Why generators show "engine cranks but will not start": 216 documented causes and brand-specific fixes, compiled across 15 manufacturers.
No fuel
6 brands- Atlas Copco: Check fuel in tank and manual shut-off valve
- Doosan: Check fuel in tank and manual shut-off valve
- Generac: Check that fuel valves are open; Replenish fuel / turn on fuel shutoff valve
- Ingersoll Rand: Check fuel in tank and manual shut-off valve
- John Deere: Check fuel in tank and manual shut-off valve; Check fuel in tank and manual shut-off valve.
- Magnum: Check that fuel valves are open
No fuel.
6 brands- Baldor: Check that fuel valves are ON. Check fuel level in fuel tank.
- Baldor (Baldor Generators / Baldor Electric Company): Check that fuel valves are ON. Check fuel level in fuel tank.
- Doosan: Check fuel in tank and manual shut-off valve.
- Generac: Verify fuel valves are open.
- Ingersoll Rand: Check fuel in tank and manual shut-off valve.
- SDMO: Check fuel in tank and manual shut-off valve.
Incorrect starting procedure
4 brands- Atlas Copco: Verify correct starting procedure
- Doosan: Verify correct starting procedure
- Ingersoll Rand: Verify correct starting procedure
- John Deere: Verify correct starting procedure
Exhaust restricted
4 brands- Atlas Copco: Check and correct exhaust restriction
- Doosan: Check and correct exhaust restriction
- Ingersoll Rand: Check and correct exhaust restriction
- John Deere: Check and correct exhaust restriction; Check and correct exhaust restriction.
Fuel filter plugged or full of water
4 brands- Atlas Copco: Replace fuel filter or drain water from filter
- Doosan: Replace fuel filter or drain water from filter
- Ingersoll Rand: Replace fuel filter or drain water from filter
- John Deere: Replace fuel filter or drain water from filter; Replace fuel filter or drain water from filter.
Faulty injection pump or nozzles
4 brands- Atlas Copco: Consult authorized diesel repair station
- Doosan: Consult authorized diesel repair station for repair or replacement
- Ingersoll Rand: Consult authorized diesel repair station for repair or replacement
- John Deere: Consult authorized diesel repair station; Consult authorized diesel repair station for repair or replacement.
Injection pump not getting fuel or air in fuel system
3 brands- Doosan: Check fuel flow at supply pump or bleed fuel system
- Ingersoll Rand: Check fuel flow at supply pump or bleed fuel system
- John Deere: Check fuel flow at supply pump or bleed fuel system.
Incorrect starting procedure.
3 brands- Doosan: Verify correct starting procedure.
- Ingersoll Rand: Verify correct starting procedure.
- SDMO: Verify correct starting procedure.
Exhaust restricted.
3 brands- Doosan: Check and correct exhaust restriction.
- Ingersoll Rand: Check and correct exhaust restriction.
- SDMO: Check and correct exhaust restriction.
Fuel filter plugged or full of water.
3 brands- Doosan: Replace fuel filter or drain water from filter.
- Ingersoll Rand: Replace fuel filter or drain water from filter.
- SDMO: Replace fuel filter or drain water from filter.
Injection pump not getting fuel or air in fuel system.
3 brands- Doosan: Check fuel flow at supply pump or bleed fuel system.
- Ingersoll Rand: Check fuel flow at supply pump or bleed fuel system.
- SDMO: Check fuel flow at supply pump or bleed fuel system.
Faulty injection pump or nozzles.
3 brands- Doosan: Consult authorized diesel repair station for repair or replacement.
- Ingersoll Rand: Consult authorized diesel repair station for repair or replacement.
- SDMO: Consult authorized diesel repair station for repair or replacement.
Low oil level
3 brands- Generac: Low Oil Pressure Shutdown activated. Replenish oil to full; Replenish oil to full
- Magnum: Low Oil Pressure Shutdown activated. Replenish oil to full
Restricted air flow.
3 brands- Baldor: Check/replace air filter.
- Baldor (Baldor Generators / Baldor Electric Company): Check/replace air filter.
- Generac: Check/replace air filter.
Low fuel
2 brands- Generac: Replenish fuel supply
- Kohler: Check fuel supply, replenish as necessary.; Replenish fuel supply