The decibel rating at 25% is only 57 but as you go higher so do those decibels. Learn more about these issues below: 1) Unstable electrical power supply. Another source would be a fouled spark plug. With the built-in low oil alert, you are told when you need to add more oil. Check your setting to make sure you placed it in the right position. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Is it safe to keep it running a little above it's rating, but below its peak? When your display doesn't light up, and after checking those possibilities, call in a repairman to troubleshoot the problem. Turn the throttle knob into the start position; once it runs, flip it back. You will need to clean out the debris, flush the float bowl, clean the carb and replace any old gas with new gas. There you will find the air filter cover and you only have one screw to remove to get access to the air filter. A Pop-Up Camper With Slide-Out Is the Answer. There is an automatic low oil monitor which will keep the generator from starting if the oil level is too low. Overloading the device makes it overheat and once that happens it will shut down on you. By that, we mean that you can get these top Predator generators for about half the price of a Honda or other top generator-making brand. I would really expect this to be smooth idle. It would be best to break-in the generator properly and not over load it or lug it down on the many ac starts it would incur if you run the ac. Nonetheless, older model generators dont have this feature built-in and will thus keep running and providing less power to each appliance. Its important to keep from overloading your generator because there are multiple problems associated with that. However, this is not something you should do on your own. The automatic voltage regulator is used to regulate the voltage. The only way to do this is to connect more appliances than your device can handle. All rights reserved. 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. Some modifications can be a reason to void the warranty, so you need an informed decision. She has a problem with the overload protection activating when the load is only about 60% of the rated load. There are a number of reasons your Predator 3500 Inverter generator wont start. Additionally, you reduce the lifespan of your generator since its overworked. another problem could be that the fuel line is plugged with debris. This will cut off the fuel supply and cause your generator to surge. Other than that, it is a standard oil changing process that you do on any other machine. However, the numbers are quite spot on, so some scores here. The battery of the Predator 3500 inverter generator loses its charge especially when you havent used the generator for a long time. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 1 4 comments Best Add a Comment MrFixemall 1 yr. ago The worst it will do is stop making power. Once the device is back on, you reconnect your appliances one at a time while observing for signs of an overload. But that is not the main source for starting this unit. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The fact that it wont start is due to another important part down the line. Or perhaps there is no station close to your vacation spot. The troubleshooting process is the same as what we highlighted above. 1999 - 2023. The final common problem will be generator failure. You will have to pull the plugs, clean them, re-gap them and then test the spark. Oil can be like water and follow the easiest trail out of the engine. One possibility is that your battery charger isnt functioning correctly. 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. Any updates as to what you found? 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. Trusted Source Modern generators, as we mentioned above, have circuit breakers for this eventuality. You should change the oil after the first 20 hours of use then every 100 hours after that. Is it safe to keep it running a little above it's rating, but below its peak? If it starts to reach the maximum limit, turn it off immediately and move it to a cooler location if possible. The owners manual has this information as well. Therefore, using this Inverter generator also enables you to save on fuel costs as it consumes less fuel than most of its competitors. Once done, you have to ensure that these are all removed properly before you refill the tank with fuel. Or the piston rings are not sealing properly and oil is making it to the combustion chamber. It is a portable unit with built-in wheels and handles for moving. A clamp on amp meter would verify if the draw on the generator is more than allowable. When it comes to choosing a portable generator, power, noise, portability, and runtime always seem to be at odds with one another. All the solutions for the leaking fuel, motor dying and similar problems will work here as well. Notably, generators arent supposed to run with no load since they produce power that has nowhere to go. Actually its no wonder that this mdoel is considered to be one of the best Predator generators in a whole. Generator is overloaded with nothing plugged in. Your email address will not be published. 