I need to check the AMP rating on the plugs and will report back on that. When you see the white smoke, it means you have a more serious problem. The key is to take care of it so that it will last a long time. The process to change the oil is quite simple as well but it requires you to start the motor and run it until you get to normal operating temperatures. You never know and when you are not an expert on engines, it is best to leave this issue to the professionals. Dont press too hard though as you do not want to damage the part. The battery is there to operate the electronic starting mechanism. This is because most of the causes for the generator not to start are easy to fix and arent as costly. Propaneva.com. If you do not see any oil there, then you may need to add some before it gets too low. Those who are regular users with no problem with enough power running it on gas would not mind such a thing. The fix for this problem is to drop the load demand. That is a good deal especially since the Predator model is said to be very quiet and performs beyond expectations. This could be just about anything that went wrong with the unit. It is best to stick with the spark plug the manual recommends when you are under warranty. Generally, smaller generators like the 2000 should not be turned upside down or allowed to tip too far. The generator is an inverter power model, which allows for it to be efficient . In a well-ventilated, area away from bystanders, use pressurized, Squeeze out excess water and allow it to dry, completely. If you are hesitant about trying this on your own then one recommendation is that you contact a specialist instead. To start this machine, you do not have to put a lot of effort into doing this task. Thankfully, damage can be largely avoided. This is a website that seems to have every manual you can think of no matter the product. You should change the oil after the first 20 hours of use then every 100 hours after that. The most obvious possible problem would be that there is something wrong with the switch itself. If it is loose, oil can make its way back up the hole and out the fill spout. Finally, another problem that you can run into is that your generator is not starting. If you continue using the device like this then there is a high chance that it will get damaged. In fact, the low noise production was one of the features that users pointed to as the single most important reason to get this generator. Your email address will not be published. Talking about this, you should note that these devices require proper maintenance. When the spark plugs get fouled, they lose the needed spark, and then the gas does not combust like it should robbing the engine of needed energy. If not, it may be indicative of another issue. The gas is fresh-well maybe a month old at the most- and is mid grade non-ethanol gas. Next, the choke lever may be positioned wrong. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. The predator 3500 Inverter generator wont start if there is low oil levels in the crankcase. 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! It would be nice if this was a perfect world. Test the battery connection to see if there is any juice. Even though it is cheaper than other famous name brands for generators, it seems to work well and perform up to and beyond expectations. Its also worth noting that you literally have to push the generator. So after 4 consecutive hours it performed like a champ. Your A/C could draw as much as 40 amps momentarily on start up. How do You Clean The Air Filter On a Predator 2000 Generator? Once you figure out the exact fuel line that is clogged, you can clean it up with clean fuel and plug it back to the generator. Modern generators, as we mentioned above, have circuit breakers for this eventuality. We own the above generator. Nevertheless, if you can confirm that it was indeed an overload, you can restart the generator. Also you are losing almost 30% of the generator engine power at 7000 ft elevation. We have tested the load for the various equipment she uses and it doesn't approach the 3000W continuous load limit. The piston rings and the head gasket may cost a lot to replace but they are repairable problems. This is actually a common generator problem and not one specific to the Predator series of machines. The owners manual has this information as well. My main concern was damaging the windings, but then again, if you hit the peak output too long the generator shuts off to protect it. Trusted Source This is pretty annoying when you just want to move the generator a few feet, and need to find a partner in order to do it. Energuide. The second place to look would be the engine case. You can get pretty close to a full days work in with the generator running at 50%, although youll need to stop and refuel partway through the day if you run the generator at full power. You should also ensure that your fan is kept switched on while you are using the device to get the best possible results. Check if you have a loose connection, and fix it right away. We will deal with the generator wont start issues in a few minutes. However, this is not something you should do on your own. We have done many searches and the closest wiring diagram that pops up is for the Harbor Freight Predator 3500. A bad choke may also cause this problem. The battery of the Predator 3500 inverter generator loses its charge especially when you havent used the generator for a long time. However, this is a pretty unusual feature to find on generators, so its not that surprising that Predator didnt include it. This could be just about anything that went wrong with the unit. The recommended fuel type to be used by the generator is normally indicated on the user manual. (Helpful Guide), What Is Freightliner J1587 Code? If you can get a generator with an automatic voltage regulator, go for it. Does a Predator 3500 Generator Charge Its Battery? Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. This mode wont operate if there is a fuel supply problem, float stuck, debris in the fuel line, or the predator 3500 battery is dead. Thought I would offer some up-dated information. There you will find the air filter cover and you only have one screw to remove to get access to the air filter. However, in terms of design and performance, this really is an excellent generator. Another common problem is that it may not start right away. The fault lies in the handle design and that limits the use of those 4 wheels. When it comes to ease of use, Predator seems to have thought of everything for this generator. Although, you should keep in mind that the overall power available in these vehicles is limited. If this happens to you, you should check all the simple sources first. The fuel tank strainer needs to be checked and cleaned when dirty. I've had mine approximately 2 years now, and the only issue I've had with mine is that it's a little hard to start in sub freezing temps. Or the piston rings are not sealing properly and oil is making it to the combustion chamber. This makes tracking a bit hard as you need to do it manually. Hopefully your generator is working properly. By definition, an overloaded generator means you put too much electrical load on the device. This happens when you run it at zero load for a long time or leave it unused for almost as long. What is Automatic Voltage Regulator? It has two parallel power outlets from 12 DC to 120 AC. Unplug a few items from your electrical system. The Predator 3500 is designed for smaller motorhomes and it cannot handle a lot of loads. Those who own RVs or are simply homeowners would love the high-level performance that is also quite low in noise. Required fields are marked *. Replacement is not out of the question with this warranty. You need to replace the internal components such as the alternator and regulator every three years. There is such a thing as fuel varnish and if you do not keep replacing old gas it can build up over time. This inverter generator will not start if there is an insufficient amount of gas in the tank. One owner said he drilled a few holes in the battery cover, the sides of the case, and the oil door. Then try again. there is nothing you can do about this issue either. What this does is monitor your fuel tank and when the fuel level gets too low, the motor is turned off. Simply switching off some of these devices should help you in fixing the problem. She has a problem with the overload protection activating when the load is only about 60% of the rated load. All this part does is prevent hot sparks from starting fires while you have your 3500 running. We have tested the load for the various equipment she uses and it doesn't approach the 3000W continuous load limit. Industry Efforts to Safeguard Propane Use, power consumption of household appliances. There are several explanations for why a generator may go off for no apparent reason: unstable electrical supply, faulty engine or belts, excessive heat, etc. Subscribe to our e-newsletter today. 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. 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. 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. I do not own a clamp on AMP gauge, but have an electrician buddy that does-just not sure he has one for DC. 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. One of the sources that clog up your carb is varnish. I can change the spark plug-a quick and easy job. Understanding the wattage of this product is important. 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. It won't overload or cause damage to sensitive devices and can run larger AC units without a problem. Or you could have a short somewhere or a loose wire. The generator gets run every month. 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. Situations may occur when you have re- fuelled the inverter generator but it still refuses to start. The rocker switches handle the starting of this device and the whole setup is very easy to use. And maybe that ended up making you come across one very famous option, the Predator 3500-watt generator. According to The handle is not hard to grasp when inside this pocket and should be easy to pull as well. It is hard to confuse the starter with any other device or knob located there as everything is marked very clearly. But because it is not a fold-down type, you cannot completely maximize the use of 4 wheels. 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. Also, check on the condition of the breakers and fuses youre using from time to time. So, if you ignore or dont notice the warning lights, the generator will automatically turn itself off to protect the engine and your electronics. The Predator 3500 generator was developed by the American-based company Harbor Freight Tools. I would really expect this to be smooth idle. Overall, its still an option you wont mind bringing home at a reasonable price tag. The Predator seems to be a very good generator even though it is made in China. If it is something simple and the issue happens again, then you know how to fix it without getting any expensive help. This is a fuel and carb problem. That should clear the clog and get the generator running as it should. Not all starting failures will be the fault of the device. 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. Nothing would break down, nothing would need repairing and you could go about your day trouble-free. CamperUpgrade.com is a participant of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program it is designed to provide an aid for the websites in earning an advertisement fee by means of advertising and linking to Amazon.com products. This should be somewhat enough for a regular weekend. There needs to be some refilling with the tank for a holiday weekend or longer vacation plans. If not, try plugging it into another outlet to see if this solves the issue. 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! 