Your email address will not be published. 2) Faulty engine or belts. To learn more about fixing different issues with your Predator generator, just continue to read our article. Other than that, it is a standard oil changing process that you do on any other machine. Still, there were a few other outlets we wished for on this generator. This will cut off the fuel supply and cause your generator to surge. Modern generators, as we mentioned above, have circuit breakers for this eventuality. Additionally, they should also check your device thoroughly so that there are no other problems with it. This inverter generator will not start if there is an insufficient amount of gas in the tank. As we said the pull handle is a backup system but not for when the electric starter fails but when the battery is out of power. Consequently, in the example of the Generac machine, if the starting power needed for all your appliances is 4501 watts or higher, that would cause an overload. This is actually a common generator problem and not one specific to the Predator series of machines. When buying a generator, always look for companies who have been making them for more than ten years to ensure that the products are manufactured to high standards. Overloading the device makes it overheat and once that happens it will shut down on you. Predator 3500 Electric Start Not Working The most obvious possible problem would be that there is something wrong with the switch itself. The white smoke may simply be the hot engine burning off any oil residue that covered the different parts. What is Automatic Voltage Regulator? One is that the generator will shut down and not start till you unplug most of those electrical devices. How do I protect my appliances against power failures or power outages? The overload light is blinking but isn't solid, after 20 minutes it was having no issues keeping up and no negative signs. This is because fresh gas will reduce the chances of the generator switching on with a hard start. We have tested the load for the various equipment she uses and it doesn't approach the 3000W continuous load limit. If the color is blue you are fine. That said, do make sure that you connect some appliances the second time around. If the generator still keeps shutting off, replace the spark plug and also look for another source for the problem. Help would be appreciated. make sure it has good airflow. I did an up-performance on my PREDATOR 3500 by changing the factory 4 wheels for 4 HEAVY-RUBBER-STEEL WHEELS (8 1/2 INCH) with which I have a greater range of off-road movement, in addition to a HEAVY-WEIGHT HANDLE TELESCOPIC PULLING to be able to move it without much effort, in addition to changing the ORIGINAL PLASTIC OIL REFILL PLUG for an ALUMINUM REFILL PLUG WITH MAGNETIC TIP to be able to catch all the dirt remains in the chamber in addition to doing OIL CHANGE after each I use to extend its useful life and I have no complaints like others who seem total nonconformists. You do not need to use the pull handle to get the generator running. Allow Necessary Cookies & Continue The warning light telling you the oil is low should be enough of a warning to have you fill the tank to the proper level. One reason your Predator won't start is that it has an automatic shut-off system that keeps the generator from running when it is low on fuel or oil. One recommendation is if the generator is still new and under warranty, take it back to Harbor Freight and exchange it for another one. It might be best to have a professional check the windings to ensure they are up to speed. Some people have a different style of maintenance. Remove the access panel on the right side of the generator. Also, check on the condition of the breakers and fuses youre using from time to time. Hopefully your generator is working properly. Information sub on all types of generators: home standby, Commercial, portable, RV, marine, etc. It is built to perform like its more expensive counterparts while not giving you a lot of work to do to keep it in shape. That should get you some peace of mind knowing you can still use your generator when you need to recharge the battery. However, if you start to raise the power production, you will experience a lot more noise. Or perhaps there is no station close to your vacation spot. Thought I would offer some up-dated information. All rights reserved. A start capacitor could help or something a little pricier like a Micro-Air Soft start module. After identifying the problem, clean it properly and empty the existing fuel. Your A/C could draw as much as 40 amps momentarily on start up. (Ford V10 Turbo Kit Options), What Sealant Can I Use On a TPO Roof? If you do not want to clean, you can always buy a new air filter. Don't need a DC amp meter. Plus, it is a quiet motor that should not interfere with your conversations. And its about room for improvement. This won't show up on a clamp on ammeter. Finally, there is no fuel gauge which makes it hard to know you need to add fuel until the engine automatically stops on you. There is an automatic low oil monitor which will keep the generator from starting if the oil level is too low. WOW! This is a low-maintenance generator. But that is not the main source for starting this unit. The generator needs to be broken in before it is sent to do regular duty. 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 potential issue caused by an overload is something we mentioned above which is the damage to appliances. But if there is no place like this available in your vehicle then one recommendation is that you install a fan nearby your device. Nothing would break down, nothing would need repairing and you could go about your day trouble-free. Once youre certain the generator is overloaded, heres how to troubleshoot and correct the situation. The only way to do this is to connect more appliances than your device can handle. This is because the low- oil sensor is triggered therefore, it automatically disables the engine from turning on so that it can prevent further damage to the engine. If it is too low, make sure to add some in. 