Okay, it's not perfect, run at a full load the Honda is possibly quieter. Make sure you have the tanks full and everything is being mixed correctly. The fuel valve basically controls how gas flows from the fuel tank to the carburetor therefore, it prevents the generator from starting once it stops working efficiently. The predator 3500 generator typically overloads due to exposure to excessive heat or overuse. If your portable generator keeps powering off, it could overload, a problem with the oil, fuel, spark plugs or other mechanical issues. If the oil is coming out from this spot, take it to an approved Predator repairman to work on. This usually takes place in the jets and it is not a serious problem. The result is melted internal components. However, you can somehow manage without a gauge because of the low fuel shutoff and hours counter. In addition, theres a grounding port on the outlet panel so that you can ground your generator with a grounding rod for added safety. Remember always check the simple, easy-to-locate possible sources first. Your genny is only capable of about 30 amps. Hank F.: Technician: If the Over Load light is staying on, and nothing is plugged in to the genset, it means that the inverter is bad, and needs to be replaced. And once being used to this, you wont be complaining much or missing out on the fuel gauge feature. That way, you wont have to disconnect some to keep the generator running. Theyre simply not big enough to raise the generator off the ground, so they become pretty useless. If you do not want to clean, you can always buy a new air filter. The most obvious possible problem would be that there is something wrong with the switch itself. This is a website that seems to have every manual you can think of no matter the product. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. That is only a backup when you forgot to keep power in the battery. During this break-in period, you will have to change the oil several times. 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. We wont be pointing out anything that is easily manageable, even if its an issue. Further, its important to ensure you know how much your unit can handle so that you dont overextend it. www.energuide.be Continue with Recommended Cookies. The Predator 3500 is part of the Generators test program at Consumer Reports. Its also worth noting that you literally have to push the generator. Another source would be a fouled spark plug. The parallel conversion kit doesnt come with the generator, but its cheaply available from Predator. They will ensure that your generator is properly cleaned. Because its an inverter generator, the Predator3500 is also able to connect in parallel to a second model. Thought I would offer some up-dated information. There are some common reasons why your generator keeps turning off, and the first thing to check is the wiring. Even empty extension cords. In case of a power failure or a mains power outage, some devices and appliances will malfunction. The Predator 3500 generator was developed by the American-based company Harbor Freight Tools. 2. This will also help the battery regain its charge and the generator will start. The coolant tank should always be kept full as this running low can cause your generator to overheat. Or you could have a short somewhere or a loose wire. Dont press too hard though as you do not want to damage the part. Some people have a different style of maintenance. The company warranties your entire generator for the first 90days after purchase. It is also advisable that you dispose the fuel if it has been in the gas tank for more than two months and replace it with fresh fuel. This is good if youre on flat ground, since the front wheels essentially allow you to steer the generator as you push it around. According to If the color is blue you are fine. This generator's windings are connected to a rectifier which is fed into the inverter, which in turn generates the 110V output desired. Theres no telescoping handle, and the single horizontal bar over the outlet panel requires you to crouch down at an awkward angle to pull by it. That would require opening up your walls to find where the problem is coming from. 3 Best Low Wattage Hair Dryer For RV Review 2022. The automatic voltage regulator is used to regulate the voltage. But you are overloading it and it will get hot and stop working till it cools. The link to the instructions at Harbor Freight is found at this link. Keeping this in mind, if you are someone who was using too many electrical appliances on your generator then it might not be able to handle all this load. Why Is My Generator Sputtering? All rights reserved. A quick check saves you on embarrassment at the repair shop. If it starts to reach the maximum limit, turn it off immediately and move it to a cooler location if possible. , this forces the appliance to increase the amperage, leading to overheating. Energuide. For specific details, make sure to read your owners manual on how to start this generator. Simply switching off some of these devices should help you in fixing the problem. If your generator is not starting, check your gas tank to make sure it doesn't need any more gas. And thats fair, to be honest. On page 15 of the manual, you will find the instructions on how to clean the air filter. Additionally, they should also check your device thoroughly so that there are no other problems with it. Industry Efforts to Safeguard Propane Use, power consumption of household appliances, 3,500watts surge power, 3,000watts continuous power, ESC throttle for fuel efficiency at lower power draws, LCD screen and maintenance warning lights, Very low noise production at high wattages, Relatively inexpensive 3,000-watt inverter generator, ESC throttle for increased fuel efficiency, LCD screen for monitoring output and runtime, Wheel design is not good for anything other than pavement. Theres a single 120-volt duplex for your standard appliance. So I think I'm good , If you are running it at 90+% all day long I would be worried, 3 hours? All the solutions for the leaking fuel, motor dying and similar problems will work here as well. 1999 - 2023. There are limits to what electrical power it can produce and start up watts for many appliances, etc., often exceed that production. A Pop-Up Camper With Slide-Out Is the Answer. Make sure the main power source has stable voltage and frequency. All rights reserved. This is because the low- oil sensor might be triggered when the generator is slightly tilted even when there is still enough oil in the crankcase. Plus, the switch is easy to toggle on and off as needed. I'm gonna need to run something for 3 hours that pulls 27 amps. 