why does generator suddenly stop after starting

A generator that suddenly stalls after starting is an inconvenient and worrying predicament, while an unforeseen failure at a critical moment can cause major setbacks.

In this article, BISON takes a closer look at the possible causes of a generator suddenly stopping after starting. Let’s take a look at what happens when generator suddenly dies after starting and work together to overcome this challenge.

Let’s delve deeper into each point.

The reasons why generator suddenly stops after starting are as follows:

1. Generator overloading:

   Overloading occurs when a generator is powering an appliance with too much power or multiple appliances. This imposes significant strain on the generator, risking extreme heat production that can lead to dangerous scenarios, such as potential fires. BISON generators are equipped with overload protection that shuts down system before it reaches critical conditions, preventing further damage.

2. Carburetor clogged:

   Carburetor's role in a generator is to combine air and fuel to facilitate combustion.  If dirt or fuel residue obstructs it, the correct mixture of fuel and air cannot be achieved, resulting in generator shutting off. Regular maintenance, such as consistent carburetor cleaning and timely oil draining, can alleviate this issue. Sometimes damage from old oil is so severe that it forces you to replace entire carburetor.

3. Low radiator water level:

   The role of radiator includes cooling engine by circulating coolant through its components. Insufficient water or coolant levels can cause engine to overheat and cause generator to shut down. Check and replenish radiator water levels monthly as needed to ensure optimal cooling.

4. Low engine oil level:

   Oil keeps engine parts lubricated and cool to prevent overheating. If oil level is too low, friction between engine parts can cause serious damage to engine. BISON's low oil shutdown feature protects engine by shutting down generator before it is depleted.

5. Low fuel level:

   An immediate generator shutdown may be due to a very simple reason: fuel tank is empty or nearly empty. Always ensure adequate fuel levels to keep generator running. Of course, many generators have a fuel indicator to indicate this.

6. Fuel line damage:

   The fuel line provides a safe path for fuel to flow from the tank to the engine. A rupture or leak could cause engine to lose necessary fuel, resulting in shutdown. Check fuel delivery system regularly for leaks or damage. If necessary, replace fuel line.

7. Engine overheating:

   Engine overheating can have many damaging consequences, causing portable generator to shut down. It is crucial to check condition of radiator blades, as damaged blades can affect engine cooling. Additionally, coolant sensor that ensures engine doesn't overheat may be faulty and need to be replaced.

8. Battery problems:

   Generator starting problems are often related to battery because it provides power to starter motor. A faulty or weak battery may not provide required power. Make sure your battery is in good condition regularly. If it ages or develops ongoing problems, consider replacing it.

9. The choke is not closed:

   The choke restricts the air entering the carburetor to enrich oil-air mixture required during cold start. If not shut off properly, the mixture may become lean, causing engine to stall immediately upon starting. Make sure choke closes on a cold start and opens gradually as engine warms up.

10. Spark plug failure:

    The spark plug ignites the fuel and gas mixture to start engine. If it's dirty or damaged, it may not produce necessary spark, causing starting problems or shutdowns. Clean spark plugs regularly and inspect them for wear or damage. Replace if necessary.

11. Clogged air filter:

    Air filters serve critical function of shielding your engine from damaging particles and debris. If an air filter becomes obstructed, it can limit the supply of air, adversely impacting the balance of fuel and air, and hampering engine performance, frequently leading to shutdowns. Hence, it is crucial to clean or change air filters routinely for maintaining the best level of airflow.

12. Liquid cooling sensor failure:

    This sensor signals the cooling system to activate or deactivate based on engine temperature. A faulty sensor can give incorrect readings or even trigger unnecessary shutdowns. Regular inspections can help detect and replace faulty sensors early.

13. Exhaust system failure:

    If exhaust system cannot fully remove toxic gases from engine, it may cause overheating or damage, leading to emergency shutdown. Regular system checks can prevent such problems from occurring.

14. Oil pressure switch failure:

    The oil pressure switch measures oil pressure level within engine. If it fails, it may not accurately assess pressure levels, causing device to shut down due to low perceived oil pressure. Regular inspection ensures its functionality.

15. Control panel reprogramming:

    Sometimes, a software glitch may occur and control panel may need to be reprogrammed. While this is not a physical problem, it can cause stalled operations. In this case, you may need to contact your service provider to resume normal operations.

16. Fuel quality issues:

    Poor quality fuel can cause sediment buildup that can clog carburetor or adversely affect engine performance. Always make sure your generator uses high-quality fuel.

The above is some in-depth explanation of why a generator shuts down immediately after starting. Remember, proper regular maintenance is key to preventing most problems and ensuring a long, efficient life of your generator.

Generally speaking, there are several reasons why a generator suddenly stops after starting. These problems range from simple factors, such as a low fuel level or clogged filter, to more complex issues, such as a faulty liquid cooling sensor, a faulty oil pressure switch, or need to reprogram control panel.

However, rest assured that these issues are usually common and manageable and can be dealt with by following the solutions provided. Or it might be too complex for you to understand. This is when a generator with good warranty coverage becomes critical. Therefore, we recommend that when investing in a generator, you should not only consider suppliers that provide high-quality equipment, but also consider providing thoughtful after-sales service. BISON, for example, stands out with its comprehensive warranty program to protect your generator investment. If you are interested, please contact the BISON team!