HomeEnginesGenerac OHVI

Generac OHVI Engine

The Generac OHVI is a 0.41 L 1-cylinder naturally aspirated engine rated at 3600 rpm, producing up to 8 kW. It powers generator sets from Generac, including the EcoGen 005818-0, EcoGen 6 kW, GP15000 and GP17500. It holds 1.5 L (0.4 gal) of oil.

Also known as: Generac OHVI, OHVI

0.41 L
Displacement
1
Cylinders
3600 rpm
Rated speed
8 kW
Gross power

Engine specifications

Oil capacity1.5 L
Displacement0.41 L
Cylinders1
Aspirationnaturally aspirated
Rated speed3600 rpm
Gross power8 kW

Common problems

15
  • 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
  • No Battery Charger DC output.
    Cause: 1. Battery posts are corroded. 2. Battery cable is bad. 3. Battery is defective. 4. Receptacle is bad. 5. Battery Charger in-line fuse (1.5A) melted open.
    Fix: 1. Clean battery posts. 2. Replace cable. 3. Check battery condition; replace if defective. 4. Contact Authorized Service Facility. 5. Replace fuse with identical 1.5A replacement fuse only (located inside control panel).
  • Engine will not start; or starts and runs rough.
    Cause: 1. Fuel shut-off is OFF. 2. Dirty air cleaner. 3. Out of gasoline. 4. Stale gasoline. 5. Spark plug wire not connected to spark plug. 6. Bad spark plug. 7. Water in gasoline. 8. Over-choking. 9. Low oil level. 10. Excessive rich fuel mixture. 11. Intake valve stuck open or closed. 12. Engine has lost compression.
    Fix: 1. Turn Fuel shut-off ON. 2. Clean or replace air cleaner. 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; fill with fresh fuel. 8. Put choke knob to No Choke position. 9. Fill crankcase to proper level. 10. Contact Authorized Service Facility. 11. Contact Authorized Service Facility. 12. Contact Authorized Service Facility.
  • Engine will not crank.
    Cause: 1. Battery weak or dead.
    Fix: 1. Recharge or replace battery (see 'No Battery Charger DC output' at bottom of guide). 2. Start engine manually using recoil starter.
  • Engine shuts down during operation.
    Cause: 1. Out of gasoline. 2. Low oil level. 3. Fault in engine.
    Fix: 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. Fill crankcase to proper level. 3. Contact Authorized Service Facility.
  • Engine runs good but bogs down when loads are connected.
    Cause: 1. Short circuit in a connected load. 2. Generator is overloaded. 3. Engine speed is too slow. 4. Shorted generator circuit.
    Fix: 1. Disconnect shorted electrical load. 2. See 'Don't Overload the Generator'. 3. Contact Authorized Service Facility. 4. Contact Authorized Service Facility.
  • Engine lacks power.
    Cause: 1. Load is too high. 2. Dirty air filter. 3. Engine needs to be serviced.
    Fix: 1. See 'Don't Overload the Generator'. 2. Replace air filter. 3. Contact Authorized Service Facility.
  • Engine is running, but no AC output is available.
    Cause: 1. Circuit breaker is open. 2. Poor connection or defective cord set. 3. Connected device is bad. 4. Fault in generator. 5. GFCI trips the 20 Amp outlets.
    Fix: 1. Reset circuit breaker. 2. Check and repair. 3. Connect another device that is in good condition. 4. Contact Authorized Service Facility. 5. Repair the 'short' and reset the GFCI.
  • Engine ‘hunts’ or falters.
    Cause: 1. Choke is opened too soon. 2. Carburetor is running too rich or too lean.
    Fix: 1. Move choke to halfway position until engine runs smoothly. 2. Contact Authorized Service Facility.
  • Unit Shuts Down for Low Oil
    Fix: TEST 20 – TEST OIL LEVEL SWITCH CHECK OIL LEVEL GOOD
  • The resistance measured between the all tests points should be as follows: iX 1600 0.2 Ohms, iX 2000 0.3 Ohms
    Fix: Replace the stator

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

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filter200 hr
Fuel filterIn-line fuel filter
Oil filterSpin on full flow vertically mounted
Oil5W301.5 liter0J00620106100 hr Amazon $8.99 eBay $35.00 FridayParts $32.07
Spark plugChampion RC14YC; gap 0.030" (0.76mm)0J00620106 Amazon $8.99 eBay $35.00 FridayParts $32.07

