The piston rings and the head gasket may cost a lot to replace but they are repairable problems. 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. Sometimes it just pays to let the repairman handle these problems. (Ford V10 Turbo Kit Options), What Sealant Can I Use On a TPO Roof? Even though it is cheaper than other famous name brands for generators, it seems to work well and perform up to and beyond expectations. Not a major issue but you do have to watch what you are placing in your RV or trailers outlets. (Helpful Guide), What Is Freightliner J1587 Code? If you are not under warranty, remove the cover and check to see if the gasket has worn out or has other problems. Even empty extension cords. The Predator 3500 generator is one of the most reliable generators you can find. It comes in at about 99 pounds, putting it at an average weight for mid-size generators. Modifications are not allowed but some people do not care and make them anyways as those modifications tend to make the machine run better. Energuide. This generator is one of the most popular inverter generators in the market as it guarantees you top notch performance throughout. However, this is not something you should do on your own. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. All the solutions for the leaking fuel, motor dying and similar problems will work here as well. Given that all of this comes at a pretty reasonable price point, were big fans of the Predator 3500. That means checking your carb to make sure it is operating as it should. Once done, you have to ensure that these are all removed properly before you refill the tank with fuel. The process to change the oil is quite simple as well but it requires you to start the motor and run it until you get to normal operating temperatures. Given the size of this generator and its large 212cc engine, thats quite the praise. When it comes to choosing a portable generator, power, noise, portability, and runtime always seem to be at odds with one another. Your email address will not be published. The handle is very useful, no doubt. Especially if you have no electronics experience or hate working around electricity. But otherwise, its going to be just a weekend-only kind of option. Test the battery connection to see if there is any juice. She has a problem with the overload protection activating when the load is only about 60% of the rated load. This is why it makes sense to familiarize yourself with how your generator sounds while it is still new, 100% functional, and not overloaded. Next, the choke lever may be positioned wrong. Propaneva.com. The Predator 3500 is meant to be an ultra-quiet model suitable for use at outdoor parties without raising the ire of partiers. The outlets arent protected by a full GFCI circuit, but they do come with breaker reset switches so that you dont have to turn off the generator after an outlet is overloaded. That should get you some peace of mind knowing you can still use your generator when you need to recharge the battery. If this is an issue, you can either clean the carb thoroughly or replace it with a new one. Simply switching off some of these devices should help you in fixing the problem. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. What Would Cause a Generator To Start but Not Stay Running? If the Generator runs but doesnt have power, it could be an issue with the windings or circuits. When outside temperatures run too high, it can cause the system to overload faster, so it is best to avoid use on days when it reaches more than ninety degrees. Don't need a DC amp meter. Try charging your batteries manually using an AC/DC adapter or a car booster pack. There is such a thing as fuel varnish and if you do not keep replacing old gas it can build up over time. In addition, right below the LCD screen are lights that indicate when your oil is running low or when the generator is in danger of being overloaded. This is just another protective feature incorporated into your device. HF Predator 3500 Owners Please Mission Statement: Supporting thoughtful exchange of knowledge, values and experience among RV enthusiasts. In reality, though, users found that the runtime was far longer than what Predator advertises. What Spark Plug Does a Predator 2000 Generator Take? Some of the fixes that can be used for this problem are the same steps mentioned above. Theyre simply not big enough to raise the generator off the ground, so they become pretty useless. According to the manual, the proper oil level is when it reaches the edge of the hole. Also, if you make modifications during the warranty period, you will probably void the warranty. To learn more about this generator, just continue to read our article. 2. The generator needs to be broken in before it is sent to do regular duty. Given how solidly this engine seems to be built, we expected a slightly longer and more comprehensive warranty policy from Harbor Freight. 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. If a belt fails, the whole system stops. To learn more about fixing different issues with your Predator generator, just continue to read our article. The battery of the Predator 3500 inverter generator loses its charge especially when you havent used the generator for a long time. 1 4 comments Best Add a Comment MrFixemall 1 yr. ago The worst it will do is stop making power. Nonetheless, older model generators dont have this feature built-in and will thus keep running and providing less power to each appliance. