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. We checked the owners manual and there was no mention of this generator having an oil filter. Thats a big engine for just 3,000 watts of continuous power, but it ensures that the generator is cruising smoothly rather than struggling when you draw its full available power. 1999 - 2023. This can frustrate you, especially when you are running it as an emergency power source at home. Or you could have a short somewhere or a loose wire. Start by disconnecting all electrical appliances connected to the generator. This generator's windings are connected to a rectifier which is fed into the inverter, which in turn generates the 110V output desired. 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. It might be best to have a professional check the windings to ensure they are up to speed. Then there is the inability to use all 4 wheels all the time. Unplug a few items from your electrical system. It is a portable unit with built-in wheels and handles for moving. Predator used only 100% copper components in the guts of this generator, which last much longer than cut-rate alloys. When your display doesn't light up, and after checking those possibilities, call in a repairman to troubleshoot the problem. And its about room for improvement. Once done, you have to ensure that these are all removed properly before you refill the tank with fuel. We own the above generator. It may be too low or out of fuel. Theyre simply not big enough to raise the generator off the ground, so they become pretty useless. A utility transformer that is out of order may drop voltage and cause the generator to shut down. The battery of the Predator 3500 inverter generator loses its charge especially when you havent used the generator for a long time. Trusted Source 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. Try to stay under that limit when plugging in new electrical devices that require huge start up watts to get going. Predator built the generator with a 2.6-gallon fuel tank, which provides a nice balance between runtime and compactness for the generator body. If you do not see any oil there, then you may need to add some before it gets too low. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. The generator wont start in these two situations. The problem may be something simple but why take the chance. Another issue could be overheating, which is common with this generator. I did try running it with the oil door removed and it made no difference. They have continued their work to improve and develop new versions of these generators. Loss percentage should be close. The gas is fresh-well maybe a month old at the most- and is mid grade non-ethanol gas. Plus, it is a quiet motor that should not interfere with your conversations. If the color is blue you are fine. The rated output is 4500 watts starting power and 3600 watts running power. 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. This is where information on how to fix an overloaded generator comes in because, without it, you cant get the device to run. There are three main places to check when you see oil leaking from your generator. In this situation, the inverter has failed and will need replacing. I can change the spark plug-a quick and easy job. Take a few minutes to get up to speed on these DIY fixes. If the battery has no power chances are the display wont light up. And thats true with the predator 3500 as well. Make sure the main power source has stable voltage and frequency. Your maintenance includes replacing the filters and fluids according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Hi everyone, I need a urgent response but my inverter is rated at 3000w(25amp) running, and 3500w(29.14amp) starting. If any equipment uses 120VAC, make sure the voltage is compatible. Generally, the change in sound is caused by the device trying to produce more power than its rated for to match the current needs of the household. Just keep in mind that its maximum wattage output is 2000 watts. This will ensure no interruption of service later on. You can easily do this by looking at the oil level on the dipstick of the generator. The worse case scenario would be that the head gasket has blown. Just make them nice and snug so that the oil cannot get out anymore. The warranty on this generator is only okay at best, though. While this can sometimes be difficult to find, it may be worth the extra expense of 100% gasoline when using the Predator3500. Because its an inverter generator, the Predator3500 is also able to connect in parallel to a second model. Understanding the wattage of this product is important. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The Predator 3500 is designed for smaller motorhomes and it cannot handle a lot of loads. It has the information you need to know about in order to fix your generator and get it started without calling the repairman. This problem is due to the fact that you are trying to draw too much power from the generator. i have been off the grid for a week so and just now getting caught up. Especially if you have no electronics experience or hate working around electricity. The noise definitely ratchets up as you draw more power from the engine, but it tops out around 65dB. Thanks to its oil door is ready for refilling. But because it is not a fold-down type, you cannot completely maximize the use of 4 wheels. Test the battery connection to see if there is any juice. It controls the voltage of the system and has the operation of the limit nearer to the steady state stability. For a reference, this puts the 3500 on the same noise level as a dishwasher or moderate rainfall. Theres a single 120-volt duplex for your standard appliance. We have tested the load for the various equipment she uses and it doesn't approach the 3000W continuous load limit. Continue with Recommended Cookies. We will deal with the generator wont start issues in a few minutes. If the drain plug cant be tightened, then you would need to replace it. (Solutions), Generator Making Popping Noises! Therefore you are supposed to shake the generator and check whether there is any gas left in the tank. Also, check your spark plug to make sure it is not fouled or damaged in any way. First, get a sufficiently powered machine that matches your use requirements. Sometimes it just pays to let the repairman handle these problems. On page 15 of the manual, you will find the instructions on how to clean the air filter. Meaning, Working Principle & Applications - Circuit Globe 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. Today we will take in-depth the predator 3500 generator overload problem, predator 3500 generators no spark, predator 3500 generators leaking oil, and more. This makes tracking a bit hard as you need to do it manually. The generator cannot have anything plugged into it when it is starting. Even more bizarrely for a generator that seems to have thought of everything else, theres no other carry handles on the top of the machine just another horizontal bar on the back. 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 norcold polar max draws 600 watts on electric. he also reported that you can find YouTube videos showing you how this can be done properly. This Generator has a power of 3500 watts and is a mid-sized quiet inverter generator. The most obvious possible problem would be that there is something wrong with the switch itself. Hank F.: Technician: An inverter is. According to most reviews, the YiYuanG Circuit Breakerworks well as a replacement breaker for Coleman Powermate gas generators if the one in your machine is damaged. It puts out just 57dB of noise at a 25% power load. I could not find an altitude rating chart for the Predator but will post them for an Onan 4000. Although, you should keep in mind that the overall power available in these vehicles is limited. The automatic shut-off lets you know when you need to add more fuel. Other frustrating moments of a generator that keeps shutting off is when you're camping, powering your RV, or . This is why we will be using this article to provide you with a list of issues that you can get on the Predator 3500 generator along with troubleshooting steps to fix them. Some modifications can be a reason to void the warranty, so you need an informed decision. Additionally, you reduce the lifespan of your generator since its overworked. Does a Predator 3500 Generator Charge Its Battery? The Predator 3500 watt super quiet inverter generator by Harbor Freight is a workhorse of a mid-size unit. Energuide That's where the makers need to make some changes or say modifications. This leads us to the third sign that your generator is overloaded. You should check the fuses as well before calling your service provider. When it comes to choosing a portable generator, power, noise, portability, and runtime always seem to be at odds with one another. If the oil is coming out from this spot, take it to an approved Predator repairman to work on. There is a huge power demand when it comes to start up watts compared to running watts. Considering this, you must look into all of these steps to ensure your problem is fixed. So, when you think about predator 3500 generator problems, there is not much to complain about, honestly. A Pop-Up Camper With Slide-Out Is the Answer. The advantage with this new tech is that the engine speed will not alter the phase of the generated power, the disadvantage is that now there is added complexity. When that happens the oil runs all over the place. Does the overload coincide with air conditioner startup? Is my situation so unique that no one has any thoughts or ideas? This may be a symptom of a carb that has been fed bad fuel. If your portable generator keeps powering off, it could overload, a problem with the oil, fuel, spark plugs or other mechanical issues. Theres no fuel gauge even on its digital display board, and this may be a problem for first-time buyers of a generator. Your email address will not be published. Thats where the makers need to make some changes or say modifications. On that note, for residential settings and places with tough level ground, the predator 3500 is still a strong option to contemplate on. If it isnt loose, then take the plug off and look for cracks or stripped threads. Nonetheless, older model generators dont have this feature built-in and will thus keep running and providing less power to each appliance. Given how solidly this engine seems to be built, we expected a slightly longer and more comprehensive warranty policy from Harbor Freight. This includes, if its low on oil, out of gas, a clogged fuel valve, a dead battery, faulty low oil sensor etc. Follow the manufacturers guidance on how much the machine can safely power. So, no hard feelings, just a bit of deep digging to be more aware of the purchase. Ensure enough water is in the radiator to keep the temperature down. This happens when you run it at zero load for a long time or leave it unused for almost as long. Unplug a few items from your electrical system. Information sub on all types of generators: home standby, Commercial, portable, RV, marine, etc. 