We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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. By that, we mean that you can get these top Predator generators for about half the price of a Honda or other top generator-making brand. Carlisle Radial Trail HD vs Goodyear Endurance: Which One? The first thing that you should check in this case is your fuel tank. 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. (Solutions), Predator Generators (Best Reviewed - Pros + Cons), Start Generator Without A Pull Cord (The Right Way), https://www.beupp.com/generator/predator-3500-review/#4_Why_is_my_Predator_leaking_gas, https://netaworldjournal.org/measuring-field-winding-insulation-resistance/, Predator 3500 Generator Problems And Common Issues. The rated output is 4500 watts starting power and 3600 watts running power. The battery of the Predator 3500 inverter generator loses its charge especially when you havent used the generator for a long time. It would be best to break-in the generator properly and not over load it or lug it down on the many ac starts it would incur if you run the ac. The way to avoid this issue is to properly drain the float bowl, a part many people forget to check and empty, then store the generator. This is because the low- oil sensor might be triggered when the generator is slightly tilted even when there is still enough oil in the crankcase. if you are missing your owners manual, just click here to get to one. A more important source would be the carburetor. Just like when a cars head gasket blows, the oil seeps into the combustion chamber and is burned up with the gas. Even at peak capacity it remains 3,500 watts. This is a website that seems to have every manual you can think of no matter the product. 4 Common Coleman Mach RV Air Conditioner Problems (Troubleshooting). Or at least run some carb cleaner through the engine regularly. Finally, another problem that you can run into is that your generator is not starting. If the Generator runs but doesnt have power, it could be an issue with the windings or circuits. The noise definitely ratchets up as you draw more power from the engine, but it tops out around 65dB. This is especially true for older models since they keep running even when overloaded. You should buy the recommended engine oil for the inverter generator and top up. So, if you ignore or dont notice the warning lights, the generator will automatically turn itself off to protect the engine and your electronics. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The PREDATOR 3500W SUPER QUIET Inverter Generator is an ideal solution for RVs, home back-up and more. One other possible input might be something like the fridge trying to kick in on electric. The predator 3500 Inverter generator wont start if there is low oil levels in the crankcase. Although, keep in mind that some problems can be found on this device. That is about the extent of your maintenance duties. And that's true with the predator 3500 as well. This inverter generator will not start if there is an insufficient amount of gas in the tank. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When you see the white smoke, it means you have a more serious problem. Learn more about our process, How do I protect my appliances against power failures or power outages? You save on fuel and still get enough power to run certain appliances. Notably, you need to account for both the starting and the running wattages. I did try running it with the oil door removed and it made no difference. Then confirm the rated power requirements of your appliances so you know if the machine was actually overloaded before the breaker was tripped or not. Turn the throttle knob into the start position; once it runs, flip it back. Then there is our go-to manual source. This generator may be a discount model and cheaper than other brands but it is not a cheaply assembled product. However, this is a pretty unusual feature to find on generators, so its not that surprising that Predator didnt include it. This could be just about anything that went wrong with the unit. But because it is not a fold-down type, you cannot completely maximize the use of 4 wheels. The fuel tank strainer needs to be checked and cleaned when dirty. The final common problem will be generator failure. They will ensure that your generator is properly cleaned. Manage Settings Okay, it's not perfect, run at a full load the Honda is possibly quieter. Generators are not the same as using shore power. One of the bigger problems is when you leave appliances or empty extension cords plugged in. In addition, theres a grounding port on the outlet panel so that you can ground your generator with a grounding rod for added safety. Harbor Freight makes all the main models and engines of the predator generators generated in China. If not, it may be indicative of another issue. Keeping this in mind, if you are someone who was using too many electrical appliances on your generator then it might not be able to handle all this load. 2. However, given the adverse effects of running like this, modern Honda, Generac, and practically every other new generator model is fitted with an auto-shutoff feature that activates in case of an overload. Also, if you make modifications during the warranty period, you will probably void the warranty. My daughter has a mobile grooming trailer with a Predator 3500 Inverter generator from Harbor Freight. This generator promises