When it does, you can get oil overflowing onto the engine, or clog the carb. It has the information you want to know about so you can decide if this is the way to go when you need a generator. One common problem that comes with this discount generator is that it can lose its residual magnetism. Also, if the required running power is 3601 watts or higher, that causes an overload as well. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Thankfully, damage can be largely avoided. Notably, the signs that your generator model is overloaded overlap from model to model because theyre more or less designed the same way. The warranty on this generator is only okay at best, though. This will definitely help you identify the exact fuel line that is clogged. During this break-in period, you will have to change the oil several times. The overload light is blinking but isn't solid, after 20 minutes it was having no issues keeping up and no negative signs. However, you shouldnt panic when you wake up one morning and the generator refuses to start. One of those safety features is a low fuel automatic shut-off system. When it stops working the source is fairly easy to find. Also, check the gas and oil levels and see if the battery is drained of all power. No one can say for sure if running your ac is good or bad during the break-in period. This is why a breaker is almost always included in new generator models. Next, the choke lever may be positioned wrong. There is a lot of good buzz concerning this device and it may be a good option for many RV owners. How do You Clean The Air Filter On a Predator 2000 Generator? The final spot to check would be the valve cover gasket. Most of the reviews out there are about its good and positive notes. But you are overloading it and it will get hot and stop working till it cools. Refuel it with fresh gas. The generator gets run every month. Why The Predator 3500 Eco Mode Is Not Working? The low oil light goes a long way to making sure that you perform needed maintenance on time. If this is the source, you will have to disconnect the fuel line and flush out all the debris clogging up the line. That way, you wont have to disconnect some to keep the generator running. Honda EU2200i will not start How to Fix, Ryobi generator overload problem- How to fix. A part may fail, there may be a leak somewhere, or there is a blockage somewhere in the system. Predator 3500 Generator - surging problem fixed! You should also ensure that you re- fuel the generator with high quality gas so that the engine of the generator can run smoothly and efficiently. This could be just about anything that went wrong with the unit. Yes, this model, like all Predator generators, does come with a list of safety features to protect you and your family. If that is not an option, then you will need to use some carb cleaning fluid and use a soft brush to do some scrubbing. make sure it has good airflow. This will ensure no interruption of service later on. Plus, it is a quiet motor that should not interfere with your conversations. It won't overload or cause damage to sensitive devices and can run larger AC units without a problem. The Predator 3500 generator is one of the most reliable generators you can find. The PREDATOR 3500W SUPER QUIET Inverter Generator is an ideal solution for RVs, home back-up and more. They are manufactured in China. She has a problem with the overload protection activating when the load is only about 60% of the rated load. Given how solidly this engine seems to be built, we expected a slightly longer and more comprehensive warranty policy from Harbor Freight. The Best Mail Services For Full-Time RVers, The 10 Best Spring Break Destinations For RVers, What You Should Know About RV Towing Insurance, 4 Embarrassing Things We Did As New RVers, Visit Copano Bay RV Resort On The Texas Gulf Coast, Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1. Bio/Hydro Generators Geo Wind General. The thing to do is remove the carb from the generator and then blow the jets out with some compressed air. there is nothing you can do about this issue either. Additionally, a faulty or broken circuit could be the culprit, so you may need to look over the circuit board. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. In the case of the first situation, the generator can overheat and shut off. The pull cord seems to be a manual backup in case anything goes wrong with the electric starter. If this happens to you, you should check all the simple sources first. If you are not under warranty, remove the cover and check to see if the gasket has worn out or has other problems. Users report that the Predator3500 is one of the most durable generators theyve used, which isnt by accident. Instead, lets go for the matters that might be a reason for troubleshooting with your overall usage and purpose. That should get you some peace of mind knowing you can still use your generator when you need to recharge the battery. A utility transformer that is out of order may drop voltage and cause the generator to shut down. Also, check your oil level as well. This is why you have to make sure that your motorhomes batteries do not run out. Yes, this is possible with the sacrifice of a few hundred watts off performance down overall. The overload light is blinking but isn't solid, after 20 minutes it was having no issues keeping up and no negative signs. It is a good idea to keep checking every time you go to start the generator. Dont press too hard though as you do not want to damage the part. If the battery has no power chances are the display wont light up. Or you could have a short somewhere or a loose wire. If you continue using the device like this then there is a high chance that it will get damaged. Manage Settings Note that there is also a pull-cord on this generator, so if the battery dies, you will have a way to start the generator. By definition, an overloaded generator means you put too much electrical load on the device. Therefore you are supposed to shake the generator and check whether there is any gas left in the tank. This is pretty annoying when you just want to move the generator a few feet, and need to find a partner in order to do it. However, if you do not get a spark, then there is a problem with the engine coil. The Predator 3500 is designed for smaller motorhomes and it cannot handle a lot of loads. Some of the fixes that can be used for this problem are the same steps mentioned above. Make sure the main power source has stable voltage and frequency. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. So, runtime is unlikely to be an issue if you opt for the Predator3500 generator. The Predator 3500 is designed for smaller motorhomes and it cannot handle a lot of loads. If the machine heats up too much during heavy use, the temperature gauge should be checked regularly to monitor whether it is overheating. A quality generator will last five to ten years as long as you take care of it and perform routine maintenance. The generator wont start in these two situations. By that, we mean that you can get these top Predator generators for about half the price of a Honda or other top generator-making brand. Generators are not the same as using shore power. There is one normal source for this issue which makes it very easy to fix. But Harbor Freight appears to have broken that mold with the companys Predator3500 generator. The easiest way to clean this part is to replace it with a new one. Keep in mind that these devices require you to install these in a ventilated area. You should buy the recommended engine oil for the inverter generator and top up. It controls the voltage of the system and has the operation of the limit nearer to the steady state stability. I need to check the AMP rating on the plugs and will report back on that. Some people have a different style of maintenance. In case of a power failure or a mains power outage, some devices and appliances will malfunction. Check with Harbor Freight to see if there are other acceptable models you can use if you cant find these options in your area. Industry Efforts to Safeguard Propane Use, power consumption of household appliances. Harbor Freight makes all the main models and engines of the predator generators generated in China. For specific details, make sure to read your owners manual on how to start this generator. Notably, youll only experience the last three symptoms in modern generators if the inbuilt breaker fails. Just a tap to the side of the float bowl to solve this issue, hopefully. The Predator 3500 generator was developed by the American-based company Harbor Freight Tools. With the low oil sensor working as it should, you may not have to check the oil on a regular basis. Like most other products you can buy today, you can go directly to the company and get your manual off their website. And this may be nothing for some but bad news to a few. Generators are helpful appliances that provide electricity. What is Automatic Voltage Regulator? another problem could be that the fuel line is plugged with debris. Then it could be that your carb is running too lean. Spartan Chassis vs Freightliner: Whats The Difference? Nevertheless, if you can confirm that it was indeed an overload, you can restart the generator. But this is quite a fascinating option because the price point also comes with a few issues that you need to be aware of. 2. This includes, if it's low on oil, out of gas, a clogged fuel valve, a dead battery, faulty low oil sensor etc. Manufacturers indicate just how much power a generator can output, and you can find this information even before you buy a particular model. Another issue could be overheating, which is common with this generator. This is because most of the causes for the generator not to start are easy to fix and arent as costly. If that is your problem, then check the fuel tank. One problem you will encounter is overheating. If this is an issue, you can either clean the carb thoroughly or replace it with a new one. For some reason, some of the key parts do not get enough airflow and the engine can overheat, stopping the motor from running. This build-up will hinder the flow of fuel and make it run rough. The fix for this problem is for you to use the proper sockets for each size of the bolt and tighten them up. Learn more about our process, (2) 120VAC grounded, (1) 120VAC Twist-Lock, (1) DC-12V Two Pin, HQST 150W 12 Volt Polycrystalline Solar Panel Review (Spring 2023), Westinghouse WGen3600v Review (Spring 2023), ECO-WORTHY 400W Solar Panel Kit Review (Spring 2023), Predator 2000 Generator Review (Spring 2023), Propane in Your Inbox. That situation can cause the pistons to expand and seize the engine. Carlisle Radial Trail HD vs Goodyear Endurance: Which One? if the problem is not caused by those sources, you may have to call in a repairman to troubleshoot and see if there is a wiring issue or a power supply problem. Maybe off-road routes wont be in favor of it, but such surroundings are nowhere a mismatch. Trusted Source Energuide. It is possible that through constant use, the nuts and bolts on the engine case have worked themselves loose. All have no spark to engine. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Additionally, you can even use electrical appliances while you are traveling. A flawless thing is still not available in our sweet world. Thats a big engine for just 3,000 watts of continuous power, but it ensures that the generator is cruising smoothly rather than struggling when you draw its full available power. As a result of its slick engineering, the generator runs at a 57-decibel noise level. That is only a backup when you forgot to keep power in the battery. The generator cannot have anything plugged into it when it is starting. How do I check the oil level of the Predator 3500 Inverter generator? Although, you should keep in mind that the overall power available in these vehicles is limited. What can you do? Predator 3500 generators are made by an American-based company Harbor Freight Tools, and predator generators use Honda-clone engines. Or at least run some carb cleaner through the engine regularly. Its reliable with no output issues or disturbance, and youll get the most out of the fuel tank. Without doubt, the Predator 3500 inverter generators is more efficient than most conventional generators. When that happens you have to use the pull cord to get the machine running. If it turns back on after the reset, it means your generator has issues, and you need a professionals help to fix them. According to Or perhaps there is no station close to your vacation spot. Many compared it to generators produced by Honda, which cost more than twice as much as this model. You can easily do this by looking at the oil level on the dipstick of the generator. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Remember always check the simple, easy-to-locate possible sources first. Of course, before figuring out how to fix an overloaded Generac generator or some other model, you need to know what causes the overload. The first thing that you can look out for is the coolant levels on your device. However, this is a pretty unusual feature to find on generators, so its not that surprising that Predator didnt include it. Quick Fact: Up 10% ethanol is acceptable, but ethanol free fuel is highly recommended. Just make them nice and snug so that the oil cannot get out anymore. What Would Cause a Generator To Start but Not Stay Running? In our Predator3500 generator review, well take a critical look at what this generator has to offer and whether its the best solution for your portable power needs. The engine wants to run freely with no strain under reasonable load. However, with a high use rate, the tank will be able to go for a two-day period. One other possible input might be something like the fridge trying to kick in on electric. This is why it makes sense to familiarize yourself with how your generator sounds while it is still new, 100% functional, and not overloaded. It also has a 120-volt, 30-amp twist-lock outlet that you can use for power tools or to adapt for use with an RV. This problem is due to the fact that you are trying to draw too much power from the generator. Balancing pros and cons will make you more competent in making a value-providing decision by the end. Required fields are marked *. Given that all of this comes at a pretty reasonable price point, were big fans of the Predator 3500. When you see the white smoke, it means you have a more serious problem. There is such a thing as fuel varnish and if you do not keep replacing old gas it can build up over time. Replace it if it has any of those issues. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The first thing we would want you to know about is the run time amount for each tank with enough fuel. The battery is there to operate the electronic starting mechanism. Some USB ports, in particular, would be great so that you could charge your small electronics without using up one of the 120-volt outlets. If not, turn everything off and disconnect the generator from all power sources. Therefore, using this Inverter generator also enables you to save on fuel costs as it consumes less fuel than most of its competitors. This is a fuel and carb problem. One of the sources that clog up your carb is varnish. To sweeten the deal even more, the Predator3500 costs just $800 a steal by any measures. Or you may have overloaded the device and drawn more power than the generator can produce. Meaning, Working Principle & Applications - Circuit Globe. This is where replacing the breaker comes in. And its about room for improvement. Also, check on the condition of the breakers and fuses youre using from time to time. Today, well discuss some of the predator 3500 generator problems and overall opinion on it in broader detail. (TPO Roof Sealant), What Is The Cummins Fault Code SPN 3031 FMI 9? Other possible sources for this problem would be a bad coil or a bad spark plug. The link to the instructions at Harbor Freight is found at this link. As such, running it like this can cause long-lasting and even permanent damage making the device unusable. We own the above generator. All rights reserved. Your email address will not be published. HF Predator 3500 Owners Please Mission Statement: Supporting thoughtful exchange of knowledge, values and experience among RV enthusiasts. (Data Link Troubleshooting), The Predator 2000 Generator keepsShutting Off. When you start the machine, it should be in the closed position. The coolant tank should always be kept full as this running low can cause your generator to overheat. The generator needs to be broken in before it is sent to do regular duty. It did say that there was a strainer on the gas tank but nothing for the oil tank. circuitglobe.com A start capacitor could help or something a little pricier like a Micro-Air Soft start module. There are some common reasons why your generator keeps turning off, and the first thing to check is the wiring. Then, move on to the fuel line and cap to ensure they are all functioning and clear of debris. To make things easier, the article features three sections: Read on to learn everything you need to know to get your generator back up and running. A Pop-Up Camper With Slide-Out Is the Answer. No, they are not. Remove the access panel on the right side of the generator. Finally, another problem that you can run into is that your generator is not starting. However, when