Yes, this model, like all Predator generators, does come with a list of safety features to protect you and your family. I need to check the AMP rating on the plugs and will report back on that. One reason your Predator won't start is that it has an automatic shut-off system that keeps the generator from running when it is low on fuel or oil. This can be quite annoying to deal with but you should note that several things can cause this issue on your device. When you are at 25% of load, the noise level seems to be quite tolerable. First, it comes with a simple starter switch. The engine wants to run freely with no strain under reasonable load. Follow the manufacturers guidance on how much the machine can safely power. Then it needs to be moved to the open position once the generator warms up. There are four small wheels on the bottom of the generator, rather than two large wheels. To make things easier, the article features three sections: Read on to learn everything you need to know to get your generator back up and running. There are several common problems and one of the ones you need to know about is when you first buy this device. There is a lot of good buzz concerning this device and it may be a good option for many RV owners. What this does is monitor your fuel tank and when the fuel level gets too low, the motor is turned off. There are two fixes for this particular problem. Even Predator generators need a helping hand from time to time. The generator includes a pretty nice selection of outlets. Ethanol is not good fuel to use in a generator. Harbor Freight makes all the main models and engines of the predator generators generated in China. Some of the fixes that can be used for this problem are the same steps mentioned above. Kind of surprised by the lack of response here. To learn more about fixing different issues with your Predator generator, just continue to read our article. The key is to take care of it so that it will last a long time. 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. To learn more about this generator, just continue to read our article. Those who are into boondocking or dry camping, youve definitely given the idea of having a generator some serious consideration. So, no hard feelings, just a bit of deep digging to be more aware of the purchase. Subscribe to our e-newsletter today. Is my situation so unique that no one has any thoughts or ideas? Overall, its still an option you wont mind bringing home at a reasonable price tag. he also reported that you can find YouTube videos showing you how this can be done properly. How to know your generator is overloaded? Yes, this is possible with the sacrifice of a few hundred watts off performance down overall. Both would need an experienced repairman to handle those problems. Theres no fuel gauge even on its digital display board, and this may be a problem for first-time buyers of a generator. One potential issue caused by an overload is something we mentioned above which is the damage to appliances. if you are missing your owners manual, just click here to get to one. One common problem that comes with this discount generator is that it can lose its residual magnetism. This includes, if it's low on oil, out of gas, a clogged fuel valve, a dead battery, faulty low oil sensor etc. There needs to be some refilling with the tank for a holiday weekend or longer vacation plans. Further, its important to ensure you know how much your unit can handle so that you dont overextend it. The Best Mail Services For Full-Time RVers, The 10 Best Spring Break Destinations For RVers, What You Should Know About RV Towing Insurance, 4 Embarrassing Things We Did As New RVers, Visit Copano Bay RV Resort On The Texas Gulf Coast, Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1. Ever since then it hasn't cut on I've tried everything honestly hopefully I will get some help here. A sub-reddit dedicated to Harbor Freight and reviewing their tools. Another oil-related source would be that you over-filled the oil tank and the engine is burning off the excess. This is because the engine wont receive any fuel when the fuel valve is clogged. Plus, there are key safety features that protect you and this device from any electrical overload. As such, the moment its overloaded, the circuit breaker will trip, and your device will go off. What to do if the generator is overloaded. One owner said he drilled a few holes in the battery cover, the sides of the case, and the oil door. Your email address will not be published. The generator needs to be broken in before it is sent to do regular duty. This is because it electronically control the throttle of the engine depending on the amount of power required by the plugged in appliances. Is it safe to keep it running a little above it's rating, but below its peak? However, this is not something you should do on your own. Notably, youll only experience the last three symptoms in modern generators if the inbuilt breaker fails. Of course, this will bring with it the cost of repair and or replacement. Situations may occur when you have re- fuelled the inverter generator but it still refuses to start. 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. Your device will be running a lot hotter than usual, and the incorporated cooling fans will be unable to keep up. Or you could have a short somewhere or a loose wire. You should change the oil after the first 20 hours of use then every 100 hours after that. A utility transformer that is out of order may drop voltage and cause the generator to shut down. Why Is My Generator Sputtering? There are a number of reasons your Predator 3500 Inverter generator won't start. It comes in at about 99 pounds, putting it at an average weight for mid-size generators. If this is the case, then you should manually start the inverter generator by pulling the starter cord. And this can become a bit annoying if a nearby fuel station is not open. Actually its no wonder that this mdoel is considered to be one of the best Predator generators in a whole. Download The Predator 2000 Generator Manual. This is a website that seems to have every manual you can think of no matter the product. As you have seen, there are a number of reasons that may make the Predator 3500 Inverter generator to refuse to start. This will ensure no interruption of service later on. If oil is low, you should buy the recommended engine oil for the Predator 3500 Inverter generator and top it up until the recommended level. They are manufactured in China. 