The Truth About Generator Surging and How to Stop It

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A generator surging or hunting refers to an unstable operation where the engine speed or power output fluctuates irregularly. This behavior can be caused by various factors, and understanding these factors is crucial for diagnosing and fixing the issue. Here are some common reasons why a generator might surge or hunt:

Fuel Supply Issues:

Inadequate fuel supply: A generator needs a consistent and clean fuel supply to operate smoothly. Insufficient fuel can cause fluctuations in engine speed.
Fuel contamination: Dirty or contaminated fuel can clog filters and injectors, leading to irregular engine operation.
Air in the fuel system: Air bubbles in the fuel lines can disrupt the combustion process, causing surging.
Governor Problems:

Malfunctioning governor: The governor regulates engine speed by adjusting the fuel supply. If it's not functioning correctly, it can't maintain a stable RPM, leading to surges.
Load Changes:

Sudden changes in electrical load: Significant variations in the electrical load can cause the generator to struggle to maintain a stable output, resulting in surging.
Engine Issues:

Worn-out components: Worn or damaged engine parts, such as piston rings, valves, or spark plugs, can lead to inconsistent engine performance.
Engine misfires: Ignition problems, like misfires or improper timing, can cause surging.
Air Intake or Exhaust Problems:

Restricted air intake: Blocked or restricted air filters can limit the air supply to the engine, affecting combustion and causing surging.
Exhaust restrictions: Blockages in the exhaust system can disrupt the engine's ability to expel exhaust gases efficiently, impacting performance.
Voltage Regulator Issues:

Faulty voltage regulator: A malfunctioning voltage regulator can lead to unstable electrical output, causing surges in the generator's operation.
Temperature and Environmental Factors:

Temperature variations: Extreme temperature changes can affect the fuel's viscosity and the engine's performance.
High humidity: Moisture can infiltrate the fuel system, causing combustion issues.
Poor Maintenance:

Lack of routine maintenance: Neglecting regular maintenance tasks, such as oil changes, filter replacements, and overall engine servicing, can lead to performance problems over time.
To resolve the surging or hunting issue with a generator, it's important to diagnose the root cause accurately. This typically involves checking and addressing the potential factors mentioned above, such as fuel quality, governor adjustments, load management, and maintenance. If the problem persists or if you are unsure about the diagnosis, it's advisable to consult a professional generator technician to ensure the generator operates reliably and efficiently.

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Комментарии
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I had already disassembled my carb, cleaned the jets, and reassembled for generac 3600 watt, with 212cc engine. And it still surged. I tried adjusting the screw that you point out in your video. It smoothed it out a little but did not realize there was a jet directly below it that needed a cleaning, I pulled it out. Cleaned, it reinstalled it, and now it runs perfectly. Thank you

karl
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Thank you so much!!! I was given a Ford FG2200IS generator that wasn't running. After cleaning the jets, this thing runs super smooth now!!! We missed cleaning the high output originally and your video helped diagnose it and solved the surging issue.

scotta
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Found it to be the gasket issue. Cleaned, resealed and all is good to go. Thx!

edshuerger
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Hi. I have 9 kw generator was working fine. Then, it had some issues related to the valves so we decided to disassembling it and give it full cleaning. By mistake we disassembled the governor and when we put everything back it start working good when no load, or low loads. But with high loads it started surging. We checked the governor gear and wights, it has no problem. I even changed the AVR but still the same problem. Now i don't know if it is the same problem you showed in your video or not. Could you help me please

taximan
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Had a shop go thru my near new Generac GP3000i to clean out stale fuel deposits -- my fault. But it still hunts on no-load idle. Shop said California CARB requirements force too lean an idle. Do you know if I can buy a 49-state pilot jet package for it? Did you mean to say the Predator jet kits from Amazon were universal and could be fit to other brands? Doesn't sound right.

wam
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I got a brand new carb for the first generator you showed and it still surging ? Help please

Disbeat
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So the idle screw on a big generator does not need to be set with turns, like the counting thing. Mine is surging on a brand new westinghouse and will try this cleaning..wish me luck..lol..Im a old gal.

Hannelore
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Can you move the camera around a little more?

jeffreytuttle
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Don’t work for me I just replaced my carb today and still serges under load my 4000 watt won’t run my 120v air compressor

Cody-cyfn
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Bro, get a tripod. You have a bad case of earthquake camera.

GeorgeBonez
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No you didn’t link for new pilot eather, I was going to order some 😢

philliphall
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I usually find some kind of booger in the main jet

joecummings
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Good information but you moved around too much. I couldn’t see what you were pointing to. Gotta think about the non mechanics like myself and that they know very little about carbs.

Lower
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Can't tell what the hell you're pointing at. 🤷‍♂

mrbienvenu
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Mine hunts and I put three new carbs on it and there petcocks new gaskets each time

rayjenkins
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I sent you an email. I am stuck in need your help with the repair that we discussed, please, thank you

ShannonGrace
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So glad I found your video - this makes perfect sense! Much appreciated....

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