Imagine you’re right in the middle of your summer home renovation project when suddenly the lights go out, signaling that something’s gone wrong with your Generac generator. Now, what do you do? You could panic or you could take a deep breath and figure out exactly what’s going on with your generator.
The truth is, Generac generators don’t always live up to the hype and can be prone to a variety of problems. Don’t let a faulty machine ruin your day! In this article, we’ll go over some common issues—from not starting to running erratically—that may arise with a Generac generator and help you troubleshoot so that you can get back to your projects quickly. Let’s dive in!
Common Generac Generator Issues
Generac generators are strong, reliable sources of power, but they can be difficult to troubleshoot when something goes wrong. Left unchecked, small issues can lead to bigger problems, so it’s important to understand the common issues that could arise.
Here are a few common Generac generator issues that you should be aware of:
- Faulty transfer switch – If you notice poor connection between the generator and the transfer switch, the problem may be within the switch itself. Check for any signs of damage and reset the power if necessary.
- Low oil pressure – This is one of the most common problems with Generac generators, and it is often caused by old or low-quality oil. Make sure to maintain your generator’s oil levels and use only high-quality oil to avoid this issue.
- Faulty voltage regulator – Another very common issue is a faulty voltage regulator, which may cause your generator to shut down unexpectedly or prevent it from turning on in the first place. Make sure all connections are clean and tight before replacing the regulator if necessary.
By understanding these common Generac generator issues and knowing how to address them quickly and efficiently, you can enjoy reliable power without having to worry about a surprise outage ruining your day.
How to Troubleshoot Your Generac Generator
It’s hard to stay calm when your Generac generator won’t start up. But don’t worry—with a bit of know-how, you can troubleshoot the issue and get your generator running efficiently in no time.
Here are some simple steps to follow:
- Check the circuit breaker – Make sure the circuit breaker for your generator is in the “on” position. If it is tripped or off, reset it and see if that fixes the issue.
- Test that fuel is reaching the engine – Your generator may not be getting fuel if there’s an issue with your gasoline lines or with the oil pump. Check to make sure fuel is reaching the engine, and replace any broken lines or clogged filters as necessary.
- Check for spark again – Once you’ve made sure fuel is flowing correctly, test for spark again. If there still isn’t any spark, it may mean there’s an issue with your starter or battery, which will need to be checked by an authorized technician.
What to Look for in a Quality Generac Generator
When it comes to Generac generators, you want one that’s up to the job. That means it has to be reliable, efficient, and powerful. Here are a few things to look for in a quality Generac generator:
Reliability
It’s important that your generator is reliable—you don’t want any power outages when you need electricity the most. Make sure that you look for models with a proven track record of reliability and check out reviews from previous customers before making your purchase.
Efficiency
Generac generators come in different forms. If you’re looking for the most efficient option, then you’ll want to go with a propane or natural gas-powered generator – these are better at running longer and more consistently than gasoline-powered models.
Power Output
You’ll also need to consider how much power output your Generac generator can provide. The wattage requirements of your appliances and devices should be higher than what your unit can generate; otherwise, it won’t properly power them. Also, think about getting a unit with surge protection — this helps prevent power spikes that could fry your electronics or cause other problems down the line.
Common Generac Generator Parts Problems
Generac generator parts can be a pain to deal with, especially if you don’t know how to troubleshoot the issue. The generator may not be producing power, or it could start and then shut down. Thankfully, most Generac parts issues can be diagnosed and fixed fairly easily.
So what are some common Generac generator parts problems?
Spark Plugs and Wires
If your Generac generator isn’t producing power, worn out spark plugs or wires could be the issue. You can check these components visually—most spark plug wires need to be replaced after a certain amount of time, so you’ll want to look for any signs of wear-and-tear. That said, you should replace them with genuine Generac parts for better performance.
Air Filter
When it comes to maintaining your generator, replacing the air filter should be on top of your list. A clogged air filter can cause overheating and lead to catastrophic failure, so make sure it’s always clean and well-maintained. You should replace an air filter every few months or after 250-300 hours of use—whichever comes first. Make sure that you choose the right size filter that’s designed specifically for your Generac generator model.
Oil Change and Filter
As with any engine, regular maintenance is key when it comes to preventing major issues with Generac generators. This includes changing out the oil and oil filters regularly, as dirt and other contaminants can accumulate over time—if left unchecked this could lead to mechanical damage or seized moving parts inside your engine. Make sure that you use only high-grade oil specifically designed for your model; again, using genuine
How to Maintain Your Generac Generator for Performance and Longevity
Maintaining your Generac generator is key to making sure it runs smoothly and lasts for many years. Thankfully, there are some simple things you can do to ensure that your generator remains in peak condition.
Regular Servicing and Maintenance
First things first: make sure you’re scheduling regular servicing and maintenance for your Generac generator. This is especially important if it’s used outdoors, or for emergency power or backup power applications. Servicing your generator should include inspecting the spark plugs, air filter, lubricants, fuel lines and fuel filter; cleaning the check valves; replacing the fuel filter and oil filter; testing the battery voltage; and checking the crankcase breather for blockage.
Monitor Fuel Levels
Regularly monitoring fuel levels is also essential. If you let the fuel level in the tank get too low, sediment can build up in parts of the engine that they shouldn’t be—and that can cause serious damage.
Essential Supplies
Finally, make sure to keep essential supplies close at hand. It’s always a good idea to have extra filters, spare spark plugs and other important components in case something needs replaced or repaired on short notice. With these supplies on hand, you won’t have to worry about your Generac generator malfunctioning at an inopportune time.
When Is It Time to Call in Professional Generac Generator Repairs?
When it comes to your Generac generator, it’s important to know when it’s time to call in a professional for repairs. While you can do a lot of basic, routine maintenance yourself, there are certain issues that require a professional touch.
It’s time to get help when:
- Your generator won’t start, even with the right maintenance and troubleshooting
- You notice fuel or oil leaks underneath the equipment
- You’ve found consistent, recurring issues that don’t go away with basic fixes
- You see significant wear and tear on your generator parts
- Your generator won’t produce power or stay running for long
- You experience electrical issues or failures
- You don’t understand the problem even after you’ve done a thorough inspection
Trying to solve these problems yourself is a risky endeavor—you can cause more damage than good. So when you run into these tougher issues, get help from an experienced professional who knows what they’re doing.
Conclusion
Whether you own a portable Generac generator or a permanent Generac generator, it can be a great asset to have around in the event of a power outage. However, with all the complexity of the generator, problems can arise that can seem difficult to troubleshoot.
Fortunately, with a little bit of patience, you can solve the most common Generac generator issues quickly and easily. Take the time to inspect, clean and maintain the generator, and if you ever experience an issue, refer to the troubleshooting guide above and you’ll be back up and running in no time.
