I have a Generac portable generator 5000 watts, won't start!

Question edited for clarity.
Question moved to a Briggs Generator category.

Engines only need 3 things to run.

Compression
A spark and the right time
Fuel

When you try and start, remove the plug and see if it is wet with gas? You may have a blocked carb jet.

Check compression.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Briggs+%26+Stratton+model+19E412+type+1131-E1+that+will+not+start

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If it has sat for a while, empty the carb. float chamber, flush out with clean fresh petrol. Make sure fresh petrol is in the tank and try again.

178 Pounds

Hi!

We have a put together a guide here to assist you in these situations. It will guide you through testing and repairing the Generator. : https://www.generatorguru.com/need-help/
If you need any further help our Generator Engineers are happy to assist you.

Regards,The Generator Guru Team

Kill switch should have a wire connected to the tab on the spark coil under fan cover. The switch is a means of shorting kill wire to ground. On some generators, there will be another method of shutting down the engine. Usually on/off switch will be more visable on the control panel. Most likely the switch on fan cover was not connected to prevent confusion.

Try a different cord and see if it works ok. If the circuit breaker trips without anything plugged into the extension cord then the chances are that there is a short in the socket of the cord or it is wired incorrectly.

Hello, it sounds like either you have a voltage regulator failure, the rotating field coil is shorted or opened, or the exciter windings have failed. No easy answer because there are a number of issues here as you can see. Depending on how old the unit is you might have warranty. I would suggest you take it to a generac service center to have it checked out. I have 30 years experience with generac units. If it is a voltage regulator issue, (this can be expensive) you can get a jobber regulator. This link is for a good generic substitute. http://www.mcphersoncontrols.com/html/mcp_products/voltage_regulators/MTS63-4.html
I have used this regulator on 4000 watt to 50 kw units successfully. If it is a winding, then to rewind the stator part of the generator is expensive and a new generator is cheaper.
joe

Your manual says only plug 20Amp loads into each 120 receptical. See manual at: http://bsintek.basco.com/BriggsDocumentDisplay/default.aspx?filename=fequxHX-nfBhU7y

that would be 4 recepticals tmes 20 = 80 Amps'

80 Amps times 120 V = 9,600 Watts This means that you cannot hook up all 4 outlets at the same time as that would overload the generator all you can hook up would be 2 outlets of up to max of 23 Amps

The manual restricts you to each load no more than 20 amps because some devices such as drills, water pumps exceed their running load upon start up, and would exceed the 20 Amps momentarily, thus 23 amps.

The maximum power load of the generator is 5000 watts and 20 amps at each outlet.

You certainly are within the useful range.

Volts time Amps = Watts

Check the fuses or breakers to make sure they are good or in the on position

20:1 that's 1/4 pint to a full tank of fuel.