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Generac 220c Engine

The Generac 220c is a 0.22 L engine. It powers generator sets from Generac, including the IMPACT 36 and Impact 36 Plus.

Also known as: Generac 220c

0.22 L
Displacement
On this pageSpecsGenerator setsFAQService intervalsTorque & specsFluidsProceduresWiring

Engine specifications

Displacement0.22 L

Generator sets powered by this engine

2
Generac IMPACT 36Generac Impact 36 Plus

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Service intervals

15
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Engine oil levelCheck8 hror before each use
Oil filterChange8 hrFirst service — first filter change
Air cleaner paper filterClean25 hr12 mowhichever comes first
Air cleaner paper filterReplace25 hr12 moReplace if too dirty
Engine oilChange100 hrFirst service — thereafter; more frequently under heavy load or high ambient temp
Oil filterReplace100 hrFirst service — thereafter
Valve clearanceAdjust50 hrFirst service — after first 50 hours of operation
Air intake screenClean100 hrClean more often if necessary
Fuel filterReplace100 hr12 mowhichever occurs first
Spark arrestorClean100 hrInspect and clean spark arrestor
Spark arrestor mufflerInspect100 hr
Spark plugClean100 hrclean and set gap 0.030 inch
BatteryTest6 moEvery six months check battery state of charge with an automotive battery hydrometer
Battery state of chargeTest6 moevery six months, by automotive service facility
Battery state of charge and conditionTest6 moEvery six months using an automotive battery hydrometer.

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Service specifications

26
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
ClearanceExhaust system clearance to combustible material3inches (76mm)minimum
ClearanceExhaust system extension past outer edge of vehicle1inch (25mm)minimum
ClearanceExhaust system to combustible material clearance3inches(76mm) minimum
ClearanceFuel line clearance to exhaust system parts2inchesminimum
ClearanceThrottle lever stop tab to stop block gap0.003inch (0.08-0.5mm)engine coasting to a stop
ClearanceThrottle linkage gap between stop tab and stop block0.003inch (0.08-0.5mm)minimum gap for throttle linkage adjustment
GapSpark plug gap0.030inch (0.8mm / 0.76mm)
OtherEngine oil capacity950mL (1 quart)
OtherFlexible fuel hose length6inchesat least 6 inches longer than needed
OtherGenerator compartment clearance around generator1inch (2 inches recommended)all sides and ceiling
OtherGenerator fuel pickup tube shorter than vehicle engine pickup tube2 to 3inchesrecommended
OtherGenerator mounting bolts3/8"-16four hardened steel bolts Grade 5; at least 3 threads visible past lock nuts when tight
OtherMinimum air inlet opening (unrestricted)40square inchesdivide by free air inlet area percentage for restricted openings
OtherRecommended minimum LP gas flow rate for air-cooled Impact-34 plus series generators67cubic feet per hour
PressureLP fuel system leak test pressure90psi (620 kPa)minimum; use soap and water or equivalent
PressureLP gas pressure at gaseous fuel solenoid valve / secondary regulator11inches water columnoptimum; do not exceed 14 inches water column
PressureLP gas pressure at inlet to gaseous fuel solenoid valve and secondary regulator11inches water columnOptimum; do not exceed 14 inches water column
PressureLP gas pressure at outlet of secondary regulator1inch water column (negative)
PressureLP gas system leak test pressure90psiNot less than 90 psi (620 kPa)
SpeedEngine speedVariable, computer controlledno manual adjustment; do not physically adjust or control engine speed
TemperatureCombustible material temperature rise117°FMaximum above ambient if 3-inch clearance cannot be maintained; (65°C)
TemperatureMaximum combustible material temperature rise above ambient air temperature117°F (65°C)where 3-inch clearance cannot be maintained
TorqueRocker arm jam nut65-85inch-pounds (7-10 N-m)after adjusting valve clearance
Valve clearanceValve clearance0.001-0.003inch (0.03-0.07mm)engine at room temperature, piston at TDC of compression stroke, both valves closed
VoltageBattery cable voltage drop0.12voltsMaximum per 100 amperes of cranking current between battery terminals and generator connection point
VoltageBattery cable voltage drop between battery terminals and generator connection point0.12volts per 100 amperes of cranking currentshould not exceed; for best cold weather starting

