Brand: Predator
Category: Portable Generator
Manual Type:
Language:
Manual for 57064 - Troubleshooting and error codes + PDF Download
Uploaded: April 8, 2025, 1:45 p.m.
Manual Publish Date: 2020-01-01
Warranty Summary
For warranty information, refer to the last pages of this manual.
- Pre-Start Checks: Check engine oil and fuel levels before starting.
- Starting the Engine: Move choke to START for cold engine, RUN for warm. Open fuel valve, turn engine switch ON. Pull starter handle slowly then quickly.
- Connecting Loads: Start generator without load, let it warm up. Connect devices starting with highest wattage first. Do not exceed generator's rated capacity.
- Stopping the Engine: Turn off electrical loads first. Turn engine switch OFF, close fuel valve.
Troubleshooting and error codes
| Problem | Possible Causes | Probable Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Engine will not start | FUEL RELATED: | FUEL RELATED: |
| 1. No fuel in tank or fuel valve closed. | 1. Fill fuel tank with fresh 87+ octane stabilizer treated unleaded gasoline and open fuel valve. Do not use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol (E15, E20, E85, etc.). | |
| 2. Choke not in START position, cold engine. | 2. Move Choke to START position. | |
| 3. Gasoline with more than 10% ethanol used. (E15, E20, E85, etc.) | 3. Clean out ethanol rich gasoline from fuel system. Replace components damaged by ethanol. Use fresh 87+ octane stabilizer treated unleaded gasoline only. Do not use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol (E15, E20, E85, etc.). | |
| 4. Low quality or deteriorated, old gasoline. | 4. Use fresh 87+ octane stabilizer treated unleaded gasoline. Do not use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol (E15, E20, E85, etc.). | |
| 5. Carburetor not primed. | 5. Pull on Starter Handle to prime. | |
| 6. Dirty fuel passageways. | 6. Clean out passageways using fuel additive. Heavy deposits may require further cleaning. | |
| 7. Carburetor needle stuck. Fuel can be smelled in the air. | 7. Gently tap side of carburetor float chamber with screwdriver handle. | |
| 8. Too much fuel in chamber. This can be caused by the carburetor needle sticking. | 8. Turn Choke to RUN position. Remove spark plug and pull the start handle several times to air out the chamber. Reinstall spark plug and set Choke to START position. | |
| 9. Clogged Fuel Filter. | 9. Replace Fuel Filter. | |
| IGNITION (SPARK) RELATED: | IGNITION (SPARK) RELATED: | |
| 1. Engine switch in off position. | 1. Turn engine switch to on position. | |
| 2. Spark plug cap not connected securely. | 2. Connect spark plug cap properly. | |
| 3. Spark plug electrode wet or dirty. | 3. Clean spark plug. | |
| 4. Incorrect spark plug gap. | 4. Correct spark plug gap. | |
| 5. Spark plug cap broken. | 5. Replace spark plug cap. | |
| 6. Circuit breaker tripped (electric start models only). | 6. Reset circuit breaker. Check wiring and starter motor if breaker continues to trip. | |
| 7. Incorrect spark timing or faulty ignition system. | 7. Have qualified technician diagnose/ repair ignition system. | |
| COMPRESSION RELATED: | COMPRESSION RELATED: | |
| 1. Cylinder not lubricated. Problem after long storage periods. | 1. Pour tablespoon of oil into spark plug hole. Crank engine a few times and try to start again. | |
| 2. Loose or broken spark plug. (Hissing noise will occur when trying to start.) | 2. Tighten spark plug. If that does not work, replace spark plug. If problem persists, may have head gasket problem, see #3. | |
| 3. Loose cylinder head or damaged head gasket. (Hissing noise will occur when trying to start.) | 3. Tighten head. If that does not remedy problem, replace head gasket. | |
| 4. Engine valves or tappets mis-adjusted or stuck. | 4. Have qualified technician diagnose/ repair ignition system. | |
| OIL RELATED: | OIL RELATED: | |
| 1. Low engine oil. | 1. Fill engine oil to proper level. Check engine oil before EVERY use. | |
| 2. Engine mounted on slope, triggering low oil shutdown. | 2. Operate engine on level surface. Check engine oil level. | |
| Engine stops when under heavy load | 1. Dirty air filter. | 1. Clean or replace element. |
| 2. Engine running cold. | 2. Allow engine to warm up prior to operating equipment. | |
| Engine misfires | 1. Spark plug cap loose. | 1. Check wire connections. |
| 2. Incorrect spark plug gap or damaged spark plug. | 2. Re-gap or replace spark plug. | |
| 3. Defective spark plug cap. | 3. Replace spark plug cap. | |
| 4. Old or low quality gasoline. | 4. Use only fresh 87+ octane stabilizer treated unleaded gasoline. Do not use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol (E15, E20, E85, etc.). | |