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. The worst it will do is stop making power. If you do not want to clean, you can always buy a new air filter. Soak the filter in lightweight oil. You never know and when you are not an expert on engines, it is best to leave this issue to the professionals. Buying two of these generators isnt cheap, but its a far more economical option than buying a 7,000-watt generator if you already own one Predator generator. , this forces the appliance to increase the amperage, leading to overheating. Why The Predator 3500 Eco Mode Is Not Working? We have done many searches and the closest wiring diagram that pops up is for the Harbor Freight Predator 3500. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The recommended fuel type to be used by the generator is normally indicated on the user manual. But because it is not a fold-down type, you cannot completely maximize the use of 4 wheels. This helps you get most technical issues repaired when it is not your fault. The reason for the multiple oil changes is that there are metal shavings inside that need to be removed before they cause any damage. The battery is there to operate the electronic starting mechanism. Plus, the switch is easy to toggle on and off as needed. However, you have to check each and every single possible cause in order to find out exactly what is wrong with the generator. Also, if it overheats enough, theres the risk of a fire. We have tested the load for the various equipment she uses and it doesn't approach the 3000W continuous load limit. This includes having access to lots of storage that you can keep all your equipment in. The way to avoid this issue is to properly drain the float bowl, a part many people forget to check and empty, then store the generator. Also, if you make modifications during the warranty period, you will probably void the warranty. No matter how good your generator is, if you do not keep it clean then there is a high chance that it will start running into issues. If it is too low, make sure to add some in. No matter which way you approach it, moving this generator around on the wheels feels awkward. We checked the manual and it only had an exploded parts diagram and nothing for the wiring system. Even at peak capacity it remains 3,500 watts. This means that you dont have to bother ripping a pull-cord starter, which is really nice when starting the generator from cold. Ever since then it hasnt cut on Ive tried everything honestly hopefully I will get some help here. The automatic voltage regulator works on the principle of detection of errors. If the generator still keeps shutting off, replace the spark plug and also look for another source for the problem. How do I check the oil level of the Predator 3500 Inverter generator? Finally, another problem that you can run into is that your generator is not starting. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Importantly, users agree the Predator 3500 is a much-loved generator for those who find themselves needing more power than a typical 2,000-watt generator can provide, but who also want to stick with inverted power. Hank F.: Technician: If the Over Load light is staying on, and nothing is plugged in to the genset, it means that the inverter is bad, and needs to be replaced. This is why a breaker is almost always included in new generator models. Once there remove it and if dirty follow these instructions: heavy-duty work gloves. To sweeten the deal even more, the Predator3500 costs just $800 a steal by any measures. Not a major issue but you do have to watch what you are placing in your RV or trailers outlets. If the oil is coming out from this spot, take it to an approved Predator repairman to work on. Required fields are marked *. Or at least run some carb cleaner through the engine regularly. Your device will be running a lot hotter than usual, and the incorporated cooling fans will be unable to keep up. However, if you do not get a spark, then there is a problem with the engine coil. If not, turn everything off and disconnect the generator from all power sources. This can frustrate you, especially when you are running it as an emergency power source at home. The second place to look would be the engine case. If oil is low, you should buy the recommended engine oil for the Predator 3500 Inverter generator and top it up until the recommended level. But if the interest of giving it a try to propane comes to your mind, know its possible with some limitations. Take a few minutes to get up to speed on these DIY fixes. Hopefully your generator is working properly. Regular checks will help you avoid that frustrating feeling when the generator doesn't start. Another issue that many people complain about on their generator is that it is overheating. The predator 3500 generator typically overloads due to exposure to excessive heat or overuse. You should manually start the generator by pulling the starter cord. The handle is not hard to grasp when inside this pocket and should be easy to pull as well. So, that horizontal bar over the outlet panel is your only option for picking it up. Help would be appreciated. In case of a power failure or a mains power outage, some devices and appliances will malfunction. They have all the parts and tools to repair quickly. And this may be nothing for some but bad news to a few. To learn more about this generator, just continue to read our article. Your A/C could draw as much as 40 amps momentarily on start up. The warranty on this generator is only okay at best, though. 