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Recommended fluids

FluidGradeStandardAmbientCapacityNotes
Engine oilSAE 30950.0 mlSummer months; acceptable substitute is SAE 10W-30.
Engine oilSAE 30 (summer); SAE 5W-30 (winter); SAE 10W-30 acceptable summer substitute950.0 mL (1 quart)Do not use SAE 10W-40. Use no special additives.
Engine oilSAE 30 (summer); acceptable substitute SAE 10W-30 (summer)950.0 ml (about 1 quart)DO NOT USE SAE 10W-40
Engine oilSAE 5W30950.0 mlWinter months; DO NOT USE SAE 10W-40.
Engine oilSAE 5W30 (winter)950.0 ml (about 1 quart)
FuelLP gas (propane/butane vapor withdrawal)Impact-34 plus (LP unit); propane vaporizes to -20F(-29C), butane to 32F(0C)
FuelLP gas (propane/butane)Vapor withdrawal type fuel systemLP units.
FuelUnleaded gasolineHigh quality unleaded; leaded REGULAR grade acceptable substitute; ethanol maximum 10 percent; no methanolGasoline units.
FuelUnleaded gasoline (leaded regular acceptable substitute); no more than 10% ethanol; no methanolImpact-36 plus (gasoline unit)
FuelUnleaded gasoline (leaded regular grade acceptable substitute)Max 10% ethanol if alcohol present; no methanolUnleaded reduces lead and carbon deposits; remove alcohol-containing gasoline during storage
FuelLP gas (propane, butane or mixture)above -29°CVapor withdrawal type system only. Propane vaporizes as low as -20°F (-29°C); butane returns to liquid below about 32°F (0°C).
OtherDistilled waterBattery electrolyte top-up only; DO NOT USE TAP WATER IN BATTERY.

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Procedures

12
Adjusting Throttle Linkage adjustment

⚠ Do not overbend the spring clip or the clip will lose its clamping force.

Tools: Pliers

  1. Start generator, then shut down right away; observe throttle lever rotate counterclockwise.
  2. Check for gap of 0.003 inch (0.08-0.5mm) between stop tab and stop block.
  3. With pliers, lightly compress spring clip on carburetor lever arm to slide linkage rod freely.
  4. Rotate throttle lever to set gap to 0.003 inch (0.08-0.5mm).
  5. Release spring clip to secure adjustment.
Adjusting Valve Clearance adjustment

Tools: allen wrench, feeler gauge, crows foot torque wrench

  1. Position engine at room temperature with piston at TDC of compression stroke, both valves closed
  2. Loosen rocker arm jam nut
  3. Use allen wrench to turn pivot ball stud while checking clearance with feeler gauge to 0.001-0.003 inch
  4. Hold pivot ball stud with allen wrench and tighten jam nut to 65-85 inch-pounds with crows foot
  5. Recheck valve clearance to make sure it did not change
Throttle Linkage Adjustment adjustment

⚠ Do not overbend the spring clip or it will lose its clamping force

Tools: pliers

  1. Start generator, then shut it down right away and observe throttle lever rotate counterclockwise as engine coasts to stop
  2. Verify gap of 0.003 inch (0.08-0.5mm) between stop tab on throttle lever arm and stop block on carburetor die casting
  3. With pliers, lightly compress spring clip on carburetor lever arm to allow linkage rod to slide freely
  4. Rotate throttle lever to adjust gap to 0.003 inch clearance
  5. Release spring clip to secure adjustment
Battery Cable Connections installation

⚠ Before maintenance, disconnect battery cables; disconnect negative first and reconnect last.

  1. Connect battery cable from battery post marked POSITIVE, POS or (+) to large lug on starter contactor.
  2. Connect battery cable from battery post marked NEGATIVE, NEG or (-) to frame ground connection.
  3. Connect cables so connections are clean and tight.
  4. If generator compartment is grounded to vehicle chassis, connect negative cable to chassis frame ground.
Initial Start installation

⚠ No leakage is permitted; correct any leakage immediately.

