HomeCaterpillarCaterpillar INV2000

Caterpillar INV2000 Generator Set

The Caterpillar INV2000 is a 1.8 kW Gasoline standby generator set powered by a Caterpillar OHV engine. It is available at 120 V, single-phase, 60 Hz and rated 8.3 A. It holds about 0.38 L (0.1 gal) of oil, with a maximum ambient rating of 40 °C. The set produces 53 dBA. An integrated tank holds 3.8 L (1.0 gal), roughly 3.5 hours of runtime.

1 kW
Standby
79.7 L
Displacement
0.38 L
Oil capacity
4
Document types

How to read your Caterpillar serial & model number →

Typical fuel consumption for 0–5 kW Gasoline generators →

Compare with other 0–5 kW Gasoline generators →

Specifications

FuelGasoline
Frequency60.0 Hz
Standby power1 kW
Prime power1 kW
Oil capacity0.38 L
AlternatorAVR
Voltage options120 V
PhaseSingle
Rated current8.3 A
Max ambient40 °C
Sound level53.0 dBA
Fuel tank3.8 L
Tank runtime3.5 hr

Engine

Caterpillar OHV
Displacement79.7 L
AspirationOHV

Maintenance & consumables

for the Caterpillar OHV
ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filter25 hr
Oil0.4 L25 hr
Spark plug100 hr

Service intervals

11
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Engine OilChange25 hr3 moFirst service — First Service
Air FilterCheck25 hr3 moEvery 25 Service Hours or 3 Months
Spark ArresterOther50 hr3 moInspect/Clean/Replace
Spark ArrestorClean50 hr3 moEvery 50 Service Hours or 3 Months
Spark PlugInspect100 hr6 moEvery 100 Service Hours or 6 Months
Spark PlugOther100 hr6 moInspect/Adjust/Replace
Cylinder HeadClean300 hr12 moEvery 300 Service Hours or 1 Year
Engine Valve LashCheck300 hr12 moEvery 300 Service Hours or 1 Year
Fuel LineCheck24 moEvery 2 Years
Fuel LineOther24 moCheck/Replace if necessary
GeneratorInspect1 moEvery Month

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

8
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
ClearanceCylinder bore I.D.48.6mm
ClearanceExhaust valve clearance0.05 ± 0.02mm
ClearanceIntake valve clearance0.05 ± 0.02mm
ClearancePiston to cylinder clearance0.010 – 0.045mm
GapSpark plug gap.024 - .028inches (0.6-0.7mm)
PressureCompression (at 1400 rpm)0.95 - 1.25MPaat 1400 rpm
SpeedMaximum speed (no load)4650rpm
TorqueSpark plug tightening torque9 ± 2lb ft (12.5 ± 2 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 oilSAE 0W-40, SAE 5W-40, SAE 10W-30, SAE 15W-400.38 LMulti-viscosity options per ambient temperature
Engine oilSAE 0W-40-40°C to 40°C0.4 quart/LNon-detergent and 2-stroke oils must not be used
Engine oilSAE 5W-40-30°C to 50°C0.4 quart/LNon-detergent and 2-stroke oils must not be used
Engine oilSAE 10W-30-18°C to 40°C0.4 quart/LNon-detergent and 2-stroke oils must not be used
Engine oilSAE 15W-40-10°C to 50°C0.4 quart/LNon-detergent and 2-stroke oils must not be used
FuelUnleaded3.8 L1 U.S. gallon fuel capacity
FuelUnleaded gasoline, octane ≥87, ≤10% ethanol1.0 gal/LDo not mix oil with gasoline; use fuel stabilizer for storage

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

Procedures

9
Air Filter – Check maintenance

⚠ Never operate without air filter in place

  1. Open left service door.
  2. Remove air filter cover bolt and cover.
  3. Inspect filter; wash if dirty, replace if damaged.
  4. Wash with nonflammable solvent or detergent/water mixture; rinse thoroughly.
  5. After drying, oil filter lightly and remove excess; do not wring out.
  6. Wipe case and cover, reinstall filter, cover, bolt, and service door.
Engine Oil Level – Check maintenance

⚠ Non-detergent and 2-stroke oils will damage the engine

Tools: funnel

  1. Open right service door, remove oil level gauge, wipe clean.
  2. Re-insert gauge without screwing in to check level.
  3. If low, add recommended oil via funnel to upper mark.
  4. Install and tighten gauge, close service door.
Engine Oil – Change maintenance

Tools: oil funnel, drain container

  1. Run engine to normal operating temperature, then stop.
  2. Close vacuum relief valve to off.
  3. Open right service door, remove and wipe oil level gauge.
  4. Attach oil funnel, tilt generator to drain crankcase into container.
  5. Refill oil and check level.
  6. Install and tighten gauge, close service door.
  7. Dispose of used oil properly.
  8. Start engine briefly and check for leaks.
  9. Stop engine and recheck oil level.
Fuel Level - Check maintenance

⚠ Fuel in well-ventilated area with engine stopped and cool

  1. Check the fuel level gauge.
  2. If low, remove fuel cap.
  3. Check strainer; clean if dirty.
  4. Add fuel, using stabilizer if unit will sit.
  5. Install fuel cap after fueling.
Spark Arrestor - Inspect/Clean/Replace maintenance

