Top 4 Common Generator Problems and Solutions

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MaXpeedingRods
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maxpeedingrods portable generators

Before attempting to service the generator, the owner or service technician must first read the owner’s manual and understand and follow all safety instructions. Failure to follow all directions may result in EPA certification or product warranty issues, as well as serious personal injury, property damage, and even death.

Here are four common generator problems you might experience at some point during its lifespan and solutions for dealing with them correctly.

maxpeedingrods portable generators
MaXpeedingRods portable generators

01 Problem: Engine is running, but no electrical output

Potential Cause

  1. Reset breaker is tripped.Reset breaker is tripped.
  2. The power cord’s plug connector not tulty engaged in the inverter’s outlet.
  3. Faulty or defective power cord.
  4. Faulty or defective electrical appliance.
  5. The power cord’s plug connector not tulty engaged in the inverter’s outlet.
  6. Faulty or defective power cord.
  7. Faulty or defective electrical appliance.

Solution

  1. Reset the reset breaker (see Figure 1).
  2. Verity plug connector is firmty engaged in the inverters outlet.
  3. Replace power cord.
  4. Try connecting a known good appliance to verify the inverter is producing electrical power.
press in reset breaker
Figure 1: Press in reset breaker

02 Problem: Engine will not start or remain running while trying to start.

Potential Cause

  1. Inverter is out of gasoline.
  2. Fuel flow is Obstructed.
  3. Ditty air filter.
  4. Low oil level shutdown switch is preventing the unit from starting.
  5. Spark plug boot is not fully engaged With the spark plug tip.
  6. Spark plug is faulty.
  7. Dirty/plugged spark arrestor.
  8. Stale fuel.

Solution

  1. Add gasoline to the inverter.
  2. Inspect and clean fuel delivery passages.
  3. Check and clean the air filter(see Figure 4).
  4. Check oil level and add oil if necessary(see Figure 2).
  5. Firmly push down on the spark plug boot to ensure the boot is fully engaged.
  6. Remove and check the spark plug. Replace ‘t faulty.
  7. Check and clean the spark arrestor.
  8. Drain fuel and replace it with fresh fuel.
add engine oil
Figure 2: Add engine oil to the engine

03 Problem: Inverter suddenly stops running

Potential Cause

  1. Inverter is out Of fuel.
  2. The low oil shut switch has stopped the engine.
  3. Too much load.

Solution

  1. Check fuel level (see Figure 3). Add fuel if necessary.
  2. Check oil level and add oil if necessary(see Figure 2).
  3. Restart the inverter and reduce the load.
maximum gasoline fill level
Figure 3: maximum gasoline fill level

04 Problem: Engine runs erratically; does not hold a steady RPM

Potential Cause

  1. Choke was left in the CHOKE position.
  2. Dirty air filter.
  3. Applied loads maybe cycling on and off.

Solution

  1. Move choke to the RUN position
  2. Clean the air filter (see Figure 4).
  3. As applied loads cycle, changes in engine speed may occur; this is a normal condition.
MaXpeedingRods Blog | An Automotive Blog from MaXpeedingRods - Top 4 Common Generator Problems and Solutions
Figure 4: unscrew air cleaner cover

If you are only a user and are newer to the DIY of the machines, we recommend checking out MaXpeedingRods if you are merely a user and are new to the DIY of the machines. MaXpeedingRods specializes in “serious” inverter generator that provides outdoor enthusiasts with a portable power solution designed for a variety of open-air festivities. You can browse our selection of inverter generators, and if you have any questions, do not be afraid to ask us! Click to contact.

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28 COMMENTS

  1. I simply would like to know if the 3300 is gravity fed or pump driven for the fuel delivery. I would like to add an auxiliary tank when camping since the approx 8 hour run time has me turn off, and restart multiple times throughout a weekend. I was looking at the Bergs System HND1.2000IS but this only works if the generator is pump driven.
    Thank you for any information.
    Louis Laforest

      • Hello….Can you advise of the gas cap size needed to convert to a larger tank being gravity fed?
        I see all kinds for Honda, Yamaha etc ….. but none for your MRX3500.

