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What is the choke on a portable generator and how does it work?

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What is the choke on a portable generator and how does it work?
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How do I use the choke on my portable generator?

This article provides an overview of the choke on a portable generator, what it is, what it does, and how to use it.

 

Environment

This article applies to all portable generators with a choke.

Note: All Generac portable generators with electronic fuel injection (EFI) do NOT have a choke mechanism.

 

Understanding the choke on a portable generator

The choke helps regulate the air-fuel ratio for easier starting, especially when the engine is cold, by restricting airflow from the air filter to the carburetor. 

 

What the choke does:

Choke ON (Closed):

  • Limits air entering the engine, enriching the fuel mixture for cold starts.

Choke OFF (Open):

  •  Allows more air, creating a balanced air-fuel mixture for normal operation once the engine is warmed up.

 

How to use the choke effectively

The following procedure provides a basic understanding of how to use the choke. However, startup procedures, choke design, and location may vary depending on your model. Specific procedural steps are in your owner's manual. For more information on how to find a copy of your owner's manual, see Where can I download a user manual for my Generac portable generator?

 

Before starting a cold engine

      • Set the choke to the ON (closed) position to help with easier engine starting.

Starting the engine:

      • Pull the starter cord or press the electric start button.
      • Once the engine starts and runs smoothly for a few seconds, gradually move the choke to the OFF (open) position.

For a warm engine:

      • You typically do not need to use the choke. Set it to OFF (open) and start the engine as usual.

 

Troubleshooting

  • If the engine sputters or stalls after starting, open the choke slightly to allow more air.
  • If the engine is hard to start or runs rough, confirm that the choke is in the correct position for the engine’s temperature.

 

Common issues related to the choke

Flooding the engine

What is it?

      • Flooding happens when the engine has too much fuel and insufficient air to ignite it, causing the engine to stall or fail to start.

How it relates to the choke:

      • Leaving the choke in the ON (closed) position for too long can flood the engine. This is because the choke reduces the amount of air to the engine.

How to avoid it

      • Move the choke to the OFF position shortly after the engine starts running. If the engine gets flooded, wait a few minutes, then try starting it again with the choke OFF.

Stuck Choke

What is it?

      • A choke can get stuck in the ON or OFF position due to mechanical issues or dirt buildup.

How the choke affects the engine:

      • A stuck choke in the ON position will make the engine run too rich (too much fuel, not enough air), causing poor performance or flooding.
      • A stuck choke in the OFF position will make it challenging to start a cold engine.

What to do:

      • Check the choke mechanism for dirt or debris and clean it if necessary. If it remains stuck, it might require a Generac IASD.

 

 

Types of choke designs for Generac portable generators

Below are some of the common choke mechanisms used with Generac portable generators. 

Note: All Generac portable generators with electronic fuel injection (EFI) do NOT have a choke mechanism.

 

Using the Choke with the Generac PowerDial

Powerdial choke

1.OFF

2.RUN

3.CHOKE

 

 

 

Using the choke on standard Generac Portable Generators 

regular portable generator choke

 

C. The full choke position (ON) is to the left.

 

 
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