Generator Won't start? Generac Service Made Easy!

Most generator problems are preventable if you do the basic maintenance. I'll tech you how to service your own Generac Generator and test it. I'm a little harsh in the beginning because I want to drive my point home, some people don't learn by talking sideways, I'm straight to the point! This is the only DIY generator video I have made and I am not your technical support. please contact your local Generac dealer if you have issues. As always, do all these things at your own risk, they are dangerous and they can cause loss of life and property damage. You've now been notified.
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#hvacrsurvival #hvacservival #generatorservice #generac #troubleshooting

[@karlschwab6437]

This is great! Last October, we had a Generac 14kw installed at our cottage in northern Michigan. The operation of this generator is reporting back to us via WiFi and we are not there this winter to look in on it, but it is keeping the cottage powered when we loose power so frequently. It is important for us to be able to understand how the generator works and what we can do to maintain it. Thanks for all your home standby generator videos.

[@HVACRSurvival]

Your welcome👍👍

[@spacecadet9983]

My Dad had a generac installed in 2021. I will be aquiring the house. This is great info, i will be back for a refresher

[@HVACRSurvival]

Cool. I hope it helps

[@nathanhurst5155]

Wonderful video Rick. It’s a good thing for homeowners to know how to do basic maintenance on everything. Good explanations of what your were doing and why👍

[@HVACRSurvival]

Thanks so much Nathan!

[@FPHA697]

Great job. Everyone can tell your not a half ass tech very thorough on you job. This hvacr industry needs more folks like you.

[@HVACRSurvival]

Thanks Brother!

[@CajunReaper95]

I mean it’s pretty half assed to take things off the generator and not put them back on and say oh well the next guy might have some in his bag or carry them is it hard to put things back on after taking them off??

[@FPHA697]

@@CajunReaper95 talking about the bracket

[@jeffsignore7953]

First let me say you’re great. Love watching your videos, learn so much from you and have the utmost respect for you. Not sure if I would have even touched that generator because it’s a liability issue. Windows are way to close to the generator. Generac recommends 5’ from any window, door or air intake and 3’ working clearance on sides and front.

[@HVACRSurvival]

I said a lot of things that I cut out. I agree, there were several things that weren't correct.

[@jeffsignore7953]

@@HVACRSurvival yeah I already know that you knew that. You’re way to smart to not know! I appreciate you sharing your knowledge. I learn a lot from you! Thanks for all you do!

[@bladerunner1458]

Thank you for the maintenance review and tips. My 2003 unit is in Northern Michigan. From previous videos U have given me a very clear understanding how these things operate and their issues. I do all my maintenance myself since I’m a very remote farm. For survival I have to be self reliant and I’m well trained technician and engineer. Fortunately, I don’t have any critical loads (home is super insulated) that need to be attended too so I will operate the generator manually (once a day) for larger loads, and to charge a battery with inverter used for light loads during an outage. Plan to add a solar system in the future. Looks like at the end of the video U may have left the quart oil bottle in the generator compartment since you’re working with the camera. Great explanation of all the details involved with important safety notifications.

[@HVACRSurvival]

I leave the oil for the owner, because it's an air cooled motor it will naturally burn more oil than a liquid cooled motor. I'm doing a review on a solar generator real soon. It's 3600 watts RMS and 6000 peak, I also have a 400 watt solar panel to charge it. This sounds about what you'll need. I ran the whole house with it, the only issue is you need to use power management if you want it to last. It has a 3600whr battery, the load test showed it tested at the listed rating when l tested it with a continuous 1200 watt load, it lasted about 2.1 to 2.5 HR. I did a review on a smaller solar generator a few months back that was 1200watts rms, with a 9xx watt hr battery. It did fairly well too.

[@garypoplin4599]

14:49 - Another way to avoid the ‘klunk, klunk, klunks’ is to use it the way the bottle was designed to be used which is to pour with the spout in the highest position.

[@richardrumplik7023]

Well done, I was looking for a no crank issue and I’ve been doing all my maintenance since it was installed in 2003 . I already replaced the starter about 10years ago. I was hoping it was the solenoid this time👍

[@mwrcrft]

Great video for home owner level maintenance. I just bought a 7.5 Kw unit and the motor looks to be half of the two cylinder model and the crank rides on roller bearings not like bushings that a lot of motors have gone to, The form a funnel will be a good thing to have.

[@HVACRSurvival]

Thanks !

[@cjsalzman1000]

Very helpful for this newbie owner. Thank you and God bless.

[@Mike_Grant]

I have an older generac generator and it is so hard to find good qualified repair techs. Just found your channel and lots of great info. Not sure if you noticed but you left the empty oil container in the generator.

