The Reason Why The Generator Cannot Start

Dingbo Electric leads you to explore some common reasons that cause generators to fail to start, and most importantly, how to reduce the risk of malfunctions.

Normally, backup generators cannot operate properly, which means that monthly testing and maintenance plans are crucial to ensure that problems can occur with the knowledge of the operator. Let's take a look at the most common reasons why generators cannot start, and how to avoid such situations in the future.

1. Battery failure

Battery failure is one of the most common reasons why generators cannot start. This situation is usually caused by loose connections or sulfation (accumulation of lead sulfate crystals on the electrode plate of lead-acid batteries). Due to the deep discharge of sulfate molecules in the electrolyte (battery acid), deposits accumulate on the battery plates, preventing the battery from providing sufficient current.

Battery failure may also be caused by the malfunction of the charger circuit breaker, usually due to a malfunction of the charger itself or by the tripping circuit breaker opening. At this point, the charger has been turned off and not turned on again, which usually occurs after repair or maintenance has been carried out. After repair or maintenance, be sure to check the generator system again to ensure that the charger power circuit breaker is in the correct position.

Ultimately, battery failure may be due to dirt or looseness. Regularly clean and tighten the joints to prevent potential malfunctions.

For electrical companies, Dingbo recommends that you replace the battery every three years to reduce the risk of malfunctions.

2. Low coolant level

If the radiator lacks coolant, the engine will quickly overheat, causing mechanical and engine malfunctions. Regularly check the coolant level and visually inspect for any cooling water pits. The color of the refrigerant depends on the manufacturer, but it usually appears red.

Internal blockage of the radiator core can also cause a low coolant level shutdown. When the generator is overloaded, when the engine reaches the optimal operating temperature, the thermostat is fully opened, which means that the radiator cannot allow appropriate flow to pass through. In this way, the coolant will leak through the overflow pipe. The engine cools down, the thermostat closes, the liquid level drops, and the low coolant level for starting the generator stops. This is because this only occurs when the generator operates at its optimal operating temperature under load conditions, so it is recommended that you test the generator with a sufficiently high load to achieve the temperature value required to open the thermostat.

3. Cannot mix fuels

Generally speaking, due to the presence of fuel, the generator cannot start. Mixing of fuel can occur in many ways:

After running out of fuel, the engine will absorb air, but there is no fuel.

Air inlet blockage means there is no fuel but no air.

The fuel system may supply excess or insufficient fuel to the mixture. As a result, the engine is unable to burn normally inside.

Ultimately, impurities may exist in the fuel (such as water in the fuel tank), causing the fuel to fail to burn. This happens frequently because fuel is stored in the tank for a long time.

4. Control does not have automatic mode

If your control panel displays the message "no automatic mode", it is caused by human error, usually because the main control switch is in the off/reset position. If the generator is in this position, it may not start in the event of a power outage.

Dingbo Power was founded in 1974 and is one of the earliest manufacturers of generators and diesel generator sets in China. If you want get more information, please feel free to send email to sales@dieselgeneratortech.com we will pay highly attention on your question.