Generator revving up and down instead of holding a steady speed? That surging, sometimes called hunting, is almost always a fuel-delivery problem, most often a dirty carburetor or stale gas.
Here is why a generator surges and how to fix it.
This article will teach you:
- What causes surging
- Why fuel quality matters
- What to clean first
- When a part has failed
Why the Generator Surges
- A dirty carburetor with clogged jets.
- Stale fuel gumming the fuel system.
- A partly clogged fuel line.
- A governor out of adjustment.
What You’ll Need
- Fresh fuel and stabilizer
- Carburetor cleaner
- Your owner’s manual
How to Fix a Surging Generator
- Use fresh fuel. Drain stale gas and refill with fresh, stabilized fuel.
- Clean the carburetor. Clear the jets and bowl with carburetor cleaner.
- Check the fuel flow. Confirm fuel reaches the carburetor freely.
- Inspect the air filter. A clogged filter can also cause uneven running.
Pro Tip: Stale fuel is the number one cause of surging. Gas left in a generator for months gums up the tiny carburetor jets, so always store it with fresh, stabilized fuel or run it dry.
When to Look a Little Deeper
Because surging is a fuel issue, it helps to check related parts, and reviewing a clogged carburetor, a clogged fuel line, or a generator that will not stay running can reveal the cause.
Because clean fuel delivery is key, following steps to clean and adjust a small-engine carburetor and clean the fuel lines both help.
When to Call a Pro
If fresh fuel and a clean carburetor do not stop the surging, the governor or a carburetor rebuild may be needed. A small-engine technician can dial it in.
Wrapping Up
Surging is almost always fuel. Here’s the recap:
- Drain stale fuel and refill fresh.
- Clean the carburetor jets.
- Confirm free fuel flow.
- Check the air filter.
Fresh fuel and a clean carburetor usually steady it out. Stay safe.