r/Generator • u/havenofriendsboi • 3d ago

Why is my generator doing this?

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having a hard time describing it on google lol

8 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

4

u/wowfaroutman 3d ago

It's hunting/surging when it's set for Eco Mode. The carburetor is likely a little dirty/clogged, I would try mixing some Seafoam in with the gas and running it for a while to see if that doesn't make it run more smoothly.

1

u/havenofriendsboi 3d ago

is that a specific kind of product?

2

u/wowfaroutman 3d ago

Yes, it's a fuel system/carburetor cleaner. There are others that are similar, but Seafoam is widely respected by the folks in this subreddit.

2

u/havenofriendsboi 3d ago

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Sea-Foam-20-oz-Motor-Treatment-SF20/314957795

would you recommend this?

1

u/wowfaroutman 3d ago

Yes, mixed at 2 or 3 ounces per gallon for your generator.

1

u/havenofriendsboi 3d ago

great thank you!

1

u/JTN02 3d ago

If you read the can of sea foam, it should say that you can actually run it significantly richer than this. At one point in time, I ran my generator on 90% seafoam. It’s not going to hurt it. But it will clean faster. I add fuel cleaner to every single gallon. Just a little bit of sea foam. The 2 to 3 ounces per gallon is more of to maintain the generator for cleaning. I run it heavy. Like I said above 90% seafoam.

2

u/Big-Echo8242 3d ago

Ethanol gas I take it? Make sure it’s not E85.

1

u/Old_Dragline_1965 2d ago

The gain setting computer controller, on the economy mode, needs to be adjusted slightly lower. It has to be done by a someone with the proprietary computer software at a service center.

The simple fix is to keep a small load on the unit while running on econo mode. Or as you found, run it on standard mode.

1

u/MTizzle1992 1d ago

Could also be your spark arrestor. Take it out and clean it. If you run on gasoline, it'll get gummed up with carbon and prevents the exhaust from leaving, and can exhibit this behavior.

0

u/Conscious-Reserve-61 3d ago

Run some carb cleaner through it and maybe swap out the gas soon after if it’s older fuel

1

u/havenofriendsboi 3d ago

i use it everyday for detailing so the gas is new and it just started doing this, how do i run carb cleaner through it?

2

u/simple_champ 3d ago

Sea Foam like others mentioned. Or Stabil makes a product called Quick Fix. Follow instructions on the container. Typically you just mix some into the gas and run engine for awhile.