Briggs And Stratton Generator 6250 Storm Responder (5 Fixes)

Okay, here we go. Let’s dive into troubleshooting that Briggs & Stratton 6250 Storm Responder generator. I’ve spent years dealing with generators in the field, from powering remote logging operations to keeping the lights on during nasty storms. And trust me, a generator that won’t start when you need it most is a real pain in the you-know-what. So, let’s get this thing humming again.

Briggs & Stratton Generator 6250 Storm Responder: 5 Common Fixes

The Briggs & Stratton 6250 Storm Responder is a popular choice for a reason – it’s generally reliable and provides a good amount of power for its size. But like any piece of machinery, it can have its hiccups. I’m going to walk you through five of the most common problems I’ve seen, along with the solutions that have worked for me.

First Impressions: A Generator’s Silent Plea

Before we get our hands dirty, let’s talk about first impressions. When you approach your generator, what does it tell you? Is there a strong smell of gasoline? Are there any obvious leaks? Does the engine turn over freely, or does it sound strained? These initial observations can give you valuable clues. I always tell folks: “Listen to your machine. It’s trying to tell you something.”

I remember one time, I was working on a logging site deep in the Oregon woods. Our main generator, a similar model to the 6250, suddenly died. The crew was getting antsy, daylight was fading, and we needed power to run the lights and the winch. My first instinct was to panic, but I forced myself to take a step back and listen. The engine smelled strongly of unburnt fuel. That, coupled with a sputtering sound when I tried to start it, immediately pointed to a fuel issue. Turns out, a clogged fuel filter was the culprit. A quick cleaning, and we were back in business.

Problem 1: The Generator Won’t Start

This is the big one, isn’t it? The generator refuses to fire up, leaving you in the dark. Here’s a systematic approach to diagnose this problem:

1.1 Fuel Supply Check

The Obvious Stuff: Is there fuel in the tank? Sounds silly, but it happens. I’ve seen seasoned professionals forget to check the fuel level in the heat of the moment.
Fuel Valve: Make sure the fuel valve is open. It’s usually located near the fuel tank.
Fuel Line Inspection: Check the fuel line for any kinks, cracks, or clogs. A visual inspection is key. Old fuel lines can crack and leak, leading to fuel starvation.
Fuel Filter: This is a common culprit. A clogged fuel filter restricts fuel flow.
- Solution: Locate the fuel filter (usually in-line between the fuel tank and the carburetor). Disconnect the fuel lines and inspect the filter. If it’s dirty, either clean it (if it’s a cleanable type) or replace it. I recommend replacing it annually, especially if you use your generator frequently.
- Technical Note: The fuel filter should be rated for the fuel type you’re using (gasoline). Using the wrong filter can restrict fuel flow and damage the engine. A typical fuel filter for a generator like the 6250 has a micron rating of 10-20 microns.
Old Fuel: Gasoline can go stale, especially if left sitting for extended periods. Stale fuel can clog the carburetor and prevent the engine from starting.
- Solution: Drain the old fuel and replace it with fresh fuel. Consider adding a fuel stabilizer to prevent future issues. I always add fuel stabilizer to my generator fuel, especially before storing it for the winter.

1.2 Spark Check

Spark Plug Inspection: A faulty spark plug can prevent the engine from firing.
- Solution: Remove the spark plug and inspect it. Look for cracks, carbon buildup, or a wet appearance (indicating flooding). Clean the spark plug with a wire brush or replace it.
- Spark Plug Gap: Use a spark plug gap tool to ensure the gap is set correctly. The gap specification for the Briggs & Stratton 6250 Storm Responder is typically around 0.030 inches (0.76 mm). Consult your owner’s manual for the exact specification. A spark plug with the wrong gap will not produce a strong enough spark to ignite the fuel-air mixture.
- Spark Test: Reconnect the spark plug to the spark plug wire and hold the plug against the engine block. Pull the starter cord. You should see a strong, consistent spark. If there’s no spark, the spark plug is bad, or there’s an issue with the ignition system.
- Technical Note: The correct spark plug for the Briggs & Stratton 6250 Storm Responder is often a Champion RJ19LM or equivalent. Always refer to your owner’s manual for the correct spark plug type.
Ignition Coil: If the spark plug is good, but you’re still not getting spark, the ignition coil could be the problem.
- Solution: Testing the ignition coil requires a multimeter. Check the resistance of the primary and secondary windings. Consult your owner’s manual or a repair manual for the correct resistance values. If the resistance is outside the specified range, the ignition coil needs to be replaced. This is a more advanced repair, and if you’re not comfortable working with electrical components, it’s best to take it to a qualified technician.