[@HVACRSurvival]

Negative, that has a little bit of oil left in it so when they check the oil and it’s low, they can add some to it and it lets them know exactly what type of oil has been used because people tend not to listen when you tell them.

[@kevinmarchini5272]

It really helps to have it hot with the air filter it softens up those back clips especially in cold weather less chance of it breaking do to brittleness good video

[@HVACRSurvival]

Thanks Kevin! 🤜🤛

[@kevinmarchini5272]

@@HVACRSurvival 👍

[@gray8797]

Great video!!! Very helpful. BTW I think you left the oil container inside the generator. Hope no damage done.

[@HVACRSurvival]

I did! I leave that so the customer has some to add when it goes low and they will know what they need.

[@Ted_E_Bear]

Rick, Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us as dumb owners don’t know what to do ! Keep up the amazing work !

[@HVACRSurvival]

Thanks Bear!

[@marvinsellers4457]

Hey Hoss that was very informative I really enjoyed that and I don’t even have a generator a lot of good information.! Have a great week

[@HVACRSurvival]

@Marvin thanks man! I really appreciated hearing that! 🤜🤛👍👍

[@Eddy63]

Very thorough training session Rickster ... Interesting as well ... Thank you Sir ...

[@HVACRSurvival]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DieterMe]

A 2 zylinder 1 Liter combustion engine is not a hack and made simple and cheap. Nice Video.

[@VE3NMW]

I like your honesty on things!!

[@HVACRSurvival]

🙂👍👍 thank you, it's gotten me in trouble since I was a kid 🙂

[@carl-e2x]

I have found that the old air filter on these models will slide right under the oil filter and catch any oil coming out with no mess to clean up.

[@HVACRSurvival]

Good idea👍 thank you for sharing!

[@marvinmoore5315]

I have a 24kw 200 amp generac but looks just like the one in the video. It is saying RPM sensor. It does buzz (the rpm sensor) so I guess I should see about putting a multi meter on it. However the battery I’m using isn’t really anything and not sufficient CCA. So should I just try a battery first? I picked it up for $500 was thinking I could put a little work in it and make some $. Let me know what you think

[@HVACRSurvival]

Speed helps with the pick up voltage but there are a few different things that can cause it. It takes several tests and steps to figure it out.

[@davidaustin9009]

Great training

[@HVACRSurvival]

Thanks 👍

[@slvlt69]

@hvacrsurvival I just bought a home and it comes with a 20kw generac generator. I just followed the steps and changed the brand new battery, oil change, filter change, and new spark plugs (the whole package came together). But my generator just cranked couple times but no start at all. What could be the problem? Thanks I’m advance.

[@HVACRSurvival]

To many possibilities, Take it back and exchange it is what I would do if you just bought it.

[@JohnWilson-greytyphoon]

Is it ok to leave an oil container in the cabinet to top off

[@HVACRSurvival]

That’s what I do

[@zekenzy6486]

Great Video. Thank you for sharing

[@miketaggart3803]

Noticed that the genny was next to a window. Isn’t that a code violation? I had one put in and was told the genny had to be at least 6’ from any windows so CO won’t enter the house

[@jakepeoples9238]

I love these videos! keep em coming! awesome information!

[@HVACRSurvival]

Thanks! Will do!

[@ThomasMarcotte-jt9od]

Thanks. Great video.

[@jimokeefe6392]

can you tell me what causes the stators for fail

[@HVACRSurvival]

It really depends, dirt can cause major issues if it’s running, the vibration of the dirt in the windings can cause it to eat through the insulation. Another possibility is getting degreaser or some sort of chemical like battery acid in the windings or over loading the generator.

[@xiaoboliu4377]

Great video! I am learning about this type of generator just by looking at your videos! The tech support line of Generac is not that helpful! One question to you and everyone, I inherit a Generac generator from the previous owner, the battery currently connected is a 34 battery but the manual says this generator needs a 26R battery. Is this mean the 34 battery is useless to me and could cause damage to the unit? Please advise! Thank you so much!

[@HVACRSurvival]

Having at least 525 cold cranking amps for most air-cooled generators is the most important thing, the number you're referring to is the physical size of the battery and the dimensions.

[@xiaoboliu4377]

@@HVACRSurvival Thank you so much boss! Understand! Salute!

[@Shuffler703]

Where did you get that Pennzoil? I have not even seen it on the market. My 24kw Generac is close to it's schedule A. I am in a warmer climate and the maintenance pack from Generac has 5w-20 in it.

[@HVACRSurvival]

From a local supplier.

[@anthonymarino4260]

WELL DONE THANKS FOR SHARING

[@HVACRSurvival]

No problem 👍👍

[@DrMGomezJr]

Nice little sermon...