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. Manufacturers indicate just how much power a generator can output, and you can find this information even before you buy a particular model. Pull the plug and clean it, if it can be cleaned. It will lose power if not used over a long period. When you see the white smoke, it means you have a more serious problem. However, given the adverse effects of running like this, modern Honda, Generac, and practically every other new generator model is fitted with an auto-shutoff feature that activates in case of an overload. What is Automatic Voltage Regulator? Propaneva.com. Although, keep in mind that some problems can be found on this device. This leads us to the third sign that your generator is overloaded. But if there is no place like this available in your vehicle then one recommendation is that you install a fan nearby your device. Also, a struggling generator engine will produce more heat when trying to keep up with the higher power demands. Talking about this, you should note that these devices require proper maintenance. Another thing to look at is the max amps the plug is on the gen. Meaning, Working Principle & Applications - Circuit Globe. It takes the fluctuates voltage and changes them into a constant voltage. You should buy the recommended engine oil for the inverter generator and top up. As such, running it like this can cause long-lasting and even permanent damage making the device unusable. The worst it will do is stop making power. Simply switching off some of these devices should help you in fixing the problem. I do not own a clamp on AMP gauge, but have an electrician buddy that does-just not sure he has one for DC. Repair tips, ratings and maintenance information available as well as recommendations on how to repair and safely operate a generator in an emergency. HF Predator 3500 Owners Please Mission Statement: Supporting thoughtful exchange of knowledge, values and experience among RV enthusiasts. Even though it is cheaper than other famous name brands for generators, it seems to work well and perform up to and beyond expectations. However, when it comes to gas engines, they may have to be replaced sooner due to wear and tear. All the solutions for the leaking fuel, motor dying and similar problems will work here as well. The solution is to clean the float bowl, the carb and make sure to get all the varnish, etc., out of the engine. If that is not an option, then you will need to use some carb cleaning fluid and use a soft brush to do some scrubbing. Your email address will not be published. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); OutdoorTag is reader-supported. Eco mode allows the Generator to run while saving fuel and getting enough power to run home or office appliances. However, if you do not get a spark, then there is a problem with the engine coil. The efficiency of the predator 3500 generators is excellent, and that will save you a lot of money in the long run. Modifications are not allowed but some people do not care and make them anyways as those modifications tend to make the machine run better. The cause of the problem is the float in the carb or float bowl is stuck and not moving to shut the gas feed off. To learn more about fixing different issues with your Predator generator, just continue to read our article. Learn more about these issues below: 1) Unstable electrical power supply. The result is melted internal components. If this happens then you should immediately think about diagnosing the fuel valve of your inverter generator. If that is your problem, then check the fuel tank. 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. Or perhaps there is no station close to your vacation spot. Turn the throttle knob into the start position; once it runs, flip it back. Cleaning the spark plug may help and replace the coil are two solutions. Once you have pulled the starter cord severally, the battery will regain some of its charge and the generator will start. (Data Link Troubleshooting), Does The Predator 3500 Have a Pull Start?, Why is My Predator 3500 Generator Surging?, Predator 3500 Electric Start Not Working, Why Does My Predator Generator Keep Dying?, Does The Predator 3500 Have An Oil Filter?, Does The Predator 3500 Have a Fuel Shut Off?, How to Clean Predator 3500 Spark Arrestor. 