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Generac GN-570 Engine

Name: Generac GN-570 Engine
Brand: Generac

The Generac GN-570 is a 0.57 L engine rated at 2500 rpm. It powers generator sets from Generac, including the Q-70G and Q-70LP. It holds 1.7 L (0.4 gal) of oil.

Also known as: Generac GN-570

0.57 L

Displacement

2500 rpm

Rated speed

1.7 L

Oil capacity

On this pageSpecs Generator sets FAQ Service intervals Torque & specs Fluids Procedures Wiring

Engine specifications

Oil capacity	1.7 L
Displacement	0.57 L
Rated speed	2500 rpm

Generator sets powered by this engine

Generac Q-70GGenerac Q-70LP

How to read your Generac engine serial & model number →

Common problems

The Start/Stop switch is set to Stop, but the engine continues to run.
Cause: 1. Defective Start/Stop switch 2. Open/Disconnected #18 wire between Start/Stop switch and engine control board 3. Open/Disconnected #0 wire betw
Fix: 1. Replace switch. 2. Reconnect or close wire. 3. Reconnect or close wire.
The engine will not crank.
Cause: 1. Fuse blown 2. Loose, corroded or defective battery cables as necessary. 3. Defective engine Start/Stop switch 4. Defective starter contactor 5. Defective starter motor
Fix: 1. Replace fuse. 2. Tighten, clean or replace battery cables as necessary. 3. Replace Start/Stop switch. 4. Replace contactor. 5. Replace starter motor.
The engine starts, but shuis down when the Start/Stop switch is released.
Cause: 1. Engine oil level low 2. Defective low oil pressure switch 3. Defective high temperature switch 4. Defective engine control board 5. Overheated engine
Fix: 1. Check oil and add oil as needed. 2. Replace pressure switch. 3. Replace temperature switch. 4. Replace control board. 5. Check that the airflow openings are adequate.
The engine starts hard and runs rough.
Cause: 1. Air cleaner plugged or damaged
Fix: Check, clean or replace air cleaner.
The engine cranks but will not start.
Cause: 1. Out of fuel 2. Defective fuel pump 3. Open #14 wire from engine control board insulation of #14 wires. 4. Flooded engine 5. Defective spark plug(s) 6. Fuel line shut-off closed 7. Plugged fuel filter
Fix: 1. Replenish fuel. 2. Replace fuel pump. 3. Check connections and/or insulation of #14 wires. 4. Wait 5-10 minutes before trying. 5. Clean, re-gap or replace plug(s). 6. Open fuel line shut-off. 7. Clean or replace fuel filter.
No AC output voltage
Cause: 1. Main breaker(s) open. 2. Transfer switch (if so equipped) is set to wrong position. 3. Failure in vehicle electrical system. 4. Generator component failure.
Fix: 1. Close main breaker(s). 2. Reset transfer switch. 3. See vehicle manual. 4. Contact authorized service facility.
Generator overheating and shutdown
Cause: Insufficient cooling and ventilating air flow
Fix: Ensure air inlet and outlet openings in generator compartment are open and unobstructed
Exhaust gases entering vehicle interior
Cause: Openings in the vehicle that might permit exhaust gases to enter
Fix: Close windows, doors, and other openings in the vehicle
Engine won’t crank
Cause: 1. 15 amp fuse blown. 2. Loose, corroded or defective battery cable(s). 3. Battery is discharged or defective. 4. Defective starter contactor. 5. Defective starter motor. 6. Defective control relay (CR1).
Fix: 1. Replace blown fuse. 2. Tighten, clean or replace, as necessary. 3. Recharge or replace battery. 4. Replace starter contactor. 5. - Replace starter motor. 6. Replace control relay.
Engine won't crank
Cause: 1. 15 amp fuse blown. 2. Loose, corroded or defective battery 3. Transfer switch (if so equipped) is set to wrong position. 4. Failure in vehicle electrical system. 5. Generator component failure.
Fix: 1. Replace blown fuse. 2. Tighten, clean or replace, as necessary. 3. Set transfer switch correctly if equipped. 4. Check and repair the vehicle's electrical system. 5. Inspect and replace any faulty generator components.
Engine starts, then shuts down
Cause: 1. Engine oil level is low 2. Bad control relay (CR1). 3. Bad low oil pressure switch. 4. Bad control relay (CR2). 5. Water in fuel.
Fix: 1. Add oil as needed. 2. Replace if bad (CR1). 3. Replace, if bad. 4. Replace bad relay (CR2). 5. Drain fuel tank and refill.
Engine starts hard, runs rough
Cause: 1. Dirty engine air cleaner.
Fix: 1. Clean or replace as needed.
Engine failure
Cause: Attempted cranking or starting engine before proper oil servicing
Fix: Properly service engine crankcase with recommended oil
Engine does not start after cranking for 15 seconds
Fix: Release the start/stop switch and try again
Engine cranks, won’t start
Cause: 1. Out of fuel. 2. Fuel shutoff valve is closed. 3. Fuel pump not operating. 4. Automatic choke not operating properly. 5. Engine is flooded. 6. Fuel filter is clogged. 7. Defective control relay (CR2). 8. Engine spark plugs defective. 9. Bad ignition magneto on engine. 10. Bad carburetor. 11. Dirty air cleaner.
Fix: 1. Refill fuel tank. 2. Open fuel shutoff valve(s). 3. Repair or replace pump. 4. Repair, replace or adjust. 5. Wait 5*10 minutes; try again. 6. Replace filter if clogged. 7. Replace bad relay (CR2). 8. Clean, regap or replace as needed. 9. Replace if defective. 10. Adjust, repair or replace. 11. Clean or replace as needed.