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

Service intervals

34
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Engine oil levelCheck8 hrPrior to each use, or every 8 hours of operation
Oil and Oil FilterChange100 hrFirst service — First 30 hours
Air FilterClean100 hrClean more often if operating in dusty or sandy conditions
Engine oilChange100 hr12 moFirst service — every 100 hours of run time thereafter
Spark Arrestor ScreenClean100 hrEvery Season/Every 100 Hours; clean more often under dirty/dusty conditions
Spark arrestorInspect100 hr12 moEvery 100 hours or every year
Air FilterOther200 hrService Air Filter - Every Season/Every 200 Hours
Air cleaner filterClean200 hr12 moEvery 200 hours or every year; replace if cannot be adequately cleaned
Scheduled maintenanceChange200 hr24 moOil, oil filter, spark plugs recommended for maintenance kits
Valve clearanceCheck500 hr12 moFirst service — Check/adjust after first 50 hours, then every 300 hours thereafter or every year
Air cleanerChange500 hr24 mo2Y or 500 hours
Air cleanerReplace500 hr24 mo
Complete tune-upOther500 hr24 moTo be completed by a dealer
OilChange500 hr24 mo2Y or 500 hours, whichever occurs first
Oil and filterChange500 hrExtended maintenance intervals due to advanced oil circulation system
Oil filterChange500 hr24 mo2Y or 500 hours
Spark plug(s)Change500 hr24 mo2Y or 500 hours
Spark plug(s)Replace500 hr24 mo
Valve clearanceAdjust500 hr6 moFirst service — After first six months or 500 hours of operation
Alternator Rotor BrushesCheck2500 hr
Alternator rotor brushesInspect2500 hr
Battery charge stateCheck6 moEvery 6 months
Battery electrolyte levelCheck6 moEvery 6 months
Battery terminalsClean1 moRemove corrosion, ensure dryness, tighten
Battery terminalsOther1 moClean and tighten monthly
Battery: remove corrosion, ensure drynessClean1 moMonthly
Fuel FilterReplace12 mo
Fuel lines and connectionsInspect1 moNotify dealer if repair needed
General condition (vibration, noise, leakage, temperature)Inspect1 moMonthly
GeneratorTest1 moMonthly run/inspect per Generator - Inspect procedure
MufflerCheck6 mo
Spark PlugCheck6 mo
Spark plugReplace12 moEvery year
Vibration, Noise, Leakage, TemperatureInspect1 moMonthly, notify dealer if needed

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
ClearanceValve clearance (rocker arm to valve stem)0.002-0.004inch (0.05-0.1 mm)engine cool, 60-80°F
GapSpark Plug Gap.030in
GapSpark Plug Gap0.030inch (0.76 mm)
GapSpark Plug Gap (iX 1600).030in
GapSpark Plug Gap (iX 2000).030in
GapSpark plug gap0.024-0.028in
GapSpark plug gap0.028-0.031inch (0.70-0.80 mm)
GapSpark plug gap0.03in
GapSpark plug gap0.76mm (0.030 inch)
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
GapTrigger pickup gap0.20-0.30mm
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
OtherFuel pressure alternative units19-22mm mercuryall load ranges
OtherLP fuel supply pressure10 to 12inches water column (0.36-0.43 psi)
OtherNominal amp draw of starter in generator60amps
OtherStarter motor maximum amps50Ampsperformance test
OtherUnder-frequency shutdownbelow 55 Hz for more than 30 secondsHz
Otherdisplacement220cc
Otherdisplacement410cc
Otherdisplacement530cc
Otherdisplacement760cc
Otherdisplacement992cc
PressureCylinder leak down - minimum air source90psi
PressureCylinder leak down - regulated test pressure80psi
PressureEngine oil pressure - shut down thresholdbelow about 10psiengine running
PressureFuel (LP Gas) inlet pressure10-12inch water columnall load ranges
PressureLP fuel pressure10-12inches water column (0.36-0.43 psi)
PressureLow oil pressure shutdown5PSIswitch contacts close below this, engine shuts down
PressureMinimum allowable compression pressure60psicold engine
PressureNormal engine oil pressure35-40psiengine running
PressureOil pressure switch rating10psisingle cylinder engines
Pressureoil pressure30psifull pressure lubrication, over 30 psi
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
ResistanceControl Winding: Yellow-Yellow0.16-0.18Ohms
ResistanceDC Winding Blue0.19-0.21Ohms
ResistanceDC Winding Blue0.86 ±15%Ohms
ResistanceDC Winding: Green-Green0.13-0.15Ohms
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
ResistanceIgnition Coil Winding (J1 Pin 5)0.5Ohms
ResistanceIgnition Coil Winding (J1 Pin 5)0.7Ohms
ResistanceIgnition Coil Winding (J1 Pin 5)0.8Ohms
ResistanceIgnition coil Pin 1 to Ground1.7 ± 0.5Ohms
ResistanceIgnition coil Spark Plug to Ground12.5K ± 2KOhms
ResistanceIgnition: Blue-Yellow/Green0.63-0.71Ohms
ResistanceMain Coil of Stator1.6 ± 0.4Ohms
ResistanceMain Coil of Stator1.9Ohms