| 5. Incorrect compression. | 5. Diagnose and repair compression. (Use Engine will not start: COMPRESSION RELATED section.) | |
| Engine stops suddenly | 1. Carbon Monoxide level high. Red light on Carbon Monoxide Sensor illuminates. | 1. Leave area immediately and allow area to ventilate thoroughly. Only operate generator outside. |
| 2. CO Sensor Alarm flashes yellow. | 2. Carbon monoxide sensor malfunction. Sensor needs service. Call 1-888-866-5797 as soon as possible. Do not use the Generator until the sensor is working properly. | |
| 3. Low oil shutdown. | 3. Fill engine oil to proper level. Check engine oil before EVERY use. | |
| 4. Fuel tank empty or full of impure or low quality gasoline. | 4. Fill fuel tank with fresh 87+ octane stabilizer treated unleaded gasoline. Do not use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol (E15, E20, E85, etc.). | |
| 5. Defective fuel tank cap creating vacuum, preventing proper fuel flow. | 5. Test/replace fuel tank cap. | |
| 6. Faulty magneto. | 6. Have qualified technician service magneto. | |
| 7. Disconnected or improperly connected spark plug cap. | 7. Secure spark plug cap. | |
| Engine knocks | 1. Old or low quality gasoline. | 1. Fill fuel tank with fresh 87+ octane stabilizer treated unleaded gasoline. Do not use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol (E15, E20, E85, etc.). |
| 2. Engine overloaded. | 2. Do not exceed equipment's load rating. | |
| 3. Incorrect spark timing, deposit buildup, worn engine, or other mechanical problems. | 3. Have qualified technician diagnose and service engine. | |
| Engine backfires | 1. Impure or low quality gasoline. | 1. Fill fuel tank with fresh 87+ octane stabilizer treated unleaded gasoline. Do not use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol (E15, E20, E85, etc.). |
| 2. Engine too cold. | 2. Use cold weather fuel and oil additives to prevent backfiring. | |
| 3. Intake valve stuck or overheated engine. | 3. Have qualified technician diagnose and service engine. | |
| 4. Incorrect timing. | 4. Check engine timing. | |
| Product doesn't have power. | 1. Product not plugged in properly. | 1. Turn off and unplug the product, then plug it back in again and turn on. |
| 2. Circuit Breaker tripped. | 2. Turn off and unplug product. Reset Circuit Breaker. Plug in product and turn on. | |
| 3. Product needs service. | 3. Have product repaired. | |
| Product begins to operate abnormally. | 1. Problem with appliance. | 1. Immediately unplug appliance. Have appliance repaired by a qualified technician, or replace appliance. |
| 2. Rated load capacity exceeded. | 2. Lower the number of items plugged into the Generator to stay within the rated capacity, or use a more powerful generator. |
Troubleshooting and error codes
| Problem | Possible Causes | Probable Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Engine will not start | FUEL RELATED: | FUEL RELATED: |
| 1. No fuel in tank or fuel valve closed. | 1. Fill fuel tank with fresh 87+ octane stabilizer treated unleaded gasoline and open fuel valve. Do not use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol (E15, E20, E85, etc.). | |
| 2. Choke not in START position, cold engine. | 2. Move Choke to START position. | |
| 3. Gasoline with more than 10% ethanol used. (E15, E20, E85, etc.) | 3. Clean out ethanol rich gasoline from fuel system. Replace components damaged by ethanol. Use fresh 87+ octane stabilizer treated unleaded gasoline only. Do not use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol (E15, E20, E85, etc.). | |
| 4. Low quality or deteriorated, old gasoline. | 4. Use fresh 87+ octane stabilizer treated unleaded gasoline. Do not use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol (E15, E20, E85, etc.). | |
| 5. Carburetor not primed. | 5. Pull on Starter Handle to prime. | |
| 6. Dirty fuel passageways. | 6. Clean out passageways using fuel additive. Heavy deposits may require further cleaning. | |
| 7. Carburetor needle stuck. Fuel can be smelled in the air. | 7. Gently tap side of carburetor float chamber with screwdriver handle. | |
| 8. Too much fuel in chamber. This can be caused by the carburetor needle sticking. | 8. Turn Choke to RUN position. Remove spark plug and pull the start handle several times to air out the chamber. Reinstall spark plug and set Choke to START position. | |
| 9. Clogged Fuel Filter. | 9. Replace Fuel Filter. | |
| IGNITION (SPARK) RELATED: | IGNITION (SPARK) RELATED: | |
| 1. Engine switch in off position. | 1. Turn engine switch to on position. | |
| 2. Spark plug cap not connected securely. | 2. Connect spark plug cap properly. | |
| 3. Spark plug electrode wet or dirty. | 3. Clean spark plug. | |
