CAT Rich Fuel Mixture / Incomplete Combustion

Generator emits visible black smoke from the exhaust during operation

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Clogged air filter, Overfueling due to injector issues, Turbocharger problem, Excessive load

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Operate in a well-ventilated area. Disable automatic start before inspection.

  • Check air filter: Remove and inspect the air filter. Replace if dirty or restricted.
  • Review load: Confirm the generator is not overloaded. Reduce load and observe if smoke decreases.
  • Inspect intake and intercooler (if equipped): Check for collapsed hoses or obstructions.
  • Monitor fuel quality: Ensure diesel fuel is clean and not contaminated with water or other substances.

Persistent black smoke suggests injector or turbocharger issues that should be diagnosed by a CAT technician.

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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Air Filter Element
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