Troubleshooting etrailer 4,500-Watt Portable Generator Not Starting

Question:

I just received the 4500 watt duel fuel generator today. I followed the set up instructions prior to starting it. I was able to get the generator started once and now the battery for the electric start is dead and I was not able to get it started manually . Im using propane as my source of fuel. Could the problem be with the regulator on the propane hose? Any suggestions?

asked by: Scott D

Expert Reply:

I reached out to the manufacturer and he gave me some tips on troubleshooting for your etrailer 4,500-Watt Portable Generator # 333-0005:

1 - It would be best to get the battery charged at an auto parts store (you can also do this using a charger like part # CTEK56353)
2 - Sometimes when running the propane you need to adjust the choke while starting
3 - You can have them clean the spark plug
4 - Disconnect the regulator from propane tank, reconnect turning the propane valve on slowly
5 - If the battery is dead then the propane solenoid switch will not open. The switch is located on the diaphragm, you can hear the switch open and close when rotating fuel selector switch.

Let me know if you are still having problems and I can help you troubleshoot further. Since you were able to get it started once via propane I don't think your regulator is the problem unless it is older and worn out.

expert reply by: Jon G

Ken C.

8/8/2020

Got the generator 333-0005 and did all the setup as directed. The generator has been extremely difficult to start on propane, have not tried it with gas. I finally got it to start and it sputtered a lot. It backfire very loudly when trying to start. Wondering if the carburetor is out of adjustment. It is brand new out of the box and have never actually used it.

Jon G.

8/18/2020

I would start off by checking the oil level and ensuring that you have the generator sitting on a level surface. If that is the case then make sure you don't have a load larger than 50% of the capacity during the first 5 hours as that's the break-in time period. Also make sure that you have the choke set to "start". If you check out the instructions on the attached product page there is a troubleshooting guide on page 33 that you can check out as well.

Helpful Links

generators/etrailer/333-0005.html