Briggs NA | Maintenance How-To

Loss of Generator Power Troubleshooting

admin@briggsandstratton.com (Briggs & Stratton Admin) — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:33:55 GMT

It can be scary (and simply inconvenient) to lose power to your home. That's why you rely on your standby generator to back up your home during an outage. If your generator does not power on during an outage, don't worry: There are a few easy steps you can take before pushing the panic button.

Low Coolant Levels

Coolant is an essential requirement for any home standby generator to operate properly. When at normal levels, coolant prevents the engine from overheating, which could otherwise cause a generator to seize up and shut down. However, keeping coolant levels at the recommended level is easy, and it is recommended to have coolant on hand in the event of extended reliance on backup power. (Note: In this scenario, it is also important to check for a coolant leak, which can be done by inspecting the perimeter of your generator for any pooling fluid around the base.)

Generator Is Out of Fuel

Depending on the fuel system of your generator, you may need to ensure fuel is maintained at proper levels. During regular maintenance with your dealer or service provider, it is advisable to ask about your generator’s fuel needs, as well as ensure all fuel-related components (filter, lines, gauge, etc.) are functioning properly. For more information on fuel function, see our FAQ article on Fuel System Troubleshooting.

Battery Is Dead or Has Lost Charge

As with automobiles, your generator’s battery assists with the starting and powering-on of power in the event of an outage. Should the generator fail to operate properly, a quick inspection of the battery for corrosion or lack-of-charge could be a way to determine if this is actually the cause. During regular maintenance, asking your dealer or service provider about the battery’s status is a great preventative measure to ensure your generator starts effortlessly when needed most.

Depending on your generator, it may be possible to get ahead of potential service issues with a monitoring solution. Briggs & Stratton’s InfoHub can send alerts of faults directly to your phone or computer so you can be sure your generator is ready for the next outage. Learn more about InfoHub here.

Troubleshooting Your Generator's Fuel System

admin@briggsandstratton.com (Briggs & Stratton Admin) — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:33:55 GMT

As your home’s primary source of power during an outage, it’s important to ensure that your standby generator is prepared to run smoothly when it needs to. Making sure your generator's fuel system is running properly is a key first step. Here are some basic troubleshooting steps.

Know Your Fuel Type

Understanding your generator’s fuel type will allow you to accurately determine the source of any potential issues, as well as help you be more prepared for an outage. Standby generators commonly run on either Liquid Propane, Natural Gas, or Diesel fuel. Each type of fuel has its own unique requirements and can also present unique challenges when problems arise. For example, an interruption in fuel supply of a Natural Gas generator could mean a disruption in the natural gas utility line near your home.

Inspect for Leaks

Unlike more complex issues, fuel leaks can be easily noticed and quickly addressed by a simple visual inspection of your generator, which should be done monthly if possible. If you see fluid beginning to pool below or around your generator, this could be a telltale sign of a fuel or coolant leak. If you see this, immediately contact your dealer or service provider. If you’re not sure of your closest Briggs & Stratton dealer, use our Dealer Locator to find out.

Address Other Repairs and Maintenance

Though fuel system issues are rare, it is possible for them to arise as a result of other preventable generator problems. Thus, regular maintenance from your dealer or service provider is key to extending the life of your generator. In a professional inspection, a technician can catch problems like broken belts, gaskets, pistons, and engine/block heater issues that could eventually cause disruption in your backup power.

Generator Rough Running Troubleshooting

admin@briggsandstratton.com (Briggs & Stratton Admin) — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:33:55 GMT

Ideally, power outages would not be something you experience often. However, when they do happen, you want to be sure that your standby generator is prepared to run smoothly and effortlessly. Should you experience surging or inconsistent power with your generator—or should you want to take preventative measures to ensure your generator is prepared—consider the following important components of your home generator to help identify why your home generator is running inconsistently.

Air Filter

If the air filter is restricted, old, or damaged, it could cause inconsistencies in engine performance. If you're unsure which air filter matches your generator, find your Operator's Manual for a full list of parts.

Spark Plug

Your generator’s spark plug could be the cause of faulty operation if it is damaged or if it's not attached properly with the correct gap. Attempting to clean and reattach the spark plug can be an in-the-moment troubleshooting measure, but replacing it when needed during preventative maintenance is generally recommended.

Fuel Pressure

When surging or inconsistent power occurs in your generator, fuel could be the cause. Should you experience this, checking fuel levels can be a great first step, but your dealer or service provider can check all fuel system components preventatively. For more information on fuel function, see our FAQ article on Fuel System Troubleshooting.

If you believe any of these issues could be the cause of your rough-running generator, it is important that you contact your dealer or service provider, who can confirm any necessary repairs or maintenance. As with any emergency power product, the worst moment to find out there are performance issues is when you need it most. That is why it is important to work with your dealer or service provider to ensure regular inspections and maintenance are performed to maximize the life of your standby generator.

What Is Backup Power?

admin@briggsandstratton.com (Briggs & Stratton Admin) — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:33:54 GMT

Blackouts. Brownouts. Thunderstorms. Snow & sleet. Ice storms. Floods. High winds. Whether it's caused by a utility power interruption or weather disasters, power outages are frequent occurrences throughout the country.

