Generator will not start.

jtconklin · 12-03-2023, 09:15 AM

Leaving Minnesota for the winter and my generator would not start. After an exhaustive web search I discovered my generator runs just fine. THE PROBLEM: TOO COLD OUTSIDE. My Westinghouse i4500 duel fuel generator sits in the back of my truck. I use it power my 2007 Keystone Montana 3400RL when shore power is not available. When outside temperature falls below 40 degrees, great difficulty arises when trying to start it up. Moved my i4500 duel fuel to the heated garage and after an hour it fired right up.

My question: Is there a way to keep my i4500 warm enough in the back of my truck to ensure it will start until we get to warmer climates?

**chuckster57** · 12-03-2023, 09:22 AM

Welcome to the forum

are you using LP for fuel? if so its not the gen, its the propane thats too cold. You can get LP tank warmers.

notanlines · 12-03-2023, 02:44 PM

What Chuckster said. We have a $125 electric blanket and works fine.

jtconklin · 12-03-2023, 07:43 PM

Using gasoline.

**chuckster57** · 12-03-2023, 08:09 PM

If you’re using gasoline, is it “pure”? Or ethanol blend?

wiredgeorge · 12-03-2023, 08:23 PM

When cold hits the generator, if you are using standard dino 30W oil and the temp is lower than 30F, the oil gets THICK. Use a quality synthetic which isn't affected by the temperature. Make sure you have Stabil in your fuel as well.

jtconklin · 12-04-2023, 07:25 AM

Using gas station regular unleaded which I think has 10% ethanol.

jtconklin · 12-04-2023, 07:26 AM

Thanks for the helpful info.

jtconklin · 12-04-2023, 07:28 AM

Will try the electric blanket trick. My truck has a 120v inverter plug. With my gen cover, this just might work until we get to warmer climate.

**JRTJH** · 12-04-2023, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtconklin

Will try the electric blanket trick. My truck has a 120v inverter plug. With my gen cover, this just might work until we get to warmer climate.

no! No!! NO!!!

If you're talking about the inverter plug in the cabin of your truck (150 or 400 watts) which some automotive manufacturers have also wired to the truck bed, that inverter is WOEFULLY inadequate to power any heater blanket !!!!!

Most are 15 amps, which is 1,800 watts, more than 10 times more power drain than your 150 watt "in truck inverter" can handle.....

Now, some trucks have a "pro inverter option" which is intended to power construction tools, etc. If you have that type "in truck inverter" then you could power a heater blanket... On the other hand, if you've got the "included in your truck trim package" inverter, it's rated at either 150 watts or 400 watts, both of which will "burn up quickly" if the fuse fails....

Check to be sure of the inverter maximum output before you go plugging in a 15 amp heater blanket !!!!!

jtconklin · 12-04-2023, 09:19 AM

GOOD TO KNOW. My 2019 F250 came with whatever they installed. I will check both the inverter and the blanket specs.

**JRTJH** · 12-04-2023, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtconklin

GOOD TO KNOW. My 2019 F250 came with whatever they installed. I will check both the inverter and the blanket specs.

Your inverter plug on the dash is 150 watts (1.25 Amps). If you have the "captain's chair/console" the inverter plug in the back of the console is 400 watts (3.3 Amps) when in Park, and 300 watts (2.5 Amps) when in Drive. I have no idea why there's a reduction when the vehicle is in motion, but it's what Ford "designed"...

Neither will provide enough power to operate a heater blanket. The plugs are intended for 120 volt charging circuits or to plug in a laptop, etc. They won't even power one of those old "coffee cup water heaters".....

dutchmensport · 12-04-2023, 11:53 AM

So.... why not power up the generator in the back of the truck and plug the electric blanket into the generator! Problem solved! The generator surely has enough power to power that electric blanket. Then the electric blanket will keep the generator nice and warm!

OK.... joking aside!

I carry my Cummins Onan P4500i inverter inside my camper and keep them there unless actually using them. After 4 years now, I've never had gasoline smells coming from them. At home, I bring them inside the house and they sit in our (really large) bathroom. Never a problem bring them in to keep them warm. I have 2 of them I run in parallel for the trailer.

It's just an idea! But it does take some planning and thought to transport them inside the camper. For what it's worth, I've never had issues trying to start them doing it this way.

wiredgeorge · 12-04-2023, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtconklin

GOOD TO KNOW. My 2019 F250 came with whatever they installed. I will check both the inverter and the blanket specs.

John, when replying to a post, use the quote function as it is easier to keep track of things if someone is reading the thread. Regular 87 octane gas is fine and does have the corn oil in it but if you use Stabil, the gas won't draw moisture/water as it will without it.

jtconklin · 12-04-2023, 02:56 PM

"Thanks for all the help."

jtconklin · 12-04-2023, 03:04 PM

"If my generator would start, your idea would be a great one." I did find a 12v heated blanket that plugs into the cig lighter. You are correct, F250 inverter is 150 watts and an electric blanket is 150 watts. The 12v heated blanket only draws 4-6 watts. Since I am headed south, I only need the 12v blanket to get the gen started on the first night (about 500 miles). I will try it out before I leave home. Here's hoping.

dutchmensport · 12-04-2023, 03:13 PM

This give a new definition to "putting your generator to bed!" (Bed of truck and covering with a heated blanket! Shoot ... We never gave our own children heated blankets when camping in the winter in our pop-up! Only those of us who RV can appreciate this one!

Mikelff · 12-11-2023, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtconklin

"If my generator would start, your idea would be a great one." I did find a 12v heated blanket that plugs into the cig lighter. You are correct, F250 inverter is 150 watts and an electric blanket is 150 watts. The 12v heated blanket only draws 4-6 watts. Since I am headed south, I only need the 12v blanket to get the gen started on the first night (about 500 miles). I will try it out before I leave home. Here's hoping.

As others have mentioned, you should NOT be using gas with ethanol in any small engine. Ethanol can/will cause engine damage over time to small engines. Find a gas station that sells non ethanol gas. When I am camping using my generator I ALWAYS use ethanol free gas. I keep a five gallon gas can with ethanol free gas and some Sea Foam gas treatment. Ethanol free gas usually has a slightly higher octane than regular ethanol gas. This helps starting my generator in cold weather, plus the Sea Foam gas treatment helps as well. If I use propane, in cold weather, I sometimes start with gas until it warms up. Then switch to propane. I also have a propane tank heater which really helps with propane. I run ethanol free gas in my boat as well. The only ethanol gas I use is in my wife's car. Of course, I am running diesel in my truck. My personal opinion is to use Sea Foam gas treatment vs. others. Sea Foam is very good for high rpm engines, which most small engines are. Try this and see if you can’t get your generator started in cold weather. It might take a few pulls but it should work. Running synthetic oil helps as well. Hope this helps.

You may also like: