Easy Fix for Generator Not Starting

Carb Cleaner and Starting Fluid can be found at your local auto parts stores, farm & ranch stores, Wal-Mart, or at the links below.

What to do when your generator will not start. If you have tried the basic start up procedures and the generator won't start there are a couple generator fixes you can try. The first is doing a quick clean of the generator carburetor. Remove the air filter cover and air filter. Open the choke all the way up and spray carb cleaner in the hole that goes into the carburetor. Also, with the engine cold and the fuel shut off valve turned off, open the drain plug by removing the bolt on the side or bottom of the carburetor. Catch the small amount of gas in a cup that drains out and spray carb cleaner in the bolt hole to flush any grime or fuel deposits from the carburetor that may have gummed up inside. Wipe up any puddles and let it air dry for 5-10 minutes before assembling and trying to start the small engine.
If the generator wont start after trying this then the next step is to use starting fluid. Turn the fuel line ON and the on switch to ON. Remove the air filter and spray a small amount into the carburetor. Quickly pull the cord a few times. If it doesnt start spray a little more starting fluid in the carb, put the choke on, and pull the engine cord again a 2-3 times. If this doesn't work, stop and let the carb air out. Too much starting fluid can foul the spark plug because it is putting to rich of a gas mixture into the engine. Let it air out for 5 - 10 minutes where the starting fluid will evaporate. Then try starting the generator again, not using starting fluid, and then using starting fluid. Usually this will get the motor to start.
In this video we are using a Generac 6500 generator with a pull start, but electric start generators would have similar steps, just turn the key vs pulling the cord. As will most all small engines, good generator maintenance will help the engine start easier. This is a good thing to do when preparing for winter storms, electrical outages, or other storm preparation.

Helpful Links to products mentioned in the video and gear that we use may be affiliate links which means we get a small percentage for referring you. This helps support the channel and costs nothing extra to you, Woo Hoo! :)

Gear:

Video Research: VidIQ

#Z23 #Z23go

Psalms 23: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me...
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Videos produced and made by Z23 are provided for entertainment purposes only. If you are not comfortable in taking on a specific DIY project yourself please consult a local professional. Please observe all local laws, regulations and building codes in your area.

[homegrown]

I have a hurricane coming my way and I just did this, and yellow dark gas came out then I let the new gas come out clear now my generator works so happy thank you.

[cracr]

Great video super simple to follow and mine started right after draining it and spraying it with the carb cleaner. I especially appreciated that you didn't edit the video when it didn't work the first time, because thats exactly what would happen to most of us lol. Great job.

[bpomeroy]

Thank you for making this. After viewing this, I went straight to the hardware store for carb cleaner. Drained gas. She fired up! Saved me much money and hassle.

[hdvokiq]

Freeze coming in Texas. Got busy and left the gas in the generator for 6 months. Drained it and no luck. This advice got my generator running. Thank you!

[robertchiraz]

My Predator 3200/4000 generator was not started for a couple of years and would not start but your procedure worked for me, including needing the retry after five minutes between starting fluid spraying. Thank you!

[AdamLisiewski]

My generator was not working. After watching this video and following your quick instructions on how to clean the carburetor....the generator started up like NEW! I never thought old gas would gum it up. Amazing...thank you thank you!

[gregoryriley]

Thanks I got a brand new one and it started during the summer. I started it twice during the year and now a big rain storm with 50 mph winds is coming to the NE. It would not start and I did this and it worked!

[ryanvandinter]

You need a video on what to do if your carb is leaking fuel. I just spent a lot of time cleaning it up. There are some ok videos out there, but you have pretty good production and really let people see what is going on.

[stephaniejimenezdpt]

Thank you!! We have a winter freeze coming to Texas and I need to drain the old gas, clean the carburetor and spark plug etc and your videos are so clear, concise and helpful!

[wisdombright]

I almost gave up on till I came across your video. My genset refused to start and if it managed to it will turn off immediately. Your video guided me to service it and now it’s working. Thank you 🙏

[IvanBoden]

Mine wouldn't start when I needed it a week ago! Just followed your instructions and it started after the first pull! Thank you!!

[anhbaoconnecticut]

My generator started after following what you shown! Thanks!

[nidalshehahadeh]

Old generators ?
I'm sure many of you would like to dust off the generator,
here's some tips for you and I speak as someone who have been in the automotive business for over 38 years .
1st remove the spark plug,
2nd squirt small amount of WD-40 through the spark plug hole on the piston to lubricate the Rings, if WD-40 is not available then any other similar rust9 treatment or light lubrication will do,
3rd spin the engine few times before installing the spark plugs, you want to make sure that the lubrication you squirted inside the spark plug hole have blown out,

one of the biggest problems with small engine not starting is a dirty spark plug,
brush whatever it is on the spark plug with a clean wire brush, the spark plug have to be clean and dry especially from any oil or carbon residue that might be on it, use a propane torch to heat up the spark plug,
heat up the spark plug until the electroids negative and positive on the spark plug will turn red, allow the spark plug to cool down before touching it, if you don't have a blow torch then use the barbecue, if all fails as the last ditch effort, do the following and be extremely careful , it is what I used to do in the old country Palestine,
put a small amount of gasoline in a metal dish, if a dish is not available then do it on the ground, put the spark plug in it and Light It Up, wait until the spark plug cool down before cleaning it,
again clean the spark plug and reinstall it on the engine,
if a generator is left outside ?
look on the bottom of the carburetor to see if there is a carburetor drain plug, open it and drain any liquid it might be in it, most likely there will be water in the carburetor ball, if there's too much contaminants you might have to open the carburetor ball and clean it out, make sure that the carburetor float freely operate without sticking,
5th rd check the oil level, small gasoline engine require constant oil replacement, some small engines require oil change every 40 hours, if possible do an oil change before starting the engine,
6th, make sure the ground connection is hooked up,
7th make sure the generator or engine is an inventilated area before starting it up .

[thequietman]

Really appreciate the help man. Carb cleaner plus starting fluid did the trick, although it took a few starts before I stopped choking it too fast. And fyi for anyone who is wondering - this is exactly the same for a Predator 7500

[chrisburnsed]

You need to take the bowl off and check the float seat to make sure the needle isn’t stuck not allowing fuel into the bowl. If it is, check the jets and emulsion tube. Compression, fuel, air, and spark are all you need. All simple to check.

[Trademan_-]

madly helpful will be checking carb this weekend ty!

[jeffallen]

Great video. I did everything but the starting fluid and it started up right away. I'm so glad I did not have to take apart the carburetor. Thanks again for the video!

[Jinxter]

In my case it was everything 😅, mainly the problem was the fuel injectior was extremely clogged, came right out with a flat head and some cleaner, thanks for the help

[lensquires]

Its "good" to have a spare spark plug also.
They gunk up. I've switched those out with
problems and it got it going! Don't underestimate
an old or gunked up spark plug. It's also a good
idea to keep your portable generator in the
garage or house so you don't have to "thaw" it
out when needed in cold weather. 😃

[MegaBpop]

Thank You for the great camera view. It really helps!