Generac Generator Cranks But Won’t Start (Possible Cause and How to Fix It)
Generac is a very wonderful brand of generator and will surely give you value for money. There are times, however, when the generator will crank but still refuse to start.
In the remaining part of this write-up, we will show you some of the possible causes of this problem and also show you how you can successfully repair the faults.
Unit staying unused for a long time
If the Generac generator is left to stay for a long time without using it, this can lead to the generator not starting. In such a situation, you will need to choke the generator manually.
You can start by pulling the cover on the air box off and then block the air intake area that the choke plate is not covering during the cranking with your palm.
The generator will start if you do this. However, make sure that you wear gloves on your hands while doing this.
After resolving the issue, you should avoid allowing the generator to stay unused for a long time henceforth. If you will not be using the generator for a very long time, you should exercise it for at least 30 minutes per week.
Just switch it on and allow it to run for about 30 minutes so that it can be ready for action when you need it in the nearest future.
While the method describes above can resolve the issue, bear in mind that you may require some crank cycles before you can start and operate the generator.
While at it, you should not forget to also check the valve lash of the generator. The generator can startup if you choke it manually and start it again.
A stuck stepper
This problem may also happen if the stepper fails to move. Check if the stopper moves to the left when you start the cranking.
The solution to this is simple. If it is not moving accordingly, then you can simply pull the stepper to the right side and then press manual. Keep your eyes on the stepper all through the process.
If the stepper fails to move while doing this, you can push it to the left all the way and then repeat the manual process.
If the stepper is bad and requires a replacement, you will start hearing a sound like a throttle being closed.
However, you should hand it over to a trained technician to help you with the replacement of the stepper.
Aside from changing the stepper if it is bad, you can also check the valves of the generator; this should also be done as part of routine maintenance of the generator.
Check also if the valve adjustment is done properly. If not, the generator will still not work since it can refuse to start if the valve adjustment is done incorrectly.
The incorrect valve adjustment can even lead to further damage to the generator.
Damaged spark plug
The generator may also fail to start if its spark plug is faulty. So, you should also check the spark plug when troubleshooting why the generator is bad.
Check if the spark plug is damaged or worn. In either case, you should replace it. You should equally check the porcelain insulator for any sign of a crack. You should replace it if it is cracked. Check for heavy carbon accumulation in the electrode also, and check if the electrode is damaged or burned. Any of the signs above qualifies the spark plug for a replacement.
A spark plug tester can help you to determine if the spark plug is still working or not.
If the spark plug is not defective, you will notice a strong spark between the terminals of the tester when you crank the engine.
You can consider the spark plug to be damaged if there is no spark upon cranking the engine. So, the only way out is to replace it.
Clogged carburetor
One other factor that can cause the Generac generator not to work is the clogging of its carburetor. This is one of the most common factors responsible for the inability of the Generac generator not to work.
The carburetor can become clogged if you allow unused fuel to remain in the generator tank for a very long time.
After leaving fuel in a generator for a long time, some of its components will evaporate and this will make the fuel stickier and thicker.
The thicker substance left behind can easily get the carburetor clogged, thereby preventing a flow of fuel and the generator will, therefore, not be able to start since there is no fuel supply.
The best thing to do in this instance is to remove the carburetor and clean it properly. You can do this better using a carburetor cleaner.
The cleaning may not be effective at times. In such a situation, you will have to replace or rebuild the carburetor.
Fault with the ignition coil
The Generac generator may stop working abruptly if the spark plug receives voltage from the ignition coil while the generator is working.
This can be the case if the ignition coil is faulty. If left unrepaired, it can cause the generator not to start at all. The best way out of this is to replace the ignition coil.
Before you do that, however, check if it is not the spark plug that is damaged. First, confirm that the spark plug is working using the method we have described above.
You can now test the ignition coil using the ignition coil tester. You should replace it if it is damaged.
Defective recoil starter
The work of the recoil starter is to engage the crankshaft and turn over the generator’s engine. A damaged recoil starter will fail to properly engage the crankshaft.
The first thing to do is to remove the recoil starter and find out if it is still working.
This can be confirmed if the tabs that extend from the cam and outlet grab the engine’s hub upon pulling the starter rope.
The tabs should also retract when the rope is released and the rope should rewind on the pulley automatically. If the above does not play out, then it is time to replace the recoil starter.
