Overall, its still an option you wont mind bringing home at a reasonable price tag. And its about room for improvement. That said, do make sure that you connect some appliances the second time around. The automatic voltage regulator works on the principle of detection of errors. The Best Mail Services For Full-Time RVers, The 10 Best Spring Break Destinations For RVers, What You Should Know About RV Towing Insurance, 4 Embarrassing Things We Did As New RVers, Visit Copano Bay RV Resort On The Texas Gulf Coast, Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1. Generator is overloaded with nothing plugged in. The key is to take care of it so that it will last a long time. The Predator 3500 is one of the most famous models that you can get. Considering this, you must look into all of these steps to ensure your problem is fixed. Can the Predator 3500 Be Used on Construction Sites? Thankfully, damage can be largely avoided. The automatic shut-off lets you know when you need to add more fuel. Hopefully your generator is working properly. I'm gonna need to run something for 3 hours that pulls 27 amps. The Predator 3500 is meant to be an ultra-quiet model suitable for use at outdoor parties without raising the ire of partiers. Thats the main intention. According to It did say that there was a strainer on the gas tank but nothing for the oil tank. And so, they may want to convert it into a propane runnable option. Check if you have a loose connection, and fix it right away. 1999 - 2023. The Generators level noise is low and is 57 dB, which makes it quieter. Even empty extension cords. Meaning, Working Principle & Applications - Circuit Globe With the over-filled oil tank, remove the excess oil as best as you can. The automatic voltage regulator is used to regulate the voltage. When the spark plugs get fouled, they lose the needed spark, and then the gas does not combust like it should robbing the engine of needed energy. Many compared it to generators produced by Honda, which cost more than twice as much as this model. Modern generators, as we mentioned above, have circuit breakers for this eventuality. If you can get a generator with an automatic voltage regulator, go for it. If this is the case, you should ensure that the vacuum relief valve of the generator is open. No, they are not. Nevertheless, the information on how to fix an overloaded generator included above may come in handy during your ownership period, so its important to have it. Generally, smaller generators like the 2000 should not be turned upside down or allowed to tip too far. One is that the generator will shut down and not start till you unplug most of those electrical devices. The Predator cannot be used on a construction site. Many of us could potentially learn from your misfortune. When buying a generator, always look for companies who have been making them for more than ten years to ensure that the products are manufactured to high standards. In older generator models, youll find that the machine will work through the overload as if nothing happened. This won't show up on a clamp on ammeter. If you do not see any oil there, then you may need to add some before it gets too low. However, this is a pretty unusual feature to find on generators, so its not that surprising that Predator didnt include it. This can frustrate you, especially when you are running it as an emergency power source at home. Hank F.: Technician: If the Over Load light is staying on, and nothing is plugged in to the genset, it means that the inverter is bad, and needs to be replaced. Not all starting failures will be the fault of the device. Theres also the possibility of your device shutting down and seeming overloaded even when theres no appliance attached. As such, running it like this can cause long-lasting and even permanent damage making the device unusable. Unfortunately, you will be required to buy a brand new battery if the battery on the inverter generator is completely dead. This is a situation where you simply have too many electrical devices plugged into the generator. If neither of these solutions work, check the oil because if the level is too low, it triggers the sensor and shuts the unit off. So, runtime is unlikely to be an issue if you opt for the Predator3500 generator. Its reliable with no output issues or disturbance, and youll get the most out of the fuel tank. Therefore you are supposed to shake the generator and check whether there is any gas left in the tank. But whatever few issues it has, the best thing is to be aware of those. Cleaning the spark plug may help and replace the coil are two solutions. It would be nice if this was a perfect world. One other possible input might be something like the fridge trying to kick in on electric. Like most other products you can buy today, you can go directly to the company and get your manual off their website. It controls the voltage of the system and has the operation of the limit nearer to the steady state stability. Download The Predator 2000 Generator Manual. The noise definitely ratchets up as you draw more power from the engine, but it tops out around 65dB. Your email address will not be published. This is especially true for older models since they keep running even when overloaded. My norcold polar max draws 600 watts on electric. The cause of the problem is the float in the carb or float bowl is stuck and not moving to shut the gas feed off. Learn more about these issues below: 1) Unstable electrical power supply. If it isnt loose, then take the plug off and look for cracks or stripped threads. Generally, the