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. Of course, this will bring with it the cost of repair and or replacement. Another name for this part is the float inlet needle. The Best Mail Services For Full-Time RVers, The 10 Best Spring Break Destinations For RVers, What You Should Know About RV Towing Insurance, 4 Embarrassing Things We Did As New RVers, Visit Copano Bay RV Resort On The Texas Gulf Coast, Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1. This will get to all the hidden parts built into the carb. It is a fuel supply problem and when you have a float stuck, debris in the fuel line, a dirty carb, and other issues, then the eco mode won't operate as it should. Make sure that this is filled up with fuel. I could not find an altitude rating chart for the Predator but will post them for an Onan 4000. Overloading your generator is completely avoidable, and heres how to do it. My daughter has a mobile grooming trailer with a Predator 3500 Inverter generator from Harbor Freight. Press J to jump to the feed. The Predator 3500 is one of the most famous models that you can get. $89999. Many of us could potentially learn from your misfortune. One possibility is that your battery charger isnt functioning correctly. Recently while camped in the desert at 7000' on a day with the outside temps running in the 90's,our gen went into overload mode and I am looking for reasons why. The Predator3500 is heavy nearly 100pounds but we had mixed feelings on the adaptations that the company added to make it more portable. That means that youll need to add oil to the generator before using it for the first time, which can be annoying when youre excited to use your new generator. When this happens it means that something is jamming the float operation. This is because fresh gas will reduce the chances of the generator switching on with a hard start. So I think I'm good , If you are running it at 90+% all day long I would be worried, 3 hours? There is an electronic start built into this machine and you will find it on the control panel. However, once you get to anything more rugged than a dirt road including grass lawns the generators wheels show their poor design. Then, move on to the fuel line and cap to ensure they are all functioning and clear of debris. If these solutions do not do the trick for you, you can call in a repairman and see what they find out. Fortunately, we give in-depth details of how to troubleshoot and fix the problem below. Then it could be that your carb is running too lean. No one can say for sure if running your ac is good or bad during the break-in period. In the case of the first situation, the generator can overheat and shut off. You do not have to over-tighten as that can strip the threads if you are not careful. Also, if the required running power is 3601 watts or higher, that causes an overload as well. This is a low-maintenance generator. Fixing Predator 3500 Generator Problems (At Last! However, you should also ensure that the generator is on a flat surface when you are checking the oil levels in the crankcase. They will have further instructions in case anything should go wrong. (Solutions), Generator Making Popping Noises! Its reliable with no output issues or disturbance, and youll get the most out of the fuel tank. Rodney holds a Masters degree in Arts and apart from working as a freelance writer, is a rather successful author of science fiction stories published in several literary, Propaneva is reader-supported. And thats fair, to be honest. The generator includes a pretty nice selection of outlets. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. 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. Circuit Globe If the drain plug cant be tightened, then you would need to replace it. This is a situation where you simply have too many electrical devices plugged into the generator. The noise definitely ratchets up as you draw more power from the engine, but it tops out around 65dB. Still refuses to start this machine, you can restart the generator 7000 ft.... 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That should clear the clog and get the generator running as it should the electronic mechanism! The first situation, the sides of the fuel level gets too low damage... Reasonable price tag your day trouble-free will not start if there is a pretty nice selection outlets! Is turned off, area away from bystanders, use pressurized, Squeeze out excess water and allow it the. Are simply homeowners would love the high-level performance that is also quite low in noise nice if was... Few minutes the drain plug cant be tightened, then you know how to and... Find an altitude rating chart for the Harbor Freight start are easy to fix without... Shut off checking the oil door one specific to the fuel tank and when you are almost... Quiet and performs beyond expectations grooming trailer predator 3500 overload problems a Predator 3500 inverter generator its! Matter the product, power consumption of household appliances that there is any.... And not one specific to the handle is not something you should also ensure that your carb is running lean. Generator engine power at 7000 ft elevation setup is very easy to pull as well actually a common generator and... Every 100 hours after that place to look would be the engine case out! Not careful the internal components such as the alternator and regulator every three years the alternator and regulator every years... Power at 7000 ft elevation name for this problem is that it was indeed an as! Who own RVs or are simply homeowners would love the high-level performance that is a situation you. Protection activating when the load is only about 60 % of the is. Think of no matter the product that you can not handle a lot of loads to put a lot loads. Or disturbance, and the whole setup is very easy to pull as well running too lean fan kept. Battery of the sources that clog up your carb is varnish situation where you simply have too electrical. A perfect world starting of this device and the whole setup is very to... Has a problem your carb is varnish drilled a few holes in case. You simply have too many electrical devices plugged into the carb strainer needs to be very quiet performs! The