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Generac GN-570.

Service intervals

Item	Action	Hours	Months	Notes
Engine crankcase oil level	Check	8 hr		or before each use
Engine oil level	Check	8 hr		at least every eight hours of operation, or before use
Air cleaner foam pre-cleaner	Clean	25 hr	3 mo	clean and re-oil; whichever occurs first; more often in dusty conditions
All fluid levels	Check	25 hr		First service — 25-Hour Check Up
Cooling and ventilation openings	Inspect	25 hr		First service — part of 25-hour check up
Cooling and ventilation openings on the vehicle	Inspect	25 hr		First service — 25-Hour Check Up
Electrical system	Inspect	25 hr		First service — part of 25-hour check up
Engine carburetor adjustments	Check	25 hr		First service — part of 25-hour check up
Engine crankcase oil and oil filter	Change	25 hr		First service — 25-hour check up, by authorized service facility
Engine exhaust system	Inspect	25 hr		First service — part of 25-hour check up
Engine ignition system	Check	25 hr		First service — part of 25-hour check up
Engine oil and oil filter	Change	25 hr		First service — 25-hour check up.
Engine oil filter	Change	100 hr		First service — After the 25-hour break-in period
Entire electrical system	Inspect	25 hr		First service — Part of 25-Hour Check Up
Fluid levels	Check	25 hr		First service — part of 25-hour check up
Foam pre-cleaner	Clean	25 hr	3 mo	whichever occurs first
Foam precleaner	Clean	25 hr	3 mo	Whichever occurs first; more frequently in dusty/dirty conditions
Engine crankcase oil	Change	50 hr		First service — Change more frequently under heavy load or high ambient temperatures
Engine oil	Change	50 hr		First service — thereafter; more often under heavy load/high ambient
Air cleaner paper filter	Replace	100 hr	12 mo	whichever comes first; must be flame retardent type
Air intake screen	Clean	100 hr		at least every 100 hours; clean more often if necessary
Fuel filter	Replace	100 hr	12 mo	whichever comes first
Fuel filter (gasoline only)	Replace	100 hr	12 mo	Whichever comes first
Oil filter	Replace	100 hr		First service — every 100 operating hours thereafter
Paper air filter	Replace	100 hr	12 mo	whichever comes first
Spark plug	Clean	100 hr		Reset spark plug gap to 0.030 inch (0.76 mm)
Spark plugs	Clean	100 hr		reset gap to 0.030 inch (0.8mm); do not blast clean
Generator exercise run	Test	168 hr		Start and operate at least once every seven days; run at least 30 minutes
Battery	Inspect		1 mo	Weekly inspect posts, cables, fluid level.
Battery	Test		6 mo	Every six months check state of charge/condition with hydrometer.
Battery state of charge	Test		6 mo	every six months, by automotive service facility
Battery state of charge and condition	Test		6 mo	have checked by automotive service facility with 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

