Generator Backfires: Through the Carb or the Exhaust — What It Means
A backfire is a loud bang where it doesn’t belong — either back through the carburetor or out the muffler. […]
Engine & Performance
Surging, smoking, overheating, and other running problems.
Generator Overheating and Shutting Off: The Cooling Airflow Fix
A generator that runs for 5-30 minutes then shuts off is almost always overheating from restricted cooling airflow. The fin-cleaning fix is free and takes 30 minutes.
Generator Smoking Black, White, or Blue: What Each Color Means
The color of exhaust smoke is one of the most useful free diagnostics in small-engine work. Black, blue, and white each point to a completely different system — here is the ladder for each.
Generator Surging? The Pilot Jet Fix (and the 60-Second Load Test)
That vroom-vroom-vroom hunting sound at no load is almost always a clogged pilot jet in the carburetor. The 60-second load test that proves it and the $15 fix.