QuestionQUESTION: I have a Generac GP5000 Generator that I got free from where I work as a defective return. It runs & generates fine for a couple of minutes but only if the choke is about 1/2 on. Then it "runs out of gas" & dies. Wait a minute and repeat. The fuel supply is OK to the carb, but the carb, a Rui Ing, has a solenoid on the bottom that is not hooked up to anything - the two wires are just hooked together. The plunger in the sov is a needle into the bottom of the carb. I think this is obstructing the fuel flow, but am not sure how to hook it up - the wires don't seem to reach far enough to hook into the low oil circuit. Any ideas? Thanks, Dave
ANSWER: Hello Dave:
The Solenoid you are Asking About is Designed to Prevent Run On, Backfire when Shutting Off the Engine and Dieseling. The Solenoid Stops the Gas Flow to the Jet as Soon as you Shut Off the Engine. From your Description it Sounds like this Solenoid May be Getting Hot and Opening Up, which Allows the Needle to Close the Fuel Flow to the Jet. I Suggest you Wire the Solenoid so it is Energized when the Engine Switch is Turned On and De-energized when the Engine Switch is Turned Off. The Following is a Basic Instruction File I made for Checking the Carburetor Solenoid. Any Input is Appreciated. **Check for Current/Voltage (10.5 VDC Minimum) to the Carburetor Shut Off Solenoid. If the Carburetor Shut Off Solenoid has Current, then On Some Solenoids you can Remove the Needle and Replace the Solenoid to Test them. ****PLEASE DO NOT OPERATE THE MOWER WITH THE SOLENOID BYPASSED IN THIS MANNER. THIS IS "ONLY" FOR TESTING.**** For Others, Remove the Carburetor Solenoid and Go to the Hardware Store. Purchase a Bolt of the Same Diameter and Threads.It Needs to be 1/2" to 3/4" Long for the Horizontal Mount Solenoids and 1/4" Long for the Vertical Mount Solenoids. Put this Bolt in Place of the Solenoid. If this Corrects the Engine Problem, then Replace the Solenoid. ***NOTE: THIS IS FOR CHECKING THE SOLENOID ONLY I NEVER SUGGEST YOU OPERATE THE ENGINE WITH THE SOLENOID OUT OF THE CARBURETOR EXCEPT FOR TESTING PURPOSES*** Sometimes the Plunger is Moving, Just Not Far Enough to Allow the Gas to Enter the Jet.** You can View a Breakdown of this Generator at this Site Addy; http://www.generac-portables.com/ and Select the Service and Support Tab and Select Operators Manuals. You can Now View a Free IPL of the Unit. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: John, I found that the solenoid is just not used on this model - it's there, but not to be hooked up. What I found to fix the engine is to shorten the plastic float tang so that the float would drop below level with the bowl. I don't know how the machine ran for 33 hrs, but no matter what I tried I could not get the needle to open enough to supply sufficient fuel to keep running. The float/tab is one solid plastic piece, not adjustable. There is a little spring on the end of the needle that is what actually pushes it up into the seat, and it had too much pressure on it to allow gas to flow freely. I just cut the tab ~1/8", allowing the float to drop slightly below level and voila! the thing ran fine. Weird, but it works! Thanks for your help. Do you know where I can find an exploded view of the generac (honda knockoff) engine?
Thanks again!
Dave
AnswerHello Dave:
The Site Addy I gave you should have a Breakdown of the Engine Also. Select the Portable Generator Logo. This Takes you to the Briggs Site. Now Enter the Model Numbers Off the Generator and you should Get a Breakdown/IPL of this Generator. GP5000 is the Series Model; you will Require the Actual Model Numbers to Locate the Breakdown. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
