What is the most common problem of generators?

The most common problem of generators, especially portable gasoline generators, is failure to start or running rough due to fuel-related issues in the carburetor. Because many generators sit unused for months at a time between power outages, gasoline left in the tank and carburetor bowl begins to break down within 30 days. The lighter components evaporate, leaving behind sticky varnish and gum that clogs the tiny jets and passages inside the carburetor. This results in a generator that will not start, starts and dies immediately, surges up and down, or runs only with the choke partially on. Other frequent problems include stale fuel, dead batteries on electric start models, fouled spark plugs from carbon buildup, clogged air filters from dust, and low oil shutdown activation when oil level is low. Lack of use is the root cause of most generator failures. To prevent these issues, it is recommended to run the generator under load for 20 minutes every month, use fuel stabilizer if fuel will sit for more than 30 days, drain the carburetor bowl before long-term storage, change oil regularly, and keep the air filter clean. Regular exercise is the best maintenance for any standby generator.