As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect the price you pay or the quality of the products you buy. For more information, please read the full affiliate disclosure here.
At times, when it comes to generator spark plugs becoming faulty, they can be so frustrating that you might have wondered what makes you buy one.
In this case, you might have also tried all you could, but you don’t truly know if it’s the plug that’s the issue or not.
Hence, to avoid stressing yourself, in this article I’ll show you how you can fix the generator plug yourself.
And, I’ll not only show you how to fix it yourself, but I’ll also show you signs that your generator plug has issues and some basic ways to help diagnose the problems. Let’s get started.
Also Read: What Type Of Spark Plug For Honda Generator EU2200i
Symptoms of a Faulty Generator Spark Plug
If your generator is showing some signs of trouble and you don’t know if it’s because of a faulty plug or not, here’s how you can find out about that.
- Your generator will not start, and even if it does, it will not work properly. One of the common signs of a faulty plug is the generator not starting when it should. At this period, when it now mistakenly starts, it will not even work as it should. It will just jerk off and eventually go off when all appliances are put on.
- Your generator will produce less power; as I said, it will go off when the load increases. This is because, as the plug is faulty, it won’t be able to produce the normal power rate to make the generator work fine.
- Your generator will be shooting from its exhaust: When your plug is bad, your generator will be shooting from its exhaust like a gun, especially when you first want to put it on after a while.
YOU CAN ALSO READ: Why Is Your Generator Making Weird Noise? Causes and solutions
Troubleshooting Tips: Steps to Diagnose the Generator Plug Problem
So, before you can suggest that your generator plug is the cause of the symptoms mentioned above, you will need to diagnose the problem with your generator.
Hence, here are a few things you can do to know if you truly need to fix your generator plug.
Step 1: Check the fuel level.
The first thing to check when troubleshooting or diagnosing a generator with a faulty plug is the fuel level of the generator.
If the generator fuel tank is empty or low, this may be the cause of your generator not starting or working unusually, and not the plug. Hence, you will have to make sure the tank of your generator is filled with fresh fuel.
Step 2: Check the oil level of your generator.
A low oil level can also indicate problems with your generator, such as making noise or not even working properly. And for some generators, if the oil level is too high, it might be killing the plug, making the generator not work effectively.
Hence, you must make sure the oil level of your generator is at the correct level, and the oil should also be clean and not overdue for changing.
Step 3: Check your generator filter.
The next thing you can do is check the clogged fuel filter of your generator by making sure it is clean and there’s a free passage of fuel from the tank.
However, you shouldn’t only check the filter at the clogged part; you should also check out the filter at the carburetor to see if it’s dusty and dirty. If it is, wash it with some fuel.
For more information on checking your generator filter, read this article How to Clean Generator Fuel Filter in 8 Simple Ways
Step 4: Check for loose or damaged components.
Another step is that you should thoroughly inspect your generator for any loose or damaged components that could be causing issues. This may include a damaged fuel line or even a loose belt or bolt on the generator.
Step 5: Check your generator’s switch.
Your generator’s switch is responsible for turning the generator on and off. And if the switch is not functioning properly, the generator may not start or shut off properly when needed. It might even be shooting.
Hence, you have to make sure you check the switch on the generator to see if it’s in good working order.
Step 6: Check the Spark Plug
Lastly, you should check the generator spark plug because it’s responsible for igniting the fuel in the engine. And if it’s faulty or not functioning properly, the generator will not even start or will start but not power necessary appliances.
Hence, check the spark plug and make sure it’s in good condition and properly tightened.
How to Fix a Generator Spark Plug
So, you’ve diagnosed the problem with your generator, and you’ve found out that it’s the generator spark plug that has some issues.
Hence, here are a few ways to fix your generator plug:
- Firstly, you shut off the generator and unplug it from the outlet.
- Secondly, locate the spark plug. This is usually located near the top of the engine.
- Use a spark plug wrench to remove the spark plug from the engine.
- Obtain a new spark plug that is compatible with your generator.
- Lastly, install the new spark plug according to the manufacturer’s instructions. And once the spark plug is installed, start the generator and test it to make sure it is running smoothly.
How to Maintain Your Generator and Prevent It from Getting Future Spark Plug Problems
I know you will not want a generator plug to easily develop faults in the future, so there’s a need for you to know how you can maintain your generator and prevent it from developing plug-related problems.
Therefore, here are a few ways you can prevent it from happening again.
1. Regularly check and replace the spark plugs.
If there isn’t an active spark plug on your generator, then there’s no way your generator can work efficiently. So, to avoid your spark plug from getting weak, ensure you regularly check if it’s in order and replace it when needed.
2. Always keep fresh fuel in your generator’s tank.
Do you know that old and low-quality fuel can cause a lot of problems with your generator? And to prevent that from happening, always make sure you use fresh, high-quality fuel to help prevent unpredictable problems with your generator.
3. Use a fuel stabilizer.
If you won’t be using your generator for a long period, you should consider adding a fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank. This is because it will help prevent the fuel in the tank from deteriorating when it is not in use anymore.
4. Always perform regular generator maintenance.
Maintaining your generator is always crucial to keep it in good working order. So, when maintaining the generator, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintaining your generator, including checking and replacing the old air filter, cleaning the carburetor, and also checking for loose or damaged components.
5. Store the generator properly.
Lastly, sometimes you will want to store the generator for a long period. And when this happens, always make sure you store the generator in a dry, well-ventilated area. This helps prevent moisture from accumulating.
Conclusion
Whenever your generator starts developing spark plug problems, it can be frustrating and tiring. But, when it starts, always make sure you follow the available tips I listed above.
However, if you have tried all you can but still can’t diagnose the problem with your generator, it will be great if you contact a professional who can help in diagnosing the generator problem to know if the spark plug has developed a fault and needs changing or not.
