Generator cranks, won't start
Fuel, spark, compression, in that order, and one squirt of starting fluid settles most of it.
The short version
- Fuel level first. Most RV generators pull from a pickup that quits at about a quarter tank so you can't strand the chassis.
- Listen for the fuel pump on prime, then crack the line at the carb while cranking. Fuel there means the pump and lines are fine.
- Inline spark tester while cranking. Good blue spark rules out the ignition side.
- A short shot of starting fluid in the intake: fires and dies means the engine is healthy and the carb isn't metering fuel. That's varnish from sitting.
- Read the code at the start switch, but don't let it replace the three tests above. Code 36 just means it stopped without the controller knowing why.
Numbers
- Fuel pickup: about 1/4 tank on most coaches
- Exercise: run it under load 30 minutes a month
Shop tip
Tell the customer why it happened. A generator that's exercised monthly doesn't come back with a gummed carb.
Try it on a service call
Put the lesson to work on a hands-on troubleshooting case.