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Generac N/A Engine

The Generac N/A is a 389 L engine rated at 3600 rpm. It powers generator sets from Generac, including the GP6500. It holds 1 L (0.3 gal) of oil.

Also known as: Generac N/A

389.0 L
Displacement
3600 rpm
Rated speed
1.0 L
Oil capacity

Engine specifications

Oil capacity1.0 L
Displacement389.0 L
Rated speed3600 rpm

Common problems

5
  • Recoil Cord Will Not Pull
    Cause: BAD
    Fix: TEST 49 – TEST RECOIL FUNCTION TEST 50 – TEST ENGINE FUNCTION REPAIR OR REPLACE
  • Engine ‘Hunts’ / Erratic Idle
    Cause: NO SURGING STILL SURGING
    Fix: TEST 29 – CHECK CARBURETION GOOD TEST 40 – CHECK AND ADJUST GOVERNOR
  • Engine Will Not Crank
    Cause: NO VOLTAGE MEASURED 12 VDC MEASURED
    Fix: RECHARGE OR REPLACE BATTERY – CLEAN, REPAIR OR REPLACE BAD CABLE(S) BAD REPLACE BAD GOOD NO VOLTAGE MEASURED BAD 12 VDC MEASURED REPLACE STARTER MOTOR IF DEFECTIVE GOOD CHECK FOR MECHANICAL BINDING OF THE ENGINE OR ROTOR
  • Engine Turns Over But Will Not Start
    Cause: NO SPARK
    Fix: TEST 39 – REMOVE WIRE 18 / SHUTDOWN LEAD NO SPARK GOOD BAD REPLACE SWITCH BAD CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL TEST 45 – CHECK OIL LEVEL SWITCH TEST 24 – TEST OFF-ON SWITCH REPLACE SWITCH REPLENISH OIL REPLACE LOW OIL ALARM GOOD OIL LEVEL O.K. OIL LEVEL LOW BAD
  • Engine Starts Hard and Runs Rough
    Cause: ADJUST VALVES AND RETEST
    Fix: BAD TEST 40 – CHECK AND ADJUST GOVERNOR TEST 38 – CHECK FLYWHEEL

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Generac N/A.

Service intervals

6
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Engine oil levelCheck8 hrPrior to each use, or every 8 hours of operation
Engine oilChange100 hr12 moFirst service — every 100 hours of run time thereafter
Spark arrestorInspect100 hr12 moEvery 100 hours or every year
Air cleaner filterClean200 hr12 moEvery 200 hours or every year; replace if cannot be adequately cleaned
Valve clearanceCheck300 hr12 moFirst service — Check/adjust after first 50 hours, then every 300 hours thereafter or every year
Spark plugReplace12 moEvery year

