Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks for Generators During Hurricane Season

Are you prepared for hurricane season? Check out these helpful videos on generator troubleshoot tips and tricks to ensure your power supply stays reliable during storms. And remember, if you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Bo’s Electric. We’re here to help!

Generator Troubleshooting – Learn essential generator troubleshooting techniques in this informative video.

Fuse and Battery Issues – Learn how to troubleshoot generator fuse and battery issues. Perfect for anyone dealing with power supply challenges during emergencies.

Checking and Filling Oil – Learn essential maintenance with our video ‘Checking and Filling Oil.’ Keep your generator running smoothly during Hurricane Season!

Checking Propane Fuel Levels – Learn how to check propane fuel levels for your generator with this informative video. For more generator tips and assistance, contact us at Bo’s Electric.

Being prepared for hurricane season is your best defense against power outages and disruptions. At Bo’s Electric, we understand the importance of reliable power supply during emergencies. Whether you need assistance with generator maintenance, fuel checking, or any other electrical needs, we’re always here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact us for expert guidance and support. Stay safe and prepared!

*When troubleshooting your whole house generator, it’s important to proceed with caution, particularly when dealing with wiring. While these steps are intended to guide you through common issues, it’s crucial to take appropriate safety measures, such as turning off the generator and disconnecting the power source, to avoid any potential risks, especially when working with wiring.

When Flooding is a Concern

1. Shut Down the Generator in Flooded Conditions
If you’re near flooding, we recommend turning off the generator immediately. This helps prevent water from being sucked into the engine, which could cause damage or short out the electrical system in your home. It’s always better to be cautious when water levels are rising. If have have already evacuated and you are a customer, call us at (239) 275-4502 to see if we can turn your generator off remotely.

2. Check for Water in the Engine Once Flooding Subsides
Once the flooding has receded, checking the generator’s oil is essential. If any water has entered the engine, it’s best to drain the oil and replace the oil filter. This will help prevent any long-term damage to the unit.

3. Generator Not Starting?
If your Briggs & Stratton generator isn’t starting after a flood, the issue could be related to the starter. If you feel comfortable doing so, tap the starter with a wrench, which may help activate the solenoid and get the generator running. However, if you’re unsure or prefer professional assistance, our support team is happy to help. Call us at (239) 275-4502 to schedule an appointment and ensure your generator is properly serviced.

4. If Your Generator Is Running But Not Supplying Power
If the generator is running but there’s no power being supplied to your home, please check the following:

• Generator Breaker: Make sure the breaker on the generator is ON.
• Home Panel Breakers: Check that all breakers in your home’s main panel are ON, including the main breaker.
• Transfer Switch: Ensure the transfer switch is correctly set to “generator” mode. You can manually engage the transfer switch using the lever inside the Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) if needed.

Keeping your generator well-maintained and following these steps during a storm or flood can help ensure that your backup power system operates safely and effectively. If you have any concerns or are unsure about any of the steps above, please feel free to reach out to us for assistance.

Generator Won’t Start

Check Fuel Level and Quality

Make sure there is enough fuel in the tank. Low fuel levels can prevent the generator from starting. 

Inspect Spark Plugs and Ignition System

Remove the spark plugs and inspect them for signs of wear, corrosion, or fouling. Clean or replace the spark plugs if needed.

Check Condition of Battery and Connections

Check the battery voltage and charge. Inspect the battery terminals and connections for corrosion or loose connections. Clean the terminals and tighten the connections to make sure there is proper electrical contact.

Check Air Filter

Air filters stop dirt and debris from entering the engine. A clogged or dirty air filter can restrict airflow, causing the engine to run poorly or not start at all. Clean or replace the air filter if it is dirty or clogged.

Generator Runs but Doesn’t Produce Power

Check Circuit Breaker and Fuses

Make sure the circuit breaker is not tripped and the fuses are intact. Reset the breaker if needed and replace any blown fuses. A tripped breaker or blown fuse can prevent power from being delivered.

Generator Overheating

Inspect Air Filter and Ventilation

A clogged air filter can restrict airflow and cause the engine to overheat. Clean or replace the air filter if necessary. Check that the generator has proper ventilation and that there are no obstructions around the vents.

