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Caterpillar RP6500 E Generator Set

The Caterpillar RP6500 E is a 6.5 kW Gasoline prime generator set powered by a Caterpillar OHV V-Twin engine. It is available at 120 V and 120/240 V, single-phase and 60 Hz. It holds about 1.1 L (0.3 gal) of oil. The set produces 62 dBA. An integrated tank holds 30 L (7.9 gal), roughly 8.8 hours of runtime.

420.0 L
Displacement
1.1 L
Oil capacity
3
Document types

How to read your Caterpillar serial & model number →

Specifications

FuelGasoline
Frequency60.0 Hz
Prime power6 kW
Oil capacity1.1 L
Voltage options120 V, 120/240 V
PhaseSingle
Battery voltage12 V
Sound level62.0 dBA
Fuel tank30.0 L
Tank runtime8.8 hr

Engine

Caterpillar OHV V-Twin
Displacement420.0 L
AspirationOHV

Filters & service parts

model family
ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterCheck and clean as needed
Oil filterInspect and clean as needed
OilCheck before each start
Spark plugGap .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
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Engine Oil LevelCheckFirst 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
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
GapSpark Plug Gap0.7 - 0.8mm

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

Procedures

3
Starting the Engine - Electric Start operation
  1. Turn fuel valve to ON position
  2. For cold engine, pull choke knob out
  3. Turn generator switch to START position
  4. Release switch when engine starts
  5. Once engine starts, slowly push choke knob in
Starting the Engine - Recoil Start operation
  1. Turn fuel valve to ON position
  2. For cold engine, pull choke knob out
  3. Turn generator switch to ON position
  4. Slowly pull starter handle until resistance felt
  5. Quickly pull the handle with full force
  6. Once engine starts, slowly push choke knob in
Stopping the Engine operation
  1. Turn generator switch to OFF position
  2. 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.

Troubleshooting

5

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCauseRemedy
Engine Will Not StartGenerator switch in the off “ 0 ” position Choke knob in the wrong position No fuel Bad or contaminated fuel Not enough oil in the engine Dirty air filter No fuel at the carburetor Engine flooded No spark (for electric start)Turn the generator switch to the correct position. Place the choke knob in the correct position. Fill the fuel tank. Check the fuel. Check the oil level. If low, add the recommended oil. Clean the air filter. Make sure the fuel switch is in the on " I " position. Wait 5 minutes. Replace the spark plug. 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 filterStop the engine and check the air filter. Clean if needed. Start the engine / check if it runs rough
Engine Shuts DownOut of fuel Not enough oil in the engine Dirty air filter Generator overloadedCheck the fuel. Fill the tank if necessary. Check the oil level. If low, add the recommended oil. Clean the air filter. Unplug some of the devices.
Engine Runs Rough (with load)Dirty air filter Generator overloadedStop the engine and check the air filter. Clean if needed. Start the engine / check if it runs rough. Unplug some of the devices.
Engine Runs, But Generator Does Not Provide PowerCircuit breaker is open Bad connection Defective power cord Defective device plugged inClose the circuit breaker. Stop the engine and check the connections. Replace the cord. Unplug defective device.

Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this model’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing.

Parts

5
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
502-3704RP6500 E Service Kit1Service 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

Reference (Caterpillar)Owner's manual (Caterpillar)Parts manual — CAT Portable Catalog (Caterpillar)