Generator question

[Toybreaker]

Ok I just bought a 5500 watt Generac for $340.
Has 170 hours or so on it. Was manufactured in 2001.
Been used with a 21 foot toyhauler.
Looking at the MSRP i got a really good deal even with it being used.
But,
What kind of maintenance besides changing the oil and filter do i need to do?
Fuel filter is on the petcock. Air filter is a foam lawn mower style
Anything else?

[K.T.G.]

Sounds like you got it covered.
I can't think of anything else that you haven't already addressed.

I'm sure some others will drop in an offer some information (if Needed)

[neufam]

Does it have a battery or pull start. If it has a battery I'd just check it to make sure it doesn't need maintenance.

[Arizona Griz]

When stored for long periods of time you might want to put some fuel stabilizer in it or drain the fuel out of the bowl.

[Toybreaker]

its a pull start.

after the dune season is over i will drain the tank and float bowl.:D

[RathrBdunin]

Funny you should ask :D I just went through the maint. on my 5000 Generac generator & my Coleman 1850 1/2 hour ago. Normal stuff for maint.
I added a drain line to make the oil changes a little easier.
All I do when I am done using it for a while is turn the fuel off & let it run dry. I drain the fuel tank if it's going to sit for a long time.
I added a Yamaha ATV muffler to quiet it down a bit.
It has been a great generator - Little loud, but no troubles at all.
I am going to change out the tire/wheels to fatter air filled type to make it easier to roll in the sand.

[Toybreaker]

Mine has a 7 gallon fuel tank and Air filled tires already.
It is kind of loud though. What all did you have to do to get that Exhaust on it?

[RathrBdunin]

I had to make the flange that mounts to the engine and curved pipe to route to the muffler, The muffler I used was a Yamaha Blaster. It was some work but turned out real good. It is still load but not nearly as load as it was. The actual generator is what you hear now more than the exhaust. I can get a pic if you want.

[Toybreaker]

yes please. I was thinking about making my Own out of stainless steel with 4 chambers packed with ceramic wool. I am probably going to "borrow" a little of your idea.

[duneflyer]

sweet

[RathrBdunin]

Sorry it took a while to get a couple pictures. Been busy moving 12 tons of dirt ---Shovel scoop by shovel scoop...[xx(]

This is the Yamaha Blaster muffler I installed with a section of tubing to the exhaust port of the engine. I welded a heat shield to the tubing to keep from burning myself [:0]
I would have used a muffler off one of our 400's but I wanted to keep in the frame of the generator.

http://www.ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/RathrBdunin/2006921234512_DCP_3301 Medium Web view.jpg



http://www.ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/RathrBdunin/200692123464_DCP_3302 Medium Web view.jpg



http://www.ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/RathrBdunin/2006921234654_DCP_3304 Medium Web view.jpg

[K.T.G.]

That is REALLY Cool!!! That is a great Idea.

I wonder how a Yoshi or HMF would sound?

Is it really quiet?

[Toybreaker]

VERY COOL! A little different than i was thinking but looks a darn sight easier!
I still have stock banshee mufflers, hmmm . . . . . . pack it with 0000 ceramic wool get my buddy to mandrel bend a bit of pipe for me....... Yeah! or run bronze pipe and braze in 45's to reduce backpressure.

[RathrBdunin]

The actual exhaust sound is much, much quieter. Now you hear the generator noise. I did'nt know the generator made noise until I quieted the exhaust >>>>;) The original muffler was just one of those pickle type that you see on lawn mowers. It was LOUD ! [:0] Had to use ear plugs while running my welder off it - That was it - time to quiet that thing down now ! So that's what I threw together. Seems to work out pretty good. It's no Honda, but it works out.;):)

[dakota85]

Hey Toybreaker
Check here if you need any help with your generator.
I have a generac 6500 and had a problem with it.
I took it to them and they were able to fix it and replace the carb for a good price.


ARIZONA GEN-TECH
7901 N. 70TH AVE.
GLENDALE,AZ 85303
(623)937-1719