How to Clean a Generator's Spark Arrestor

Most WEN generators come equipped with a spark arrestor, which lets your generator be used in national parks and campgrounds. The spark arrestor catches sparks and any impurities that make it out of the engine. Over time, however, debris can build up and cause engine problems, like hunting, surging, or sudden shutdowns. Regularly cleaning your spark arrestor is an important part of regular generator maintenance, and will help keep your engine in tip-top shape. This guide will walk you through the cleaning process. For a video demonstrating this procedure, please see below (or click here if the video isn't showing up).

Before beginning, make sure the generator’s engine and muffler are fully cool. Make sure the engine switch and fuel valve are turned off. Disconnect the spark plug boot. If your generator has a battery, disconnect it. Make sure to have your owner’s manual on hand, as it has specific step-by-step instructions for your particular model.

First, locate the spark arrestor. It may look different on different models, but is always located on the muffler exhaust tube. Sometimes it’s held in by a Phillips-head screw on the side of the tube; other times there’s an exterior cover plate, or a ring-shaped clamp and screen.

Depending on the model, you’ll need a Phillips-head screwdriver, wire brush, and combination wrenches. You may need to remove an access panel or cover plate in order to access the spark arrestor.

Next, gently remove the spark arrestor. It’s a cone-shaped wire screen, and may be covered with black residue. Clean the spark arrestor using a wire brush.

Make sure to clean the flat end of the screen, as well as the cone-shaped body.

If the spark arrestor is damaged, it’s best to replace it. Replacement spark arrestors can be purchased here on wenproducts.com. Just find your spark arrestor's part number in your generator's owner's manual, and search the part number in the search bar above.

Finally, replace the spark arrestor in the muffler. Attach it the same way it was attached originally. If you need to reinstall any cover plates, do that before reinstalling any access panels. That’s all there is to it!

Thanks for reading. If you have any questions after reading this guide or watching the video, please feel free to give us a call at 1-847-429-9263 (M-F, 8 AM to 5 PM CST) or drop us a message at orders@wenproducts.com to speak with our friendly and knowledgeable technical support team.