⚠ Hot surface; do not perform until muffler has cooled

Tools: wire brush, screwdriver

  1. Allow muffler to cool.
  2. Remove screws and spark arrestor.
  3. Clean with soft wire brush; replace if damaged.
  4. Align mounting holes and reinstall with screws.
Spark Plug – Inspect/Adjust/Replace maintenance

⚠ Do not perform with engine running

Tools: plug wrench or spark plug socket, feeler gauge

  1. Turn generator switch off.
  2. Remove screws to remove outer side panel.
  3. Remove spark plug boot and access cover.
  4. Remove spark plug with plug wrench or socket.
  5. Visually inspect; replace if insulator cracked or electrode damaged.
  6. Measure gap with feeler gauge; adjust by bending side electrode.
  7. Check spark plug washer condition.
  8. Install spark plug and tighten to 9 ± 2 lb ft (12.5 ± 2 Nm).
  9. Reattach boot, cover, and side panel.
Storage for more than 3 months maintenance

⚠ Gasoline is extremely flammable and explosive

  1. Remove dirt, rust, grease, and oil; do not pressure wash.
  2. Inspect exterior and repair as needed.
  3. Drain fuel in well-ventilated area with engine stopped and cool.
  4. Remove fuel cap, turn generator over to drain gasoline into container.
  5. Reinstall fuel cap, run engine until it stops to drain remaining fuel.
  6. Change engine oil.
  7. Remove spark plug, pour small amount of oil into cylinder; reinstall spark plug without boot.
  8. Turn generator switch off, move to storage, cover generator.
Recoil Start operation
  1. Isolate generator from utility.
  2. Unplug electrical devices from receptacles.
  3. Turn Engine Smart Control Switch off.
  4. Open vacuum relief valve on fuel cap by rotating clockwise to on.
  5. Turn generator switch to choke position.
  6. Pull starter handle until resistance felt, then pull quickly; repeat if needed.
  7. After starting, turn generator switch to on position.
Stopping the Engine operation

⚠ To stop in an emergency, turn generator switch off

  1. Disconnect generator / unplug all electrical devices.
  2. Turn generator switch to off position.
  3. Close vacuum relief valve by rotating counter-clockwise to off.

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 size generator is the Caterpillar INV2000?

The Caterpillar INV2000 is rated 1 kW standby.

What engine does the Caterpillar INV2000 use?

The Caterpillar INV2000 is powered by the Caterpillar OHV engine.

What kind of fuel does the Caterpillar INV2000 run on?

The Caterpillar INV2000 runs on Gasoline.

Which alternator is fitted to the Caterpillar INV2000?

The Caterpillar INV2000 uses a AVR alternator.

Troubleshooting

6

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCauseRemedy
Engine Will Not StartGenerator switch in the off “0” positionTurn the generator switch to the correct position.
Engine Runs Rough (no load)Dirty air filterStop the engine and check the air filter. Clean if needed. Start the engine / check if it runs rough.
Engine Runs Rough (with load)Dirty air filterStop the engine and check the air filter. Clean if needed. Start the engine / check if it runs rough.
Engine Shuts DownOut of fuelCheck the fuel. Fill the tank if necessary.
Engine Runs, But Generator Does Not Provide PowerGenerator overloaded, overload light is onTurn off and unplug all electrical devices, shut down the engine, wait 10-15 minutes and start the engine, connect fewer or lighter electrical loads.
Engine Starts But Runs Rough or Does Not Have Enough PowerDirty air filter, Generator inclined, Air in fuel line or fuel line clogged, Not enough fuel to the engine, Engine Smart Control switch on, Carbon built up in combustion chamber, Cylinder pressure, Inspect the cylinder head gasket, If the engine still has low powerCheck the air filter. Clean or replace as needed., Move generator to a level position., Check the fuel line. Clear or replace needed., Make sure the needle valve is closing properly. Clean or replace as needed., Inspect the fuel nozzle. Clean if needed., Turn the Engine Smart Control switch off., Remove the cylinder head and clean if needed., Refer to the Maintenance Specifications chart for the proper value. Adjust or repair as needed., Replace if damaged., If the engine still has low power, Rebuild the engine, replace the engine, or consider replacing the unit.

Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this model’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing. Full Caterpillar INV2000 troubleshooting guide (8 entries) →

Parts

12
Part #DescriptionQtySystem
501-5293RP7500 E Service Kit1Service Amazon eBay
501-5294RP12000 E Protective Cover1Protective cover Amazon eBay
502-3692Multi-Connector Power Cord (25 ft)1Power cord Amazon eBay
502-3693Single Connector Power Cord (25 ft)1Power cord Amazon eBay
502-3702RP3600 Service Kit1Service Amazon eBay
502-3703RP5500 Service Kit1Service Amazon eBay
502-3704RP6500 E Service Kit1Service Amazon eBay
502-3705Small Protective Cover1Protective cover Amazon eBay
502-3706Large Protective Cover1Protective cover Amazon eBay
517-9207INV2000 Protective Cover1Protective cover Amazon eBay $39.99
517-9208INV2000 Service Kit1Service Amazon eBay
530-1202INV2000 Parallel Kit1Parallel kit Amazon eBay $109.00

Service, wear & replacement parts referenced for this model and its engine — confirm the exact part for your serial number. See the full parts catalog to search and cross-reference.

Available documents

Reference (Caterpillar)Owner's manual (Caterpillar)Parts manual — CAT Portable Catalog (Caterpillar)Service manual (Caterpillar)
Other sets with this engine