Community Forums

nordic tug · 05-30-2016, 07:48 PM

I have a Generac 5500 on my 2001 Sea View and the thing starts and runs for a very short time and then quit's. I'm not sure if it's the Carburetor or just what.
Any ideas??

Thanks,
Mike

BFlinn181 · 05-30-2016, 08:19 PM

Have you changed the fuel filter? You also need to test the electric fuel pump, see if it's running at the proper flow. If you haven't exercised it periodically, it might have bad gas or deposits in the carburetor. Run some Sea Foam cleaner through it and see if it cleans it out a bit. Some folks have had problems with the fuel line that's now 15 years old, you might check and see if it's sucking air through a cracked line.

A manual for your generator is probably available on line, when I searched for a "Generac 5500 generator manual" I found multiple versions of manuals for portable gennies. You'll have to enter the exact model number of your particular generator.

GREGORYJ · 05-30-2016, 09:10 PM

You may be aware of this already, but make sure the RV's main fuel tank is full enough to allow fuel to flow to the generator, usually 1/4 to 1/3 on your fuel gauge.

Gerryl · 05-31-2016, 09:38 AM

I had the same problem with mine, Same generator. I had to have the motherboard replaced. Cost about $400 if I remember right. It would run for about 15-20 minutes, then quit.

Now I have the muffler up at the generator shop because the tail pipe broke away from the muffler. There are no replacement mufflers out there of that type, so they are rebuilding that one.

Theberrys · 06-04-2016, 09:44 PM

If it's a very short time like one or two minuets check the Oil level. There is a safety shutoff if it's low.

BTW is it Diesel, Gas. or LP Gas?
Dick

jpm777 · 06-12-2016, 11:15 PM

What error code is it kicking out?

jpm777 · 06-13-2016, 12:19 AM

What error code is it kicking out? http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&u act=8&ved=0ahUKEwjArfD9rKTNAhUM7mMKHe5mCmAQFggcMAA &url=http%3A%2F%2Fpower.cummins.com%2Fsites%2Fdefa ult%2Ffiles%2Fliterature%2Frv%2FF-1123-EN.pdf&usg=AFQjCNGikJOhbFooDaUre8Fgk434eOTeSw

go to page 31.

Make sure you have over a 1/4 tank of gas.

twinboat · 06-13-2016, 03:56 AM

It has a low oil shutdown that could be causing your problem. Look into that first.

Two quick tests, #1 pull wire off the oil pressure sender and start.
#2 pull wire off oil temp sender and start.
They are both, right on the oil filter housing.

Don't think your old Generac is going to send you any error codes, my 2000 doesn't. Its not a Cummins.

If it runs at all the carb is at least working some, but there could be a fuel issue.

I will look around for the "Generac" service guide, download I have.

Try this link for a manual.

https://generator-parts.com/manuals/...-rv/0E7225.pdf

Theberrys · 06-13-2016, 11:49 PM

I'm guessing since you said 5500 yours is a 55LP model and uses LP gas. Here is a link to a couple manuals that may be of help.
https://onedrive.live.com/?id=AE67FF...67FFF392766057

Dick

homecan1 · 06-14-2016, 09:03 AM

Fuel pump is bad. Change out fuel pump and fuel filter. Other problems mentioned are good things to check as well.

BFlinn181 · 06-14-2016, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by homecan1

Fuel pump is bad. Change out fuel pump and fuel filter. Other problems mentioned are good things to check as well.

What's the proof of your diagnosis? I suggested checking the flow of the pump. If it's below specs, THEN change it out. I'm all for trying the simple first before throwing parts at a problem.

homecan1 · 06-14-2016, 03:30 PM

No proof, only an educated guess. I put about 1200 hours on a 1999 model of that generator and it exhibited those symptoms three times. Each time it was the fuel pump that needed to be replaced. I even carried a spare so I was ready for the next time. It could be the oil or temp sensors as well as someone else mentioned but those are much less likely to fail IMHO. I am assuming that it has enough oil in the crankcase and that the fuel tank is over 1/4 full...

m.elliott63 · 06-16-2016, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nordic tug

I have a Generac 5500 on my 2001 Sea View and the thing starts and runs for a very short time and then quit's. I'm not sure if it's the Carburetor or just what.
Any ideas??

Thanks,
Mike

Mike,
I have the same generator on my 98 Sea Breeze. If I have not ran it for a while, it can be a little cantakerous for a while. You might have to start it at the genny and hit the fuel primer switch a few times as you hear it start to die. The other options are like mentioned the oil pressure and temperature sensors are suspect. Hope this helps.

Redneckgal · 06-21-2016, 05:32 PM

Had the same problem with mine. Twice! The 1st time was because the float was stuck in the carburetor. 2Nd time there wasn't enough oil in it. The technician said most of the time its the transfer case that pumps the fuel. U now know how to do all these. Let me know if you need instructions ! Good luck!

Quote:

Originally Posted by nordic tug

I have a Generac 5500 on my 2001 Sea View and the thing starts and runs for a very short time and then quit's. I'm not sure if it's the Carburetor or just what.
Any ideas??

Thanks,
Mike