What could be wrong if your electric generator smells?

Answer by  NoblesseOblige (444)

You could have a number of things wrong. The electric motor could be working too much, if it were left on for too long, rubber and plastic might melt as a result of it being left on for too long.

Answer by  haegenschlatt (40)

It depends on what the smell is. If it's just oil/gasoline, it's most likely normal, and you shouldn't worry. If it smells like plastic or other material the components are made of, they could be rubbing against one another in operation and damaging them. Normally, if something is wrong with it you will also hear unnatural sounds.

Answer by  TechDoneRight (31)

If your electric generator smells, I recommend you take it in for repair. It could be the motor has burned or some lubricant has hit the motor and evaporated causing the smell.

Answer by  jawedge (238)

If it smells of smoke, it may need to be lubricated, professionally serviced, or replaced. If it smells of gasoline, you may need to drain it and refill the gas tank. If it smells of oil, you may have an oil leak.

Answer by  Xceptional (642)

Either it needs to be replaced because the battery is going bad, or you've got some serious corrosion and you should call a mechanic. For electronic questions like this i would refer to either the user manual or consult a trained and licensed electronics expert, as there are many types, and this is broad.

Answer by  diva25 (4016)

The main thing I would check for is if you device is overheating. If that is the case then you need to check it before it starts on fire.

Answer by  ejkudelka (76)

Electrical fires smell and so does small sparking and in the case of the generator the friction being the issue, you can smell if it perhaps needs oiling or is shorting out.