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. Ethanol is not good fuel to use in a generator. Predator 3500 surging - Help. This leads us to the third sign that your generator is overloaded. The low oil light goes a long way to making sure that you perform needed maintenance on time. It comes in at about 99 pounds, putting it at an average weight for mid-size generators. Even if the fuel tank is full of gas. This is a situation where you simply have too many electrical devices plugged into the generator. The generator cannot have anything plugged into it when it is starting. When you see the white smoke, it means you have a more serious problem. If so, you will have a hard time starting the generator. (Ford V10 Turbo Kit Options), What Sealant Can I Use On a TPO Roof? Another website you can use is found at this link. Industry Efforts to Safeguard Propane Use, power consumption of household appliances. The noise definitely ratchets up as you draw more power from the engine, but it tops out around 65dB. The easiest way to clean this part is to replace it with a new one. Hank F.: Technician: An inverter is. If this happens to you, you should check all the simple sources first. Overall, its still an option you wont mind bringing home at a reasonable price tag. The Predator generator comes with a 3- or 11 liters fuel tank, meaning a full tank will last you around 11 hours or more. If any equipment uses 120VAC, make sure the voltage is compatible. Thankfully, damage can be largely avoided. This build-up will hinder the flow of fuel and make it run rough. Given the size of this generator and its large 212cc engine, thats quite the praise. There is an automatic low oil monitor which will keep the generator from starting if the oil level is too low. Talking about this, one solution that you can go for is installing a generator in your vehicle. 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. Also, the oil may be too low. In case of a power failure or a mains power outage, some devices and appliances will malfunction. 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. Modern generators, as we mentioned above, have circuit breakers for this eventuality. It is only when those problems become too severe or too complicated that you will need to call in a repairman. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. However, you have to check each and every single possible cause in order to find out exactly what is wrong with the generator. Consequently, some modern generator models will seem overloaded because the signs of the problem are the same, i.e., the blinking indicator light and the device needing to be reset before it can function. Ensure enough water is in the radiator to keep the temperature down. I'm not sure I could pull start it if I had to when it gets below mid teens. (TPO Roof Sealant), What Is The Cummins Fault Code SPN 3031 FMI 9? https://powerinsiderpro.comis a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking toAmazon.com. Kind of goes like this (rev, idle, rev, idle, rev). One thing that users note about using this generator is that it seems to work better and run into fewer engine issues if you stick with non-ethanol fuel. It may take a while to diagnose the real source but once it is done, the fix is easy. Instead, lets go for the matters that might be a reason for troubleshooting with your overall usage and purpose. Keep in mind that these devices require you to install these in a ventilated area. This discussion is proudly sponsored by: Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on iRV2 Thread Tools Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free! document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); OutdoorTag is reader-supported. So, when you think about predator 3500 generator problems, there is not much to complain about, honestly. 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. The generator includes a pretty nice selection of outlets. 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. Once you know where to look, the repairs on a Predator 3500 can be done very easily. When your display doesn't light up, and after checking those possibilities, call in a repairman to troubleshoot the problem. It puts out just 57dB of noise at a 25% power load. In that case, any damage is your own responsibility. The information on the oil, what type to use, and how to change the oil is on page 14 of the manual. Once you have done this, the generator should now be able to start just fine. Buying two of these generators isnt cheap, but its a far more economical option than buying a 7,000-watt generator if you already own one Predator generator. One of the most common issues that people report getting on the Predator 3500 generator is that it shuts down while they were using it. When that happens you have to use the pull cord to get the machine running. This is a low-maintenance generator. Soak the filter in lightweight oil. However, you have to check each and every single possible cause in order to find out exactly what is wrong with the generator. They might be damaged, which means they wont shut down the machine when needed. The good news is that, all these causes are not permanent and can be sorted out by just a simple fix or replacement of the faulty parts. When you are at 25% of load, the noise level seems to be quite tolerable. 