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The first thing that you should check in this case is your fuel tank. The troubleshooting process is the same as what we highlighted above. The PREDATOR 3500W SUPER QUIET Inverter Generator is an ideal solution for RVs, home back-up and more. In this situation, the inverter has failed and will need replacing. The generator is also backed by a limited 2-year warranty. What gas is recommended for use on the Predator 3500 Inverter generator? Regular checks will help you avoid that frustrating feeling when the generator doesn't start. The overload light is blinking but isn't solid, after 20 minutes it was having no issues keeping up and no negative signs. This is a fix you cannot do if you are under warranty. Remove the access panel on the right side of the generator. There is one normal source for this issue which makes it very easy to fix. Quick Fact: Replacement parts for Predator 3500 like battery cover, fuel strainer and more are available for purchase at Harbor Freight Tools. 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. Hi everyone, I need a urgent response but my inverter is rated at 3000w(25amp) running, and 3500w(29.14amp) starting. circuitglobe.com I cut my inverter on up close to a building the exhaust couldnt release going back in the machine, my machine then dropped from 12.4 to 10.0 then overload light came on. This will involve calculating the power needs of your appliances so you can keep your generator running under the limit. It has two parallel power outlets from 12 DC to 120 AC. Then there is a high chance that you have your generator installed in a corner of your motorhome. According to The fault lies in the handle design and that limits the use of those 4 wheels. If the drain plug cant be tightened, then you would need to replace it. While producing up to 3,000watts of power, a switchable ESC throttle allows it to keep fuel efficiency as high as possible. This is something you need to check on your own. One is that the float in the carb could be stuck. The Generators level noise is low and is 57 dB, which makes it quieter. One of the bigger problems is when you leave appliances or empty extension cords plugged in. This is where the quality control standards are set. 3) Excessive heat. 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. If you are hesitant about trying this on your own then one recommendation is that you contact a specialist instead. In older generator models, youll find that the machine will work through the overload as if nothing happened. 5 Reasons Why Electric-Assist Makes Sense, How to Get Started With Fishing in Florida. Another source would be a fouled spark plug. Then there is our go-to manual source. The noise definitely ratchets up as you draw more power from the engine, but it tops out around 65dB. Thanks for the thoughts guys. 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. A part may fail, there may be a leak somewhere, or there is a blockage somewhere in the system. 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. Also you are losing almost 30% of the generator engine power at 7000 ft elevation. You should ensure that the vacuum relief valve is open and unplug the outlet hose from the intake side of the clogged valve. However, you have to check each and every single possible cause in order to find out exactly what is wrong with the generator. This article looks into how you end up overloading your generator, troubleshooting methods to get it back up and running, and how to avoid such a situation in the future. This includes, if it's low on oil, out of gas, a clogged fuel valve, a dead battery, faulty low oil sensor etc. Check both tanks to make sure they are not your problem. It will lose power if not used over a long period. Related Post: how to make portable generator power clean. Replace it if it has any of those issues. What this does is monitor your fuel tank and when the fuel level gets too low, the motor is turned off. Keep reading! Instead, lets go for the matters that might be a reason for troubleshooting with your overall usage and purpose. Honda EU2200i will not start How to Fix, Ryobi generator overload problem- How to fix. Propaneva.com. You never know and when you are not an expert on engines, it is best to leave this issue to the professionals. What is Automatic Voltage Regulator? The result is melted internal components. Some USB ports, in particular, would be great so that you could charge your small electronics without using up one of the 120-volt outlets. Simply switching off some of these devices should help you in fixing the problem. Without doubt, the Predator 3500 inverter generators is more efficient than most conventional generators. Those who own RVs or are simply homeowners would love the high-level performance that is also quite low in noise. Manage Settings There are four small wheels on the bottom of the generator, rather than two large wheels. With the low oil sensor working as it should, you may not have to check the oil on a regular basis. The Predator 3500 has all the basic safety features you could want. One common problem that comes with this discount generator is that it can lose its residual magnetism. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. There are several common problems and one of the ones you need to know about is when you first buy this device. If the battery has no power chances are the display wont light up. Predator built the generator with a 2.6-gallon fuel tank, which provides a nice balance between runtime and compactness for the generator body. 4 Common Coleman Mach RV Air Conditioner Problems (Troubleshooting). It is a discount generator. Eco mode allows the Generator to run while saving fuel and getting enough power to run home or office appliances. A more important source would be the carburetor. I need to check the AMP rating on the plugs and will report back on that. Or perhaps there is no station close to your vacation spot. For a generator capable of producing 3,000watts of power for hours on end, the Predator3500 is surprisingly quiet. This could be just about anything that went wrong with the unit. After checking and repairing all connections, ensure theres nothing wrong with the fuse box. The problem may be something simple but why take the chance. Pull the plug and clean it, if it can be cleaned. The handle is not hard to grasp when inside this pocket and should be easy to pull as well. The worse case scenario would be