RV Generator Repair - Fort Lauderdale FL

The most common cause is a failed automatic voltage regulator (AVR). The AVR controls the generator's output voltage - when it fails, the engine runs normally but the generator produces no usable AC power. This is especially common after the voltage spikes that accompany Florida's thunderstorms. Capacitor failure (in capacitor-excited generators) and field winding failure are other causes of no-output running.

We recommend running your generator under load for at least 2 hours per month, every month - even if you are at a campground with shore power. Generator carburetors in Fort Lauderdale's heat gum up from fuel varnish deposits if the generator sits unused for more than 30 days, especially when ethanol-blended gasoline is used. Monthly run time keeps the carburetor clean and the engine lubricated.

Yes. Generator service is one of the most common electrical service calls we perform at Broward County campgrounds. We bring carburetor cleaner, spark plugs, oil, oil filters, and air filters for the most common Onan (Cummins) and Generac generator models. Most tune-up services can be completed at your campsite in 2 to 3 hours.

Annual maintenance in Florida should include an oil and filter change, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning or replacement, fuel filter replacement, carburetor inspection and cleaning (especially important with ethanol-blended fuel), and a load test to verify correct voltage and frequency output. Every 3 to 5 years, we also recommend replacing the exhaust system components that corrode in Florida's humid environment.

This is typically a low oil shutdown (the generator's safety system activating due to a low oil level), a clogged fuel filter restricting fuel flow, a vapor lock in the fuel line (more common in Florida's heat), or an overload shutdown from connected loads drawing too much current. Check the oil level first - this is the most common cause of this specific symptom and is easy to address.

Extended storage in Florida's heat and humidity can cause serious fuel system issues. Gasoline begins degrading in as little as 30 days in Florida's heat, and ethanol-blended fuel absorbs atmospheric moisture that phase separates in the tank. Before attempting to start a long-stored generator, we recommend a fuel system service that includes draining old fuel, cleaning the carburetor, and refilling with fresh non-ethanol gasoline. Attempting to start a generator on stale fuel often results in carburetor damage.

Generator service call and diagnosis runs $89 to $149. A standard tune-up (oil change, plugs, filters, carburetor clean) runs $150 to $350 depending on the generator size and access. Carburetor rebuild or replacement runs $195 to $450. AVR replacement runs $225 to $495. Generator control board replacement runs $275 to $550.

Load testing verifies that the generator produces correct voltage (120V AC) and frequency (60 Hz) under actual operating load. A generator may appear to work fine with no load but fail to maintain voltage when the AC unit, microwave, and other loads are connected simultaneously. Load testing is part of every generator service we perform - it catches developing AVR issues and fuel delivery problems before they strand you.

Yes. Generator exhaust components - the muffler, exhaust flex pipe, and exhaust manifold gaskets - corrode in Florida's humid environment. A rusted-through muffler is a carbon monoxide safety hazard. We inspect exhaust integrity during every generator service and replace compromised components.

Generator use hours vary by campground in Broward County. T.Y. Park in Hollywood, CB Smith Park in Pembroke Pines, and most Broward County parks have specific generator quiet hours (typically no generator use before 8 AM or after 10 PM). Always check the specific campground's generator policy before running your generator for extended periods.