{"id":8751,"date":"2022-07-15T02:33:36","date_gmt":"2022-07-15T02:33:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/notsealed.com\/?p=8751"},"modified":"2022-08-29T13:34:53","modified_gmt":"2022-08-29T13:34:53","slug":"what-to-check-if-your-briggs-and-stratton-generator-wont-start","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/notsealed.com\/what-to-check-if-your-briggs-and-stratton-generator-wont-start.html","title":{"rendered":"What to check if your Briggs and Stratton generator won’t start."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Generators are essential for many homes and businesses but occasionally they won’t start if left sitting in your garage for a few months. In this post, we will be going over why the popular Briggs and Stratton generator won’t start. But more importantly, the tips and tricks to start generators with one pull every time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We will mostly cover Briggs and Stratton generators but the tips mentioned here will apply to all petrol and diesel generators. What to check and how to maintain your generator so it will last for many years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Generators don’t start easily?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Why
My Briggs and Stratton generator sitting on a shelf for many months of the year.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Most petrol (gas) generators are designed with an internal combustion engine that turns an AC coil winding to generate electricity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speed controllers, governors, and voltage regulators maintain a constant electrical output up to the power capacity of the generator. This combustion engine is usually 4-stroke but there are a few older 2-stroke generators still out there in the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the generator is used weekly then starting issues are usually nonexistent due to regular use. But in my experience as an electrician, most contractors, homeowners, or campers only use them a few times a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a few months, the fuel gets old and can gum up inside the carburetor. Moisture can get into the electronics and start to corrode some of the wirings. Starting your generator every month for 5 minutes can help keep the generator in peak condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10 reasons that could cause a generator not to start?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"10
One of my generators was having trouble starting.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Old fuel.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Generators tend to only have small fuel tanks and they need to be topped up often. This cuts down on weight and makes them easy to work on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the generator is left for a few months the fuel gets old and will lose its combustion power. Stale or old fuel will cause a generator to not start easily. Products like fuel stabilizers can help prolong the life of the generator fuel but I like to drain the fuel tank and start fresh if I know I won’t be using the generator for 2 months or more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Old gummed-up fuel in a carburetor will need to be drained if you are having trouble starting the genset. Having old fuel is the no1 reason my Briggs and Stratton generator won’t start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dirty spark plugs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

4-stroke generators tend to not foul spark plugs as much as the 2-stroke generators. I still tend to replace my Briggs and Stratton q6500 spark plug every year or 100 hours whichever comes first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check the Q6500 spark plug gap this should be 0.76 mm for the Briggs and Stratton 798615 Spark Plug<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This gives me peace of mind that the spark plug is good and will be reliable when I need to start the generator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clogged air filter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Briggs<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Generator air filters tend to be overlooked and missed in preventative maintenance. I like to replace my air filter every year or 100 hours, whichever comes first. This makes sure that the generator can breathe properly. If you have an air filter that looks like a sponge you can wash these out with warm soapy water. Coat them with a layer of air filter oil for excellent dirt trapping properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good airflow is essential for a combustion engine to easily start. remember air filters will break down over time so replace them regularly. A blocked air filter is another reason the Briggs and Stratton generator won’t start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Low engine oil level<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Briggs<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Most modern portable generators will have a low oil cut-off switch. I have seen generators cut out and hard to start with the engine oil at just over the 1\/4 mark. Ensure the engine oil is close to the 100% full mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I like to replace my generator engine oil once a year. Even if I only use the generator a few times it is best to do once-a-year preventative maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Briggs<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If your generator does not have an engine oil drain plug you can use a manual vacuum dipstick oil change pump<\/a> to remove the old oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The low oil indicator on the Q6500 Briggs and Stratton generator is designed to prevent engine damage caused by not enough engine oil. If the engine oil level drops below a preset level, the red LED low oil indicator light comes on and an oil level switch will stop the engine. If the engine stops or the red LED low oil indicator light comes on when you pull the recoil handle, check the engine oil level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The oil level should be checked prior to each use or at least every 8 hours of operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clogged fuel filter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Clogged<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Most generators will have a fuel filter either inside the fuel tank or in the line going to the carburetor. These are generally reliable but over time can block up. You can back flush them for a quick fix but I tend to replace them every 5 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trace the fuel lines to see where the fuel filter is located on your generator. The quick-release clamps make changing the fuel filter fast and easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Faulty Carburetor.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Briggs<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A carburetor is made up of 5 main parts that can be prone to failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n