Generator Will Not Stay Running

Question:

My generator ran for a few minutes and then quit and wont start. However while it was running it surges slightly. What is wrong? Do I need to replace the spark plugs perhaps? Nothing was plugged in either.

asked by: Marie M

Expert Reply:

If you have the A-iPower 2,000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator, # 289-SUA2000i or something similar. My first thoughts on your issue are either old fuel or incorrect oil level, usually too low. I have seen this issue happen several times and most always the solution was one of the two.

First step, check oil level. Sometimes the sensor will shut the generator down from low oil, others time it will be due to temperature increasing too rapidly, a direct result of low oil level.

If this does not solve your problem, move toward fuel supply. If you are trying to operate from fuel left in the tank from last year then that is almost certainly your issue. Dump that old fuel out put new in. There will be old fuel in the line that will be more difficult to remove than what was in the tank. Break loose a fitting at a low point in the fuel system, frequently, depending on design, below the carburetor is a drain plug. Open this and flush out the old fuel. Replace with new and attempt to start. You may experience a repeat of the same issue, starting and operating for a few minutes then shutting down. If you had last years fuel in the tank this will all need to be pushed through the fuel system to start burning new fuel.

If these steps do not solve your problem you are probably looking at a failed component within the generator.

expert reply by: Michael R