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A lot of people go for prevalent brands when buying a generator because they believe that regardless of the problem they face, there will be a solution for it at a low cost. The same goes for generator owners using Pulsar generators.
Whether you are using Generac, Honda, or Cummins generators, your generator is determined to develop some problems or faults at different intervals.
What makes each generator stand out from the others is the cost of repairs, the cost of parts, and how available the parts are in your environment.
With that being said, I’m sure you can use your Pulsar generator in any way you want, whether it’s for your home or business. But it’s important you know the common problems pulsar generators have and how you can diagnose and fix them yourself or with the assistance of a professional.
Some of the common pulse generator problems you might encounter include:
- The generator won’t start or find it hard to start.
- The generator starts and, after some time, dies.
- The generator is leaking gas and oil.
Therefore, in this blog post, I will explain what causes these problems, how to identify and troubleshoot them, and how to fix them. Note that this is going to be a long read. Please stay tuned and read till the end.
Common Pulsar Generator Problems: Causes and Solutions
Problem 1: Pulsar Generator Won’t Start or Find It Hard To Start
One of the common problems with generators, and not only with Pulsar generators, is that the generator won’t start or finds it hard to start.
This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, such as the fuel system or the ignition system.
The fuel system includes the air filter, carburetor, fuel, fuel line, fuel filter, choke, etc. While the ignition system includes the spark plug, ignition switch, starter recoil, starter solenoid, engine valve, etc.
While these two identified problems can cause your generator not to start, here’s how you can know whether it’s the fuel system at fault or the ignition system.
For the ignition system, you won’t notice your engine turning. For instance, if your ignition switch is turned off, there’s no way the engine will move; the same goes for the spark plug.
In most cases, we get confused at this stage, especially when the engine valve is faulty or the oil is low, which can also cause the generator not to start.
Now, after a little explanation of what can cause your pulse generator not to start, let’s look into these causes and their solutions.
| Cause | Reasons for the Problem | Solutions |
| Ignition Switch | The ignition switch is the on/off switch of the generator. It might cause the generator not to start if it’s faulty or not in the ON position. | Check if the switch is faulty or damaged. If it is, bypass the switch or replace it. If it’s not faulty, ensure you put it in the ON position when starting your generator. |
| Spark Plug | Maybe the spark plug is fouled with oil or carbon, it’s damaged, or the gap is too large for the generator. | Check the spark plug to see if it’s damaged or fouled. If it isn’t, clean the spark plug or replace it with a new one if it is damaged. |
| Old fuel or a dirty tank | Old fuel doesn’t have the power to start a generator, especially if it has been stored for a long time. Additionally, the same goes if the tank is damaged or dirty because it will eventually affect the fuel system. | Check the fuel tank to see if it is damaged or dirty. If it is, wash the tank or replace it with a new one. Additionally, fill the tank with fresh fuel and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from going bad. |
| Ignition System | The ignition system, such as the starter solenoid, starter recoil, valve clearance, battery if your generator has one, and spark plug wire, can cause the generator not to start. | Diagnose the generator ignition; if you find any fault, call a professional for assistance. |
| Carburetor and its Choke | If the carburetor is dirty or clogged, it will stop the generator from starting. The same goes if the choke is not in the proper position, depending on the generator temperature. | Check the carburetor; if it’s dirty or clogged, clean and service the generator. For the choke, if it has been a while, you start the generator and put it in the closed position. But if it hasn’t been long for at least 10 minutes, you can leave it open. |
| Fuel Line and Fuel Filter | The fuel line and the fuel filter are clogged and dirty, restricting healthy fuel from entering the carburetor. | Check and replace the fuel filter and the fuel lines if they are clogged or dirty. |
| Air Filter | The air filter is clogged and dirty, restricting healthy air from entering the generator. | Replace or clean the air filter. |
Problem 2: Pulsar Generator Starts and Dies After a While
If your generator is experiencing minor issues, it may start but then die immediately. This can occur even if it hasn’t reached the point of not starting altogether. The factors I explained earlier that prevent your generator from starting can also cause this problem.
What can you do best in this situation since there are the same factors? For me, I will diagnose the generator, ignition system, oil, and oil pressure switch, as well as my fuel system.
For instance, if the ignition system is faulty, such as the spark plug, valve clearance, ignition switch wire, or spark plug wire, it can cause this issue. The best you can do is to fix it immediately.
Secondly, the oil can also cause your Pulsar generator not to start, especially if it’s low and your generator comes with a low oil pressure switch because, from my experience working on generators, not all generators come with it.
But in cases where your generator oil is filled but the problem persists that the oil is low (you can find out on the generator dashboard where there is a red light indicating low oil), I will suggest you bypass the switch, or better yet, change it.
Lastly, if the fuel system is faulty, for instance, if the air filter is clogged, the carburetor is clogged, the fuel link is clogged, etc., enough fuel and air won’t be able to enter the generator, and there will be slow combustion, causing the engine to run rich and eventually die.
Other causes might include the generator muffler, the load you are powering, your transfer switch or extension cord, etc.
To fix these issues, ensure you diagnose each problem, fix or replace anything faulty you find, or, better yet, ask for professional assistance.
RECOMMENDED READ:- How to Clean Generator Air Filter in 8 Simple Ways +Video
Problem 3: Pulsar Generator Leaking Oil and Gas
The third common problem every owner of a Pulsar generator faces is leaking oil and gas. But this just doesn’t happen; there must be something that caused it, like when the generator is not used with care and lacks maintenance.
For instance, the generator might be leaking gas if there is a crack or a hole in the fuel tank, the tank is overfilled, the fuel lines, the carburetor overflows or gets damaged, or the gas cap gets damaged.
The same goes for oil leaking from the generator. If the oil crankcase is cracked, the oil is overfilled, or the engine oil seals and gaskets are faulty, you will eventually encounter oil leakage from your Pulsar generator.
What you should do in this case to solve this problem is diagnose the generator, replace it, and fix all faulty parts—either the cracked crankcase, the engine oil seals, the fuel tank, the carburetor, etc.
RECOMMENDED READ:- How to Fix a Generator Oil Leak in 7 Easy Steps
Final Words
Yes, we all know that pulse generator problems can be frustrating and inconvenient, but they can be solved with some simple troubleshooting and fixing steps.
These are not the only issues you may face with the generator. The term “common” means to me that they are issues experienced by the majority of owners.
Even if you manage to solve the current issue, it doesn’t guarantee that you won’t face the problems mentioned in this article.
However, by ensuring proper maintenance and using the correct oil, the probability of encountering these issues can be significantly reduced.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.
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