Welcome!
This website is all about generators. You will find guidance, practical advice on choosing and using generators, and tips on how to fix common issues.
Generator Problem? Find Your Fix.
Whether your generator won’t start, keeps shutting off, or shows an error code, we have step-by-step troubleshooting guides to help you fix it. No fluff, no sales pitch — just practical solutions backed by manufacturer specs and real-world experience.
Troubleshooting by Symptom
Start here if you know what your generator is doing wrong:
- Generator Won’t Start — fuel, spark, and ignition fixes
- Generator Keeps Shutting Off — 13 causes diagnosed by shutdown timing
- Runs But No Power Output — AVR, breaker, and capacitor checks
- Generator Surging (Revs Up and Down) — fuel system and governor fixes
- Starts Then Dies — 10 causes from choke to carburetor
- Overloaded Generator — what to do when you trip the breaker
- Won’t Start in Cold Weather — cold-start tips that work below freezing
- Old Gas / Stale Fuel — how to clean it out and get running again
Troubleshooting by Brand
Find fixes specific to your generator brand:
- Generac: Won’t Start · Red Light On · Error Code 1501 · Charger Missing AC · Weekly Test Fails · Runs When Power Is On · Oil Reset
- Predator: Won’t Start · Keeps Shutting Off · Who Makes Them?
- Champion: Full Troubleshooting Guide · Best Oil
- Honda: Only Runs With Choke On
- Westinghouse: Light Troubleshooting
- DuroMax: XP12000EH Troubleshooting
- Firman: Firman vs Predator Comparison
What Size Generator Do You Need?
Not sure how much power you need? These guides break it down by home size, amp service, and specific appliances:
By Home Size:
By Amp Service:
By Wattage:
Helpful Tools:
- Generator Sizing Calculator — enter your appliances, get your wattage
- Generator for a Deep Freezer
- Generator for a 140 Amp Welder
- Generator for a 5-Ton AC Unit
Camping & Outdoor
Planning to bring a generator on your next trip? Start here:
- What Size Generator for Camping?
- Best Quiet Generators for Camping (2026)
- 10 Ways to Make a Generator Quiet
- Solar vs Gas Generator for Camping
- Can You Run a Generator in the Rain?
Generator Safety & Maintenance
- How to Make a Generator Safe for Electronics
- How to Break In a New Generator
- What Is a THD Filter?
- Spark Plug Comparison: RC12YC vs RC14YC vs XC12YC
- How to Install a Backup Generator
Fuel & Runtime
- How Long Will a Generator Run on 5 Gallons?
- 8,000W Generator Runtime
- Gas Usage: 2,000W · 4,000W · 5,500W · 6,500W · 7,500W
- Propane: 20kW Per Hour · 22kW on 200 Gallons
New here? Most visitors come to us with a specific generator problem. Use the symptom list or brand list above to jump straight to your fix. If you are not sure what is wrong, start with Generator Keeps Shutting Off — it covers the most common issues across all brands.