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. Energuide These extra holes allow for better airflow and keep the engine nice and cool. Youll probably want to bring a surge strip to use with the generator, too, since only having two 120-volt outlets can be pretty limiting. Showing how to fix the generator overload #predator3500 #step by step And one is the fear of voiding the warranty. This generator's windings are connected to a rectifier which is fed into the inverter, which in turn generates the 110V output desired. That would require opening up your walls to find where the problem is coming from. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. When you are at 25% of load, the noise level seems to be quite tolerable. 4. You should then clean the fuel line thats clogged up and plug it back in the generator. For specific details, make sure to read your owners manual on how to start this generator. 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. The link to the instructions at Harbor Freight is found at this link. Just open the bowl drain and turn on the front panel fuel switch and give the fuel bowl a good flush. Additionally, you can even use electrical appliances while you are traveling. Download The Predator 2000 Generator Manual. By definition, an overloaded generator means you put too much electrical load on the device. I'm gonna need to run something for 3 hours that pulls 27 amps. Thanks for the thoughts guys. I don't really understand what you're saying but I'll throw out some advice based on an educated guess. Also you are losing almost 30% of the generator engine power at 7000 ft elevation. But otherwise, its going to be just a weekend-only kind of option. That said, you only do this if your overload indicator light stays off. Checked oil level, and used spark Small Engine Ask an Expert Car Questions Small Engine Troubleshooting This answer was rated: Have 5 Predator 3500 Inverter/Generators in for repair. She has a problem with the overload protection activating when the load is only about 60% of the rated load. Just keep in mind that its maximum wattage output is 2000 watts. Okay, it's not perfect, run at a full load the Honda is possibly quieter. But you are overloading it and it will get hot and stop working till it cools. The first thing that you can look out for is the coolant levels on your device. Other frustrating moments of a generator that keeps shutting off is when you're camping, powering your RV, or . Hank F.: Technician: An inverter is. 3. Meaning, Working Principle & Applications - Circuit Globe. Additionally, a faulty or broken circuit could be the culprit, so you may need to look over the circuit board. Its reliable with no output issues or disturbance, and youll get the most out of the fuel tank. Predator built the generator with a 2.6-gallon fuel tank, which provides a nice balance between runtime and compactness for the generator body. there is nothing you can do about this issue either. Energuide. The Predator also doesn't have a fuel gauge and its small wheels make it a little difficult to move around. Why Is My Generator Sputtering? The problem may be something simple but why take the chance. Also, a struggling generator engine will produce more heat when trying to keep up with the higher power demands. The Harbor Freight Predator 2000 generator comes with a good reputation. Fortunately, we give in-depth details of how to troubleshoot and fix the problem below. This is a low-maintenance generator. Note that there is also a pull-cord on this generator, so if the battery dies, you will have a way to start the generator. However, if you start to raise the power production, you will experience a lot more noise. Thankfully, damage can be largely avoided. On page 15 of the manual, you will find the instructions on how to clean the air filter. To fix this problem, just hook it up to a 12-volt battery. So, if you ignore or dont notice the warning lights, the generator will automatically turn itself off to protect the engine and your electronics. I'm not sure I could pull start it if I had to when it gets below mid teens. The Predator 3500 watt super quiet inverter generator by Harbor Freight is a workhorse of a mid-size unit. You should buy the recommended engine oil for the inverter generator and top up. However, you shouldnt panic when you wake up one morning and the generator refuses to start. The Predator 3500 has all the basic safety features you could want. The fuel valve basically controls how gas flows from the fuel tank to the carburetor therefore, it prevents the generator from starting once it stops working efficiently. This generator promises features like electric start and continuous 3,000-watt power, all while keeping noise under 60dB and weight under 100pounds. Dont press too hard though as you do not want to damage the part. This inverter generator will not start if there is an insufficient amount of gas in the tank. Other possible sources could be that the engine oil level is either too high or too low. It is important to clean this part often in order to avoid major damage other than starting a fire. If it turns back on after the reset, it means your generator has issues, and you need a professionals help to fix them. Predator inverter generator power issues Mission Statement: Supporting thoughtful exchange of knowledge, values and experience among RV enthusiasts. This is a fix you cannot do if you are under warranty. 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