Won’t Start
Generators that sit unused for months develop fuel system problems — varnish buildup, stale fuel, and gummed jets are the top causes of a no-start. Work through these first:
Generator guide
RV generator troubleshooting
A generator that won’t start, won’t stay running, or won’t produce power is one of the most common calls we get — and one of the most preventable. Here’s how to think through it. Generators that sit unused for months dev...
Active corridor: Montana · Wyoming · Idaho · Washington — case-by-case beyond.
Field notes
A generator that won’t start, won’t stay running, or won’t produce power is one of the most common calls we get — and one of the most preventable. Here’s how to think through it. Generators that sit unused for months develop fuel system problems — varnish buildup, stale fuel, and gummed jets are the top causes of a no-start. Work through these first:
Starts But Won’t Stay Running
A generator that fires and then dies within seconds is telling you something specific — it’s rarely random.
Runs But Produces No Power (or Surges)
This is a generator head or governor problem, not a fuel problem — the engine side is fine, but the electrical output isn’t right.
Basic Maintenance That Prevents Most of This
— Run the generator under load at least two hours every month it’s not in regular use — Use a fuel stabilizer if the rig sits more than 30 days — Change oil and filter per manufacturer interval — typically every 100–1...
When to Stop and Call a Professional
Both “starts but won’t stay running” and “runs but produces no power” are symptoms of specific, diagnosable problems — they get worse with continued operation, not better. If you’ve checked fuel, oil, and the basics a...
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Generator Service & Repair Back to Field Guide Pricing
Owner checklist
- Check fuel level and fuel shutoff valve position
- Verify the generator’s own start battery has charge — a separate issue from your house battery
- Check for fault codes on the control panel if equipped, and don’t just clear them — note what they say first
- If it cranks but won’t fire, suspect stale fuel or a stuck choke — both common after winter storage
- If it won’t crank at all, check the main breaker and any safety interlocks (compartment door switches on some models)
Related: All guides · Book a Service · Pricing
Pricing teaser
Trip fee $75 within 30 miles, then $1.50/mi. Labor ~$150/hr (1-hour minimum, billed in 30-minute increments). Diagnostic $150 applied toward repair if you proceed.
Active corridor: Montana · Wyoming · Idaho · Washington — case-by-case beyond. Credentials (text): Victron Professional Certified Installer · weBoost Authorized Installer · Peplink Certified Associate · Dometic Professional Certified.