Buying a generator for standby power can be the first step to regaining control over protecting your family and possessions from harm. And, using a generator is as simple as operating any household appliance. After you have selected a generator, here are a few tips that can help you keep power through the storm.

Consider Your Connection Method

Connecting your generator to your home can be as simple as plugging in a tool or appliance. The difficulty comes in when you want to run items that are hard wired to your homes electrical system such as a furnace fan, lighting and a water pump. Consider these three options:

Extension Cords - Extension cords are the most common method for powering appliances in your home. Simply plug the cord into your generator and run it through an open door or window to the item you wish to power. Careful not to overload the extension cord. Always use at least 10–12 gauge cord and try to limit the length to under 100 feet.
Extenda-Panel Extension Cord - This convenient cord combines 4 heavy duty extension cords into one - eliminating the tangle of multiple extension cords. This cord plugs into your 30 amp, 240v receptacle on your generator and delivers up to 7200 watts through 4 different receptacles.
Power Transfer System - A Power Transfer System is a must if you plan to use your portable generator to operate appliances hard wired to you home's electrical system. This system is the safer, faster and more convenient way to power up to 10 household circuits for up to 7200 watts of power. Comes with a power cord and inlet box that mounts outside your home, eliminating all open doors and windows.

Storm Preparedness

admin@briggsandstratton.com (Briggs & Stratton Admin) — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:33:54 GMT

Use these ten tips to prepare for a storm.

1. Talk with your family, and develop a plan of action for when a storm hits. Having these conversations in advance of a storm can greatly reduce concerns and fears.

2. Learn how to access your local NOAA Weather Radio station. These stations are part of a network that broadcasts continuous weather information for your area. You can access them online and through NOAA radio apps for your smartphone.

3. Fill a safe-deposit box with your important documents, such as insurance policies, passports and birth certificates. Take pictures of these documents on your phone, if possible, for extra reassurance.

4. Create an emergency kit, complete with first aid equipment, a flashlight, extra water and food. Stash it in an accessible location.

5. Develop a plan for your pets in case you need to evacuate them with your family. Create a pet-specific emergency kit with leashes, cages (if applicable) and food.

6. Keep an extra supply of critical medicine, in case you are unable to leave your home for an extended period of time during a storm.

7. Get extra cash, and keep it with your emergency kit. Cash is more reliable than electronic forms of payment during emergency situations.

8. Ensure your pantry is always stocked with enough food for three days, so you and your family are prepared to stay at home when a storm hits.

9. Store flashlights in convenient locations, such as a kitchen drawer or front closet. They should be easily accessible in case the lights go out.

10. Consider purchasing a standby or portable generator, so you can have peace of mind that your lights will stay on and your family will feel safe when storms are threatening your area.

Briggs & Stratton is available to provide advice about purchasing a portable generator or adding a stand-by generator to your home at briggsandstratton.com.

^{Portable generators emit carbon monoxide and are dangerous if not operated properly. The only safe place to operate a portable generator is outside. As a member of the Portable Generator Manufacturer's Association, Briggs & Stratton encourages homeowners to visit www.takeyourgeneratoroutside.com to learn more about portable generator safety.}

Generator Maintenance Tips to Prepare for Winter

admin@briggsandstratton.com (Briggs & Stratton Admin) — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:33:54 GMT

Snow storms and ice storms this winter can cause power outages lasting days, and the thought of enduring a winter outage without a Briggs & Stratton portable or standby generator providing the power you need can be menacing. As the colder weather approaches, ensuring you have properly maintained your generator, provides the peace of mind that it will start no matter what Old Man Winter throws your way.

You may be a die-hard do-it-yourselfer, or a little bit intimidated by the process but, either way, our online store makes it easy to tune-up your portable or standby generator with a wide variety of tools, parts, and resources available. Read on for tips to ensure your Briggs & Stratton generator is up and running anytime you might need it.

Portable Generator Maintenance:

Use Fuel Stabilizer

Don’t use your portable generator often? Store it with an empty fuel tank or use treated fuel to deter gum from forming in and clogging up the fuel system. Add STA-BIL^® Storage to clean, fresh fuel before filling the fuel tank and then run your generator for a few minutes to circulate the treated fuel through the fuel system.

STA-BIL fuel additives are the official fuel treatment of all Briggs & Stratton^® engines.

Change Your Generator Oil

Make sure your Briggs portable generator has enough oil in it to keep it running smoothly and lengthen your engine’s life. Many generators shut down automatically to protect the engine if the oil level gets too low. To keep your engine protected and ready for any DIY project or home emergency, check the oil level whenever you add fuel by referencing the dipstick and filling to the full marker. Keep a few quarts of oil on hand in case of emergencies.

Be sure to refer to your engine manual and the Briggs & Stratton Engine Oil Recommendation page for specifications.

