Specifications
| Fuel | Gasoline |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 60.0 Hz |
| Prime power | 6.5 kW |
| Voltage options | 120 V, 120/240 V |
| Phase | Single |
| Battery voltage | 12 V |
| Sound level | 62.0 dBA |
| Fuel tank | 30.0 L |
| Tank runtime | 8.8 hr |
Filters & service parts
model family| Item | Spec | Capacity | Part # | Interval | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air filter | Check and clean as needed | — | |||
| Oil filter | Inspect and clean as needed | — | |||
| Oil | Check before each start | — | |||
| Spark plug | Gap .028 - .032 inches (0.7 - 0.8mm) | — |
Compiled from this model's family documentation — may include parts for closely-related variants. Confirm the exact part for your serial number.
Service intervals
1| Item | Action | Hours | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil Level | Check | First service — Before each start |
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
1| Type | Item | Value | Unit | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gap | Spark Plug Gap | 0.7 - 0.8 | mm |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
Procedures
3Starting the Engine - Electric Start operation
- Turn fuel valve to ON position
- For cold engine, pull choke knob out
- Turn generator switch to START position
- Release switch when engine starts
- Once engine starts, slowly push choke knob in
Starting the Engine - Recoil Start operation
- Turn fuel valve to ON position
- For cold engine, pull choke knob out
- Turn generator switch to ON position
- Slowly pull starter handle until resistance felt
- Quickly pull the handle with full force
- Once engine starts, slowly push choke knob in
Stopping the Engine operation
- Turn generator switch to OFF position
- Turn fuel valve to OFF position
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 engine does the Caterpillar RP6500 E use?
The Caterpillar RP6500 E is powered by the Caterpillar OHV V-Twin engine.
Is the Caterpillar RP6500 E diesel or gas?
The Caterpillar RP6500 E runs on Gasoline.
What is the sound level of the Caterpillar RP6500 E?
The Caterpillar RP6500 E is rated at 62.0 dBA, per the manufacturer specification sheet.
What size fuel tank does the Caterpillar RP6500 E have?
The Caterpillar RP6500 E has a 30 liter (8 US gallon) fuel tank, giving about 8.8 hours of runtime.
What voltage does the Caterpillar RP6500 E produce?
The Caterpillar RP6500 E is offered in 120 V, 120/240 V, Single-phase.
Troubleshooting
19Symptoms & remedies
| Symptom | Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Will Not Start | Generator switch in the off “0” position | Turn the generator switch to the correct position. |
| Engine Will Not Start | Choke knob in the wrong position | Place the choke knob in the correct position. |
| Engine Will Not Start | No fuel | Fill the fuel tank. |
| Engine Will Not Start | Bad or contaminated fuel | Check the fuel. |
| Engine Will Not Start | Not enough oil in the engine | Check the oil level. If low, add the recommended oil. |
| Engine Will Not Start | Dirty air filter | Clean the air filter. |
| Engine Will Not Start | No fuel at the carburetor | Make sure the fuel switch is in the on "I" position. |
| Engine Will Not Start | Engine flooded | Wait 5 minutes. |
| Engine Will Not Start | No spark | Replace the spark plug. |
| Engine Will Not Start | For electric start, start the engine using the recoil starter | If the generator starts, check the battery. If the battery is providing less than 12.4 volts, replace the battery. |
| Engine Runs Rough (no load) | Dirty air filter | Stop the engine and check the air filter. Clean if needed. |
| Engine Runs Rough (no load) | Choke knob in the wrong position | Place the choke knob in the correct position. |
| Engine Shuts Down | Out of fuel | Check the fuel. Fill the tank if necessary. |
| Engine Shuts Down | Not enough oil in the engine | Check the oil level. If low, add the recommended oil. |
| Engine Shuts Down | Dirty air filter | Clean the air filter. |
| Engine Shuts Down | Generator overloaded | Unplug some of the devices. |
| Engine Runs Rough (with load) | Dirty air filter | Stop the engine and check the air filter. Clean if needed. |
| Engine Runs Rough (with load) | Generator overloaded | Unplug some of the devices. |
| Engine Runs Rough (with load) | Defective device plugg |
Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this model’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing.
Repair guides
2Step-by-step procedures compiled from the Caterpillar service manual for this model.
Parts
5| Part # | Description | Qty | System | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 501-5293 | RP5500 Service Kit | 1 | Service | Amazon eBay |
| 501-5294 | RP12000 E Protective Cover | 1 | Protective cover | Amazon eBay |
| 502-3692 | Multi-Connector Power Cord (25 ft) | 1 | Power cord | Amazon eBay |
| 502-3693 | Single Connector Power Cord (25 ft) | 1 | Power cord | Amazon eBay |
| 502-3704 | RP12000 E Service Kit | 1 | Service | Amazon eBay |
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
This page was generated from the 3 manufacturer documents above by automated extraction; every figure shown is copied from one of them. How the data is compiled.