it comes to gas engines, they may have to be replaced sooner due to wear and tear. Make sure that this is filled up with fuel. The Generators level noise is low and is 57 dB, which makes it quieter. This should be somewhat enough for a regular weekend. You will need to clean out the debris, flush the float bowl, clean the carb and replace any old gas with new gas. The result is melted internal components. There is a lot of bad fuel going around these days and there can be a build-up in your generators carb if you use a lot of it. Fixing Predator 3500 Generator Problems (At Last! You should manually start the generator by pulling the starter cord. Then there is the inability to use all 4 wheels all the time. The second place to look would be the engine case. that way you will know if you can repair the problem in a matter of a minute or two. The automatic voltage regulator works on the principle of detection of errors. Not all starting failures will be the fault of the device. I do not own a clamp on AMP gauge, but have an electrician buddy that does-just not sure he has one for DC. This happens when you run it at zero load for a long time or leave it unused for almost as long. However, since it isnt a perfect world, it is good to know you can look up the problem and find help to fix it. Finally, there is no fuel gauge which makes it hard to know you need to add fuel until the engine automatically stops on you. If you do not have the manual, here are the instructions: 1. If the generator still keeps shutting off, replace the spark plug and also look for another source for the problem. This is because the engine wont receive any fuel when the fuel valve is clogged. So after 4 consecutive hours it performed like a champ. To start this machine, you do not have to put a lot of effort into doing this task. Once done, you have to ensure that these are all removed properly before you refill the tank with fuel. Required fields are marked *. Predator 3500 Electric Start Not Working The most obvious possible problem would be that there is something wrong with the switch itself. In case of a power failure or a mains power outage, some devices and appliances will malfunction. When this happens it means that something is jamming the float operation. Learn more about these issues below: 1) Unstable electrical power supply. Once the panel is removed, look to the lower middle area of the inside of the generator. The fault lies in the handle design and that limits the use of those 4 wheels. This could be just about anything that went wrong with the unit. What gas is recommended for use on the Predator 3500 Inverter generator? In addition, right below the LCD screen are lights that indicate when your oil is running low or when the generator is in danger of being overloaded. You should use the marked electronic start displayed on the control panel. It would be best to break-in the generator properly and not over load it or lug it down on the many ac starts it would incur if you run the ac. We checked the manual and it only had an exploded parts diagram and nothing for the wiring system. The handle is very useful, no doubt. One owner said he drilled a few holes in the battery cover, the sides of the case, and the oil door. Fortunately, we give in-depth details of how to troubleshoot and fix the problem below. But if the interest of giving it a try to propane comes to your mind, know its possible with some limitations. Then confirm the rated power requirements of your appliances so you know if the machine was actually overloaded before the breaker was tripped or not. The worse case scenario would be that the head gasket has blown. If your generator is not starting, check your gas tank to make sure it doesn't need any more gas. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I cut my inverter on up close to a building the exhaust couldnt release going back in the machine, my machine then dropped from 12.4 to 10.0 then overload light came on. If you are hesitant about trying this on your own then one recommendation is that you contact a specialist instead. It has several options for you to look over and select. If the Generator runs but doesnt have power, it could be an issue with the windings or circuits. This won't show up on a clamp on ammeter. If you cant only connect the appliances that you know the device can handle. If any equipment uses 120VAC, make sure the voltage is compatible. Then there is our go-to manual source. But for running at 50% load or lower, the throttle switch can really improve the runtime of this generator. But because we love to have stuff with more user-friendliness, this pretty easy inclusion to make it pulled along is quite a hard starting point. Understanding the wattage of this product is important. It weighs about 99 pounds. Your email address will not be published. One example that users and reviewers recommend is the Generac 7678 GP3600 because it has proven reliable for home use in case of a power outage. Also, even with these issues, please keep in mind its still a great choice considering the point. A bad spark plug users report that the fuel line that is only at. The point interfere with your conversations to look over the circuit board part may fail, may. Any more gas it comes to your vacation spot fault lies in battery... Discuss some of the causes for the generator not to start but not Stay running 3500W... Can still use your generator is only about 60 % of the fixes that can be used this! Issue if you are traveling or you may need to check the simple first!, this is quite a fascinating option because the engine drop voltage and frequency because the price also! Overloaded generator means you put too much during heavy use, power consumption of household appliances gas left in closed! 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