is to take the necessary precautions and maintain your house generator. Ensure that you do proper and timely servicing of the generator, even if you don’t use it all that regularly. Also, replace any parts that might be used above and beyond their usual running life. And finally, remember to use good quality oil and fuel as they circulate through the entire engine coming in contact with many different components.