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The Predator 2000 Generator has gained tremendous popularity among campers and other outdoor enthusiasts because it’s quiet and lightweight.
Indeed, at 58 dBA, this generator is said to be quieter than a conversation.
Homeowners love it, too, as it powers every household appliance, including fridges, small AC units, washing machines, different power tools, and many more.
It can serve as a reliable power backup system for your home.
However, like any other generator brand, the Predator 2000 is not perfect. And if you’re planning to buy it, you need to know what you might be up against.
We will examine some of the commonly reported problems with this generator and their possible solutions.
Common Problems With The Predator 2000 Generator
The problems below are not unique to the Predator 2000 Generator. They are also common with generators from other brands.
They include:
- Failure to start
- Stalls/generator stops suddenly
- Low or no voltage output
- The battery keeps dying off
The following is a discussion of each of these problems and how to troubleshoot them:
Failure To Start
Failure to start is one of the common Predator 2000 generator problems. It’s annoying as the generator may fail when you need it the most.
But what causes it to fail to start?
One of the common causes of this issue is stale fuel or generally something to do with proper fuel supply. The generator may fail to start if the fuel shutoff valve is opened.
Also, fuel typically degrades when stored for a long time. If you store your generator with gasoline for months, it will probably fail to start the next time you try to operate it.
Stale gasoline can clog the fuel lines or the fuel pump.
Not starting could also imply that the spark plug is defective. Build-up on the air filter can also prevent the generator from starting.
A generator that operates in a dusty environment, such as a construction site, gets its air filter clogged with dust very quickly.
A clogged filter causes an improper air-to-fuel ratio, which interferes with the proper operation of your generator.
Possible Solutions
- Drain and fill the generator fuel tank with fresh, good-quality gasoline.
- Always drain the fuel if you intend to store the generator for a long period.
- Regularly clean or replace the air filter.
- Check the spark plug and replace it if it’s worn out, cracked, or has carbon build-up. Always keep a spark plug tester handy.
- Call a qualified and trustworthy technician to diagnose and fix the problem.
Note
Low-quality fuel is one of the top causes of generator failure. Always use clean, fresh, and unleaded fuel.
Your generator’s gasoline must have an 87+ octane rating. Avoid fuel with over 10% ethanol – we recommend you fuel your Predator generator with non-ethanol premium fuel.
Stalls/Generator Stops Suddenly
You’re in a camp at night, enjoying quality moments with your friends or loved ones, and the Predator 2000 generator suddenly stops.
Or you’re using it as power backup in your home, and the next thing you see is a blackout. These and other similar situations can be extremely annoying.
What are the possible causes of the engine stopping suddenly?
First off, the fuel tank could be empty. You could also have filled the tank with low-quality gasoline.
Third, your generator could go off suddenly due to a low oil shutdown. A faulty fuel tank cap can create a vacuum and prevent proper fuel flow.
Other possible causes include disconnected or incorrectly connected spark plug caps or defective magneto.
Possible Solutions
- Check if the tank has fuel
- Fill the tank only with good-quality fuel
- Test and replace the fuel tank cap
- Ensure the spark plug cap is secure
- Call a qualified technician to service magneto
Note
An unacceptable level of engine oil can also cause a sudden stop. Always check the engine oil before using the generator and fill the oil to the proper level.
Low Or No Voltage Output
Sometimes a Predator 2000 Generator may run normally but generates little to no voltage. There could be several possible causes of low or no voltage output.
One thing to suspect is the loss of residual magnetism. That typically happens when the generator is left running for a long time without a load.
Your generator can also lose its residual magnetism if it has not been used for a long time. And worst, the idle generator was also left connected to a load.
Loss of residual magnetism takes away the ability of the generator to generate power.
Another possible reason for low or no voltage output is a faulty voltage regulator. The device is designed to help the generator regulate its voltage output.
A voltage regulator uses special sensors to help the generator to maintain a consistent voltage output even when the load on the generator keeps changing.
A blown fuse can also cause no voltage output.
Generators always blow fuses due to issues like short-circuiting, overloading, ground faulting, or the fuse itself being “under-rated” (not the correct size).
When that happens, it won’t output any voltage.
Possible Solutions
- Try to field flash (jump-start) your Predator 2000 Generator with a battery to restore residual magnetism.
- Always remember to remove any connected load when the generator is idle.
- Avoid leaving the generator running without any load.
- Inspect and replace the voltage regulator if it’s faulty.
- Inspect and replace the fuse if it’s blown out.
Battery Keeps Dying Off
A battery is an integral component of a Predator 2000 Generator. It primarily provides power to the engine starter.
Essentially, a generator wouldn’t start without a battery. A good-quality battery can run for up to 3 years even on constant usage.
The problem comes when you need to keep replacing the battery sooner than usual.
And despite your efforts to maintain proper maintenance practices, the battery keeps dying off. So, what could be the cause of this issue?
The voltage regulator again could be the cause. As mentioned above, the function of this device is to regulate voltage output in the generator.
The device should also ensure that the correct voltage amount goes from the alternator to the battery.
And when it doesn’t work properly, the battery charging system also becomes faulty, and the battery won’t receive enough voltage to keep it alive. It will quickly die off.
Possible Solutions
- Inspect and replace the voltage regulator if it’s faulty.
- Call a qualified technician to diagnose and fix the problem.
Predator 2000 Generator – Take Away
The above are some of the common Predator 2000 Generator problems. It doesn’t mean they will happen to you when you buy and start using the generator.
The best thing to do is to take necessary precautions to prevent the issues from occurring in the first place.
For example, always ensure that you’re using the right fuel for the generator.
Simple maintenance practices like keeping the generator clean on the outside and cleaning or replacing the air filter can go a long way in keeping it working optimally.
Also, get used to calling a qualified technician for proper and timely servicing of your generator.