change in sound is caused by the device trying to produce more power than its rated for to match the current needs of the household. Importantly, users agree the Predator 3500 is a much-loved generator for those who find themselves needing more power than a typical 2,000-watt generator can provide, but who also want to stick with inverted power. Or at least run some carb cleaner through the engine regularly. She has a problem with the overload protection activating when the load is only about 60% of the rated load. (Data Link Troubleshooting), The Predator 2000 Generator keepsShutting Off. Meaning, Working Principle & Applications - Circuit Globe. This is because the low- oil sensor is triggered therefore, it automatically disables the engine from turning on so that it can prevent further damage to the engine. Once youve tabulated that, you can then buy a generator that matches your home profile. The company warranties your entire generator for the first 90days after purchase. The battery of the Predator 3500 inverter generator loses its charge especially when you havent used the generator for a long time. To learn more about this generator, just continue to read our article. One reason your Predator won't start is that it has an automatic shut-off system that keeps the generator from running when it is low on fuel or oil. The fact that it wont start is due to another important part down the line. Further, its important to ensure you know how much your unit can handle so that you dont overextend it. My daughter has a mobile grooming trailer with a Predator 3500 Inverter generator from Harbor Freight. When this happens it means that something is jamming the float operation. Beyond that, the warranty only covers the engine and that warranty lasts just two years. It can be fixed in a matter of minutes. An overloaded generator is something you want to avoid as a user. How to know your generator is overloaded? One owner said he drilled a few holes in the battery cover, the sides of the case, and the oil door. Your A/C could draw as much as 40 amps momentarily on start up. But you are overloading it and it will get hot and stop working till it cools. As we said the pull handle is a backup system but not for when the electric starter fails but when the battery is out of power. It also has a 120-volt, 30-amp twist-lock outlet that you can use for power tools or to adapt for use with an RV. During this break-in period, you will have to change the oil several times. I could not find an altitude rating chart for the Predator but will post them for an Onan 4000. Make sure the main power source has stable voltage and frequency. Just open the bowl drain and turn on the front panel fuel switch and give the fuel bowl a good flush. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. When it comes to ease of use, Predator seems to have thought of everything for this generator. Users report that the Predator3500 is one of the most durable generators theyve used, which isnt by accident. The coolant tank should always be kept full as this running low can cause your generator to overheat. After checking and repairing all connections, ensure theres nothing wrong with the fuse box. Check both tanks to make sure they are not your problem. For specific details, make sure to read your owners manual on how to start this generator. As a result, its able to run for 11hours at a 25% load, or half a day at full power. Keep in mind that these devices require you to install these in a ventilated area. Maybe off-road routes wont be in favor of it, but such surroundings are nowhere a mismatch. Kind of goes like this (rev, idle, rev, idle, rev). Remove the access panel on the right side of the generator. If you continue using the device like this then there is a high chance that it will get damaged. Thankfully, damage can be largely avoided. The Predator 3500 generator is one of the most reliable generators you can find. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. if the problem is not caused by those sources, you may have to call in a repairman to troubleshoot and see if there is a wiring issue or a power supply problem. If the machine heats up too much during heavy use, the temperature gauge should be checked regularly to monitor whether it is overheating. This generator is one of the most popular inverter generators in the market as it guarantees you top notch performance throughout. Given that all of this comes at a pretty reasonable price point, were big fans of the Predator 3500. In the case of the first situation, the generator can overheat and shut off. How To Check The Oil On a Predator 2000 Generator? What Do I Do When My RV Has No Hot Water Flow? That situation can cause the pistons to expand and seize the engine. 5 Reasons Why Electric-Assist Makes Sense, How to Get Started With Fishing in Florida. Try to stay under that limit when plugging in new electrical devices that require huge start up watts to get going. Overloading your generator is completely avoidable, and heres how to do it. This inverter generator will not start if there is an insufficient amount of gas in the tank. What Spark Plug Does a Predator 2000 Generator Take? It is also advisable that you dispose the fuel if it has been in the gas tank for more than two months and replace it with fresh fuel. It allows you to easily switch between monitoring your wattage draw and the remaining runtime based on your fuel consumption. Help would be appreciated. Check your setting to make sure you placed it in the right position. 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