  1. Turn off all electrical loads by setting generator main circuit breaker to OFF or OPEN.
  2. Check engine crankcase oil level and fill to dipstick FULL mark with recommended oil; do not fill above FULL.
  3. Check fuel supply; gas fuel lines must be purged and leak tested; all fuel shutoff valves must be open.
  4. Start engine per Owner's Manual; fuel lines may need priming.
  5. Let engine warm up for about five minutes to allow internal temperatures to stabilize.
  6. Inspect engine-generator for fuel, oil and exhaust system leaks; correct leakage immediately.
  7. Apply electrical loads and check operation under load; run at least 30 minutes with loads applied.
  8. Turn off all electrical loads; let unit run at no-load a few minutes, then shut down engine.
LP Gas Leakage Test installation

⚠ DO NOT USE ANY FLAME TO TEST FOR LEAKS.

Tools: Separate 12 volts DC source, Soap and water or equivalent solution

  1. Use a separate source of 12 volts DC to open the gaseous fuel solenoid valve.
  2. Test all connections, hoses, valves, regulators, fittings and other fuel system parts with gas or air pressure of not less than 90 psi (620kPa).
  3. Use soap and water or equivalent solution to check for leaks.
  4. Do not use any flame to test for leaks.
Testing Under Load installation

⚠ Do not allow the unit to overheat during prolonged operation.

  1. Apply electrical loads equal to about 75-100% of unit's rated wattage/amperage capacity.
  2. Let unit run at least 30 minutes with load applied.
  3. Check that unit is not running excessively hot and that adequate cooling air flow is available.
  4. Do not allow unit to overheat during prolonged operation.
Change Engine Oil maintenance

⚠ DO NOT FILL ABOVE FULL MARK

  1. Warm up engine at least five minutes, then shut down
  2. Clean area around oil drain plug and remove drain plug; drain oil completely
  3. Install and tighten drain plug
  4. Remove oil dipstick and fill crankcase with recommended oil to FULL mark
  5. Install and tighten dipstick cap before operating engine
Change Oil Filter maintenance
  1. Turn oil filter counterclockwise to remove
  2. Coat gasket of new filter with engine oil
  3. Turn new filter clockwise until gasket contacts filter adapter, then tighten an additional 3/4 to one turn by hand
  4. Run engine and check for leaks
  5. Check oil level and fill to full mark after checking for leaks
Checking Engine Oil Level maintenance
  1. Be sure generator is as level as possible.
  2. Remove oil dipstick and wipe dry with clean, lint-free cloth.
  3. Install and tighten dipstick, then remove again.
  4. Oil should be at dipstick FULL mark; add recommended oil if necessary.
  5. Do not fill above FULL mark.
  6. Install and tighten oil dipstick cap before operating.
Clean Air Intake Screen maintenance
  1. Clean all foreign material from the air intake screen at least once every 100 hours.
  2. Inspect area around generator exhaust muffler and remove grass, leaves, dirt, etc.
Engine Air Cleaner maintenance
  1. Remove air cleaner cover, then remove paper filter.
  2. Clean air filter by gently tapping it on a solid surface.
  3. If filter is too dirty, replace it with a new one and dispose of old filter properly.
  4. Clean air cleaner cover then insert new paper filter into cover.
  5. Assemble to base of air cleaner.

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Voltage reconnection

VoltagePhaseConnectionLeadsNotes
DC output leads+DC (Red), -DC (Blue), Return (Black), Ground (Green)Route from generator DC output leads through approved flexible conduit to terminal block in DC junction box on inverter
Remote panel receptacleWire #0 (Ground), Wire #14 (Engine run signal), Wire #17 (Crank), Wire #18 (Stop)Optional remote-mounted start/stop panel
12Battery cablesPositive to large lug on starter contactor; Negative to frame groundCable size by length: 0-10 ft (0-3m): No.2; 11-15 ft (3.4-4.5m): 0; 16-20 ft (4.5-6m): 000. For warm weather use No.2 cable up to 20 feet.
120Single PhaseAC outputT1 (Black), T2 (White), Green groundFrom AC output junction box on inverter to double-pole double-throw transfer switch or approved isolation receptacle.
120singleAC outputT1 (Black), T2 (White), Green groundFrom AC output junction box on inverter to double-pole double-throw transfer switch or approved isolation receptacle

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Common questions

What is the displacement of the Generac 220c?

The Generac 220c has a displacement of 0.22 liters.

Which generators use the Generac 220c engine?

The Generac 220c powers 2 generator set(s), including Generac IMPACT 36, Generac Impact 36 Plus.