2) Faulty engine or belts. I would really expect this to be smooth idle. Your email address will not be published. Once the device is back on, you reconnect your appliances one at a time while observing for signs of an overload. Predator used only 100% copper components in the guts of this generator, which last much longer than cut-rate alloys. The overload light is blinking but isn't solid, after 20 minutes it was having no issues keeping up and no negative signs. Hank F.: Technician: If the Over Load light is staying on, and nothing is plugged in to the genset, it means that the inverter is bad, and needs to be replaced. Modern generators, as we mentioned above, have circuit breakers for this eventuality. The coolant tank should always be kept full as this running low can cause your generator to overheat. I did try running it with the oil door removed and it made no difference. Subscribe to our e-newsletter today. How Large A Generator You Need To Run A Furnace, How To Prime a Generator and Why You Should, Why Generators Don't Need Ethanol-Free Gas, Predator 63584 3500 Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator, Why Does My Generator Keep Shutting Off? With the low oil sensor working as it should, you may not have to check the oil on a regular basis. Theres a single 120-volt duplex for your standard appliance. (TPO Roof Sealant), What Is The Cummins Fault Code SPN 3031 FMI 9? 1999 - 2023. I've had mine approximately 2 years now, and the only issue I've had with mine is that it's a little hard to start in sub freezing temps. Even empty extension cords. The Generators level noise is low and is 57 dB, which makes it quieter. Learn more about our process, How do I protect my appliances against power failures or power outages? This is a fix you cannot do if you are under warranty. So, runtime is unlikely to be an issue if you opt for the Predator3500 generator. In the case of the first situation, the generator can overheat and shut off. This includes having access to lots of storage that you can keep all your equipment in. The solution is to clean the float bowl, the carb and make sure to get all the varnish, etc., out of the engine. Once done, you have to ensure that these are all removed properly before you refill the tank with fuel. That way, you wont have to disconnect some to keep the generator running. In that case, any damage is your own responsibility. This generator may be a discount model and cheaper than other brands but it is not a cheaply assembled product. The worst it will do is stop making power. Then remove the outlet hose from the intake side of the clogged fuel valve and see whether fuel is flowing through the hose. If you can get a generator with an automatic voltage regulator, go for it. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Then there is the inability to use all 4 wheels all the time. Any updates as to what you found? These extra holes allow for better airflow and keep the engine nice and cool. That should clear the clog and get the generator running as it should. (TPO Roof Sealant), What Is The Cummins Fault Code SPN 3031 FMI 9? Check if you have a loose connection, and fix it right away. Thats ideal given that this generator is the perfect size and power capacity for a lot of medium-sized RVs. Also, check your spark plug to make sure it is not fouled or damaged in any way. I don't really understand what you're saying but I'll throw out some advice based on an educated guess. There is a lot of bad fuel going around these days and there can be a build-up in your generators carb if you use a lot of it. Predator 3500 Electric Start Not Working The most obvious possible problem would be that there is something wrong with the switch itself. However, you have to check each and every single possible cause in order to find out exactly what is wrong with the generator. Aside from this, the second thing that you will have to look out for is your generator being overloaded. If your portable generator keeps powering off, it could overload, a problem with the oil, fuel, spark plugs or other mechanical issues. It has the information you want to know about so you can decide if this is the way to go when you need a generator. That way, if theres a change in the sound output, you know something is amiss. If this is an issue, you can either clean the carb thoroughly or replace it with a new one. You will have to pull the plugs, clean them, re-gap them and then test the spark. Given that all of this comes at a pretty reasonable price point, were big fans of the Predator 3500. Many compared it to generators produced by Honda, which cost more than twice as much as this model. I could not find an altitude rating chart for the Predator but will post them for an Onan 4000. If the fuse box is fine, it could also mean a short circuit somewhere else in your home. The most common source for this problem is that the carb is clogged. Most of the reviews out there are about its good and positive notes. That said, do make sure that you connect some appliances the second time around. Keep in mind that these devices require you to install these in a ventilated area. Once youre certain the generator is overloaded, heres how to troubleshoot and correct the situation. It might be best to have a professional check the windings to ensure they are up to speed. Generators are helpful appliances that provide electricity. Today, well discuss some of the predator 3500 generator problems and overall opinion on it in broader detail. Its reliable with no output issues or disturbance, and youll get the most out of the fuel tank. Generally, the change in sound is caused by the device trying to produce more power than its rated for to match the current needs of the household. This inverter generator will not start if there is an insufficient amount of gas in the tank. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Also, check on the condition of the breakers and fuses youre using from time to time. If you cant only connect the appliances that you know the device can handle. We also really liked the LCD screen built into the outlet panel on the Predator3500. ), Noticeable Predator 3500 Generator Problems You Need to Know About, Not Being Able to Maximize 4 Wheels Usage, The Void of Warranty Risk with Modification, how to make portable generator power clean, Exploring The Great Outdoors: 5 Fun Outdoor Activities For Beginners, How Smart Trainers are Bringing the Outdoor Cycling Experience Indoors, Is an eBike Worth It? Also, check your oil level as well. Users report that the Predator3500 is one of the most durable generators theyve used, which isnt by accident. Finally, there is no fuel gauge which makes it hard to know you need to add fuel until the engine automatically stops on you. Propaneva.com. And this may be nothing for some but bad news to a few. Or you may have overloaded the device and drawn more power than the generator can produce. The owners manual has this information as well. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. To start this machine, you do not have to put a lot of effort into doing this task. Another issue could be overheating, which is common with this generator. Energuide. Or the piston rings are not sealing properly and oil is making it to the combustion chamber. Sometimes theres an indicator light to show the machine is overloaded or the breaker has been tripped. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Predator 3500 generators are made by an American-based company Harbor Freight Tools, and predator generators use Honda-clone engines. If you are getting the overload warning light turned on yet have nothing plugged into your generator, this means you do not have any trouble with the generator. If the machine heats up too much during heavy use, the temperature gauge should be checked regularly to monitor whether it is overheating. When you start the machine, it should be in the closed position. Fortunately, we give in-depth details of how to troubleshoot and fix the problem below. Yes, 100 pounds is quite lightweight to carry. Still, these are one-time issues and the other features of the generator far outweighed them for the majority of users. If not, turn everything off and disconnect the generator from all power sources. Consequently, generator models with AVR are much harder to damage or overload since they self-adjust to match changes in voltage. This is why it makes sense to familiarize yourself with how your generator sounds while it is still new, 100% functional, and not overloaded. This model features a low oil indicator. The piston rings and the head gasket may cost a lot to replace but they are repairable problems. Notably, the signs that your generator model is overloaded overlap from model to model because theyre more or less designed the same way. Manage Settings As a result, its able to run for 11hours at a 25% load, or half a day at full power. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. We own the above generator. It is easy to start the predator 3600 generators. Fixing Predator 3500 Generator Problems (At Last! If your generator is not starting, check your gas tank to make sure it doesn't need any more gas. What Would Cause a Generator To Start but Not Stay Running? But whatever few issues it has, the best thing is to be aware of those. The Generator can last about 3,000 hours if maintained best, and the predator 3500 generator warranty will be for one year. 3) Excessive heat. Then you are ready to use the generator again. There are some common reasons why your generator keeps turning off, and the first thing to check is the wiring. Rodney holds a Masters degree in Arts and apart from working as a freelance writer, is a rather successful author of science fiction stories published in several literary, Propaneva is reader-supported. No power in the battery means no electricity for the electrical parts. The Predator 3500 is designed for smaller motorhomes and it cannot handle a lot of loads. The handle is not hard to grasp when inside this pocket and should be easy to pull as well. However, with a high use rate, the tank will be able to go for a two-day period. Those who own RVs or are simply homeowners would love the high-level performance that is also quite low in noise. We wont be pointing out anything that is easily manageable, even if its an issue. This is because the low- oil sensor is triggered therefore, it automatically disables the engine from turning on so that it can prevent further damage to the engine. This generator is one of the most popular inverter generators in the market as it guarantees you top notch performance throughout. Thankfully, damage can be largely avoided. Other sources will be low oil and gas in the engine. This is actually a common generator problem and not one specific to the Predator series of machines. 3 Best Low Wattage Hair Dryer For RV Review 2022. This is where the quality control standards are set. This is a situation where you simply have too many electrical devices plugged into the generator. Reasons as to why your Predator 3500 Inverter generator wont start and how to fix. Plus, the switch is easy to toggle on and off as needed. The warranty on this generator is only okay at best, though. Some modifications can be a reason to void the warranty, so you need an informed decision. The pull cord seems to be a manual backup in case anything goes wrong with the electric starter. Help would be appreciated. It allows you to easily switch between monitoring your wattage draw and the remaining runtime based on your fuel consumption. But Harbor Freight appears to have broken that mold with the companys Predator3500 generator. (Ford V10 Turbo Kit Options), What Sealant Can I Use On a TPO Roof? This means you can connect the Generator to other power sources. Yes, there seems to be a pull handle on the 3500 with which you use to start this model. The Predator3500 has a lot going for it. Learn more about these issues below: 1) Unstable electrical power supply. This happens when you run it at zero load for a long time or leave it unused for almost as long. 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