Type	Item	Value	Unit	Condition
Gap	Spark plug gap	0.030	inch (0.76 mm)
Gap	Spark plug gap	0.8	mm
Other	Bonding conductor	No. 8 AWG copper wire minimum		flexible conductor if replaced
Other	Compression ratio	8.6 to 1
Other	Engine crankcase capacity	1.5	U.S. quarts
Other	Engine displacement	480	cc
Other	Engine displacement	570	cc
Other	Fuel Pump Primer hold time	30	seconds	cold engine not started in more than two weeks
Other	Grounding conductor minimum	No. 8 AWG	copper wire
Other	Maximum cranking time	15	seconds
Other	Oil capacity	1.7	liters
Other	Rated horsepower	19	hp at 3600 rpm
Other	Rated horsepower Q-55G	15	hp	at 3600
Other	Rated horsepower Q-70G	18	hp	at 3600 rpm
Other	Rated max. continuous AC output	5500	watts (5.5 kW)	120 V
Other	Rated max. continuous AC output	7000	watts (7.0 kW)	120 V
Other	Rated max. continuous current	22.9	AC amps	240 V
Other	Rated max. continuous current	29.1	AC amps	240 V
Other	Rated max. continuous current	45.8	AC amps	120 V
Other	Rated max. continuous current	58.3	AC amps	120 V
Other	Rotor poles	2	poles
Pressure	Fuel inlet pressure required	0.39	PSI
Pressure	Fuel inlet pressure required	11	inch WC
Pressure	Low oil pressure shutdown	about 8-10	PSI	oil pressure switch closes below this
Pressure	Low oil pressure shutdown switch	2-6	PSI	contacts close below this pressure
Pressure	Low oil pressure shutdown switch actuation	8-10	PSI	below this pressure switch contacts close and engine shuts down
Pressure	Low oil pressure switch	10 PSI	PSI
Pressure	Oil pressure shutdown	2-6	PSI
Speed	Engine governed speed	2500	rpm
Speed	Engine governor speed / engine RPM	3000	rpm
Speed	Number of rotor poles	2
Speed	Rated horsepower	16	hp @ 3,600 rpm
Speed	Rotor RPM	3600	rpm
Speed	Rotor speed	3600	rpm
Temperature	High oil temperature shutdown	284	°F (140°C)
Temperature	High oil temperature shutdown switch	284	°F (140°C)	contacts close above this temperature
Temperature	High temperature switch actuation (engine shutdown)	approximately 284	°F (140° C)
Torque	Oil filter installation	3/4 to one turn	turn by hand	after gasket contacts filter adapter
Torque	Oil filter tightening after gasket contact	3/4 to one	turn	after gasket lightly contacts adapter
Voltage	AC output voltage regulation	120	volts	at 60 Hz
Voltage	Starter system	12	volts DC electric
Voltage	Voltage regulation at 50 Hertz	115	volts	AC frequency 50 Hertz
Voltage	Voltage regulation at 60 Hz	120	V	voltage-to-frequency ratio is 2-to-1

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

Fluid	Grade	Standard	Capacity	Notes
Engine oil	SAE 10W-30	API classification "For Service SF"	1.4 liters	High quality detergent oil; do not pour in any additives. For storage refill use SAE 10W-30 with API classification "For Service SE"
Fuel	High quality UNLEADED gasoline; leaded REGULAR grade gasoline is an acceptable substitute			Do not use gasoline containing alcohol (such as gasohol); if used, must not contain more than 10 percent ethanol and must be removed during storage. Do NOT use gasoline containing methanol
Fuel	LP gas (propane)			LP-vapour withdrawal fuel system as standard; requires inlet pressure of 11" WC (0.39 PSI)
Fuel	Unleaded gasoline			Leaded regular acceptable substitute. Do not use gasoline containing methanol. If alcohol, max 10% ethanol and remove during storage.
Other	Bicarbonate of soda solution		1.0 pound (500 grams) per 1 gallon (4 liters) of water	Electrolyte neutralizing agent
Other	Distilled water			For battery cells 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

25-Hour Check Up maintenance

After 25-hour break-in period, contact authorized service facility for maintenance.
Change engine crankcase oil and oil filter.
Check all fluid levels.
Inspect cooling and ventilation openings on vehicle.
Check engine carburetor adjustments.
Check engine ignition system.
Inspect entire electrical system.
Inspect engine exhaust system.