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. They are manufactured in China. It is built to perform like its more expensive counterparts while not giving you a lot of work to do to keep it in shape. The coolant tank should always be kept full as this running low can cause your generator to overheat. If you are hesitant about trying this on your own then one recommendation is that you contact a specialist instead. 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! Overloading your generator is completely avoidable, and heres how to do it. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The Predator 3500 has all the basic safety features you could want. If your generator is not starting, check your gas tank to make sure it doesn't need any more gas. However, the numbers are quite spot on, so some scores here. This company offers products at affordable prices but sometimes low-quality. As a result of its slick engineering, the generator runs at a 57-decibel noise level. But that is not the main source for starting this unit. Some people have a different style of maintenance. It allows you to easily switch between monitoring your wattage draw and the remaining runtime based on your fuel consumption. Thanks for the thoughts guys. Just open the bowl drain and turn on the front panel fuel switch and give the fuel bowl a good flush. 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. This is good if youre on flat ground, since the front wheels essentially allow you to steer the generator as you push it around. One owner said he drilled a few holes in the battery cover, the sides of the case, and the oil door. 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. Your device will be running a lot hotter than usual, and the incorporated cooling fans will be unable to keep up. Yes, the Generators battery is charged internally. 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. Or at least run some carb cleaner through the engine regularly. 3) Excessive heat. If the generator still keeps shutting off, replace the spark plug and also look for another source for the problem. Required fields are marked *. Subscribe to our e-newsletter today. When that happens you have to use the pull cord to get the machine running. What Spark Plug Does a Predator 2000 Generator Take? Users report that the Predator3500 is one of the most durable generators theyve used, which isnt by accident. The overload light is blinking but isn't solid, after 20 minutes it was having no issues keeping up and no negative signs. Sometimes theres an indicator light to show the machine is overloaded or the breaker has been tripped. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. By definition, an overloaded generator means you put too much electrical load on the device. And once being used to this, you wont be complaining much or missing out on the fuel gauge feature. Your genny is only capable of about 30 amps. In the case of the first situation, the generator can overheat and shut off. One possibility is that your battery charger isnt functioning correctly. Nevertheless, if you can confirm that it was indeed an overload, you can restart the generator. This won't show up on a clamp on ammeter. So, that horizontal bar over the outlet panel is your only option for picking it up. The first thing we would want you to know about is the run time amount for each tank with enough fuel. If it starts to reach the maximum limit, turn it off immediately and move it to a cooler location if possible. After checking and repairing all connections, ensure theres nothing wrong with the fuse box. Then it could be that your carb is running too lean. Hopefully your generator is working properly. Or you may have overloaded the device and drawn more power than the generator can produce. Although, if these do not work for you. Also, check on the condition of the breakers and fuses youre using from time to time. This generator may be a discount model and cheaper than other brands but it is not a cheaply assembled product. All have no spark to engine. One example that users and reviewers recommend is the Generac 7678 GP3600 because it has proven reliable for home use in case of a power outage. 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. However, if you dont have enough information by the time you buy the device, an overload can happen at any time. The engine wants to run freely with no strain under reasonable load. , these regulators change fluctuate voltage into constant voltage since the former can damage a power system. The easiest way to clean this part is to replace it with a new one. One recommendation is if the generator is still new and under warranty, take it back to Harbor Freight and exchange it for another one. The standard oil viscosity runs between 0, 5, 15 W 40, and also 10W 3O, the brand should not matter. In non eco mode the generator seems to have the same behavior but is masked by . So, when you are looking for a generator, you want to be sure it has the best specifications and perfectly suits your needs. No power in the battery means no electricity for the electrical parts. Most of the reviews out there are about its good and positive notes. www.energuide.be When it comes to ease of use, Predator seems to have thought of everything for this 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. Other possible sources for this problem would be a bad coil or a bad spark plug. The Predator 3500 