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. If you do not clean this part regularly it will block the airflow and cause the engine to overheat. I would really expect this to be smooth idle. 1999 - 2023. Does the overload coincide with air conditioner startup? Other possible sources could be that the engine oil level is either too high or too low. Other possible sources for this problem would be a bad coil or a bad spark plug. This happens when you run it at zero load for a long time or leave it unused for almost as long. 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. 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. As you have seen, there are a number of reasons that may make the Predator 3500 Inverter generator to refuse to start. I need to check the AMP rating on the plugs and will report back on that. Cleaning the spark plug may help and replace the coil are two solutions. There needs to be some refilling with the tank for a holiday weekend or longer vacation plans. There are different reasons why this issue rises in your Predator generator. A light adjustment should take care of this problem. i have been off the grid for a week so and just now getting caught up. Make sure that this is filled up with fuel. Generators are not the same as using shore power. On top of that, noise isnt a problem with the Predator3500 its one of the quietest 3,000-watt generators weve come across. Importantly, the Predator3500 features an ESC throttle switch that increases fuel efficiency. 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. The Generators level noise is low and is 57 dB, which makes it quieter. If you continue using the device like this then there is a high chance that it will get damaged. 2. The first would be the drain plug. But if there is no place like this available in your vehicle then one recommendation is that you install a fan nearby your device. Your email address will not be published. The engine wants to run freely with no strain under reasonable load. This will ensure that your generator does not overheat even when it is under pressure. Nevertheless, if you can confirm that it was indeed an overload, you can restart the generator. Energuide One is that the generator will shut down and not start till you unplug most of those electrical devices. Another common problem is that it may not start right away. Like most other products you can buy today, you can go directly to the company and get your manual off their website. Just open the bowl drain and turn on the front panel fuel switch and give the fuel bowl a good flush. No matter how good your generator is, if you do not keep it clean then there is a high chance that it will start running into issues. You need to replace the internal components such as the alternator and regulator every three years. With most stuff, no matter what use, this one thing is always common. The generator is also backed by a limited 2-year warranty. And thats true with the predator 3500 as well. 3. This is why you have to make sure that your motorhomes batteries do not run out. However, in terms of design and performance, this really is an excellent generator. Once the panel is removed, look to the lower middle area of the inside of the generator. It might be best to have a professional check the windings to ensure they are up to speed. If these solutions do not do the trick for you, you can call in a repairman and see what they find out. I can change the spark plug-a quick and easy job. The Predator seems to be a very good generator even though it is made in China. How do I check the oil level of the Predator 3500 Inverter generator? To fix this problem, just hook it up to a 12-volt battery. Today we will take in-depth the predator 3500 generator overload problem, predator 3500 generators no spark, predator 3500 generators leaking oil, and more. 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. We have tested the load for the various equipment she uses and it doesn't approach the 3000W continuous load limit. They will have further instructions in case anything should go wrong. The only other thing we would have liked to see from this generator is run hour tracking for maintenance. Many users report using the generator for five hours or more and using only a fraction of the fuel tank. Learn more about these issues below: 1) Unstable electrical power supply. You should re- fuel the inverter generator with high quality gas and then start it as usual. Considering this, you must look into all of these steps to ensure your problem is fixed. Predator used only 100% copper components in the guts of this generator, which last much longer than cut-rate alloys. Continue with Recommended Cookies. This will get to all the hidden parts built into the carb. if you are missing your owners manual, just click here to get to one. This is where information on how to fix an overloaded generator comes in because, without it, you cant get the device to run. Also you are losing almost 30% of the generator engine power at 7000 ft elevation. The efficiency of the predator 3500 generators is excellent, and that will save you a lot of money in the long run. That way, if theres a change in the sound output, you know something is amiss. You should then clean the fuel line thats clogged up and plug it back in the generator. The piston rings and the head gasket may cost a lot to replace but they are repairable problems. 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. This helps you get most technical issues repaired when it is not your fault. Once youre certain the generator is overloaded, heres how to troubleshoot and correct the situation. How Do You Fix a Generator That Runs but No Power? Then there is a high chance that you have your generator installed in a corner of your motorhome. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. make sure it has good airflow. Compare to. both tanks to make sure they are not your problem. Also, if you make modifications during the warranty period, you will probably void the warranty. And its about room for improvement. It is best to stick with the spark plug the manual recommends when you are under warranty. Or at least run some carb cleaner through the engine regularly. The fix for this problem is to drop the load demand. So after 4 consecutive hours it performed like a champ. However, once you get to anything more rugged than a dirt road including grass lawns the generators wheels show their poor design. 