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
Coolant50% ethylene glycol-based long-life coolant / 50% clean, softened water37°C to 149°CNot applicable to this air-cooled 6kW model per Section 1.7 note (coolant table appears in the 24RCL doc, not this one); freezing protection to -37C, overheating protection to 149C if used
Engine oilManufacturer recommendationsOil must be purchased separately based on manufacturer recommendations
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 oil5W-30 SyntheticAPI SJ, SL or betterbelow -12°C0.6 LUse below 10F
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
FuelLP vapor onlyMinimum 2,520 Btu per cubic footRequired fuel pressure 10-12 inches water column (0.36-0.43 psi)
FuelLP vapor, minimum 2,520 Btu per cubic footRequired fuel pressure 10-12 inches water column (0.36-0.43 psi)
FuelLiquid Propane (LP Gas)Fuel pipe must be sized for full load
FuelRegular unleaded gasoline, max 10% ethanol9.0 U.S. gallons
FuelUnleaded0.5
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
Adjusting GT-530 Valve Clearance adjustment

⚠ Contact dealer if uncomfortable performing this procedure or lacking proper tools

Tools: 10mm allen wrench, Feeler gauge, Torque wrench

  1. Remove spark plug wires and spark plugs
  2. Rotate the flywheel clockwise to bring the piston to Top Dead Center of compression stroke
  3. Remove the four valve cover screws and the valve cover
  4. Loosen the rocker jam nut and turn the pivot ball stud while checking clearance with a feeler gauge
  5. Set clearance to 0.002-0.004 inch (0.05-0.1 mm) and hold pivot stud while tightening jam nut to 174 in/lbs
  6. Recheck clearance after tightening
  7. Install a new valve cover gasket and reattach the valve cover
  8. Reinstall spark plugs and reattach spark plug wires
Adjusting Valve Clearance adjustment

Tools: feeler gauge, 10mm Allen wrench, torque wrench

  1. Ensure the engine is cool (60-80°F) before checking
  2. Remove spark plug wires and spark plugs
  3. Rotate the flywheel nut clockwise to bring the piston to Top Dead Center (both valves closed)
  4. Remove the four screws attaching the valve cover; remove and discard the rocker cover gasket
  5. Loosen the rocker jam nut; use a 10mm Allen wrench to turn the pivot ball stud while checking clearance with a feeler gauge
  6. Correct clearance is 0.002-0.004 inch (0.05-0.1 mm)
  7. Hold the pivot ball stud and tighten the rocker arm jam nut to 174 in/lbs torque
  8. Recheck valve clearance after tightening
  9. Install new valve cover gasket and re-attach valve cover, torque fasteners in a cross pattern to 4 ft/lbs
  10. Install spark plug and re-attach spark plug wire
  11. Repeat for the other cylinder
Check/Adjust Valves adjustment

Tools: socket, feelers/gauges

  1. Verify the piston is at top dead center (TDC) of its compression stroke (both valves closed).
  2. Remove four (4) screws from rocker cover.
  3. Remove rocker cover and rocker cover gasket.
  4. Loosen rocker arm jam nut. Turn adjustment screw in to decrease clearance or out to increase clearance.
  5. Hold socket steady and tighten lock nut to specification; check clearance and make minor adjustments.
  6. After tightening jam nut, recheck valve clearance to make sure it did not change.
  7. Install rocker cover, gasket and four screws; tighten to specifications.
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.
Trigger Pickup Adjustment (iQ) adjustment

Tools: non-metallic feeler gauge

  1. Install or replace trigger pickup; ensure routing of wires is correct and not pinched.
  2. With rotor in place, set gap to 0.20-0.30mm using the oval holes in the pickup bracket.
  3. Align trigger point on rotor outside surface in-line with sensor and check/adjust gap with a non-metallic feeler gauge.
  4. Tighten mounting screws to specification and check gap; adjust if necessary.
Check Engine Compression diagnostic

Tools: compression gauge

  1. Remove spark plug.
  2. Insert an automotive type compression gauge into spark plug hole.
  3. Crank engine until there is no further increase in pressure; record highest reading.
Check Engine RPM diagnostic

Tools: Small engine tachometer or inductive tachometer

  1. With engine running, connect engine tachometer per manufacturer instructions and record the engine RPM.
  2. If engine rpm is within rated specs refer to flow chart; if outside range go to Problem 7 flowchart.

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
1201Standard configurationSingle phase 120 VAC
2401With conversion kit 006016-1Single phase 240 VAC (maintains full 6 kW output)

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 OHVI?

The Generac OHVI engine has an oil capacity of 1.5 liters.

What is the displacement of the Generac OHVI?

The Generac OHVI has a displacement of 0.41 liters with 1 cylinders.

Which generators use the Generac OHVI engine?

The Generac OHVI powers 41 generator set(s), including Generac EcoGen 005818-0, Generac EcoGen 6 kW, Generac GP15000, Generac GP17500, Generac GP175000E.

How often should you change the oil in the Generac OHVI?

The Generac OHVI oil change interval is every 100 hours.

What is a common problem with the Generac OHVI engine?

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