| 4. Incorrect spark plug gap. | 4. Correct spark plug gap. | |
| 5. Spark plug cap broken. | 5. Replace spark plug cap. | |
| 6. Circuit breaker tripped (electric start models only). | 6. Reset circuit breaker. Check wiring and starter motor if breaker continues to trip. | |
| 7. Incorrect spark timing or faulty ignition system. | 7. Have qualified technician diagnose/ repair ignition system. | |
| COMPRESSION RELATED: | COMPRESSION RELATED: | |
| 1. Cylinder not lubricated. Problem after long storage periods. | 1. Pour tablespoon of oil into spark plug hole. Crank engine a few times and try to start again. | |
| 2. Loose or broken spark plug. (Hissing noise will occur when trying to start.) | 2. Tighten spark plug. If that does not work, replace spark plug. If problem persists, may have head gasket problem, see #3. | |
| 3. Loose cylinder head or damaged head gasket. (Hissing noise will occur when trying to start.) | 3. Tighten head. If that does not remedy problem, replace head gasket. | |
| 4. Engine valves or tappets mis-adjusted or stuck. | 4. Have qualified technician diagnose/ repair ignition system. | |
| OIL RELATED: | OIL RELATED: | |
| 1. Low engine oil. | 1. Fill engine oil to proper level. Check engine oil before EVERY use. | |
| 2. Engine mounted on slope, triggering low oil shutdown. | 2. Operate engine on level surface. Check engine oil level. | |
| Engine stops when under heavy load | 1. Dirty air filter. | 1. Clean or replace element. |
| 2. Engine running cold. | 2. Allow engine to warm up prior to operating equipment. | |
| Engine misfires | 1. Spark plug cap loose. | 1. Check wire connections. |
| 2. Incorrect spark plug gap or damaged spark plug. | 2. Re-gap or replace spark plug. | |
| 3. Defective spark plug cap. | 3. Replace spark plug cap. | |
| 4. Old or low quality gasoline. | 4. Use only fresh 87+ octane stabilizer treated unleaded gasoline. Do not use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol (E15, E20, E85, etc.). | |
| 5. Incorrect compression. | 5. Diagnose and repair compression. (Use Engine will not start: COMPRESSION RELATED section.) | |
| Engine stops suddenly | 1. Carbon Monoxide level high. Red light on Carbon Monoxide Sensor illuminates. | 1. Leave area immediately and allow area to ventilate thoroughly. Only operate generator outside. |
| 2. CO Sensor Alarm flashes yellow. | 2. Carbon monoxide sensor malfunction. Sensor needs service. Call 1-888-866-5797 as soon as possible. Do not use the Generator until the sensor is working properly. | |
| 3. Low oil shutdown. | 3. Fill engine oil to proper level. Check engine oil before EVERY use. | |
| 4. Fuel tank empty or full of impure or low quality gasoline. | 4. Fill fuel tank with fresh 87+ octane stabilizer treated unleaded gasoline. Do not use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol (E15, E20, E85, etc.). | |
| 5. Defective fuel tank cap creating vacuum, preventing proper fuel flow. | 5. Test/replace fuel tank cap. | |
| 6. Faulty magneto. | 6. Have qualified technician service magneto. | |
| 7. Disconnected or improperly connected spark plug cap. | 7. Secure spark plug cap. | |
| Engine knocks | 1. Old or low quality gasoline. | 1. Fill fuel tank with fresh 87+ octane stabilizer treated unleaded gasoline. Do not use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol (E15, E20, E85, etc.). |
| 2. Engine overloaded. | 2. Do not exceed equipment's load rating. | |
| 3. Incorrect spark timing, deposit buildup, worn engine, or other mechanical problems. | 3. Have qualified technician diagnose and service engine. | |
| Engine backfires | 1. Impure or low quality gasoline. | 1. Fill fuel tank with fresh 87+ octane stabilizer treated unleaded gasoline. Do not use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol (E15, E20, E85, etc.). |
| 2. Engine too cold. | 2. Use cold weather fuel and oil additives to prevent backfiring. | |
| 3. Intake valve stuck or overheated engine. | 3. Have qualified technician diagnose and service engine. | |
| 4. Incorrect timing. | 4. Check engine timing. | |
| Product doesn't have power. | 1. Product not plugged in properly. | 1. Turn off and unplug the product, then plug it back in again and turn on. |
| 2. Circuit Breaker tripped. | 2. Turn off and unplug product. Reset Circuit Breaker. Plug in product and turn on. | |
| 3. Product needs service. | 3. Have product repaired. | |
| Product begins to operate abnormally. | 1. Problem with appliance. | 1. Immediately unplug appliance. Have appliance repaired by a qualified technician, or replace appliance. |
| 2. Rated load capacity exceeded. | 2. Lower the number of items plugged into the Generator to stay within the rated capacity, or use a more powerful generator. |