Starting Problems

When a generator only runs on choke, it’s starving for fuel — not getting too much air. Drain the stale […]

Generator has no spark? Check the plug, then the kill switch and wiring (the #1 cause), the coil, the flywheel key, and the low-oil sensor – in that order.

Generator CO sensor keeps shutting it off? Flashing red is a CO detection, yellow is a sensor fault — and most repeat trips are an airflow fix.

Champion generator won’t start, won’t stay running, or has no power? These dual-fuel and inverter units have a few common faults. Here’s how to diagnose and fix them.

Predator generator won’t start after sitting? On these Harbor Freight units it’s almost always stale fuel and a gummed carb, the fuel valve, or the low-oil sensor. Here’s how to fix it.

Generator hard to start but eventually catches? It’s almost always weak spark, a partly-gummed carb, or a choke and technique problem. Here’s how to find which one.

A generator that fights you on a cold morning and then runs fine the rest of the day is telling

You press the electric-start button and get a click, or nothing at all. On an aircraft flight line you learn

You grab the pull cord, give it a yank, and it won’t move — or it pulls out an inch

The dipstick reads full but the generator keeps shutting down on low-oil protection. Three causes in order: tilted unit, failed sensor, wrong oil viscosity. Most fixes are under 30 minutes.