Generac LP5500 Problems and Solutions: Expert Tips

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If you own a Generac LP5500 generator, you know how reliable and powerful it can be. 

This propane-powered generator can deliver up to 5,500 watts of electricity, enough to run your essential appliances and devices during a power outage. 

It also has a low-oil shutdown feature, an hour meter, and a fuel gauge to help you monitor its performance.

But the funny thing is that, just like any other generator out there in the market, the Generac LP5500 generator can also encounter some problems from time to time which might be avoidable and unavoidable. Here are 12 Common Generator Repairs You Must Know.

However, whatever the problem is with your Generac LP5500 generator, whether it’s a faulty regulator, a clogged carburetor, or a broken spark plug, these issues can prevent your generator from starting or running properly.

But here’s the catch, they are easy to fix when diagnosed in time. And even if you don’t diagnose the issue quickly, it can still be fixed adequately.

Having said that, in this blog post, we’ll show how to troubleshoot and fix some of the most common problems that affect your Generac LP5500 generator. 

We’ll also provide you with some expert tips on how to maintain your generator and extend its lifespan.

Let’s get started!

Generac LP5500 Problems and Solutions

Generac LP5500 Problems and Solutions: Expert Tips

Problem 1: The generator won’t start

One of the most frustrating problems that can happen with your Generac LP5500 generator is when it won’t start at all. 

This is what most owners complain about the most, although as we said earlier, it can be fixed and it’s nothing to be worried much about.

But before thinking of how it can be fixed, you need to know what might cause this problem. 

In that case, here are the several possible causes of your Generac LP5500 not starting:

  1. The propane tank is empty or low
  2. The fuel valve is closed or blocked
  3. The regulator is damaged or dirty
  4. The battery is dead or weak
  5. The spark plug is worn or fouled
  6. The ignition coil is defective

To fix this problem, you need to check each of these components and make sure they are working properly. 

Here are some steps you can follow:

  • Check the propane tank and make sure it has enough fuel. If not, refill it or replace it with a full one.
  • Check the fuel valve and make sure it is open and not obstructed by dirt or debris. If it is dirty, clean it with a soft cloth or a brush.
  • Check the regulator and make sure it is not leaking or corroded. If it is damaged, replace it with a new one. You can find the regulator on the side of the generator, near the control panel. It has a knob that you can turn to adjust the fuel pressure.
  • Check the battery and make sure it is fully charged and connected properly. If it is dead or weak, replace it with a new one. You can find the battery under the cover of the generator, near the air filter.
  • Check the spark plug and make sure it is clean and has a good gap. If it is worn or fouled, replace it with a new one. You can find the spark plug on the side of the engine, under a rubber boot.
  • Check the ignition coil and make sure it is producing a strong spark. If it is defective, replace it with a new one. You can find the ignition coil on the side of the engine, near the spark plug.

FOR MORE INFORMATION READ:- How to Fix Generator That Won’t Start

Problem 2: The generator runs but produces no power

Another common problem that can happen with your Generac LP5500 generator is when it runs but produces no power at all. 

This means that there is something wrong with the alternator, which is the part that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.  

The Generac LP 5500 running but not powering can be disturbing and can cost you more if it has more damage.

But the truth is, we can tell except we know the reasons why the generator runs but not power.

We also developed a full blog post on this topic — you can read it here.

For the Generac LP 5500, here are some of the possible causes for it running but no power:

  1. The circuit breaker is tripped or blown
  2. The wiring is loose or damaged
  3. The brushes are worn or dirty
  4. The diodes are burned or shorted
  5. The capacitor is faulty

To fix this problem, you need to check each of these components and make sure they are working properly. 

Here are some steps you can follow:

  • Check the circuit breaker and make sure it is not tripped or blown. If it is, reset it or replace it with a new one. You can find the circuit breaker on the control panel of the generator.
  • Check the wiring and make sure it is not loose or damaged. If it is, tighten it or repair it with electrical tape or a soldering iron.
  • Check the brushes and make sure they are not worn or dirty. If they are, replace them with new ones or clean them with a wire brush. You can find the brushes inside the alternator, behind a plastic cover.

ALSO READ:- How to Stabilize Portable Generator Power In 5 Simple Ways

Problem 3: The generator runs rough or stalls

Another common problem that can happen with your Generac LP5500 generator is when it runs rough or stalls frequently. 

This means that there is something wrong with the carburetor, which is the part that mixes air and fuel for the engine.

But sometimes other factors can cause it, not only the carburetor. In that case, here are some of the possible causes for this problem:

  1. The air filter is dirty or clogged
  2. The fuel filter is dirty or clogged
  3. The carburetor is dirty or out of adjustment
  4. The governor is malfunctioning

To fix this problem, you need to check each of these components and make sure they are working properly. 

Here are some steps you can follow:

  • Check the air filter and make sure it is not dirty or clogged. If it is, replace it with a new one or clean it with compressed air or a soft brush. You can find the air filter under the cover of the generator, near the battery.
  • Check the fuel filter and make sure it is not dirty or clogged. If it is, replace it with a new one or clean it with compressed air or a soft cloth. You can find the fuel filter on the fuel line, near the regulator.
  • Check the carburetor and make sure it is not dirty or out of adjustment. If it is, clean it with a carburetor cleaner or adjust it with a screwdriver. You can find the carburetor on the side of the engine, near the air filter.
  • Check the governor and make sure it is not malfunctioning. If it is, adjust it with a screwdriver or replace it with a new one. You can find the governor on the side of the engine, near the carburetor.

DON’T FORGET TO READ:- Reasons Generac Generator Won’t Start in Cold Weather: Causes And Solutions

How to maintain your Generac LP5500 generator

So now you know the common problems that might evolve while using the Generac LP 5500 generator, how can you maintain and prevent these problems?

What are the steps involved?

Here are some tips on how to do that:

  1. Change the oil and oil filter every 100 hours of operation or once a year, whichever comes first.
  2. Change the spark plug every 200 hours of operation or once a year, whichever comes first.
  3. Change the air filter every 50 hours of operation or once a year, whichever comes first.
  4. Change the fuel filter every 100 hours of operation or once a year, whichever comes first.
  5. Clean the carburetor every 100 hours of operation or once a year, whichever comes first.
  6. Check the battery every month and charge it if needed.
  7. Check the wiring every month and repair it if needed.
  8. Check the brushes every 200 hours of operation or once a year, whichever comes first.
  9. Check the diodes and capacitor every 500 hours of operation or once a year, whichever comes first.
  10. Store your generator in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place when not in use.
  11. Cover your generator with a protective cover when not in use.
  12. Finally, run your generator for at least 30 minutes every month to keep it in good condition.

Wrapping It Up

The Generac LP5500 generator is a great generator that can provide you with reliable and powerful backup power. 

However, like any other generator in the market, it can also encounter some problems that can affect its performance causing you to be frustrated especially when you need it most. 

But there’s this catch, you can prevent all these problems from happening. 

That’s by following the troubleshooting tips and maintenance tips we provided in this blog post, you can fix your generator and keep it running smoothly for years to come.

If you have any questions or comments about this blog post, feel free to leave them below. 

We’d love to hear from you!

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