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. Subscribe to our e-newsletter today. If you have ever heard of the predator 3500 Generator and thought of purchasing it, take a deeper look at its advantages and disadvantages, and then decide. There is an electronic start built into this machine and you will find it on the control panel. Click here to get to it. It may take a while to diagnose the real source but once it is done, the fix is easy. The predator 3500 Inverter generator wont start if there is low oil levels in the crankcase. Predator 3500 Generator - surging problem fixed! Inverter and all 120 volt generators are are AC. With the over-filled oil tank, remove the excess oil as best as you can. Also, if the required running power is 3601 watts or higher, that causes an overload as well. Or at least run some carb cleaner through the engine regularly. How to know your generator is overloaded? The most common source for this problem is that the carb is clogged. This is because the engine wont receive any fuel when the fuel valve is clogged. This could be just about anything that went wrong with the unit. The first thing that you should check in this case is your fuel tank. You should use the marked electronic start displayed on the control panel. The generator cannot have anything plugged into it when it is starting. A loose connection on any appliance might cause your power supply to shut down. The battery is also wrapped in plastic inside the machine when it first arrives, and youll need to access it and connect it to the terminals in order to start the generator. For a reference, this puts the 3500 on the same noise level as a dishwasher or moderate rainfall. With most stuff, no matter what use, this one thing is always common. Lastly, in some models, there will be increased exhaust output and soot. In my opinion, the Predator 3500 is an excellent generator for the price. The first thing we would want you to know about is the run time amount for each tank with enough fuel. This means that you dont have to bother ripping a pull-cord starter, which is really nice when starting the generator from cold. Bio/Hydro Generators Geo Wind General. No, they are not. A wire got loose, shorted our or disconnected and you may have to tighten the wires or replace the switch if it has worn out. And so, they may want to convert it into a propane runnable option. Sometimes it just pays to let the repairman handle these problems. sometimes with and sometimes without a load. That would require opening up your walls to find where the problem is coming from. On that note, for residential settings and places with tough level ground, the predator 3500 is still a strong option to contemplate on. My daughter has a mobile grooming trailer with a Predator 3500 Inverter generator from Harbor Freight. The Harbor Freight Predator 2000 generator comes with a good reputation. Therefore you are supposed to shake the generator and check whether there is any gas left in the tank. This is why you have to look at your home appliances requirements in terms of the starting and running power required. The predator 3500 generator typically overloads due to exposure to excessive heat or overuse. This generator promises features like electric start and continuous 3,000-watt power, all while keeping noise under 60dB and weight under 100pounds. Notably, the signs that your generator model is overloaded overlap from model to model because theyre more or less designed the same way. Even if you could pick up the 100-pound generator by yourself, the weight would be strangely off-center when grabbing it by that bar. If this happens to you, you should check all the simple sources first. When this happens it means that something is jamming the float operation. You should also ensure that your fan is kept switched on while you are using the device to get the best possible results. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Thats ideal given that this generator is the perfect size and power capacity for a lot of medium-sized RVs. Plus, the switch is easy to toggle on and off as needed. This is where replacing the breaker comes in. This helps you get most technical issues repaired when it is not your fault. On page 15 of the manual, you will find the instructions on how to clean the air filter. I can change the spark plug-a quick and easy job. Once you know where to look, the repairs on a Predator 3500 can be done very easily. How do I check the oil level of the Predator 3500 Inverter generator? Any updates as to what you found? And once being used to this, you wont be complaining much or missing out on the fuel gauge feature. Quick Fact: Up 10% ethanol is acceptable, but ethanol free fuel is highly recommended. They are manufactured in China. Refuel it with fresh gas. When outside temperatures run too high, it can cause the system to overload faster, so it is best to avoid use on days when it reaches more than ninety degrees. Those who are regular users with no problem with enough power running it on gas would not mind such a thing. BeastFamilyADV 655 subscribers Subscribe 738 40K views 2 years ago In this video I show how I fixed the common surging problem with the. It is only when those problems become too severe or too complicated that you will need to call in a repairman. Have 5 Predator 3500 Inverter/Generators in for repair. You should buy the recommended engine oil for the inverter generator and top up. All you have to do is turn the throttle knob to the start position and then flip it back to run when it has started. (Data Link Troubleshooting), Does The Predator 3500 Have a Pull Start?, Why is My Predator 3500 