Troubleshooting Tips for Portable Generators That Won't Start

Got A Portable Generator That Isn't Working? You’re Not Alone And You’re Not Stuck!

If you live in the Conejo Valley, you know the drill - wildfires, high winds, and extreme heat can shut off your power with little warning. That’s why so many homeowners have invested in portable gasoline generators for backup power. But here’s the thing...

Just owning a portable generator doesn’t mean you’re prepared.

We get it - maybe you bought it a couple of years ago “just in case,” ran it once to test it, and haven’t touched it since. Now, when you go to start it up, nothing happens. Or it sputters, coughs, and dies. Frustrating, right?

You’re not alone. In fact, this is one of the most common issues I see as a portable generator technician here in the Conejo Valley.

Why Your Portable Generator Won’t Start After Sitting Idle

Gasoline-powered generators are like any other engine - they need routine maintenance, even when they’re not in use. If yours has been sitting untouched in the garage or shed, here’s what might be causing the issue:

• Old fuel has gone stale and clogged the carburetor

• The battery is dead (for electric start models)

• The oil is low or dirty, triggering a safety shutoff

• The spark plug is fouled or corroded

• Air filters are clogged from dust and debris

• It hasn’t been “exercised” - engines that sit too long can seize up over time

The truth is, portable generators need to be run at least once a month and have a yearly tune-up to stay reliable.

Why It Matters

When the power goes out, you don’t want to discover your generator is just a very expensive paperweight. That’s not the time to start troubleshooting.

Instead, imagine this:

• You flip the switch.

• Your generator fires up without hesitation.

• Your fridge stays cold. Your phones stay charged. Your home stays safe.

That’s what preparation feels like.

What You Can Do

If your portable generator is sitting idle and won’t start - or if it seems to be running fine but hasn’t been serviced in a while - it’s time for a check-up.

That’s where I come in. I’m Rob, the owner of Sure Start Generators, a local mobile service here in the Conejo Valley that provides:

• Convenient on-site tune-ups and repairs

• Routine maintenance plans

• Expert advice and troubleshooting

• Service for both portable generators and fire water pumps

No need to haul your equipment anywhere - I come to you. Honest work, fast service, and peace of mind.

Don’t Wait for the Next Outage to Find Out It Won’t Start

Let’s get your portable generator ready before the next wind event or wildfire warning. Whether it’s been sitting a few months - or a few years - I’ll help bring it back to life and keep it running strong.

Call Sure Start Generators today and schedule your check-up. Let’s make sure you’re powered up and prepared for whatever comes next.

Serving the Conejo Valley and nearby communities.