6 Most Common Problems with Predator 3500 Generator

While camping last summer, the television and oven of my RV were cutting out their power. It was due to the predator 3500 generator that was turning itself off. And then, I realized I should have had some prior knowledge regarding common predator 3500 generator problems.

Some Common Predator 3500 Generator Problems include taking more cranks, not starting, automatically shutting off, not producing power, overheating, running weak, carburetor issues, not running smoothly, dying on the run, etc.

Fortunately, you can solve these problems with a DIY approach. And some of these solutions I know have been tried by me, so I can guarantee that their efficacy is good. So, keep on reading to find out more!

What Are Some Common Predator 3500 Generator Problems?

Most of the generator issues have one common symptom. The electric gadgets inside the RV, such as the TV, oven, fridge, kitchen appliances, etc., will act weirdly. If you experience this, you might want to consider the following problems:

1. Not Starting or Taking More Cranks

A Predator 3500 generator not starting might have many reasons behind it. Even though that’s true, the problem is usually with the carburetor. The generator fails to start when gunk, grime, varnish, or dust clogs the carb. It can also cause annoying cranks.

So you will need to get it cleaned. I always use detergent, water, and a toothbrush, but you can use a rug and other solutions. If it does not solve the issue, look if anything has stuck between the carb and engine block. If that is the case, removing it will fix the problem.

2. Not Producing Power

The first thing you should do when your Predator 3500 does not produce power is to check the AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator) or the exciter. Since this is a tricky job, you better go to a technician for this help.

Or, if you have experience working with generator AVRs like me, you can take a DIY approach. All you have to do is check the capacitors inside with a voltage tester screwdriver.

And if any of these are faulty capacitors, you need to buy a new AVR that will cost you 10 to 80 dollars, depending on the type.

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3. Sudden Power Outage

In case of a power outage, there can be multiple reasons. So it is hard to diagnose exactly what has happened. However, my best guess says that the motor’s mechanical coupling might be faulty. 

The motor of a Predator 3500 generator, or any RV generator, is known as a starter. So in case of power outages, you can check the wires and the cables of the motor. If any of these are loose, then tighten them. 

4. Automatically Shutting Off

This issue is not only for Predator 3500 but almost any RV generator. If it automatically shuts off, you should get the voltage regulator checked. If any wires are loose, tighten them. I always use wire strippers for any wire work for my RV.

And if the wires are tight enough, you must replace the AVR. A new voltage regulator for Predator 3500 can cost you a little more than 10 USD. It is the cheapest one which you can get. Or if you want a better quality one, it can cost up to 80 dollars.

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5. Overheating

I faced overheating in my Predator 3500 generator only once, and it never bothered me again. I solved it by doing a deep clean of the spark arrestor. While doing that, I found out that the muffler was heavily dirty.

So to prevent overheating, you need to clean the muffler inside the spark plug. It is always recommended to clean the muffler with a small metal brush, which you can buy from any hardware store for only a few bucks.

6. Running Weak or Dying on Run

If you feel that your generator is not producing appropriate power, checking the carburetor is the first thing you should do. A severely dirty carburetor might be the issue here. You can also consider buying a new carburetor carb assy instead of using the old one.

And if the carburetor is fine, then the issue is with your spark arrestor. Either it is broken, or it is dirty. You need to buy a new one for 3-5 USD if it is broken.

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FAQs.

Suppose these problems cannot match your issues with the Predator 3500 generator. In that case, the following questions from various online RV communities might serve you well.

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Conclusion

Despite all these problems, the best thing about the Predator 3500 generator is that they are very quiet. Unlike the other RV generators I had in my RV, this is the most noiseless one.

So the user experience from this generator is quite luxurious. Even if you face a few problems with your Predator 3500, I highly discourage you from changing it. You can fix it using the described methods or at least go to a technician.

And remember, avoiding faulty characteristics of crucial RV components such as the generator is a bad idea. It might result in great hazards, so please ensure you get it fixed!

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