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Generac In-line 4 cyl. Engine

The Generac In-line 4 cyl. is a 4-cylinder engine rated at 1800 rpm. It powers generator sets from Generac, including the Guardian Series Liquid-Cooled 25 kW unit, Guardian Series Liquid-Cooled 30 kW unit, Guardian Series Liquid-Cooled 45 kW unit and Guardian Series Liquid-Cooled 60 kW unit.

Also known as: Generac In-line 4 cyl., In-line 4-Cyl.

4
Cylinders
1800 rpm
Rated speed

Engine specifications

Cylinders4
Rated speed1800 rpm

Common problems

13
  • Unit will not start in AUTO with utility loss NOT ACTIVATED
    Fix: Refer to activation section in Owner's Manual.
  • Warning active LOW BATTERY
    Fix: Clear alarm. From the MAIN menu on the control panel, navigate to the BATTERY MENU. Contact servicing dealer if battery is GOOD. Replace battery If CHECK BATTERY is displayed.
  • The engine will not crank
    Cause: Fuse blown
    Fix: Replace 7.5 amp fuse in generator control panel. Correct short circuit condition if fuse blows again.
  • Unit consumes large amounts of oil
    Cause: Engine over filled with oil
    Fix: Adjust oil to correct level.
  • There is no transfer to standby after utility source failure
    Cause: Defective transfer switch coil
    Fix: *
  • The engine cranks but will not start
    Cause: Out of fuel
    Fix: Replenish fuel. Turn on fuel valve.
  • Unit shuts down during operation HIGH TEMPERATURE
    Fix: Check ventilation around the intake, exhaust and rear of generator. Contact serving dealer if no obstruction is found.
  • There is no AC output from the generator
    Cause: Main line circuit breaker is in the OFF (OPEN) position
    Fix: Reset circuit breaker to ON (CLOSED) position.
  • The generator is set to OFF, but the engine continues to run
    Cause: Defective keypad
    Fix: *
  • Unit was running and shuts down, attempts to restart RPM SENSE LOSS
    Fix: Clear alarm and remove household loads from the generator. Put back in AUTO and restart. If problem returns, contact servicing dealer to investigate possible fuel issue.
  • Unit running in AUTO but no power in house
    Fix: Check MLCB. Contact servicing dealer if MLCB is in the ON position.
  • The engine starts hard and runs rough
    Cause: Air cleaner plugged or damaged
    Fix: Check/replace air cleaner.
  • Open F1 5 amp fuse F1
    Fix: Replace F1 5 amp fuse if fuse blows again.*

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Generac In-line 4 cyl..

Service intervals

6
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Replace fuel filterReplace500 hr
Replace oil and filterChange500 hr
Drain/flush coolant systemDrain1000 hr
Check coolant level and hosesCheckFirst service
Check fuel levelCheckFirst service
Check oil levelCheckFirst service

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

4
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
OtherTotal Harmonic Distortion<5%
SpeedSteady State Regulation (Governor)±0.25%
TorqueOperating temperature rise120°C above 40°C ambientrated output
VoltageVoltage Regulation±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

FluidGradeStandardAmbientCapacityNotes
CoolantPeak Fleet-Charge 50/50 ethylene glycol-20°C to 48°C2.8 galUse demineralized or distilled water base
Engine oilSAE rated high detergent oilAPI Service Class SFfor gasoline engines, similar to your car; refer to owner's manual for details
Engine oil15W-40API Service Class CD or better-20°C to 48°CSynthetic oil can be used in appropriate weight
FuelUltra Low Sulfur Dieselbelow 40°CMechanical engine-driven pump, 5 micron filter (15/20/30 kW), 10 micron filter (48/50 kW)

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

Fault codes

6
CodeNameMeaningSeverityAction
HIGH TEMPERATUREHigh TemperatureEngine coolant temperature exceeds limitShutdown
LOW OIL PRESSURELow Oil PressureOil pressure below acceptable levelWarning
NOT ACTIVATEDNot ActivatedUnit will not start in AUTO with utility lossInfo
OVERCRANKOvercrankEngine overcrank faultWarning
OVERLOADOverloadUnit overloaded, shuts down during operationShutdown
RPM SENSE LOSSRPM Sense LossLoss of engine RPM signalShutdown

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
120/2083Three phaseRD015, RD020, RD030, RD050
120/2401Single phaseRD015, RD020, RD030, RD048
120/2403Three phaseRD015, RD020, RD030, RD048, RD050
277/4803Three phaseRD030, RD048, RD050

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

Which generators use the Generac In-line 4 cyl. engine?

The Generac In-line 4 cyl. powers 9 generator set(s), including Generac Guardian Series Liquid-Cooled 25 kW unit, Generac Guardian Series Liquid-Cooled 30 kW unit, Generac Guardian Series Liquid-Cooled 45 kW unit, Generac Guardian Series Liquid-Cooled 60 kW unit, Generac RD015.

What is a common problem with the Generac In-line 4 cyl. engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Generac In-line 4 cyl. is: Unit will not start in AUTO with utility loss. Fix: Refer to activation section in Owner's Manual..