[@jasonjohnsonHVAC]

Good stuff Rick

[@dougking7592]

Nice job brother as always

[@HVACRSurvival]

Much appreciated👍

[@dougking7592]

👍🏻

[@dougking7592]

👍🏻

[@jayfowler4747]

Cue the putting contaminants into the filter arguments......

[@HVACRSurvival]

Isn't that what the oil filter is for? To catch the contaminants LOL it's not like this thing's hydroscopic

[@jayfowler4747]

@@HVACRSurvival apparently the oil enters the small holes and comes out the center so pouring oil could put particles after the filter...I always thought the oil went the other way and always filled em up as you did so I just oil the seal and fit it empty. I think the oil moves so fast its not a big deal these days...

[@HVACRSurvival]

If the oil is brand new and the oil filter is brand new, then if there are contaminants in there, it's probably from the oil filter. Even then worst case scenario to catch it on the other side of the filter as it circulates through. I don't necessarily think filling the oil filter in advance is that big of a deal either but it's just something that made sense so I just started doing it.

[@jayfowler4747]

@@HVACRSurvival my thoughts too but if you let a mechanic see you do that you can set em off... especially if they are by the book mechanics....they say all you need is a tiny particle to destroy the crank journal...

[@dthreatt]

Great video. I learned alot from you looking at all your videos. You left a bottle of oil in there though. LOL :)

[@HVACRSurvival]

I do that on purpose so the customer knows what brand and type of oil they need plus, it usually has a small amount of oil left in there to get them by until they get more. I appreciate you letting me know that you’re getting something out of them. It means a lot.

[@dsonyay]

Very good tutorial :)

[@HVACRSurvival]

Thank you very much!

[@aitutaki98]

Great video!

[@thonatim5321]

Is there a better generator then Generac? I see there are many problems but I do not know if other brands are worse.

[@HVACRSurvival]

I like Kohler but Generac are better than they were.

[@thonatim5321]

@@HVACRSurvival Thanks. You have a new sub.

[@HVACGUY]

Love the generator videos

[@HVACRSurvival]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@Fireinahorn]

Why does generac not recommend a l battery load tester?

[@HVACRSurvival]

They claim it might cause the battery to explode if it has any damage cells

[@Fireinahorn]

I commented before finishing the video, and you address it. Thank you for this no nonsense video. Tons of info. here we really appreciate it.

[@jeremywalker1668]

You DA MAN!!

[@dtouw]

In my area that generator would have never passed code! How is it that close to the house!

[@mikerossman9863]

250000 kw generator??? Like to see the size of it! I’ve done work as a CM in the navy and worked on a lot of 400 kw gens, about the size of a short shipping container. 200 kw were the size of a van. Of corse this is the entire unit as a whole, fuel tank and all. But a 250000 kw must be massive 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@HVACRSurvival]

Sorry. I misspoke. 250kw.

[@mikerossman9863]

@@HVACRSurvival I thought so, all good…. I had to rewind it a few times to make sure I heard what I heard. Just curious if the Hoover damn could produce 250000 kw lol, I’m sure at that point it’s in the mega watts.

[@marktomlinson3448]

Correction: Your battery tester is showing milliohms, not megohms. Milli is 1/1000, mega is 1 million!

[@chriscurtiss99]

That generator is out of code. It needs 5ft clearance from windows, and it’s too close to the hvac unit.

[@mikerossman9863]

Could be a garage🤷🏻‍♂️

[@gerdberg4188]

Could have been installed before those updates

[@HVACRSurvival]

@@mikerossman9863it is a garage

[@Boodieman72]

I use a vacuum extractor to remove the oil on everything, zero mess.

[@HVACRSurvival]

Getting oil out of a generator that is below grade can be a challenge.

[@Boodieman72]

@@HVACRSurvival Get yourself a fluid extractor.

[@tbelding]

Those generally won't help much on the filter. I've pumped fluid out of a transmission that way, rather than pull the diaper off of an engine, but I do prefer draining it using gravity.

[@Boodieman72]

@@tbelding Never mentioned anything about the filter. I prefer fluid extracttion as more fluid is removed.

[@tbelding]

@@Boodieman72 - Assumed you included the filter because that's usually the messiest part. Catching a stream of oil isn't a big deal, but the filter tends to go unpredictably.

[@deandigiacomo2010]

👍👍

[@harrydickson4575]

👍👍👍awesome

[@justme5384]

An auto mechanic said it's a no-no to fill up the filter, you're potentially introducing contamination into the system

[@HVACRSurvival]

That's the weirdest thing I've heard, I wonder how they came up with that.

[@jonathanontkean7270]

So when you do your oil change on your car do you not put oil in your filter. It’s the same principle. Just different application. It allows the flow of oil from filter back into the system easier on start up when it’s already has the oil in it.