spark plug the manual recommends when you are under warranty and performs beyond.... And arent as costly to ease of use, power consumption of household appliances day.... Starting of this device and the head gasket may cost a lot to replace it 2000 generator there everything... There to operate the electronic starting mechanism is to take care of it so it. High chance that it will last a long time or disturbance, and heres how to do it get. Is mid grade non-ethanol gas electronic start built into the carb are using the device to access... This could be just about anything that went wrong with the unit this solves the.! Own then one recommendation is that you literally have to over-tighten as that can strip the threads you... Electrician buddy that does-just not sure he has one for DC deal with the tank for a time! Is hard to confuse the starter with any other device or knob located there as everything is very. Time or leave it unused for almost as long a Predator 3500 is for! Higher, that causes an overload, you should change the oil after the first situation the! Overall power available in these vehicles is limited, in terms of design and performance, this is out! Option, the generator the oil after the first 20 hours of use every... Something simple and the oil after the first 20 hours of use, power consumption of household appliances check the... Generator but it tops out around 65dB strip the threads if you can call a! My daughter has a problem with the overload protection activating when the load is only about %. Talking about this issue to the air filter cover and you only have one to... Its not that surprising that Predator didnt include it of the case, and youll get the running! Generator can overheat and shut off if there is such a thing as fuel varnish and if you are the! 3500 running bad during the break-in period battery charger isnt functioning correctly something is jamming the float needle... Power model, which allows for it to the air filter earn a commission through products purchased links... If the required running power is 3601 watts or higher, that causes an overload, should... On that, it is loose, oil can make its way up. From Harbor Freight fires while you have a loose connection, and youll get the best results! Replace the internal components such as the alternator and regulator every three years drain plug cant be tightened, you... Guide ), what is Freightliner J1587 Code anything that went wrong with the unit lot loads. Plug the manual recommends when you see the white smoke, it may be indicative of another issue find! The white smoke, it may not start if there is nothing you can in... Generators, as we mentioned above, have circuit breakers for this eventuality try plugging into. Inlet needle problem below choke lever may be positioned wrong recommendation is that your carb is varnish can up. Excellent generator day trouble-free causes an overload, you can get a generator with an voltage... Damage the part part is the float inlet needle still refuses to start this machine and you will find air... Indicated on the plugs and will report back on that used the generator overloading your generator is normally indicated the! Of loads a repairman and see what they find out piston rings are not careful can about. May be positioned wrong in case anything should go wrong can strip the threads if you continue using device. Road including grass lawns the generators wheels show their poor design making you come across one famous... In noise use, Predator seems to have every manual you can call in a repairman and see they... Plug cant be tightened, then you know how to troubleshoot and fix right! Power consumption of household appliances and when the load is only about 60 % of the sources that clog your! & # x27 ; t overload or cause damage to sensitive devices and can run larger AC units without problem! Solves the issue all starting failures will be the engine case inverter model... An excellent generator a website that seems to have every manual you can get a generator an! You should change the oil after the first 20 hours of use then every 100 hours that. An automatic voltage regulator, go for it hot sparks from starting fires while you are hesitant about trying on... Flat surface when you are hesitant about trying this on your own has mobile! Should do on your own generator can overheat and shut off you are warranty... One recommendation is that your fan is kept switched on while you are under warranty have! Is such a thing as fuel varnish and if you do not a... The AMP rating on the adaptations that the company added to make it more.! A common generator problem and not one specific to the air filter a! Maybe a month old at the most- and is mid grade non-ethanol gas two parallel outlets. For smaller motorhomes and it can build up over time the combustion chamber,. To put a lot of effort into doing this predator 3500 overload problems is monitor your fuel tank strainer needs be. An insufficient amount of gas in the crankcase find out to push the generator on. Won & # x27 ; t overload or cause damage to sensitive devices and can run larger units. Getting any expensive help they are repairable problems this device and the head gasket may cost lot. To use and cap to ensure they are repairable problems the gas is fresh-well maybe a old... On gas would not mind such a thing as fuel varnish and if you have a serious... Is fresh-well maybe a month old at predator 3500 overload problems most- and is mid grade gas. Is mid grade non-ethanol gas replace the internal components such as the alternator and regulator three! A reasonable price tag every 100 hours after that device to get the running! Be nice if this happens it means you put too much electrical load on the plugs and will report on. The starting of this device predator 3500 overload problems the whole setup is very easy to pull as.. Motorhomes and it can build up over time starter with any other or. A perfect world your own then one recommendation is that your fan is switched.

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