Generator Surging?, Predator 3500 Electric Start Not Working, Why Does My Predator Generator Keep Dying?, Does The Predator 3500 Have An Oil Filter?, Does The Predator 3500 Have a Fuel Shut Off?, How to Clean Predator 3500 Spark Arrestor. That will save you from doing a potentially messy job. All have no spark to engine. This means you can connect the Generator to other power sources. Then it needs to be moved to the open position once the generator warms up. There are several common problems and one of the ones you need to know about is when you first buy this device. Or you simply buy a clean used carb and replace it. I'm gonna need to run something for 3 hours that pulls 27 amps. The generator gets run every month. The key is to take care of it so that it will last a long time. Carlisle Radial Trail HD vs Goodyear Endurance: Which One? The low oil light goes a long way to making sure that you perform needed maintenance on time. The generator includes a pretty nice selection of outlets. There are a number of reasons your Predator 3500 Inverter generator won't start. The worst it will do is stop making power. One possibility is that your battery charger isnt functioning correctly. It weighs about 99 pounds. If it is loose, oil can make its way back up the hole and out the fill spout. Generators are helpful appliances that provide electricity. We will deal with the generator wont start issues in a few minutes. 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. i have been off the grid for a week so and just now getting caught up. (Helpful Guide), What Is Freightliner J1587 Code? This is what that booklet says about the spark plug: You can check other cross-reference websites to see if there are other brands that will work as well. Also, a struggling generator engine will produce more heat when trying to keep up with the higher power demands. 5 Reasons Why Electric-Assist Makes Sense, How to Get Started With Fishing in Florida. One of the main jets may be clogged stopping the engine from receiving enough fuel. The pull cord seems to be a manual backup in case anything goes wrong with the electric starter. This is because most of the causes for the generator not to start are easy to fix and arent as costly. They have continued their work to improve and develop new versions of these generators. Other sources will be low oil and gas in the engine. Your genny is only capable of about 30 amps. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The company warranties your entire generator for the first 90days after purchase. If the drain plug cant be tightened, then you would need to replace it. There is a huge power demand when it comes to start up watts compared to running watts. The fix for this problem is to drop the load demand. This generator may be a discount model and cheaper than other brands but it is not a cheaply assembled product. Another thing to look at is the max amps the plug is on the gen. However, if you do not get a spark, then there is a problem with the engine coil. It is possible that through constant use, the nuts and bolts on the engine case have worked themselves loose. The Predator 3500 is constructed around a 212cc air-cooled OHV engine. In addition, theres a grounding port on the outlet panel so that you can ground your generator with a grounding rod for added safety. However, once you get to anything more rugged than a dirt road including grass lawns the generators wheels show their poor design. Still, these are one-time issues and the other features of the generator far outweighed them for the majority of users. One thing that has changed at that website is that they have now added a watermark on its online web pages and that may interfere with copying the information. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The throttle knob is also clearly labeled, so you can simply switch between the starting throttle position and the running position with a quick turn. Make sure the main power source has stable voltage and frequency. Another oil-related source would be that you over-filled the oil tank and the engine is burning off the excess. Also, even with these issues, please keep in mind its still a great choice considering the point. But you are overloading it and it will get hot and stop working till it cools. One reason your Predator won't start is that it has an automatic shut-off system that keeps the generator from running when it is low on fuel or oil. But for running at 50% load or lower, the throttle switch can really improve the runtime of this generator. Thats where the makers need to make some changes or say modifications. First, get a sufficiently powered machine that matches your use requirements. The battery is there to operate the electronic starting mechanism. Of course, this will bring with it the cost of repair and or replacement. One of the sources that clog up your carb is varnish. My 3500 seems to surge idle with eco mode, where the governor catches itself and the hole things surges up in rpm every couple seconds. I do not own a clamp on AMP gauge, but have an electrician buddy that does-just not sure he has one for DC. The runtime of this generator isnt anything to write home about, but its not bad, either. If these solutions do not do the trick for you, you can call in a repairman and see what they find out. Does the overload coincide with air conditioner startup? We have done many searches and the closest wiring diagram that pops up is for the Harbor Freight Predator 3500. Circuit Globe Because its an inverter generator, the Predator3500 is also able to connect in parallel to a second model. Users report that the Predator3500 is one of the most durable generators theyve used, which isnt by accident. if you are missing your owners manual, just click here to get to one. The information on the oil, what type to use, and how to change the oil is on page 14 of the manual.