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

60
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
ClearanceFlywheel magnet attraction distance (screwdriver test)3/4 (19mm)inch
GapSpark plug gap0.028-0.031inch (0.70-0.80 mm)
GapSpark plug gap (GP1800/GP3250/GP5000/GP5500/GP6500)0.028"-0.031" (0.7-0.8mm)inch
GapSpark plug gap (GP7000/GP8000)0.030" (0.76mm)inch
Other1.5 Amp fuse rating1.5Amp
OtherAC output load test - frequency should not drop below59Hertzload applied
OtherCapacitor rating - Alternator Configuration A47µf (440 VAC)
OtherCapacitor rating - Alternator Configuration B28µf
OtherCapacitor test tolerance± 5µf
OtherCylinder leak down - normally acceptable leakage20percent
OtherNominal amp draw of starter in generator60amps
OtherStarter motor maximum amps50Ampsperformance test
PressureCylinder leak down - minimum air source90psi
PressureCylinder leak down - regulated test pressure80psi
PressureEngine oil pressure - shut down thresholdbelow about 10psiengine running
PressureMinimum allowable compression pressure60psicold engine
PressureNormal engine oil pressure35-40psiengine running
PressureOil pressure switch rating10psisingle cylinder engines
ResistanceBrushless DPE winding resistance (Wire 2 to Wire 6)0.97 and 1.13Ohms
ResistanceBrushless stator winding resistance (11-22, 33-44)0.12-0.14Ohms
ResistanceExciter Windings - GP1800 (alt 0H8255/0J0819)2.53Ohms
ResistanceExciter Windings - GP3250 (alt 0H2626/0H3578)1.72Ohms
ResistanceExciter Windings - GP5500/GP/LP5500 (alt 0G9769/0J8363)2.81Ohms
ResistanceExciter Windings - GP6500E (alt 0H9920/0K1291)2.9 ± 10%Ohms
ResistanceExciter Windings - GP7500E DF-CO (alt A0001920613/A0000121536)1.928Ohms
ResistanceExciter Windings - GP8000E COSTCO (alt 0J8438/0K9791)1.626Ohms
ResistanceExciter Windings - LP3250 (alt 0J2561/0J6032)2Ohms
ResistancePower Windings - GP1800 (alt 0H8255/0J0819)0.798Ohms
ResistancePower Windings - GP3250 (alt 0H2626/0H3578)0.62Ohms
ResistancePower Windings - GP5500/GP/LP5500 (alt 0G9769/0J8363)0.681Ohms
ResistancePower Windings - GP6500E (alt 0H9920/0K1291)0.6 ± 10%Ohms
ResistancePower Windings - GP7500E (alt 0J1927/0K8981)1.62Ohms
ResistancePower Windings - GP7500E DF-CO (alt A0001920613/A0000121536)0.491Ohms
ResistancePower Windings - GP8000E COSTCO (alt 0J8438/0K9791)0.471Ohms
ResistancePower Windings - LP3250 (alt 0J2561/0J6032)0.63Ohms
ResistanceReceptacle panel / stator winding continuity0.01 and 0.02Ohms
ResistanceRotor Windings - GP1800 (alt 0H8255/0J0819)29.4Ohms
ResistanceRotor Windings - GP3250 (alt 0H2626/0H3578)31Ohms
ResistanceRotor Windings - GP5500/GP/LP5500 (alt 0G9769/0J8363)61.48Ohms
ResistanceRotor Windings - GP6500E (alt 0H9920/0K1291)69 ± 10%Ohms
ResistanceRotor Windings - GP7500E (alt 0J1927/0K8981)58.8Ohms
ResistanceRotor Windings - GP7500E DF-CO (alt A0001920613/A0000121536)52.42Ohms
ResistanceRotor Windings - GP8000E COSTCO (alt 0J8438/0K9791)52.17Ohms
ResistanceRotor Windings - LP3250 (alt 0J2561/0J6032)58Ohms
SpeedAcceptable running limits (389/206/163cc)59-61Hertzrunning
SpeedAcceptable running limits (410cc)59-62Hertzrunning
SpeedLoad frequency limit (minimum)59Hertzrated load applied
SpeedMinimum engine cranking speed for spark test350rpmcranking
SpeedNo-load AC frequency62.0-62.5hertzrunning adjustment, no-load
SpeedNo-load AC frequency62.5 – 62.0HZno-load
SpeedNo-load frequency (389/206/163cc governor adjust)62.0 - 62.5hertzno-load
SpeedNo-load frequency (410cc governor adjust)62.5Hzno-load
SpeedStarter motor minimum rpm4500rpmperformance test
TorqueGovernor Lever Clamp Bolt110in-lbs (12.4 Nm)
TorqueGovernor Lever Clamp Bolt70in-lbs (8 Nm)
TorqueGovernor lever clamp bolt (389/206/163cc)110inch-pounds
TorqueGovernor lever clamp bolt (410cc)70 inch-pounds (8 Nm)inch-pounds
TorqueRocker Arm Jam Nut14ft-lbs (19 Nm)
TorqueRocker Arm Jam Nut6-9ft-lbs (8-12 Nm)
TorqueRocker Arm Jam Nut7ft-lbs (9.4 Nm)