        Can the original Cap be modified to add an auxilary tank?

        • It would require an external tank expansion kit. We’re soon to release this product and anticipate it being available around this summer. Stay tuned for updates!

  2. I simply would like to know if the 3300 is gravity fed or pump driven for the fuel delivery. I would like to add an auxiliary tank when camping since the approx 8 hour run time has me turn off, and restart multiple times throughout a weekend. I was looking at the Bergs System HND1.2000IS but this only works if the generator is pump driven.
    Thank you for any information.
    Louis Laforest

  4. I recently purchased a 3500 watt version of your portable generator (47 pounds). The low speed function has failed and the generator seems to be over speeding. Also, the generator will not support the 3000 watts of power as advertised. What could be the problem?

    I would also like a copy of the parts manual and the maintenance manual as well for repairs.

    • I’m sorry, but currently, we don’t have a high altitude kit available for the MXR3500 TIA model. However, I will make sure to record this request and forward it to our R&D department. If we develop such a kit in the future, we will inform you promptly. Thank you for your inquiry! If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to ask.

    • Thank you for your inquiry! While we appreciate your interest, we do not recommend using an LPG conversion kit for MRX 3300W. If you have any other questions or need further assistance, please feel free to ask. Your satisfaction is important to us ：）

    • Hi Ronnie Watson,
      Thanks for the inquiry. It’s fine to use synthetic oil for the engine. However, please ensure that it is added to the engine oil reservoir, not the fuel tank. Have a good day!

  8. Hi

    Recently purchased a maXpeedingrods 3500W but as soon as the generator starts the overload light comes on. This without anything being plugged in at all. The reset but doesn’t seem to do anything when pressed. What could be causing this issue?

    Many thanks

    Pete

    • Hi Pete

      Thanks so much for your feedback. Here is the answer:
      1.First, it is possible that the generator did not start successfully. The overload indicator may illuminate during the pulling of the starter cord.
      2.In case the generator starts successfully and operates normally, if the overload indicator remains lit under no-load conditions and cannot be reset by pressing the reset switch, there may be an issue with the inverter program, and it may be necessary to replace the inverter.

      We hope the answer can help you. But if not, please contact our after-sale team, they are professional and will solve your issue as soon as possible.
      • Please feel free to contact the Call Center: (1) 231-459-3517 (PST) 
      8:00 am-4:00 pm Mon. to Fri.
      •Or PM our only official page to report the issues: https://www.facebook.com/MaXpeedingRods

      Thanks again, have a great day!

    • I have the same problem. Generator starts right up, powers my camper, then shuts off due to overload (even when nothing is plugged in). Brand new, new gas and oil, very frustrating.

  11. I recently purchased an MRX-3500 MaxpeedingRods generator, and cannot get it running. I followed all the directions, including adding oil to the proper level, adding fresh fuel, but noticed that the fuel cap does not have a vent on it. One instruction says to clear the fuel lines, but they are not very accessible without taking the whole cowling off. I noticed there are no clips on the fuel hose connections. Is this normal? I checked the spark plug and it appears that it has been firing. The engine will cough a few times with a pull on the starter cord, but will not keep running in either the Choke position or Run position.

  12. Where can I get a replacement plastic guide for the MAXPEEDINGRODS 5500W Portable Petrol Inverter, the plastic holding the metal gromit on the outside casing has broken.

  13. I’m having a similar problem as others… generator starts up but then shuts off due to overload (red overload indicator light comes on) even though there is no load. Brand new out of the box.

  14. I purchased the 3500 maxspeeding rods genny, its barely been used in 12 months but now i am using it every other day, and the problem i seem to be having is it will not turn off, if i need to get it to stop i have to turn the dial all the way down to choke , it then cuts out

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