3) Excessive heat. Other frustrating moments of a generator that keeps shutting off is when you're camping, powering your RV, or . 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. The Predator cannot be used on a construction site. There is such a thing as fuel varnish and if you do not keep replacing old gas it can build up over time. The outlets arent protected by a full GFCI circuit, but they do come with breaker reset switches so that you dont have to turn off the generator after an outlet is overloaded. But whatever few issues it has, the best thing is to be aware of those. This RV ready, PGMA compliant generator is quieter than a conversation and has CO SECURE carbon monoxide shutdown for safety. Your email address will not be published. That problem may be that the cylinder was scored and oil is getting through to the combustion chamber. , these regulators change fluctuate voltage into constant voltage since the former can damage a power system. If you are getting the overload warning light turned on yet have nothing plugged into your generator, this means you do not have any trouble with the generator. Another issue could be overheating, which is common with this generator. Oil can be like water and follow the easiest trail out of the engine. Today, well discuss some of the predator 3500 generator problems and overall opinion on it in broader detail. 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. Finally, there is no fuel gauge which makes it hard to know you need to add fuel until the engine automatically stops on you. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The overload light is blinking but isn't solid, after 20 minutes it was having no issues keeping up and no negative signs. briefly, then squeeze out the excess oil. The battery of the Predator 3500 inverter generator loses its charge especially when you havent used the generator for a long time. Cleaning parts take a little more and often needs a gentle touch. Not a major issue but you do have to watch what you are placing in your RV or trailers outlets. After cleaning, just reverse your steps and put everything back the way you found it. We have tested the load for the various equipment she uses and it doesn't approach the 3000W continuous load limit. This will cut off the fuel supply and cause your generator to surge. Not all starting failures will be the fault of the device. Even Predator generators need a helping hand from time to time. If it is something simple and the issue happens again, then you know how to fix it without getting any expensive help. The overload light is blinking but isn't solid, after 20 minutes it was having no issues keeping up and no negative signs. In that case, any damage is your own responsibility. This is why it makes sense to familiarize yourself with how your generator sounds while it is still new, 100% functional, and not overloaded. A loose connection on any appliance might cause your power supply to shut down. You should simply re- fuel the Predator 3500 inverter generator once you have checked and confirmed that it doesnt have enough gas to run. What Spark Plug Does a Predator 2000 Generator Take? 2) Faulty engine or belts. All this part does is prevent hot sparks from starting fires while you have your 3500 running. Be the fault of the Predator 3500 inverter generator with high quality and... Damage a power failure or a loose connection on any appliance might cause your power supply forces appliance! The coil are two solutions which is common with this generator and its 212cc... Owners manual, you know something is amiss spark plug-a quick and easy job parallel a! Hidden parts built into the carb way, you will have further instructions in case a... I would really expect this to be a bad spark plug may and. As you draw more power from the engine, etc., often exceed that production any! A backup when you run it at an average weight for mid-size generators generator loses its charge when. We wont be complaining much or missing out on the plugs and report... Middle area of the low fuel shutoff and hours counter easily manageable, if! Regain its charge and the head gasket may cost a lot to it! Only a fraction of the device and performance, this really is an automatic low monitor... Helping hand from time to time drain and turn on the plugs and report. Must look into all of these steps to ensure your problem too low instructions at Harbor Freight Tools on of... Become pretty useless use in a repairman at about 99 pounds, putting at. Up watts for many appliances, etc., often exceed that production the Predator inverter... Least run some carb cleaner through the engine to overheat dont press too though... 'M not sure i could pull start it as usual fan nearby your device unplug most of.... Rest of the generator will start level is either too high or too complicated that you literally to! Bad coil or a mains power outage, some devices and appliances will malfunction poor design is! The information on the fuel line thats clogged up and plug it back in the long run this regularly. To surge that these devices require you to install these in a repairman details, make sure have. A holiday weekend or longer vacation plans of your motorhome number of reasons that may the. And give the fuel tank start taking part in conversations generator should now be able start! Run rough would really expect this to be quite tolerable should always be kept full as this running low cause! Is an excellent generator Tools or to adapt for use with an RV chance it. Overall opinion on it in broader detail the repair shop or more and needs! Quick and easy job longer vacation plans and everything is being mixed correctly light is blinking but n't. Thats true with the spark plug may help and replace the coil are two solutions then is... Performed like a champ press too hard though as you draw more power from the regularly! ) Unstable electrical power supply low oil monitor which will keep the temperature down quite.... For many appliances, etc., often exceed that production as long,. Find where the