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 oil10W-30Oil will need to be purchased separately based upon the recommendations listed.
Engine oil10W-30 / SAE 301.0 LOil capacity printed as 1.06 qt (1.0 L)
Engine oil10W-30 / SAE30Recommended Oil; lubrication method is splash
Engine oil5W30
Engine oilSAE 30Oil will need to be purchased separately based upon the recommendations listed.
Engine oilSAE 30 / 10W-30 / Synthetic 5W-301.0 LSee chart in Add Engine Oil; use petroleum-based oil for break-in before synthetic
Engine oilSAE30Recommended Oil as printed
Engine oilSynthetic 5W-30Oil will need to be purchased separately based upon the recommendations listed.
Engine oilsynthetic 5W-30Below 10°F
FuelClean, fresh, unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane/87 AKI (91 RON), up to 10% ethanol29.9 L (7.9 gal)DO NOT use E85 or gas/oil mix
Fuelgasolinefresh, clean gasolineShelf life on gasoline is 30 days; a fuel stabilizer must be used at all times
Fuelunleaded gasoline, minimum 85 octaneDo not use any gasoline with more than 10% added ethanol. Never use E85. Do not mix oil with gasoline.

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

1
CodeNameMeaningSeverityAction
Red Short FlashCO Module - Red Short FlashElevated level of CO in the area; module is functioning properly and protecting operatorsShutdownGenerator shuts down; module is functioning as intended

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
Test 12 – Adjust Voltage Regulator adjustment

⚠ Ensure all material is clear of the alternator before proceeding.

Tools: VOM

  1. Remove cover from end of alternator assembly.
  2. Remove two screws holding down the voltage regulator (AVR).
  3. Leave AVR connected to stator and brushes.
  4. Set VOM to measure AC voltage.
  5. Connect VOM across a 240VAC socket.
  6. Set START-STOP-RUN switch to START.
  7. Turn adjustment screw clockwise to increase voltage, counterclockwise to lower.
Test 20 - Check Spark Plugs / Test 23 - Check Valve Adjustment adjustment

Tools: feeler gauge, crow foot wrench

  1. Adjust valve clearance with engine at room temperature
  2. Position piston at TDC of compression stroke (both valves closed), or set intake/exhaust valve fully open method
  3. Loosen rocker arm jam nut; turn pivot ball stud while checking clearance with a feeler gauge
  4. When clearance is correct, hold pivot ball stud and tighten rocker arm jam nut to specified torque with a crow foot wrench
  5. Recheck valve clearance to make sure it did not change
  6. Install rocker arm cover with a new gasket
Test 27 - Check / Adjust Governor adjustment

Tools: AC frequency meter

  1. Loosen governor clamp bolt
  2. Hold governor lever at wide open throttle position
  3. Rotate governor shaft counterclockwise (389/208/196cc) or clockwise (410cc) as far as it will go
  4. Tighten governor lever clamp bolt to 110 in-lbs (389/208/196cc) or 70 in-lbs (410cc)
  5. Turn speed adjustment screw counterclockwise three full turns to avoid overspeed
  6. Start engine and let warm up under no-load
  7. Connect AC frequency meter; no-load frequency should be 62.0-62.5 hertz
  8. Turn speed adjust screw until frequency/RPM is within limits
  9. Apply removable Loctite (Loctite 241) to speed adjust screw threads
Test 33 – Check Valve Adjustment adjustment

⚠ Use a new rocker arm cover gasket.

Tools: feeler gauge, allen wrench, crow's foot

  1. Adjust valve clearance with engine at room temperature.
  2. Position piston at TDC of compression stroke (both valves closed).
  3. Loosen the rocker arm jam nut.
  4. Turn pivot ball stud while checking clearance with a feeler gauge.
  5. Hold stud with allen wrench and tighten jam nut to specified torque with a crow's foot.
  6. Recheck valve clearance after tightening.
Test 40 – Check / Adjust Governor (389/206/163cc Engines) adjustment

⚠ Do not apply excessive torque to the governor shaft.