Assess Load Capacity

Overloading the generator can cause it to overheat. Make sure the generator is not running more equipment than it is designed to handle. Reduce the load if necessary.

Generator Starts but Runs Roughly

Check Air Intake System

A blocked air intake can reduce the amount of air entering the engine, affecting performance. Clean or replace the air filter if needed.

Inspect Spark Plugs and Ignition System

Check the spark plugs for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage. Make sure the ignition system, including the ignition coil and wires, is working correctly to ensure proper spark.

Excessive Smoke Emissions

Identify Type of Smoke (White, Blue, Black)

Different colors of smoke can indicate various issues. White smoke typically means unburned fuel or coolant entering the combustion chamber. Blue smoke suggests burning oil, and black smoke indicates a rich fuel mixture or incomplete combustion.

Inspect Fuel System and Air Filter

Check the fuel system for leaks or blockages that could affect fuel delivery and cause improper combustion. A clogged air filter can lead to a rich fuel mixture and black smoke.

Check for Oil Leaks or Overfilling

Inspect the engine for oil leaks, especially around the cylinder head and valve cover. Oil leaking into the combustion chamber can cause blue smoke. Check that the oil level is not too high, as overfilling can also lead to oil burning.

Examine Exhaust System

Check the exhaust system for blockages or damage that could restrict the flow of exhaust gasses and cause smoke. 

Low Power Output

Check Load and Distribution

Ensure the generator is not overloaded. Unplug non-essential appliances and devices to reduce the load. Spread the remaining load evenly across the generator’s outlets. 

Check Air Filter and Intake System

Inspect the air filter for dirt or clogs and clean/replace if needed.

Fuel Leaks

Inspect Fuel Lines and Connections

Check all fuel lines for signs of wear, cracks, or leaks. Tighten any loose connections and replace damaged fuel lines to prevent leaks.

Battery Not Charging

Check Battery Connections and Terminals

Inspect the battery connections and terminals for corrosion or looseness. Clean the terminals and tighten any loose connections to make proper contact.

Inspect Charging System

Look at the charging system components, including the alternator and voltage regulator, for signs of wear or damage. Replace any faulty parts.

Check Fuses and Relays

Examine the fuses and relays associated with the charging system. Replace any blown fuses or faulty relays that might be preventing the battery from charging.

Test Battery Voltage

Use a multimeter to test the battery voltage. If the voltage is low, charge the battery and recheck the voltage.

Generator Cranking but Not Starting

Verify Fuel Supply

Confirm that there is enough fuel in the tank and that it is reaching the engine. Check for any blockages or leaks in the fuel lines.

Check Spark Plugs and Ignition System

Inspect the spark plugs for signs of wear, corrosion, or fouling and replace if needed. Make sure the ignition system, including the ignition coil and wires, is functioning correctly.

Inspect Air Intake and Filter

Check the air intake and filter for dirt or obstructions. Clean or replace the air filter as needed.

Test Engine Compression

Test the engine compression using a compression gauge. Low compression can indicate internal engine problems that may require professional repair.

Frequent Starting and Stopping

Check for Load Imbalance

Check that the generator’s electrical load is balanced. Unplug non-essential appliances and distribute the load evenly across the generator’s outlets if necessary.

Inspect Fuel Quality and Supply

Confirm there is a good supply of fuel reaching the engine. 

Verify Engine Speed Settings

Confirm that the engine speed settings are correct according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Generator Shuts Down During Operation

Inspect Oil Level and Pressure

Low oil levels can cause the generator to shut down. Verify that the oil pressure is within the recommended range. Add oil if needed and address any leaks.

Verify Fuel Supply and Quality

Confirm there is an adequate fuel supply and that the fuel is of good quality. Refill or replace fuel as needed.

Inspect Exhaust System for Blockages

A blocked exhaust can cause the engine to overheat and shut down.

Irregular Voltage Output

Inspect Voltage Regulator

A faulty voltage regulator can cause irregular voltage output. You may need to just adjust it, or replace it altogether.

Check Stator Brushes and Slip Rings

Worn brushes or dirty slip rings can lead to unstable voltage output. Clean or replace these components if you notice an issue.

Verify Load Connections

Loose or improper connections can cause voltage fluctuations. Tighten and correct any issues found.