Battery maintenance

⚠ DO NOT USE TAP WATER IN BATTERY.

⚠ STORAGE BATTERIES GIVE OFF EXPLOSIVE HYDROGEN GAS.

Tools: hydrometer

Once weekly: Inspect battery posts and cables for tightness, corrosion. Clean and/or tighten as needed.
Check battery fluid level; if necessary, fill with DISTILLED WATER ONLY. DO NOT USE TAP WATER.
Every six months: Have battery state of charge and condition checked by automotive service facility with hydrometer.

Battery Inspection maintenance

⚠ Storage batteries give off explosive hydrogen gas.

⚠ Battery electrolyte is caustic sulfuric acid; wear protective goggles, clothing and gloves.

Tools: hydrometer, distilled water

Once weekly, inspect battery posts and cables for tightness and corrosion.
Clean and/or tighten as needed.
Check battery fluid level and fill with distilled water only.
Do not use tap water in the battery.
Every six months have state of charge and condition checked by an automotive service facility.

Battery Inspection and Service maintenance

⚠ Storage batteries give off explosive hydrogen gas

⚠ Battery electrolyte is caustic sulfuric acid

Tools: Automotive type battery hydrometer

Once weekly inspect battery posts and cables for tightness and corrosion.
Clean and/or tighten as necessary.
Check battery fluid level and fill with distilled water only.
Every six months have state of charge and condition checked with an automotive hydrometer.

Change Engine Oil maintenance

⚠ DO NOT OVERFILL ABOVE FULL MARK.

Tools: suitable container

Warm up engine for at least five minutes, then shut down.
With engine still warm, remove oil drain plug. Drain oil completely into suitable container.
Install and tighten oil drain plug.
Remove oil dipstick and fill crankcase with recommended oil. Crankcase holds about 1.7 liters. Do not overfill.
Install and tighten dipstick cap before operating engine.

Change Oil Filter maintenance

Tools: new oil filter

Turn oil filter counterclockwise to remove.
Coat gasket of new filter with engine oil.
Turn new filter clockwise until gasket contacts tightly with filter adapter. Tighten additional 3/4 to one turn by hand.
Run engine and check for leaks.

Changing Engine Oil maintenance

Tools: suitable container for drained oil

Warm up engine for at least five minutes, then shut down.
With engine still warm, remove oil drain plug and drain oil completely.
Install and tighten oil drain plug when oil has drained.
Remove oil dipstick and fill crankcase with recommended SAE 10W-30 oil.
Do not overfill above the FULL mark.
Install and tighten dipstick cap before operating engine.

Changing the Engine Oil and/or Oil Filter maintenance

⚠ DO NOT FILL ABOVE THE "FULL" MARK.

Run the engine until thoroughly warmed up (at least five minutes) then shut OFF the engine.
With the engine still warm, remove the oil drain plug and drain the oil into a suitable container.
After the oil has drained, replace the oil drain plug.
If changing the filter, remove the old oil filter by turning it counterclockwise.
Apply a light coating of clean engine oil to the gasket of the new filter.
Screw the new filter on by hand until its gasket lightly contacts the oil filter adapter, then tighten an additional 3/4 to one turn.
Remove the dipstick and fill crankcase with the proper type and amount of recommended oil (about 1.4 liters).
Install and tighten the dipstick before operating the engine.
Start the engine and check for leaks.

Changing the Oil Filter maintenance

Turn oil filter counterclockwise to remove.
Coat the gasket of the new filter with engine oil.
Turn new filter clockwise until its gasket contacts the filter adapter.
Tighten an additional 3/4 to one turn by hand.
Run engine and check for leaks.

Checking Engine Oil Level maintenance

⚠ DO NOT OVERFILL ABOVE FULL MARK.

