Before you start troubleshooting.

Safety is the primary concern in troubleshooting generators. If you are not sure of what your doing ask or leave it to a professional. Understand what you are doing and use caution. There is a risk of injury from moving parts, heat and live electrical wires that can shock and kill you. 

The first step in generator troubleshooting is to conduct a visual inspection before doing any electrical tests. Looking the generator over carefully should expose any environmental factors that might contribute to the problem. As you remove the generator cover and begin your inspection, look for the following:

• Rusted or corroded connections. An oxidized connection will prevent the circuit from being completed. This applies not only to the major cables externally, but also to the electronic control devices internally.
  
  
• Signs of overheating. Discoloration and or burnt smells. Windings that are normally copper in color that may have turned black. The insulating sprays that manufacturers use to insulate the windings may vary in color from shades of reddish brown to light brown to dark brown, so try to compare the color to that of a new unit.
  
  
• Wire insulation that is heat-hardened. Fabric and plastic insulation hardens over time due to heat exposure and overheating. Long-term heating should be more uniform. A short, excessive heat cycle may have less hardening and burning at the unit's outer perimeters and excessive heat signs toward the center or heat source.
  
  
• Insects that have developed a community inside the generator. Their nests and debris can cause electrical shorts. Generators left out in the elements, such as for running water wells, provide a nice home for critters such as spiders, wasps, and mice.
  
  
• Loose bolts, screws, and fasteners. This condition will either prevent full-time service or give intermittent service depending on the situation.

Engine Will Not Start