Posted: 1/6/2013 6:12:12 PM EDT
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I think this is a good reminder for me on doing regular (more frequent) maintenance checks.
I have a Cummins Onan 4300ie inverter generator that I test every of couple of months. This time it wouldn't turn over. I charged the battery and the generator turned over, but would not fire. I checked the air filter (it was fine), replaced the spark plug (cleaned and checked gap, and later replaced it) and filled it with fresh fuel — and it still won't start. According to the manual, the next stop is to the service shop. I followed all of the troubleshooting from the manual and can find that I've missed anything. Anyone have any ideas on what might be the problem? |
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Quoted:
Do I ground the spark plug by grounding the generator?[/quote ] You're in a lot of trouble if the SHTF! 
No, hold the spark plug wire close to the metal on the engine and see if a little spark jumps across. Easy! If you have spark, then put a teaspoon or so of fuel onto the air cleaner filter and see if it wants to start. If it does, take the carburator apart and clean it. Try NEVER to take ANYTHING to a service shop. 
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Do I ground the spark plug by grounding the generator?[/quote ] You're in a lot of trouble if the SHTF!
No, hold the spark plug wire close to the metal on the engine and see if a little spark jumps across. Easy! If you have spark, then put a teaspoon or so of fuel onto the air cleaner filter and see if it wants to start. If it does, take the carburator apart and clean it. Just take the spark plug wire off, remove spark plug from cylinder, put spark plug back in the connector boot, lay the plug, still attached to the plug wire on a metal part of the motor. You should see a spark/sparking. |
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Quoted:
Also check the oil level. Many generators have a safety feature that keeps the engine from starting if the oil is low. The oil level switch is another common failure point. If it gets sticky, it can short out the ignition coil, preventing the engine from starting. Easiest approach is to find the wire to the ignition coil that shuts down the engine, and temporarily unplug it. If the engine starts afterwards, you can individually unplug the oil level switch, "Transition", and engine shutoff switch to determine which one is killing the ignition. Example: 
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