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Generac 5500E Engine

The Generac 5500E is a 0.3 L engine rated at 3600 rpm, producing up to 5.5 kW. It powers generator sets from Generac, including the GP5500E and Mod A. It holds 0.74 L (0.2 gal) of oil.

Also known as: Generac 5500E

0.298 L
Displacement
3600 rpm
Rated speed
5 kW
Gross power
0.74 L
Oil capacity
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Engine specifications

Oil capacity0.74 L
Displacement0.298 L
Rated speed3600 rpm
Gross power5 kW

Common problems

12
  • PELIGRO 000199
  • Equipment and property damage 000136
  • DANGER 000001
  • Vision Loss 013428
  • Recoil Hazard 000183
  • Explosion and Fire 020000
  • Engine will not start; or starts and runs rough.
    Cause: 1. Fuel shut-off is OFF. 2. Dirty air filter. 3. Out of fuel. 4. Stale fuel. 5. Spark plug wire not connected to spark plug. 6. Bad spark plug. 7. Water in fuel or cylinder overfilled. 8. Overchoking. 9. Low oil level. 10. Excessive rich fuel mixture. 11. Intake valve stuck open or closed. 12. Engine lost compression. 13. Engine switch is OFF.
    Fix: 1. Turn fuel shut-off ON. 2. Clean or replace air filter. 3. Fill fuel tank. 4. Drain fuel tank and fill with fresh fuel. 5. Connect wire to spark plug. 6. Replace spark plug. 7. Drain fuel tank and fill with fresh fuel. 8. Set choke to no choke position. 9. Fill crankcase to correct level. 10. Contact IASD. 11. Contact IASD. 12. Contact IASD. 13. Turn engine switch ON.
  • Engine runs well at no-load, but bogs when load is applied.
    Cause: 1. Short circuit in a connected load. 2. Generator is overloaded. 3. Engine speed is too slow. 4. Shorted generator circuit. 5. Clogged spark arrestor.
    Fix: 1. Disconnect shorted electrical load. 2. Reduce load (see Know Generator Limits). 3. Contact IASD. 4. Contact IASD. 5. Clean spark arrestor screen.
  • Engine is running, but AC output is not available.
    Cause: 1. Circuit breaker OPEN. 2. Poor connection or defective cord set. 3. Connected device is bad. 4. Fault in generator. 5. GFCI receptacle is OPEN (if equipped).
    Fix: 1. Reset circuit breaker. 2. Check and repair. 3. Connect another device that is in good condition. 4. Contact IASD. 5. Correct ground fault and press reset button on GFCI receptacle (if equipped).
  • Daño al motor. Verifique el tipo y la cantidad apropiados del aceite del motor antes de poner en marcha el motor. No hacer esto puede provocar daños al motor. 000115
    Fix: Verify the appropriate type and quantity of engine oil before starting the engine.
  • Calcomanía de escape caliente A0006052083
  • Accidental Start-up 020423

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Generac 5500E.

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filter020423365 hr Amazon eBay $14.95
Fuel filter—100 hr
Oil filter—100 hr
Battery—365 hr
Belt—
Coolant—100 hr
OilChange oil every 100 hours.—100 hr
Spark plug—200 hr

Pooled from every document that names this exact engine — confirm the interval and part number against your unit's serial number.

Common questions

What is the oil capacity of the Generac 5500E?

The Generac 5500E engine has an oil capacity of 0.74 liters.

What is the displacement of the Generac 5500E?

The Generac 5500E has a displacement of 0.298 liters.

Which generators use the Generac 5500E engine?

The Generac 5500E powers 2 generator set(s), including Generac GP5500E, Generac Mod A.

How often should you change the oil in the Generac 5500E?

The Generac 5500E oil change interval is every 100 hours.

What is a common problem with the Generac 5500E engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Generac 5500E is: PELIGRO.