Test Electrical Connections

Faulty connections can contribute to irregular voltage. Repair or replace any defective wiring or connectors.

Generator Running but Lights Flickering

Check for Loose Connections

Loose connections can cause flickering lights. Tighten any loose connections found.

Inspect Voltage Regulator

A malfunctioning regulator can cause flickering lights. Replace or adjust the regulator if needed.

Verify Load Distribution

Uneven load distribution can lead to flickering lights.

Check for Faulty Wiring in the ATS

Faulty wiring can cause intermittent power issues and flickering lights. Repair or replace damaged wiring.

Excessive Fuel Consumption

Verify Air Filter and Intake System

A dirty or clogged air filter can increase fuel consumption. Improving airflow by replacing or cleaning the air filter usually helps.

Check for Fuel Leaks

Fuel leaks waste fuel and can increase consumption. Inspect fuel lines and connections, and repair any leaks you find.

Assess Load Efficiency

An inefficient load setup consumes more fuel. Adjust the load to match the generator’s capacity for better efficiency.

Strange Odors Emitted

Check for Fuel Leaks

Fuel leaks often cause strange odors. Inspect the fuel system thoroughly and repair any leaks.

Inspect Exhaust System

Blockages or damage in the exhaust system can emit unusual smells. Clear any blockages and repair any damage found.

Verify Oil Levels and Quality

Old or contaminated oil can produce strange odors. Check and change the oil if it’s dirty or low.

Examine Electrical Wiring

Faulty electrical wiring might emit burning smells. Inspect the wiring for damage and replace any faulty sections.

Generator Vibrates Excessively

Inspect Engine Mounts

Excessive vibrations might be due to worn or damaged engine mounts. Replace them if necessary.

Verify Alignment of Moving Parts

Misaligned moving parts create vibrations. Check and realign any parts that are out of place.

Inspect Internal Engine Components

Worn or damaged internal engine components can cause vibrations. Inspect these components and repair or replace them as needed.

Generator Producing Low Frequency Noise

Inspect Muffler and Exhaust System

A damaged muffler or blocked exhaust system might create low frequency noise. Inspect and repair these issues.

Verify Fuel Quality and Mixture

Poor fuel quality or an incorrect mixture can lead to low frequency noise. Using fresh, high-quality fuel and adjusting the mixture usually solves the problem.

Examine Internal Engine Components

Faulty internal engine components might be the source of low frequency noise. Inspect and replace any worn or damaged parts.

Generator Backfires

Inspect Ignition Timing

Check that the ignition timing is set correctly according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Incorrect timing can cause misfires and backfiring. Adjust the timing if necessary.

Check Spark Plugs and Wires

Examine the spark plugs for wear or damage. Replace any that are fouled, corroded, or worn out. Inspect the spark plug wires for cracks or wear and replace them if needed.

Verify Fuel Quality and Mixture

Use fresh, high-quality fuel to avoid issues caused by contaminated or old fuel. Verify that the fuel mixture is appropriate for the generator.

Examine Exhaust System for Blockages

Inspect the exhaust system for any blockages or restrictions. A blocked exhaust can cause backpressure, leading to backfiring.

Generator Stalling or Sputtering

Check Fuel Lines and Filters for Blockages

Inspect fuel lines for kinks, cracks, or blockages. Replace or clean if they are dirty or clogged.

Verify Air Intake and Filter

A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict airflow, causing the generator to stall or sputter. Clean or replace the air filter as needed.

Examine Spark Plugs and Ignition System

Inspect the spark plugs and ignition system for any signs of wear or damage. Replace worn-out spark plugs and repair any ignition system issues.

Assess Load Balance and Generator Capacity

Evaluate the load on the generator to make sure it is not exceeding the generator’s capacity. An overloaded generator can cause stalling or sputtering. Unplug non-essentials and test if this is causing the issue.

Inspect Governor and Throttle Linkage

Check the governor and throttle linkage for proper adjustment and operation. Adjust or repair if necessary to ensure smooth operation.

Need assistance? If you’re unsure about any step or prefer expert help, don’t hesitate to contact us. At Bo’s Electric, our team is ready to provide professional support and ensure your generator runs smoothly and safely.