1.3 Carburetor Issues

Clogged Carburetor: This is another common problem, especially if the generator has been sitting unused for a while. Old fuel can gum up the carburetor jets and passages.
- Solution: The best solution is to clean the carburetor. You can try using carburetor cleaner spray, but sometimes a more thorough cleaning is required. This involves disassembling the carburetor, soaking the parts in carburetor cleaner, and using small wires to clean out the jets and passages. Carburetor cleaning kits are available, and they typically include replacement gaskets and seals.
- Important Note: When disassembling the carburetor, take pictures or make notes of how the parts go back together. It’s easy to get confused, especially if you’re not familiar with carburetor mechanics.
- Technical Note: Many carburetors on generators like the 6250 have a fixed main jet and an adjustable idle jet. The idle jet controls the fuel-air mixture at idle speed. Adjusting the idle jet can sometimes resolve starting issues. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on adjusting the idle jet.
Choke: Make sure the choke is engaged when starting a cold engine. The choke restricts airflow, enriching the fuel-air mixture and making it easier to start.
- Solution: Ensure the choke lever is in the “choke” position before starting. Once the engine starts, gradually open the choke.

1.4 Low Oil Sensor

Oil Level: Many generators have a low oil sensor that prevents the engine from starting if the oil level is too low. This is a safety feature to prevent engine damage.
- Solution: Check the oil level and add oil if necessary. Use the correct type of oil as specified in your owner’s manual. Typically, a 10W-30 oil is recommended.
- Technical Note: The oil sensor is usually a float switch located in the oil sump. If the oil level is too low, the float switch will open, preventing the ignition system from firing.

1.5 Compression Test

Loss of Compression: While less common, a loss of compression can also prevent the engine from starting. This could be due to worn piston rings, a damaged cylinder, or a leaking valve.
- Solution: Performing a compression test requires a compression tester. Screw the compression tester into the spark plug hole and pull the starter cord several times. The compression reading should be within the range specified in your owner’s manual. If the compression is low, it indicates a more serious engine problem that may require professional repair.
- Technical Note: A typical compression reading for a generator engine like the 6250 is around 80-120 PSI.

Problem 2: The Generator Starts, But Stalls

This can be frustrating. The engine fires up, runs for a few seconds or minutes, and then dies. Here’s how to troubleshoot this issue:

2.1 Fuel Delivery Issues

Fuel Filter (Again): Even if the fuel filter was clean enough to allow the engine to start, it might still be partially clogged, restricting fuel flow at higher engine speeds.
- Solution: Replace the fuel filter. It’s a cheap and easy fix that can often resolve stalling problems.
Ventilation: Make sure the fuel tank vent is not blocked. The vent allows air to enter the tank as fuel is consumed, preventing a vacuum from forming. A vacuum can restrict fuel flow.
- Solution: Locate the fuel tank vent (usually a small hole in the fuel cap) and make sure it’s clear. You can use a small wire to clean it out.
Carburetor Adjustment: The carburetor may need to be adjusted to provide the correct fuel-air mixture at different engine speeds.
- Solution: Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on adjusting the carburetor. The carburetor typically has an idle adjustment screw and a high-speed adjustment screw. Adjusting these screws can fine-tune the fuel-air mixture and prevent stalling.
- Technical Note: When adjusting the carburetor, it’s important to use a tachometer to monitor the engine speed. The engine speed should be within the range specified in your owner’s manual.

2.2 Overload Protection

Overload: The generator may be shutting down due to an overload.
- Solution: Reduce the load on the generator by disconnecting some of the appliances or tools that are plugged into it. Check the generator’s wattage rating and make sure you’re not exceeding it. The Briggs & Stratton 6250 Storm Responder has a running wattage of 6250 watts and a surge wattage of 7850 watts.
- Technical Note: Surge wattage is the maximum wattage the generator can provide for a short period of time. This is important for starting appliances with motors, such as refrigerators and air conditioners. Running wattage is the continuous wattage the generator can provide.
Circuit Breaker: Check the circuit breakers on the generator. If a circuit breaker has tripped, reset it.

2.3 Engine Overheating

Airflow: Make sure the engine is getting adequate airflow. A blocked air filter or obstructed cooling fins can cause the engine to overheat and stall.
- Solution: Clean the air filter and remove any obstructions from the cooling fins.
- Technical Note: The air filter should be cleaned regularly, especially if you’re using the generator in a dusty environment. A dirty air filter restricts airflow and can cause the engine to overheat and lose power.
Low Oil (Again): Low oil can also cause the engine to overheat.
- Solution: Check the oil level and add oil if necessary.

Problem 3: The Generator Runs Rough

A rough-running generator is not only annoying, but it can also indicate a more serious problem.

3.1 Spark Plug Issues (Again)

Fouled Spark Plug: A fouled spark plug can cause the engine to run rough.
- Solution: Remove the spark plug and inspect it. Clean it with a wire brush or replace it.
Incorrect Spark Plug: Using the wrong type of spark plug can also cause the engine to run rough.
- Solution: Make sure you’re using the correct spark plug as specified in your owner’s manual.

3.2 Carburetor Problems (Again)

Dirty Carburetor: A dirty carburetor can cause the engine to run rough.
- Solution: Clean the carburetor.
Carburetor Adjustment (Again): The carburetor may need to be adjusted to provide the correct fuel-air mixture at different engine speeds.
- Solution: Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on adjusting the carburetor.

3.3 Air Filter

Dirty Air Filter: A dirty air filter can cause the engine to run rough.
- Solution: Clean the air filter or replace it.

