• Verify that the fuel shutoff valve is open (ON).
• If the valve is closed (OFF), fuel cannot reach the unit, preventing it from starting. 

The unit is capable of operating on Natural Gas (NG) or Liquid Propane (LP), and set manually during installation in two places:

• Controller menu settings: The controller should be set to match the fuel source being used.
  • How do I verify the correct fuel selection is selected for my generator?
• Fuel jet orientation: The fuel jets must be physically oriented to the correct fuel type. 

Both the controller fuel selection and the fuel jet orientation must match the fuel source being used. 

Important: If your unit was not recently installed, it is unlikely that these settings are incorrect. However, verifying them is still considered best practice to rule out a potentially user-resolvable issue. 

If your unit is supplied by LP, check the fuel levels. 

• When LP levels drop below 30%, fuel pressure may be affected, which can trigger an OVERCRANK alarm. 

Natural gas grids can be impacted during major outage events or construction. Contact your natural gas supplier to verify any known issues in your area. 

• Note: Most natural gas suppliers post outage or supply disruption alerts on their websites. 

• Improper fuel pressure can lead to overcrank alarms and prevent the unit from starting. However, due to the specialized equipment and safety considerations involved, fuel pressure checks must be performed by a professional. 
• Before considering fuel pressure, it's important to follow a systematic diagnostic process with a Generac IASD. Think of this like checking a low tire—before replacing it, you would first check the air pressure and see if it holds air. Similarly, fuel pressure should only be evaluated after ruling out other common causes like the fuel shutoff valve, fuel levels, and air intake. 
• If all other troubleshooting checks do not resolve the issue, work with your dealer to determine whether contacting your gas supplier to verify fuel pressure is the next logical step in the troubleshooting process. 

• Maintain a clear 3-foot area around the unit. 
• Remove any debris, vegetation, or snow that could block airflow. 

• In freezing temperatures, moisture in the air filter can freeze, blocking airflow to the engine.
• If temperatures are low, check the air filter for ice buildup and clear any obstructions. 

Overcrank alarms that occur during a power outage may happen either when backup power first activates or when attempting to restart after performing extended-use maintenance. Here's what to do in each case: 

1. During initial backup power activation

• Perform the basic troubleshooting outlined above, clear the alarm, and try restarting the generator.

2. After extended use

• Check fuel supply:
  
  • LP Tanks: Ensure levels are above 35%, as low levels can cause starting problems.
  • Natural Gas: Confirm with your provider that the supply grid is stable. High demand during major outages or natural disasters can stress the grid and cause supply issues. Providers often post updates on their websites.
  • In extreme cold or snowstorms: Frozen regulators can block fuel supply. Areas where sub-freezing conditions are common have temperature-rated regulators, but regions with rare freezing temperatures may face issues. Freezing temperatures may also impact grid infrastructure. 

• Important Note: Anytime power transfer has occurred and the generator is under load, all loads must be disconnected before restarting. The generator must be allowed to reach full speed and "warm up" before reconnecting loads. 
  • How do I know if my generator is currently under load?

When an overcrank alarm occurs during a generator's exercise cycle, consider the following:

1. Is it a recurring issue?

• • If the generator was installed within the past year, the problem is commonly related to the installation. Contact the installer to confirm the installation meets specifications. 
  • Overcrank alarms are typically related to fuel system issues, not electrical problems. The installer responsible for the fuel system should investigate, focusing on fuel pressure and regulator distance.
    • Improper installation can lead to competition for fuel supply between household appliances and the generator and inadequate fuel supply. 
    • Improper regulator placement can impact fuel pressure, resulting in starting issues. 
    • Improper pipe sizing can impact fuel pressure, resulting in starting issues. 

2. Seasonal weather changes:

• • Fuel pressure that was barely adequate in summer may cause issues in winter due to colder temperatures.

3. If the generator has been installed for over a year:

• • Overcrank alarms are more likely linked to maintenance.
  • However, if your home's fuel system has been modified recently, these changes could be contributing factors. 

Troubleshooting Steps

• Start with general troubleshooting as outlined above. 
• If unresolved: 
  • For generators installed within the last year, contact the installer. 
  • For generators older than one year, contact a Generac IASD.

• This may be due to air pockets in the fuel system. When the fuel system is installed, if the air is not correctly bled from the fuel lines, it may contribute to starting issues temporarily due to air pockets in the fuel line.
• Confirm that the correct fuel was selected during setup at the controller.
  • How do I verify the correct fuel selection is selected for my generator?
• Home Standby units are factory-set to Natural Gas. If you are using LP, you must select LP at the controller and adjust the fuel jet nozzles to the LP position.
• For more information on the field conversation of the fuel jets, see the following article:
  • How Do I Perform a Fuel Conversion on My Air-Cooled Home Standby Generator?
• There may be an issue with your fuel pressure or fuel system. For this type of issue, we recommend contacting your installer to verify the unit has been installed according to the specifications outlined in the installation manual.

• When issues occur within the first year, aspects related to the installation should be considered as potential factors. Specific components may not show problems immediately, but issues can surface when specific circumstances arise due to seasonal changes and weather conditions. 

• When issues occur after the first year, it may suggest that aspects related to routine maintenance should be considered as potential factors.  Over time, regular wear and changes in usage conditions can make proper maintenance essential to prevent problems.