features like electric start and continuous 3,000-watt power, all while keeping noise under 60dB and weight under 100pounds. HF Predator 3500 Owners Please Mission Statement: Supporting thoughtful exchange of knowledge, values and experience among RV enthusiasts. If it is loose, oil can make its way back up the hole and out the fill spout. It comes in at about 99 pounds, putting it at an average weight for mid-size generators. Yes, there seems to be a pull handle on the 3500 with which you use to start this model. The Predator 3500 watt super quiet inverter generator by Harbor Freight is a workhorse of a mid-size unit. This includes, if it's low on oil, out of gas, a clogged fuel valve, a dead battery, faulty low oil sensor etc. After checking and repairing all connections, ensure theres nothing wrong with the fuse box. It controls the voltage of the system and has the operation of the limit nearer to the steady state stability. It has the information you need to know about in order to fix your generator and get it started without calling the repairman. In non eco mode the generator seems to have the same behavior but is masked by . There are different reasons why this issue rises in your Predator generator. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The automatic voltage regulator works on the principle of detection of errors. When it comes to cleaning up your device, you have to remove the fuel and then wash the insides of your generator using special solutions. The company warranties your entire generator for the first 90days after purchase. It controls the voltage of the system and has the operation of the limit nearer to the steady state stability. The fix for this problem is to drop the load demand. The pull handle is on the right side when looking at the machine and is housed in a recessed area. So, is the Predator3500 as promising as the technical specifications and price would have you believe? That situation can cause the pistons to expand and seize the engine. Soak the filter in lightweight oil. Below you will find a detailed description of the product, emphasizing the problems and helping with a guide to fix them. We have done many searches and the closest wiring diagram that pops up is for the Harbor Freight Predator 3500. First, it comes with a simple starter switch. The low oil light goes a long way to making sure that you perform needed maintenance on time. Many compared it to generators produced by Honda, which cost more than twice as much as this model. This won't show up on a clamp on ammeter. If this is the source, you will have to disconnect the fuel line and flush out all the debris clogging up the line. Given the size of this generator and its large 212cc engine, thats quite the praise. When it comes to choosing a portable generator, power, noise, portability, and runtime always seem to be at odds with one another. It is a good idea to keep checking every time you go to start the generator. It takes the fluctuates voltage and changes them into a constant voltage. Additionally, a faulty or broken circuit could be the culprit, so you may need to look over the circuit board. Energuide. Thats a big engine for just 3,000 watts of continuous power, but it ensures that the generator is cruising smoothly rather than struggling when you draw its full available power. If not, try plugging it into another outlet to see if this solves the issue. This is a fuel and carb problem. That is only a backup when you forgot to keep power in the battery. Consequently, generator models with AVR are much harder to damage or overload since they self-adjust to match changes in voltage. A light adjustment should take care of this problem. Then try again. This problem is not much of a performance issue. The result is melted internal components. This is because it electronically control the throttle of the engine depending on the amount of power required by the plugged in appliances. If the fuse box is fine, it could also mean a short circuit somewhere else in your home. Modern generators, as we mentioned above, have circuit breakers for this eventuality. Manufacturers indicate just how much power a generator can output, and you can find this information even before you buy a particular model. This is what that booklet says about the spark plug: You can check other cross-reference websites to see if there are other brands that will work as well. Not a major issue but you do have to watch what you are placing in your RV or trailers outlets. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Your email address will not be published. It won't overload or cause damage to sensitive devices and can run larger AC units without a problem. These devices can only produce so many watts and any demand for more will result in two situations. The key one will be the start-up battery. 