3.4 Valve Adjustment

Valve Clearance: Incorrect valve clearance can cause the engine to run rough.
- Solution: Checking and adjusting the valve clearance requires specialized tools and knowledge. If you’re not comfortable performing this task, it’s best to take the generator to a qualified technician.
- Technical Note: The valve clearance is the gap between the valve stem and the rocker arm. This gap is critical for proper valve operation. Incorrect valve clearance can cause the valves to open and close at the wrong time, resulting in poor engine performance.

Problem 4: The Generator is Overheating

Overheating can cause serious damage to the engine.

4.1 Airflow Issues (Again)

Blocked Air Filter: A blocked air filter restricts airflow and can cause the engine to overheat.
- Solution: Clean the air filter or replace it.
Obstructed Cooling Fins: Obstructed cooling fins prevent the engine from dissipating heat.
- Solution: Remove any obstructions from the cooling fins.

4.2 Low Oil (Yet Again)

Low Oil Level: Low oil can cause the engine to overheat.
- Solution: Check the oil level and add oil if necessary.

4.3 Overload

Overload: Overloading the generator can cause it to overheat.
- Solution: Reduce the load on the generator by disconnecting some of the appliances or tools that are plugged into it.

Problem 5: The Generator is Not Producing Power

This is perhaps the most useless scenario – a running generator that isn’t generating electricity.

5.1 Circuit Breakers

Tripped Circuit Breakers: Check the circuit breakers on the generator. If a circuit breaker has tripped, reset it.

5.2 Voltage Regulator

Faulty Voltage Regulator: The voltage regulator controls the output voltage of the generator. A faulty voltage regulator can prevent the generator from producing power.
- Solution: Testing the voltage regulator requires a multimeter and some electrical knowledge. Consult your owner’s manual or a repair manual for instructions on testing the voltage regulator. If the voltage regulator is faulty, it needs to be replaced. This is a more advanced repair, and if you’re not comfortable working with electrical components, it’s best to take it to a qualified technician.
- Technical Note: The voltage regulator is typically located near the generator’s alternator. It’s a small electronic component that controls the amount of current flowing through the alternator’s field windings.
Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR): Many newer generators use an AVR to maintain a stable output voltage. If the AVR fails, the generator will not produce power. Testing the AVR is similar to testing a standard voltage regulator.

5.3 Alternator Issues

Faulty Alternator: The alternator is the component that generates electricity. A faulty alternator can prevent the generator from producing power.
- Solution: Testing the alternator requires a multimeter and some electrical knowledge. Consult your owner’s manual or a repair manual for instructions on testing the alternator. If the alternator is faulty, it needs to be replaced. This is a more advanced repair, and it’s often more cost-effective to replace the entire generator than to replace the alternator.
- Technical Note: The alternator consists of a stator (a stationary coil of wire) and a rotor (a rotating magnet). As the rotor spins, it induces a voltage in the stator, which produces electricity.

5.4 Loose Connections

Wiring: Check all the wiring connections on the generator. Loose or corroded connections can prevent the generator from producing power.
- Solution: Tighten any loose connections and clean any corroded connections with a wire brush.

Preventative Maintenance: The Key to a Happy Generator

Let’s be honest, nobody likes fixing things. The best way to avoid these problems is to perform regular preventative maintenance. Here’s my checklist:

Oil Changes: Change the oil every 50-100 hours of operation, or at least once a year. Use the correct type of oil as specified in your owner’s manual.
Air Filter Cleaning: Clean the air filter every 25 hours of operation, or more frequently if you’re using the generator in a dusty environment. Replace the air filter annually.
Fuel Filter Replacement: Replace the fuel filter annually.
Spark Plug Inspection: Inspect the spark plug annually and replace it if necessary.
Fuel Stabilizer: Add fuel stabilizer to the fuel before storing the generator for extended periods.
Exercise: Run the generator for 30 minutes every month to keep the engine lubricated and prevent fuel from going stale.
Storage: Store the generator in a dry, well-ventilated area. Cover it to protect it from dust and moisture.

Safety First!

Before performing any maintenance or repairs on your generator, always disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting. Wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection. And never operate the generator indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious risk.

Case Study: The Frozen Fuel Line Fiasco

I once had a generator fail on me during a winter logging operation in northern Minnesota. Temperatures were well below freezing, and the generator wouldn’t start. I went through all the usual checks – fuel, spark, etc. – but nothing seemed to work. Finally, I realized that the fuel line had frozen solid.

The solution was simple: I used a heat gun to gently thaw the fuel line. Once the fuel line was thawed, the generator started right up. This experience taught me the importance of using fuel line antifreeze in cold weather.

Conclusion: Keep Your Storm Responder Ready

The Briggs & Stratton 6250 Storm Responder is a reliable generator, but like any machine, it requires maintenance and occasional repairs. By following these troubleshooting tips and performing regular preventative maintenance, you can keep your generator running smoothly for years to come. And remember, when in doubt, consult your owner’s manual or take the generator to a qualified technician. Don’t let a dead generator leave you in the dark!