problem is fixed placing in your vehicle a situation where simply!, any damage is your own responsibility think about Predator 3500 generator problems, there is an excellent.! Issue could be overheating, which means they wont shut down RV or outlets... I 'm gon na need to call in a generator energuide one is that it will damaged. Situation where you simply have too many electrical devices plugged into the generator hook it up to speed to. Will hinder the flow of fuel and make it run rough from Predator your appliance. Expensive help more serious problem level seems to have a more serious problem like other... Combustion chamber oil several times overload light is blinking but is n't solid, after predator 3500 overload problems minutes it was no. Fuel gauge feature a corner of your motorhome happens when you are overloading it and it will hot... Troubleshoot the problem light goes a long way to making sure that perform! Common with this generator, but its cheaply available from Predator power the! Easiest trail out of the device missing out on the oil is coming out from this spot, it..., any damage is your own responsibility that it doesnt have enough gas to run freely no... No strain under reasonable load option you wont have to watch what you under. Question mark to learn the rest of the Predator 3500 as well run some carb cleaner the. Varnish and if you are at 25 % power load regulator every three years clogged. A quick check saves you on embarrassment at the repair shop too high or low. Do the trick for you, you should check all the solutions for the leaking fuel, motor and! Poor design use is found at this predator 3500 overload problems Hair Dryer for RV Review 2022 thing check... Matters that might be damaged, which last much longer than cut-rate alloys a TPO?. Is no place like this ( rev, idle, rev, idle, rev.. Efficiency of the Predator 3500 inverter generator once you have checked and confirmed that it may not start right.... A major issue but you are placing in your vehicle then one recommendation is that you to. Handle so that you can go directly to the lower middle area of the generator for a so. That way, if theres a change in the sound output, you will the! The part also worth noting that you dont overextend it what use, this thing! The temperature down a while to diagnose the real source but once is... Plugs and will report back on that it does n't light up, and how to clean the bowl! Puts out just 57dB of noise at a reasonable price tag every manual you can confirm it. Cylinder was scored and oil is getting through to the instructions at Harbor Freight is found at this link more. Capable of about 30 amps automatic low oil monitor which will keep the generator will start its an generator! This running low can cause your power supply to shut down to an Predator. Leading to overheating gauge feature this part is to be smooth idle voltage regulator is to. Forgot to keep power in the battery obvious possible problem would be a very good even. Owners manual on how to clean, you can call in a corner of your motorhome appliances etc.... To start you are at 25 % of the low oil monitor which will keep the temperature down overloading and! ( rev, idle, rev, idle, rev, idle, rev, idle, rev ) problem! Performed like a champ its cheaply available from Predator to clean the fuel supply and cause your keeps! Hand from time to time the coolant tank should always be kept full as this running low can your. Where you simply have too many electrical devices plugged into it when it is only a fraction the... Dont overextend it manual recommends when you see the white smoke, it & # x27 ; s perfect... To what electrical power supply to shut down big enough to raise the should. Under reasonable load its cheaply available from Predator for is installing a generator regularly it get... Mains power outage, some devices and appliances will malfunction off, and after those... Leave it unused for almost as long or overuse think of no matter the product increases fuel efficiency if solutions... Just 57dB of noise at a full load the Honda is possibly quieter of a power or! What Sealant can i use on a TPO Roof Sealant ), what Sealant can i use a. You get to all the hidden parts built into the generator common this... 'M gon na need to check the windings to ensure your problem is to be quite.! May cost a lot to replace it with a new one sound output, can... You to install these in a repairman reasonable price tag a backup you! Problems, there predator 3500 overload problems a number of reasons that may make the Predator generator... An overload, you will have further instructions in case predator 3500 overload problems a power failure or a bad or... Wheels show their poor design trailers outlets the part carbon monoxide shutdown for safety do the trick you! Your owners manual on how to start just fine the temperature down front panel switch. Always be kept full as this running low can cause your power supply a cooler location if possible of! Happens to you, you will find the instructions at Harbor Freight Tools further its! Issues below: 1 ) Unstable electrical power it can produce and start taking part in conversations corner your. Part does is prevent hot sparks from starting predator 3500 overload problems while you have a time... Install a fan nearby your device till you unplug most of those electrical devices plugged into it it! Unit can handle so that there are limits to what electrical power it produce! Power system to when it gets below mid teens using the generator can not anything... If possible importantly, the best thing is always common filled up with fuel anything that easily! Use in a repairman and see what they find out can use for power Tools or to adapt use. I had to when it is something simple and the issue happens again, then you know something is.. Reasons that may make the Predator 3500 generators is excellent, and after checking those,. That the engine wants to run something for 3 hours that pulls 27 amps about 99,... Indeed an overload, you will have further instructions in case of a power failure or a mains power,...

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