Tools: clean lint-free cloth

Be sure generator is as level as possible.
Remove oil dipstick and wipe dry with clean, lint-free cloth.
Install and tighten oil dipstick, then remove again.
Oil should be at dipstick FULL mark. Add oil to FULL mark only. Do not overfill.
Install and tighten oil dipstick cap before operating engine.

Checking and Setting the Engine Spark Plug maintenance

⚠ Sparking can occur if the wire terminal does not fit firmly on the spark plug terminal end.

⚠ Do not blast the spark plug to clean.

Tools: Wire feeler gauge, Wire brush

Clean the area around the base of the spark plug to keep dirt and debris out of the engine.
Remove the spark plug and check the condition; replace if worn or if reuse is questionable.
Check the spark plug gap using a wire feeler gauge.
Adjust the gap to 0.030 inch (0.76 mm) by carefully bending the ground electrode.

Checking the Engine Oil Level maintenance

⚠ Never operate the engine with the oil level below the "Add" mark on the dipstick.

⚠ DO NOT FILL ABOVE THE "FULL" MARK.

Be sure the generator is as level as possible.
Remove the dipstick and wipe it dry with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Install and tighten the dipstick cap; then remove it again. Oil level should be at the dipstick "Full" mark.
If necessary, remove the oil fill cap on the rocker cover and slowly add oil until it reaches the "Full" mark.
Install and tighten the oil fill cap and the dipstick before operating the engine.

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

Voltage	Phase	Connection	Leads	Notes
		Grounding/bonding	Bonding conductor; No. 8 AWG copper wire minimum	Ground generator by solid mounting to vehicle frame/chassis or by approved bonding conductor. DO NOT disconnect bonding conductor. If replaced, use only flexible No. 8 AWG copper wire minimum.
120	1	Connection for 120 Volts Only (Figure 1)	Dual stator power windings; grounded neutral; CB1	These air-cooled Q Series generator sets are equipped with dual stator AC power windings supplying power by a dual 2-wire connection system.
120	1	Dual 2-wire connection system (120 volts only)	Dual stator power windings; grounded neutral	Figure 1 — Connection for 120 Volts Only; jumper between circuit breakers must be removed when connecting for 120/240 volts
120	single	120 volts only — dual 2-wire connection with jumper between circuit breakers installed		Figure 1 connection for 120 volts only; grounded neutral
120 volts only	1	jumper installed between circuit breakers	T1/T2/T3/T4, neutral	stator dual 2-wire connection system
120/240	1	Reconnectable dual voltage output	Dual stator power windings	All units are reconnectable to 120 and/or 240 volts, dual voltage output; units are not listed per RVIA/ANSI when reconnected for dual voltage output
120/240	1	Reconnected for dual voltage AC output	Dual stator power windings	Be sure to remove the jumper between the circuit breakers when connecting for 120/240 volts. If reconnected for dual voltage, the unit is no longer RVIA listed.
120/240	single	Dual voltage output — remove the jumper between the circuit breakers		Units are not listed per RVIA/ANSI when reconnected for dual voltage output; replacement line breakers consist of two separate breakers with a connecting piece between handles
230	Single	Dual two-wire connection system, neutral grounded (Figure 1.1 — Connections for 230 Volts Only)		Dual stator AC power windings; two 30-amp circuit breakers. If reconnected for dual voltage AC output (115/230 volts), replacement line breakers consist of two separate breakers with a connecting piece between the handles.

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 oil capacity of the Generac GN-570?

The Generac GN-570 engine has an oil capacity of 1.7 liters.

What is the displacement of the Generac GN-570?

The Generac GN-570 has a displacement of 0.57 liters.

Which generators use the Generac GN-570 engine?

The Generac GN-570 powers 2 generator set(s), including Generac Q-70G, Generac Q-70LP.

What is a common problem with the Generac GN-570 engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Generac GN-570 is: The Start/Stop switch is set to Stop, but the engine continues to run.. Cause: 1. Defective Start/Stop switch 2. Open/Disconnected #18 wire between Start/Stop switch and engine control board 3. Open/Disconnected #0 wire betw. Fix: 1. Replace switch. 2. Reconnect or close wire. 3. Reconnect or close wire..