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If you own a Pulsar generator, you may have experienced a frustrating problem: your generator starts normally but then shuts off shortly after, leaving you without power.
This can happen at the most inconvenient times, such as during a camping trip, a power outage, or a home improvement project.
What causes this problem, and how can you fix it?
In this article, we will explain the common reasons why a Pulsar generator starts and then dies and the simple solutions that you can try to get it running again.
Let’s get started!
In the meantime, check out some other articles on Generator Hacks about Pulsar generators:
Common Reasons Why Your Pulsar Generator Starts and Then Dies
Here are some of the common reasons why your Pulsar generator starts and dies after a few minutes. After this table, we’ll go on and explain why they happen and how you can fix them.
| Causes | Effects | Solutions |
| Empty fuel tank | The generator runs out of gas and shuts off. | Fill the tank with fresh fuel and check for leaks. |
| Old or bad fuel | Fuel degrades, clogs the fuel system, and damages the engine. | Drain the tank and fill it with fresh fuel with a stabilizer or additive. |
| Clogged fuel filter | Fuel flow to the engine is restricted. | Replace or clean the fuel filter. |
| Clogged fuel line | Fuel flow to the carburetor is restricted. | Clear or replace the fuel line |
| Dirty or faulty carburetor | The fuel-air mixture is affected, and engine performance is reduced. | Clean or replace the carburetor, and adjust the settings. |
| Wrong choke setting | The engine is flooded with too much or too little fuel. | Adjust the choke according to the engine temperature. |
| Clogged air filter | Airflow to the engine is restricted. | Replace or clean the air filter. |
| Bad or loose gas cap | Fuel leaks or vacuums are created in the tank. | Tighten or replace the gas cap. |
| Dirty or faulty spark plug | Spark quality and timing are affected, and the engine stalls. | Clean or replace the spark plug, and check the gap. |
| Faulty ignition coil | Voltage output and quality are affected, and the engine stalls. | Test and replace the ignition coil. |
| Low engine oil level | The engine overheats and damages the internal components. | Check and add more oil if needed, and change it if it is dirty. |
Now, let’s explain further:
Problem 1: Empty Fuel Tank
The first and most obvious thing to check is whether your generator has enough fuel in the tank. If the fuel level is too low, the generator may start but then run out of gas and shut off. This can happen if you forget to refill the tank or if there is a fuel leak somewhere in the system.
Solution
Make sure the generator is placed on a flat surface, and check the fuel gauge to see how much gas is left. If the tank is empty or near empty, fill it up with fresh fuel. Also, inspect the fuel lines, hoses, and tank for any signs of leakage, and repair or replace them if needed.
Problem 2: Old or Bad Fuel
Another fuel-related issue that can cause your generator to start and then die is when the fuel is old or contaminated. Fuel can degrade over time, especially if it contains ethanol, which can attract moisture and form a varnish-like substance that clogs the fuel system and damages the engine components. Old or bad fuel can also reduce the efficiency and performance of your generator, making it harder to start and run smoothly.
Solution
Drain the fuel tank completely, and dispose of the old or bad fuel safely. Fill the tank with fresh fuel, preferably with a minimum octane rating of 87 and a maximum ethanol content of 10%. You can also add a fuel stabilizer or additive, such as Sea Foam, to prevent the fuel from breaking down and keep the fuel system clean.
ALSO READ:- Can You Dump Old Gas on the Ground?
Problem 3: Clogged Fuel Filter
The fuel filter is a small component that filters out any dirt, debris, or water that may be present in the fuel. This prevents the fuel from contaminating the carburetor and the engine. However, over time, the fuel filter can get clogged with impurities and restrict the flow of fuel to the engine. This can cause the generator to start and then die, as the engine is starved of fuel.
Solution
Locate the fuel filter, which is usually attached to the fuel line near the tank. Remove the fuel filter and inspect it for any signs of clogging or damage. If the filter is dirty or worn out, replace it with a new one. You can also clean the filter by blowing compressed air through it or soaking it in a solvent, but this is not recommended as it may damage the filter.
For more information on cleaning generator fuel filter, here’s How to Clean Generator Fuel Filter in 8 simple ways with video guide.
Problem 4: Clogged Fuel Line
The fuel line is the hose that connects the fuel tank to the carburetor. It delivers the fuel to the engine, where it is mixed with air and burned to produce power. However, the fuel line can also get clogged with dirt, debris, or varnish, especially if the fuel is old or bad. This can prevent the fuel from reaching the carburetor and cause the generator to start and then die.
Solution
Disconnect the fuel line from the tank and the carburetor, and inspect it for any blockages or cracks. If the line is clogged, you can try to clear it by blowing compressed air through it or by using a thin wire to poke through it. If the line is damaged, replace it with a new one.
Problem 5: Dirty or Faulty Carburetor
The carburetor is the part of the engine that mixes the fuel and air in the right proportion and delivers them to the combustion chamber. The carburetor has several small jets and passages that regulate the flow of fuel and air, as well as a float bowl that stores the fuel. However, the carburetor can get dirty or faulty due to various reasons, such as old or bad fuel, dirt, debris, water, or corrosion. This can affect the performance and efficiency of the engine and cause the generator to start and then die.
