How to Start a DuroMax Generator

After tirelessly researching you’ve finally came to a decision and completed the first step to power independence by purchasing a DuroMax generator, but if this is your first experience with a generator you might be scratching your head on how to get the generator running. It can be intimidating to start your new generator if you’re a new generator owner, but we’re here to help! Through this article we’ll show how simple it is to start a DuroMax generator and that anyone can do it.

First steps

The first step before attempting to start the generator is to make sure that you have oil in the generator. While filling the oil you should be on a level surface. Please note that as long as you’re on a level surface the generator is built to spill the oil out before you can overfill the crankcase. The oil should be filled until you see the oil hit the bottom of the oil cap threading.

The second step before attempting to start the generator is attaching or adding fuel. If you’re running the generator on gasoline, make sure to add sufficient gasoline for the expected run; but do not fill the gas tank past the bottom of the fuel filter cup located inside the gasoline fill port. If you have either our dual fuel or tri fuel generators, and aren’t planning on using gasoline, then you can either connect the propane tank using the provided propane regulator and hose to your generator, or if applicable connect the natural gas hose to your tri-fuel generator and natural gas supply. Please note if using propane to check your provided manual for the recommended minimum propane tank size for your generator; if your using natural gas, check the provided generator manual for installation instructions and contact your gas company for installation and setup.

The third step (If your generator has an electric start option) is to make sure the battery leads are connected to the battery. Detailed instructions for attaching the battery cable will be provided in each applicable manual.

Starting the Generator

Now that your generator is installed, attached to, or filled with fuel, and filled with oil; its time to attempt to start the generator. The first step on starting the generator will be to make sure you have the circuit breaker in the “OFF” position to avoid adding additional stress on the engine during start up, then (if applicable) turn the idle control/low idle feature to the “OFF” position to avoid the generator from going into a lower rpm while attempting to start.

The next step if using gasoline is to turn the fuel valve to the “ON” position. If you’re using gasoline on a dual fuel or tri fuel generator, then in addition to the prior step, then make sure that the fuel selector switches are all pointing to the gasoline selection. If your using propane or natural gas, then make sure the fuel valve is in the “OFF” position, and the selector switches are pointing to the appropriate fuel type that you intend to use.

The final step is determining your generators starting type, either pull start only, key start, toggle switch, or push button. Once your starting type is determined follow the appropriate final starting instructions for your generator type:

Pull Start Only- These generator versions will only have a pull start feature to get the generator started and can be in either single or dual fuel. To start on either gasoline or propane, turn the start switch to the “ON” position and adjust the choke to the “CLOSED” or “START” position (labeling dependent on model). Pull the recoil out slowly until you feel tension, then quickly pull the cord to start the generator. Once you hear the generator start, then move the choke to the “RUN” or “OPEN” position (labeling dependent on model) to pick the generator to full speed. After the generator has warmed up, then you can start plugging in your devices, and flip the breaker “ON” to supply power to the generator panel. Please note that depending on your elevation and temperature, in some circumstances it may be easier to start in the mid-choke position.
Key Start- These generator versions have the option of starting either electrically, or with the pull start if applicable (follow pull start only instructions above if pull start is desired) and can be in either gasoline only or dual fuel. To start on propane or gasoline electrically, place the choke in “CLOSED” position and turn the key to the “START” position until you hear the generator start, then release to allow the key to return to the “ON” position. Please note that the generator shouldn’t be held in the start position for longer than 5 seconds at a time to avoid damaging to the starter motor. Once the generator starts, then move the choke to the “OPEN” position to run the generator. After the generator warms up, then you can start plugging in your devices, and flip the breaker “ON” to supply power to the generator panel. Please note that depending on your elevation and temperature, in some circumstances it may be easier to start in the mid-choke position.
Toggle Switch- These generator versions will have the option of a 3-position toggle switch that will read “START”, “RUN” or “ON”, and “STOP” to start the generator electrically, or a separate backup recoil start (follow pull start only instructions above if pull start is desired) and these models can come in gasoline only or dual fuel options. To start on propane or gasoline electrically, place the choke in the “CLOSED” position and flip the toggle switch to the “START” position until you hear the generator start, then release the toggle switch to allow the switch to return to “ON” or “RUN” (labeling dependent on model). Please note that the generator shouldn’t be held in the start position for longer than 5 seconds at a time to avoid damaging the starter motor. Once the generator starts, then move the choke to the “OPEN” position to run the generator. After the generator warms up, then you can start plugging in your devices, and flip the breaker “ON” to supply power to the generator panel. Please note that depending on your elevation and temperature, in some circumstances it may be easier to start in the mid-choke position.
Push Button- These generator versions will have the option of a starting either electrically using the push button, or with the backup recoil start (follow pull start only instructions above if pull start is desired), and these models will come in either gasoline only, dual fuel, or tri-fuel. To start on gasoline, propane, or natural gas electrically, first flip the battery switch to the “ON” position; then press and hold the start button for at least 2 seconds. Please note that the generator will continue to attempt to start up to 5 times on its own until the unit starts. Once the generator starts and warms up, then you can start plugging in your devices and flip the breaker “ON”.

Conclusion

Now you’re up and running! With a DuroMax generator we make starting the generator simple and convenient, and we even offer convenient push button start generators that even further simplify the startup process by operating the choke for you; so, it’s never been easier for new generator users to become power independent. If you have further questions on start up or the product, we got you covered with our team of experienced product support specialists that can help clarify or answer any questions that may arise. Please feel free to contact us at 844-DUROMAX for all your DuroMax product needs.

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