There’s nothing like the sinking feeling you get when the lights flicker out and your backup generator refuses to roar to life. It’s incredibly stressful to stand in the dark while you yank on a starter cord or listen to a battery struggle to turn over a stubborn motor. Most of the time, the problem is not a broken engine but a simple breakdown in the delivery system that brings energy to the spark. The fuel cannot travel from the tank to the combustion chamber and keep the engine running.
Old Fuel and the Problem of Gummy Residue
Old fuel is the most common reason that a generator refuses to start. Modern gasoline contains ethanol. While this is great for car motors, it is bad for small engines that sit for months at a time. As the fuel sits, it evaporates and leaves behind a thick, sticky substance that looks like maple syrup or varnish. As this gunk builds up, it clogs the fuel lines and the small valves inside the carburetor.
Cracked Lines and Dangerous Air Leaks
Fuel lines consist of plastic or rubber, and these materials become brittle over time with exposure to the elements. If you see any cracks in the line or smell gasoline nearby, you have a serious problem. Fuel will drip onto the hot engine, which can be dangerous. A fire can result, or an air leak can occur and keep the pump from creating a vacuum. Because of this, the flow of gasoline can slow or stop.
The Frustration of Vapor Lock
Sometimes a generator will start perfectly and run for 20 minutes before it suddenly quits without any warning. This happens because of a phenomenon called vapor lock. It occurs when the fuel inside the lines gets so hot that it turns into a gas. Since the fuel pump is built to move liquid, it cannot push gas bubbles through the system. The engine stalls out from a lack of pressure. This often happens if the fuel lines are touching a hot part of the engine, or the fuel tank vent is clogged. If the tank cannot breathe, a vacuum forms inside that pulls the fuel backward. This makes it impossible for the engine to continue running during a long power outage.
As soon as you suspect you have a clogged fuel line, call for help. A licensed technician will thoroughly inspect your generator and work with you to correct any problems they find. To avoid being in the dark when the grid goes down, call Pioneer Generators in Nashville, TN for generator maintenance and repair services.