Solution
Remove the carburetor from the engine and disassemble it carefully. Clean the carburetor with a carburetor cleaner spray and a soft brush or cloth. Pay attention to the jets and passages, and make sure they are clear of any dirt or varnish. You can also use a thin wire or a needle to poke through them. Reassemble the carburetor and reinstall it on the engine. You may also need to adjust the carburetor settings, such as the idle speed and the fuel-air mixture, to ensure optimal performance.
ALSO READ:- How to Stop Fuel Leaking from Carburetor in 8 Steps + Video
Problem 6: Wrong Choke Setting
The choke is a lever or knob that controls the amount of air that enters the carburetor. The choke is used to enrich the fuel-air mixture when the engine is cold and make it easier to start. However, if the choke is set to the wrong position, it can affect the engine performance and cause the generator to start and then die. For example, if the choke is left on when the engine is warm, it can flood the engine with too much fuel and make it stall.
Solution
Check the choke setting, and make sure it is appropriate for the engine temperature. Generally, you should set the choke to the closed or half-closed position when the engine is cold and open it gradually as the engine warms up. You can also refer to the owner’s manual for the recommended choke settings for your Pulsar generator model.
Problem 7: Clogged Air Filter
The air filter is a component that filters out any dust, dirt, or debris that may be present in the air. This prevents the air from contaminating the carburetor and the engine. However, over time, the air filter can get clogged with impurities and restrict the flow of air to the engine. This can cause the generator to start and then die, as the engine is starved of air.
Solution
Locate the air filter, which is usually housed in a plastic or metal cover near the carburetor. Remove the air filter and inspect it for any signs of clogging or damage. If the filter is dirty, you can clean it by tapping it gently to remove the loose dirt or washing it with warm water and mild soap. If the filter is damaged, replace it with a new one.
ALSO READ MORE ON How to Clean Generator Air Filter in 8 Simple Ways +Video
Problem 8: Bad or Loose Gas Cap
The gas cap is the lid that covers the fuel tank. It has a small vent that allows the air to enter and exit the tank and maintains the pressure balance. However, the gas cap can also get bad or loose due to various reasons, such as wear and tear, damage, or improper installation. This can cause the gas cap to leak fuel or create a vacuum in the tank that prevents the fuel from flowing to the engine. This can cause the generator to start and then die.
Solution
Check the gas cap and make sure it is tight and secure. If the gas cap is loose, tighten it properly. If the gas cap is damaged, replace it with a new one. You can also test the gas cap by running the generator with the cap slightly loose and see if the problem persists. If the generator runs fine with the loose cap, it means the cap is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Problem 9: Dirty or Faulty Spark Plug
The spark plug is the part of the engine that creates the spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber. The spark plug has a metal electrode and a ceramic insulator that are exposed to high temperatures and pressures. However, the spark plug can also get dirty or faulty due to various reasons, such as carbon deposits, oil fouling, corrosion, or wear and tear. This can affect the spark quality and timing and cause the generator to start and then die.
Solution
Remove the spark plug from the engine and inspect it for any signs of dirt, damage, or wear. If the spark plug is dirty, you can clean it with a spark plug cleaner tool or a wire brush and a rag. If the spark plug is damaged or worn out, replace it with a new one. You should also check the spark plug gap and make sure it is set to the manufacturer’s specifications. You can use a spark plug gap gauge to measure and adjust the gap.
Problem 10: Faulty Ignition Coil
The ignition coil is the part of the engine that generates the high voltage that is sent to the spark plug. The ignition coil has a primary and a secondary winding that is wrapped around a metal core. However, the ignition coil can also get faulty due to various reasons, such as overheating, moisture, or damage. This can affect the voltage output and quality and cause the generator to start and then die.
Solution
Disconnect the ignition coil from the spark plug and the engine, and test it with a multimeter. You can measure the resistance of the primary and secondary windings and compare them with the manufacturer’s specifications. If the resistance is out of range, it means the ignition coil is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Problem 11: Low Engine Oil Level
The engine oil is the lubricant that reduces the friction and wear of the engine parts and keeps the engine cool and clean. However, the engine oil level can also get low due to various reasons, such as leakage, evaporation, or consumption. This can cause the engine to overheat, damage the internal components, and cause the generator to start and then die.
Solution
Check the engine oil level, and make sure it is within the recommended range. You can use the dipstick to measure the oil level and add more oil if needed. You should also check the oil quality and change it if it is dirty or degraded. You can refer to the owner’s manual for the type and amount of oil that your generator requires.
Final Words
These are some of the common causes and fixes for the problem of Pulsar generators starting and dying. However, there may be other factors that can affect your generator’s performance and cause it to malfunction. If none of the above solutions work, or if you are not confident in troubleshooting and repairing your generator yourself, you should contact a professional technician or the manufacturer for assistance. You should also follow the regular maintenance and safety guidelines for your generator and keep it in good condition.
