Warning Signs Your Generator Might Be About to Fail

Liam_smith

Liam_smith

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Hey folks,
what are some early warning signs you’ve noticed that a generator’s about to fail? i’ve heard odd noises and inconsistent power can be big red flags, but curious what else folks have seen. Would love to hear your experiences so I know what to watch for.. thanks
 
Hey @Liam_smith
Definitely been there.. a few red flags I’ve seen before a generator gives out
  • Weird noises like knocking, rattling, or sudden loud humming usually means internal wear.
  • Power surges or flickers ..inconsistent output is a big sign something’s off.
  • Slow or rough starts – especially in warm weather, this can point to fuel or ignition issues.
  • Visible smoke or fuel leaks.. anything beyond normal exhaust should be checked ASAP.
  • Strange smells like burning or strong fuel odors can mean overheating or leaks.
Regular checks help a lot, especially watching oil levels and keeping filters clean. Better to catch it early than lose power mid-job
 
agree with the signs mentioned.. another one I’ve run into is random shutdowns even with decent fuel. Usually a heads-up that something electrical is failing. I always keep an eye (and ear) out for anything new or weird.. it’s cheaper to fix early than deal with downtime
 
haha, my generator once started making a sound like a dying lawnmower trying to beatbox-should've taken that as a hint. ended up being a clogged fuel filter and a cranky starter. lesson learned: if it starts sounding like it's auditioning for a horror movie, time to check the basics! appreciate all the tips here-definitely keeping a closer ear (and nose) on mine now.
 
I've noticed dimming lights and longer warm-up times befroe mine acted up-usually a good reminder it's time for a check-up.
 
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