Need help with a generator

893 Views 19 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Chef Duane, May 22, 2022

histed

Discussion Starter · May 5, 2022

I have a brand new Duromax XL13000 duel fuel (gas and propane) generator. It will start just fine, but then it runs as if the choke is open and shuts off in about two minutes. The instruction book that came with it is....incomplete. No where does it tell you to look for a gas shut off, but there is one and it comes closed. Yeah, I found it but only because I knew to look for one. I can't find a choke. I know my push mower doesn't have one (or a manual throttle, for that matter) so maybe it's an auto choke? So, before I call Arnold Attitude in Commifornia (already had the pleasure once) I figured I'd ask here. Loads of experience with all kinds of engines. Any suggestions?

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RACHGIER

· #2 · May 5, 2022

Do you mean the XP13000? It has auto-idle on it.

Sounds like it's surging. You might have to bypass the fuel selector switch.

Check/change the oil yet? It has a low oil shut off sensor that could be tripping or failing.

Check your Idle Control switch and make sure it's off when you start it.

Always start with the breaker in the OFF position to prevent an accidental load.

Make sure your fuel selector is all the way to whatever you're using.

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RACHGIER

· #4 · May 5, 2022

Yes, the fuel selector is the gas/ storage/ propane knob, and those are known to be bad and there's a HUGE waiting list for the part.

So calling the company they'll give you two options. Return it for a new one, or they'll tell you how to bypass that selector switch and put you on the waiting list for a new one.

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RACHGIER

· #6 · May 5, 2022

I'll just link you to a video on YouTube so you can have the benefit of your own specific model of generator as the visual aid.

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RACHGIER

· #9 · May 6, 2022

1024Megabytes said:
I heard you want to start your generator and let it run for about ten to fifteen minutes every 60 to 70 days. I have been doing that lately with my generator.

You should really do a monthly PM on generators. Most manuals will lay out what to do but it's really easy stuff. Check the battery for corrosion, pull cord for wear, spark plug, flashlight to check the tank for floaters and sediment, plugs, fuses, etc. Warm it up then run it with a load for 10-15.

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RACHGIER

· #11 · May 6, 2022

Chef Duane said:
You guys got the full house Generac ones. I've got a small 4000w Harbor Freight special. Don't laugh. Last winter 2021 we had 'Snowmageddon' here in Dallas and were without power for about 4-5 days. Kept one reefer, tv/internet access, and misc lights going. The rest of the neighborhood (I live in the 'burbs) were all mad at me because I was the only one prepared. One asked how did I live with the sound when it was inside all night. LOL.

No shame in that genny. My mother lives in Hampstead, NC and they bought a medium sized one for hurricane season and I wired it in to their breaker box with the appropriate plugs, breakers, and lockout. As long as they don't exceed the rated Amps, they can pick and choose whatever they need to power up. They can even run their HVAC system if they want to, and they have. A couple of neighbors even joked to ask when I was coming back in to town to install theirs.

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RACHGIER

· #15 · May 6, 2022

histed said:
I looked at those. $$$$ held me back. This on is 13000, so it should run all my necessaries next time a storm knocks us out - IF I can get it running right. Today's another adventure. @RACHGIER - send me that link when you can. Starting to think it might be the low oil shut off

Just check your oil on the dipstick. The videos I mentioned only cover bypassing and replacing the fuel selector switch. However, the surging problem on brand new Duro Max gennies is a well known issue and almost always caused by that selector.

Here's your manual:
Duro Max XP13000 Manual (PDF)

This video should get you through bypassing the switch.

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