that the head gasket has blown. Meaning, Working Principle & Applications - Circuit Globe It is possible that through constant use, the nuts and bolts on the engine case have worked themselves loose. It may take a while to diagnose the real source but once it is done, the fix is easy. Trusted Source Predator 3500 generator has a built-in screen for easy monitoring fuel, output, and overload sensor. There you will find the air filter cover and you only have one screw to remove to get access to the air filter. An overloaded generator is something you want to avoid as a user. The most obvious possible problem would be that there is something wrong with the switch itself. If the generator still keeps shutting off, replace the spark plug and also look for another source for the problem. If any equipment uses 120VAC, make sure the voltage is compatible. Can the Predator 3500 Be Used on Construction Sites? One other possible input might be something like the fridge trying to kick in on electric. However, this is a pretty unusual feature to find on generators, so its not that surprising that Predator didnt include it. The owners manual has this information as well. When you see the white smoke, it means you have a more serious problem. Energuide You will need to clean out the debris, flush the float bowl, clean the carb and replace any old gas with new gas. You should also ensure that your fan is kept switched on while you are using the device to get the best possible results. Hank F.: Technician: An inverter is. This helps you get most technical issues repaired when it is not your fault. Remember always check the simple, easy-to-locate possible sources first. The throttle knob is also clearly labeled, so you can simply switch between the starting throttle position and the running position with a quick turn. In that case, any damage is your own responsibility. 5 Common Flexsteel Recliner Problems (Troubleshooting), Want More Room? If the fuse box is fine, it could also mean a short circuit somewhere else in your home. Some people have a different style of maintenance. If it was a dual fuel option, things would have been better, which is our next figured-out issue with the 3500-watt generator that is going to get discussed eventually. Then remove the outlet hose from the intake side of the clogged fuel valve and see whether fuel is flowing through the hose. I did try running it with the oil door removed and it made no difference. It did say that there was a strainer on the gas tank but nothing for the oil tank. This is a low-maintenance generator. This may be a symptom of a carb that has been fed bad fuel. If not, it may be indicative of another issue. A sub-reddit dedicated to Harbor Freight and reviewing their tools. The decibel rating at 25% is only 57 but as you go higher so do those decibels. But because it is not a fold-down type, you cannot completely maximize the use of 4 wheels. Spartan Chassis vs Freightliner: Whats The Difference? They will have further instructions in case anything should go wrong. You might not want to use this generator when youre running at full power, as it will put some unnecessary wear on the engine. Talking about this, one solution that you can go for is installing a generator in your vehicle. What to do if the generator is overloaded. It has several options for you to look over and select. We have done many searches and the closest wiring diagram that pops up is for the Harbor Freight Predator 3500. Additionally, they should also check your device thoroughly so that there are no other problems with it. Another website you can use is found at this link. This will cut off the fuel supply and cause your generator to surge. That's where the makers need to make some changes or say modifications. 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. Double-check to make sure everything is unplugged. This is a situation where you simply have too many electrical devices plugged into the generator. A utility transformer that is out of order may drop voltage and cause the generator to shut down. Beyond that, the warranty only covers the engine and that warranty lasts just two years. 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. It might be best to have a professional check the windings to ensure they are up to speed. The automatic voltage regulator works on the principle of detection of errors. The handle is very useful, no doubt. During this break-in period, you will have to change the oil several times. Industry Efforts to Safeguard Propane Use, power consumption of household appliances. Subscribe to our e-newsletter today. Kind of surprised by the lack of response here. 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. Talking about this, you should note that these devices require proper maintenance. That way, you wont have to disconnect some to keep the generator running. 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. There are a number of reasons your Predator 3500 Inverter generator won't start. It is a fuel supply problem and when you have a float stuck, debris in the fuel line, a dirty carb, and other issues, then the eco mode won't operate as it should. If it is loose, oil can make its way back up the hole and out the fill spout. One of those safety features is a low fuel automatic shut-off system. Another problem that could be the source is if the spark plug is damaged in some way. If the carb is clogged or not getting enough fuel, then the motor will continue to die on you. Press J to jump to the feed. Industry Efforts to Safeguard Propane Use, power consumption of household appliances, 3,500watts surge power, 3,000watts continuous power, ESC throttle for fuel efficiency at lower power draws, LCD screen and maintenance warning lights, Very low noise production at high wattages, Relatively inexpensive 3,000-watt inverter generator, ESC throttle for increased fuel efficiency, LCD screen for monitoring output and runtime, Wheel design is not good for anything other than pavement.