2. It is a discount generator. In addition, right below the LCD screen are lights that indicate when your oil is running low or when the generator is in danger of being overloaded. It is only when those problems become too severe or too complicated that you will need to call in a repairman. This discussion is proudly sponsored by: Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on iRV2 Thread Tools Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free! Yes, the Generators battery is charged internally. It has to be just right for the generator to work smoothly. Unplug a few items from your electrical system. It has the information you want to know about so you can decide if this is the way to go when you need a generator. As you have seen, there are a number of reasons that may make the Predator 3500 Inverter generator to refuse to start. Check both tanks to make sure they are not your problem. But for running at 50% load or lower, the throttle switch can really improve the runtime of this generator. This will ensure no interruption of service later on. Simply switching off some of these devices should help you in fixing the problem. Compare to. A clamp on amp meter would verify if the draw on the generator is more than allowable. The most common source for this problem is that the carb is clogged. There are four small wheels on the bottom of the generator, rather than two large wheels. Make sure the main power source has stable voltage and frequency. Also, a struggling generator engine will produce more heat when trying to keep up with the higher power demands. This is good if youre on flat ground, since the front wheels essentially allow you to steer the generator as you push it around. Recently while camped in the desert at 7000' on a day with the outside temps running in the 90's,our gen went into overload mode and I am looking for reasons why. With the built-in low oil alert, you are told when you need to add more oil. that way you will know if you can repair the problem in a matter of a minute or two. This is just another protective feature incorporated into your device. Overloading the device makes it overheat and once that happens it will shut down on you. In older generator models, youll find that the machine will work through the overload as if nothing happened. If you do not have the manual, here are the instructions: 1. This is a fix you cannot do if you are under warranty. Its reliable with no output issues or disturbance, and youll get the most out of the fuel tank. The generator is an inverter power model, which allows for it to be efficient . As such, running it like this can cause long-lasting and even permanent damage making the device unusable. Note that there is also a pull-cord on this generator, so if the battery dies, you will have a way to start the generator. That should clear the clog and get the generator running as it should. Have 5 Predator 3500 Inverter/Generators in for repair. Kind of goes like this (rev, idle, rev, idle, rev). Also, even with these issues, please keep in mind its still a great choice considering the point. The easiest way to clean this part is to replace it with a new one. All Answered in 7 hours by: Certified on Onan and Generac generators It is hard to confuse the starter with any other device or knob located there as everything is marked very clearly. You should change the oil after the first 20 hours of use then every 100 hours after that. It is important to clean this part often in order to avoid major damage other than starting a fire. However, there are certain situations that may occur which will hinder the Predator 3500 Inverter generator from starting. I cut my inverter on up close to a building the exhaust couldnt release going back in the machine, my machine then dropped from 12.4 to 10.0 then overload light came on. You can easily do this by looking at the oil level on the dipstick of the generator. It may take a while to diagnose the real source but once it is done, the fix is easy. This is where replacing the breaker comes in. This is a low-maintenance generator. But Harbor Freight appears to have broken that mold with the companys Predator3500 generator. Its important to keep from overloading your generator because there are multiple problems associated with that. You should also ensure that your fan is kept switched on while you are using the device to get the best possible results. You never know and when you are not an expert on engines, it is best to leave this issue to the professionals. Plus, the switch is easy to toggle on and off as needed. This includes having access to lots of storage that you can keep all your equipment in. Additionally, they should also check your device thoroughly so that there are no other problems with it. You will have to pull the plugs, clean them, re-gap them and then test the spark. What gas is recommended for use on the Predator 3500 Inverter generator? They are manufactured in China. Even if the fuel tank is full of gas. This could be just about anything that went wrong with the unit. Also, check the gas and oil levels and see if the battery is drained of all power. Or you simply buy a clean used carb and replace it. Also, keep in mind that the average usage would be 4-5 hours for 1 day. This may be a symptom of a carb that has been fed bad fuel. The automatic shut-off lets you know when you need to add more fuel. But because it is not a fold-down type, you cannot completely maximize the use of 4 wheels. Additionally, you reduce the lifespan of your generator since its overworked. The Predator 3500 generator was developed by the American-based company Harbor Freight Tools. If a belt fails, the whole system stops. , this forces the appliance to increase the amperage, leading to overheating. Number of reasons that may make the Predator 3500 Inverter generator to work.. While keeping noise under 60dB and weight under 100pounds not much of a minute or.. True for older models since they keep running even when overloaded to sensitive devices and run! 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