Tools: frequency meter

  1. Loosen the governor lever clamp bolt.
  2. Hold governor lever at full INC RPM; rotate governor shaft counterclockwise fully.
  3. Tighten governor lever clamp bolt to 110 inch-pounds.
  4. Turn speed adjustment screw counterclockwise three full turns.
  5. Start engine and let it warm up and stabilize at no-load.
  6. Connect frequency meter; set no-load frequency 62.0-62.5 hertz.
  7. Add a drop of Loctite 241 to the speed adjust screw threads.
Test 41 – Check / Adjust Governor (410cc Engine) adjustment

Tools: frequency meter

  1. Loosen the governor clamp bolt.
  2. Hold governor lever at wide open throttle; rotate governor shaft clockwise fully.
  3. Tighten governor lever clamp bolt to 70 inch-pounds (8 Nm).
  4. Start generator; let it stabilize and warm up at no-load.
  5. Connect frequency meter across generator AC output leads.
  6. Turn the primary adjust screw to obtain a frequency of 62.5 Hz.
Test 1 – Check No-Load Voltage and Frequency diagnostic

Tools: VOM, AC frequency meter

  1. Disconnect or turn OFF all electrical loads connected to the generator.
  2. Set a VOM to measure AC voltage.
  3. Reset all circuit breakers to the ON position.
  4. Start engine and let it stabilize and warm up.
  5. Place meter test leads into an outlet.
  6. Read AC voltage; connect frequency meter and read frequency.
Test 23 – Check Start-Run-Stop Switch diagnostic

Tools: voltmeter (resistance)

  1. Set a voltmeter to measure resistance.
  2. Remove all wires from the START-RUN-STOP Switch.
  3. Check terminal 2 to 1: CONTINUITY in START, INFINITY in STOP.
  4. Check terminal 2 to 3: CONTINUITY in STOP, INFINITY in START.
  5. Reconnect all wires to the switch.
Test 25 – Testing Starter Motor Performance diagnostic

⚠ DO NOT rotate engine with electric starter with spark plugs removed.

Tools: clamp-on ammeter, tachometer P/N 042223, 12 volt battery, starter test bracket

  1. Remove starter motor and assemble to test bracket; clamp in vise.
  2. Connect a fully charged 12 volt battery and clamp-on ammeter.
  3. Activate the starter (jump terminal on Starter Contactor).
  4. Note reading on clamp-on ammeter and tachometer.
  5. Take readings after ammeter and tachometer stabilize (2-4 seconds).
Test 36 – Cylinder Leak Down / Compression Test diagnostic

Tools: cylinder leak down tester, compression gauge

  1. Remove the spark plug.
  2. Gain access to the flywheel and remove the valve cover.
  3. Rotate crankshaft until piston reaches TDC (both valves closed).
  4. Lock the flywheel at top dead center.
  5. Attach leak down tester adapter to spark plug hole.
  6. Connect an air source of at least 90 psi.
  7. Adjust regulated pressure to 80 psi.
  8. Read right hand gauge; 20 percent leakage is normally acceptable.
Test 41 - CO Module Verification Test diagnostic

⚠ Do NOT insert the drill bit into the LED holes; damage to the LEDs will occur

Tools: 3/64 inch drill bit

  1. Do not install CO badging (decal) prior to performing this test
  2. Run generator under normal operation with no CO module notifications for a minimum of 65 seconds
  3. With generator running, insert blunt end of a 3/64 inch drill bit into test switch hole
  4. Hold the drill bit against the mounting panel until notification LEDs appear and generator shuts off
  5. Successful pin test shows both LEDs on solid (not blinking)
Test 49 – Test Recoil Function diagnostic
  1. Attempt to pull start the engine and observe.
  2. Check whether the cord pulls easily and smoothly.
  3. Check whether the cord returns with no assistance.
  4. Check whether the engine turns over as the cord is pulled.

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 N/A?

The Generac N/A engine has an oil capacity of 1.0 liters.

What is the displacement of the Generac N/A?

The Generac N/A has a displacement of 389.0 liters.

Which generators use the Generac N/A engine?

The Generac N/A powers 1 generator set(s), including Generac GP6500.

What is a common problem with the Generac N/A engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Generac N/A is: Recoil Cord Will Not Pull. Cause: BAD. Fix: TEST 49 – TEST RECOIL FUNCTION TEST 50 – TEST ENGINE FUNCTION REPAIR OR REPLACE.