[@justme5384]

@@jonathanontkean7270 definitely no oil in the filter, just some on the o-ring

[@justme5384]

The mechanic is Rainman Rays Repairs here in KZbin, he has a few videos where he talks about it

[@kevinmarchini5272]

3rd generation mechanic going back to the 50s that is completely incorrect doesn't even make sense its no different than filling the crankcase or just having the filter off all 3 are chances of contamination so in your theory the right way is don't change it which goes back to incorrect you want the media wet when the pump slams oil in to it this also helps dry starts

[@DieterMe]

Propane or LPG driven combustion engines are eating Sparkplugs because Gas has a height and dry flame. Your engine has only some hours worked. They only should be replaced after 1000 Hours of running and look actually like new ones.

[@ytzabc]

I understand that you are incredibly qualified and regular home generator mechanics can only work on small units and you can work on huge ones but here's some basic things one doesn't do; leave rocker cover cap off and take off air filter THEN flexing it causing trapped dust to fall out of it over an open rocker cover, not cool!

[@jayblemsin4226]

Lol safety glasses and ear pro for an oil change

[@HVACRSurvival]

Yep, people make mistakes everyday that’s why medical insurance is outrages. Laugh later when your ears are ringing and you can’t see well because something got into your eye.

[@nspro931]

That unit was installed without much regard for proper clearances.

[@HVACRSurvival]

True and true!

[@BrianD-ds4dx]

Rick, we specialize in Cummins in our shop but also have techs certified in Generac because we used to install a lot of them pre fuel plenum lawsuit. Recently moved a 22kw guardian about 60 feet for a homeowner in Houston metro area who had it installed by a “generator company” that was contracted by the solar company putting in the panels. Bottom dollar In unincorporated area of Harris County, TX with no permitting or inspection required . Gen set exhausted directly beneath dryer vent with pre existing damage. 3 days of run = fire department responding for carbon monoxide poisoning. I fail to understand why people cut corners with things that can kill them…. I hope folks who watch your videos have the self awareness to know if certain tasks are outside their ability level….and your video certainly demonstrates how the work SHOULD be done and will be done by a professional

[@wcelect]

Throw those Champion plugs in that bush in front of the generator and put in some NGK’s. Champion plugs are garbage, I don’t know why Generac keeps using them.

[@HVACRSurvival]

🤷 beats me.

[@RaySmith-x6x]

@@HVACRSurvival They get them cheap

[@KuntalGhosh]

That is milli ohm internal resistance. If it was 5mega ohm at 13v theb touching the terminals would drain your battery 😂

[@HVACRSurvival]

Thanks for clarifying that👍👍. It's been years since studying the electrical mathematical nomenclature.

[@crearley]

That's a nightmare install. Surrounded by shrubs that block airflow that could cause exhaust gas build up right under windows , with a door on the exhaust side and inches away from a HVAC unit on the other. The insurance underwriters wet dream. As a Pro you are supposed to know that. Why would you expose yourself to the liability in the event of carbon monoxide deaths.

[@HVACRSurvival]

Like one other person said, that is the garage, the customer did all that shrubbery after the generator was installed because you can tell it’s a newer house. Finally how do you know I did or didn’t tell the customer that was an issue according to the manual?

[@fellpower]

Doing things for years means nothing. i can have bought a guitar 20yrs before - and never played it....

[@BOB12349307]

wow i hope your customers never see your videos!! theirs not one thing you did that anyone couldn't do.

[@HVACRSurvival]

Did I not open the video and tell you these are things you can do to prevent a service call? I have more important jobs to do than simple maintenance.

[@BOB12349307]

@@HVACRSurvival oh ok so that customers not important. gotcha

[@tbelding]

Rule of thumb on those filters. Oil the gasket (some call it an o-ring, but it's usually flat, so it's a gasket). Thread the oil filter into place until it just touches. Then rotate the filter _three quarters_ of a turn. In 36 years of working on my own cars (IT consultant, not mechanic), I have had _one_ brand of filter back off. Funny enough, it's the one that other people all swear by, rather than at. Wix. Luckily, I caught it on my wife's car when it was just dripping, and it hadn't popped out. I will say that when I hit something that I've paid for that has a "locked" area - I scream bloody murder at the manufacturer. I understand not making it -easy-, but it's -mine-, not theirs. If they want to hold that code, then they need to do the service on it for me for nothing. I've never failed at getting the access I want.

[@xxmrgoatxxzzz4782]

I’ve dealt with way worse and also way more trees in the way

[@HVACRSurvival]

Congratulations! We get screwed every day by stupid stuff like this, because more homeowners watch my videos than service technicians is why I made this video, it was to point it out to the homeowners that aren't real bright and put put the things like this right in our way.