How to Troubleshoot Gas Engine Welders

The benefit of using a portable gas engine welder is that you can use it to power your welder at a relatively low cost. If you’ve ever operated a welder straight into your home’s electrical socket, chances are you used a lot of power for operation. That can translate into a huge power bill. Naturally, the gas engine welder is only beneficial if it starts.

Cleaning rag
Spark plug wrench
Feeler gauge

Instructions

- 1
  Check your gas engine welder’s fuel tank to see if it has gas. Keep the tank at least half full with fuel that’s no more than 30 days old. Older fuel can have contaminants.
- 2
  Examine your oil to see if it is at maximum capacity according to the gas engine welder's specifications. Low oil can cause the engine parts to seize due to lack of friction, therefore preventing a full start.
- 3
  Remove the spark plug with a spark plug wrench. Clean the spark plug of any carbon deposits with a rag. Also check it for visible damage such as cracks in the porcelain.
- 4
  Reinstall the spark plug. Use the feeler gauge to keep it between .028 and .031 millimeters. Too narrow of a gap prevents the spark from reaching the fuel vapors, while too wide of a gap won’t let the spark fire.
- 5
  Turn off the fuel valve lever and disconnect the drain screw. Turn the fuel valve lever back on. If there is slow or no fuel flow, clean the carburetor of any fuel sediment deposits.
- 6
  Ensure the AC circuit protector is on if power isn’t reaching the welder unit.

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