is meant to be an ultra-quiet model suitable for use at outdoor parties without raising the ire of partiers. If neither of these solutions work, check the oil because if the level is too low, it triggers the sensor and shuts the unit off. And maybe that ended up making you come across one very famous option, the Predator 3500-watt generator. How do I check the oil level of the Predator 3500 Inverter generator? This is a low-maintenance generator. This could be just about anything that went wrong with the unit. another problem could be that the fuel line is plugged with debris. In that case, any damage is your own responsibility. Help would be appreciated. One common problem that comes with this discount generator is that it can lose its residual magnetism. make sure it has good airflow. I need to check the AMP rating on the plugs and will report back on that. Importantly, the Predator3500 features an ESC throttle switch that increases fuel efficiency. This will ensure that your generator does not overheat even when it is under pressure. Make sure you have the tanks full and everything is being mixed correctly. This is because fresh gas will reduce the chances of the generator switching on with a hard start. There are some common reasons why your generator keeps turning off, and the first thing to check is the wiring. Spartan Chassis vs Freightliner: Whats The Difference? 3. But because we love to have stuff with more user-friendliness, this pretty easy inclusion to make it pulled along is quite a hard starting point. Its also worth noting that the generator doesnt come with any fluids inside it. Circuit Globe 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. Compare to. However, this is not something you should do on your own. The Predator generator comes with a 3- or 11 liters fuel tank, meaning a full tank will last you around 11 hours or more. Notably, generators arent supposed to run with no load since they produce power that has nowhere to go. Carlisle Radial Trail HD vs Goodyear Endurance: Which One? Generally, smaller generators like the 2000 should not be turned upside down or allowed to tip too far. 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. that way you will know if you can repair the problem in a matter of a minute or two. circuitglobe.com As you have seen, there are a number of reasons that may make the Predator 3500 Inverter generator to refuse to start. You should manually start the generator by pulling the starter cord. Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on iRV2. Refuel it with fresh gas. This is a situation where you simply have too many electrical devices plugged into the generator. When this happens it means that something is jamming the float operation. While producing up to 3,000watts of power, a switchable ESC throttle allows it to keep fuel efficiency as high as possible. This is a fuel and carb problem. If it is too low, make sure to add some in. Thats ideal given that this generator is the perfect size and power capacity for a lot of medium-sized RVs. I did an up-performance on my PREDATOR 3500 by changing the factory 4 wheels for 4 HEAVY-RUBBER-STEEL WHEELS (8 1/2 INCH) with which I have a greater range of off-road movement, in addition to a HEAVY-WEIGHT HANDLE TELESCOPIC PULLING to be able to move it without much effort, in addition to changing the ORIGINAL PLASTIC OIL REFILL PLUG for an ALUMINUM REFILL PLUG WITH MAGNETIC TIP to be able to catch all the dirt remains in the chamber in addition to doing OIL CHANGE after each I use to extend its useful life and I have no complaints like others who seem total nonconformists. When you are at 25% of load, the noise level seems to be quite tolerable. You will have to remove the oil cap and the drain plug in order to get the proper flow needed to get all the oil out. But if the interest of giving it a try to propane comes to your mind, know its possible with some limitations. On top of that, noise isnt a problem with the Predator3500 its one of the quietest 3,000-watt generators weve come across. (Tips To Run Smoother), Finding a Generator Mount For Travel Trailer (5 Ideas), Onan 4000 Generator Oil Type, Oil Capacity, and Oil Filter, Troubleshooting Predator 2000 Generator Problems (Wont Start), Can You Turbo a Ford V10? A quick check saves you on embarrassment at the repair shop. 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. Also, a struggling generator engine will produce more heat when trying to keep up with the higher power demands. With most stuff, no matter what use, this one thing is always common. 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.. Balancing pros and cons will make you more competent in making a value-providing decision by the end. Ethanol is not good fuel to use in a generator. That is a good deal especially since the Predator model is said to be very quiet and performs beyond expectations. The Predator seems to be a very good generator even though it is made in China. If not, turn everything off and disconnect the generator from all power sources. 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. This is why you have to make sure that your motorhomes batteries do not run out.
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