Why generators show "engine will not start": 31 documented causes and brand-specific fixes, compiled across 16 manufacturers.
4, 5, 6, 7, 25, 26, 31
3 brandsEngine switch is “OFF” Fuel valve is “CLOSED” Choke is open The engine is out of fuel is old or contaminated Spark plug is dirty Spark plug is broken
1 brand- DuroMax: Set engine switch to “RUN” Turn the fuel valve to “OPEN” Close the choke Add fuel Change fuel Clean spark plug Replace spark plug
Check if engine switch is off
1 brand- Echo: 1. Turn engine switch to the Choke position. 2. Fill tank ensuring you do not overfill. 3. If connected, turn off the power switch on the connected appliance and unplug. 4. If loose, push spark plug cap back into place 5. Remove spark plug and clean electrode. 6. If engine oil level is low, add oil as per instructions.
Fuel Tank empty
1 brand- Echo: 1. Turn engine switch to the Choke position. 2. Fill tank ensuring you do not overfill. 3. If connected, turn off the power switch on the connected appliance and unplug. 4. If loose, push spark plug cap back into place 5. Remove spark plug and clean electrode. 6. If engine oil level is low, add oil as per instructions.
Check to make sure generator is not connected to an appliance
1 brand- Echo: 1. Turn engine switch to the Choke position. 2. Fill tank ensuring you do not overfill. 3. If connected, turn off the power switch on the connected appliance and unplug. 4. If loose, push spark plug cap back into place 5. Remove spark plug and clean electrode. 6. If engine oil level is low, add oil as per instructions.
Check spark plug for loose spark plug cap
1 brand- Echo: 1. Turn engine switch to the Choke position. 2. Fill tank ensuring you do not overfill. 3. If connected, turn off the power switch on the connected appliance and unplug. 4. If loose, push spark plug cap back into place 5. Remove spark plug and clean electrode. 6. If engine oil level is low, add oil as per instructions.
Check spark plug for contamination
1 brand- Echo: 1. Turn engine switch to the Choke position. 2. Fill tank ensuring you do not overfill. 3. If connected, turn off the power switch on the connected appliance and unplug. 4. If loose, push spark plug cap back into place 5. Remove spark plug and clean electrode. 6. If engine oil level is low, add oil as per instructions.
Check engine oil level
1 brand- Echo: 1. Turn engine switch to the Choke position. 2. Fill tank ensuring you do not overfill. 3. If connected, turn off the power switch on the connected appliance and unplug. 4. If loose, push spark plug cap back into place 5. Remove spark plug and clean electrode. 6. If engine oil level is low, add oil as per instructions.
On/off/choke lever is STOP position. Fuel valve is OFF. No fuel. Stale gasoline or water in gasoline. Lubricant level is low. Spark plug faulty, fouled, or improperly gapped. Engine stored without treating or draining gasoline, or refueled with bad gasoline. Dirty fuel filter.
1 brand- Echo: Turn on/off/choke lever to RUN position. Turn fuel valve to ON position. Fill fuel tank. Drain entire system and refill with fresh fuel. Check engine lubricant level and fill, if necessary. Replace spark plug. Drain fuel and carburetor. Refuel with fresh gasoline.
Engine switch is off.
1 brand- John Deere: Turn engine switch to the ON position.
Incorrect starting procedure
1 brand- Allis-Chalmers: 1. Follow correct starting procedure. 2. Specific gravity of battery too low. Charge battery. Starter not delivering maximum torque. Repair or replace defective parts. Use cold weather starting aids if applicable. 3. Check all engine control linkages for proper adjustment.; 1. Follow correct starting procedure. 2. Specific gravity of battery too low; charge battery. 3. Repair or replace defective parts. Use cold weather starting aids if applicable. 4. Check all engine control linkages for proper adjustment.
Slow cranking speed (specific gravity of battery too low; charge battery)
1 brand- Allis-Chalmers: 1. Follow correct starting procedure. 2. Specific gravity of battery too low; charge battery. 3. Repair or replace defective parts. Use cold weather starting aids if applicable. 4. Check all engine control linkages for proper adjustment.
Engine controls out of adjustment
1 brand- Allis-Chalmers: 1. Follow correct starting procedure. 2. Specific gravity of battery too low. Charge battery. Starter not delivering maximum torque. Repair or replace defective parts. Use cold weather starting aids if applicable. 3. Check all engine control linkages for proper adjustment.; 1. Follow correct starting procedure. 2. Specific gravity of battery too low; charge battery. 3. Repair or replace defective parts. Use cold weather starting aids if applicable. 4. Check all engine control linkages for proper adjustment.
Battery switch in the OFF position.
1 brand- Cummins/Onan: Turn battery switch to the ON position.
Common questions
What causes engine will not start?
Common causes, most-reported first: 4, 5, 6, 7, 25, 26, 31; FUSE REP; Engine switch is “OFF” Fuel valve is “CLOSED” Choke is open The engine is out of fuel is old or contaminated Spark plug is dirty Spark plug is broken; Check if engine switch is off; Fuel Tank empty; Check to make sure generator is not connected to an appliance.