Inspect Replaceable Parts Regularly

In addition to the engine oil, check out your air filter, fuel filter and spark plug regularly according to your portable generator owner’s manual. Briggs & Stratton makes it easy to reference your manual with our Operator’s Manual page. We also offer a huge selection of affordable parts that maintain your warranty coverage on our website.

Standby Generator Maintenance:

Maintenance Kits

Maintaining your standby generator is very similar to a regular tune-up and oil change on your vehicle. If you’re comfortable in the garage then maintaining your standby generator is equally as easy. We offer complete maintenance kits specifically for your generator to ensure you have everything you need to do the job right.

Standby generator maintenance kits help keep your system running at peak performance, and are designed for scheduled and preventative maintenance practices, delivering the security you rely on when the power goes out.

Partner with an Expert

If you do not have the time, or are not comfortable maintaining your standby generator yourself, trust our expert servicing dealers to take care of the servicing work for you. Our network of trained, authorized dealers will ensure your standby generator is ready for the winter months ahead. Invest in regular maintenance packages for the best value, and be confident this winter that your backup generator will work to keep you and your family warm if the power goes out.

Winterize & Store Your Pressure Washer

admin@briggsandstratton.com (Briggs & Stratton Admin) — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:33:54 GMT

More efficient and much more powerful than a garden hose, a pressure washer shoots a strong jet of water to plow through dirt and grime, leaving surfaces clean. Pressure washers — also called power washers — tend to get used heavily during the spring but not as much during autumn or winter.

Protect your investment through cold weather by storing your pressure washer properly. Watch our 2 minute video on how to winterize and store your Briggs & Stratton pressure washer or read on for an overview of this procedure.

Flood Recovery

admin@briggsandstratton.com (Briggs & Stratton Admin) — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:33:54 GMT

Carefully executed recovery efforts can provide relief and help you and your family regain some normalcy.

Here are ten tips to keep in mind when recovering from a flood.

1. Take care of yourself and your family. Account for your family members, and ensure everyone has plenty of food, water, and clean, dry clothing. Recovery is stressful, so take time to talk with a friend or health professional about the situation, and encourage your family to do the same.

2. Receive a tetanus shot. Be aware that floodwater is often contaminated, and take precautions when returning to your home. Health officials recommend receiving a tetanus shot before entering flooded areas.

3. Wear protective gear. Protect yourself with long sleeves, sturdy shoes, and plastic or rubber gloves when returning to a flooded area.

4. Check for structural damage before reentering your home. Turn off the gas immediately, and photograph and document the floodwater damage for insurance purposes.

5. Start salvaging items as soon as possible, as mold can invade flooded areas within 48 hours. If you do encounter mold, protect yourself with gloves, goggles, and an N100 face mask, available at most hardware stores.

6. Prioritize your personal safety. Rescue only the most valuable items first, prioritizing your personal safety over salvaging belongings.

7. Discard all perishable food in the house, as floodwaters can foster bacteria

8. Disconnect all power and gas to the home to safely remove large appliances. Often, appliances will be too damaged to salvage and will need to be discarded.

9. Contact your insurance company to file your claim. If you don’t have flood insurance, contact the American Red Cross or local charities for assistance.

10. Regroup. Prepare yourself for future, unexpected flooding by developing both a family emergency evacuation plan and home safety plan.

Further flood recovery resources can be found at fema.gov, American Red Cross, and the Extension Disaster Education Network. If you experience an extended power outage, Briggs & Stratton is available to provide advice about purchasing a portable generator or adding a stand-by generator to your home at briggsandstratton.com.

What is a Flywheel?

admin@briggsandstratton.com (Briggs & Stratton Admin) — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:33:54 GMT

The flywheel on a Briggs & Stratton small engine was originally developed to maintain constant angular velocity of the crankshaft. Simply, it stores the momentum from combustion to keep the crankshaft turning in between the engine's power strokes. The flywheel stores energy when torque is applied by the energy source, and it releases stored energy when the energy source is not applying torque.

Today, the fins on flywheels act almost like fans, cooling the engine by distributing air around the engine block. Learn more about the cooling systems on Briggs & Strattion engines. The flywheel fins also blow air across the air vane on the engine governor, keeping it running steadily and consistently at your desired speed.

The modern flywheel now acts as the heart of your portable generator, snow blower, or lawn mower electrical system with magnets mounted around it that make ignition possible.

Finally, if a lawn mower or tiller blade hits a rock or curb, the flywheel key can sometimes absorb the damage, reducing repair costs significantly. Always check for damage by removing the flywheel to inspect the key and the keyway, the key's slot on the crankshaft. The soft metal key must eliminate play between the flywheel and crankshaft.

Want to learn more about the flywheel on a Briggs & Stratton engine? Check out Inspecting the Flywheel and Flywheel Key in the FAQ.

Briggs & StrattonProduct Buying Guides

admin@briggsandstratton.com (Briggs & Stratton Admin) — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:33:53 GMT

Whether you are a first timer or a seasoned pro, with the right power, you can achieve anything. Use the Lawn Mower, Pressure Washer, Portable Generator, Air Compressor and Snow Blower buying guides to help you through the purchase process and select the product that’s right for you.