Generac Generator

[dragline]

Just acquired a Gaurdian series Generac standby generator 17KW. Very little use with engine problems. I need a service manual and would like to know who makes the engine for them. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Bob]

Briggs owns Generac.
Website

 

[hanovertom]

I think you will find Briggs is only for portable units, Generac makes their standby units and it may be a generac engine

 

[Billy Shafer]

With Generac you never know whose engine you are going to end up with. Good luck on finding a manual and getting anyone to work on it. Not the most popular generator company in the world.

 

[cemeyer]

(quoted from post at 10:28:00 11/06/10) Just acquired a Gaurdian series Generac standby generator 17KW. Very little use with engine problems. I need a service manual and would like to know who makes the engine for them. Thanks in advance for any help.

The motor should be Generac built. I used to sell/install/service their stand-by units. Whats the model number and I'll look through my books and see what info I can get ya.

 

[dragline]

Thanks in advance for any info. The engine Model # is OG8294 and the Gen Model # is 0055040/Ser.# 580183. Gaurdian Series 17KW with OHVI engine. Engine has no compression on one cylinder according to previous owner and stopped while in operation. Like new unit and Generac will not warranty because generator was being used to power a kiln unit tho not in operation but for 3-4 hours a day. Unit is less than 6 months old. I am a retired certified mechanic but reluctant to tear into a genset without a service manual.

 

[cemeyer]

(quoted from post at 10:08:33 11/08/10) Thanks in advance for any info. The engine Model # is OG8294 and the Gen Model # is 0055040/Ser.# 580183. Gaurdian Series 17KW with OHVI engine. Engine has no compression on one cylinder according to previous owner and stopped while in operation. Like new unit and Generac will not warranty because generator was being used to power a kiln unit tho not in operation but for 3-4 hours a day. Unit is less than 6 months old. I am a retired certified mechanic but reluctant to tear into a genset without a service manual.

Try this link,
http://www.generac.com/Service/ManualSearch/
This will give the jist of it. I might be able to dig up some torque specs for you. I'll bet that it hung a valve. I had one do that on both heads. Took about four or five hours in the field to repair. The one I did was under warranty so they gave me new complete heads. I have a few of these in the field that are at least ten years old with zero problems. Let me know what other info that you need or try calling Generac. They might give you some books for free.
Curt

 

[JT]

I have a Genrac generator, it is a great set. It is a portable, but been reliable.
As for the Generac engine, I have sold a lot of dixie chopper mowers with a GVN990 engine and it was as reliable as any engine out there.

 

[dragline]

Thank you Curt. In your experience with Generac standby units would it be their history to refuse to cover a warranty claim because the unit was used too much? Not misused or abused but instead of standby it was used to provide electricity to a large kiln for 3-6 hours each day. In my experience whether large engines or outboards or chainsaws the warranty was for a period of time ie. 2 years/1year etc. I can somewhat understand the limited warranty on the generator but the engine...? Again thanks.

 

[bc]

I looked at their warranty. 2 years on consumer, 1 year for commercial, and 90 days as a rental. An exception to the consumer warranty is when it is used as prime power when utility service is available. However it doesn't have that exception for commercial or rental. Original owner is probably commercial. Warranty says you have to transport it to the nearest dealer or factory and back.

A sticky valve on a Briggs engine can be fixed with some carb cleaner through the intake or exhaust depending upon which valve it is. Then some marvel mystery oil in the gas and added to the oil helps keep it lubed. May have to clean it more than that. That new of an engine may be more than a sticky valve but you are the certified mechanic.

I assume your purchase price was severely discounted for a bum engine.

 

[cemeyer]

(quoted from post at 07:34:28 11/09/10) Thank you Curt. In your experience with Generac standby units would it be their history to refuse to cover a warranty claim because the unit was used too much? Not misused or abused but instead of standby it was used to provide electricity to a large kiln for 3-6 hours each day. In my experience whether large engines or outboards or chainsaws the warranty was for a period of time ie. 2 years/1year etc. I can somewhat understand the limited warranty on the generator but the engine...? Again thanks.

Based on my dealings with Generac if any other terminology other than "standby power" came up, they would not honor the warranty. I had one come to me (that a large, well known, home project retailer sold to the customer) that was use as power during construction of his cabin. After construction it was to be used as standby power for the cabin. It started using oil, I was thrown into the middle, we were to repair it, but Generac would not cover it because it was used as"prime" power for like two months. The large retailer ate that one because they advised him on what to buy for what he was going to use it for. The generators are very good as standby power(what they are designed for), but for long run times they just won't cut it. In my experience anyway. I just don't think there is enough cooling, within the enclosure for the engine and the oil to be able to sustain much more than a few hours every now and then.
Curt

 

[dragline]

That has been my experience with similiar warranty issues. When I was in the business we could push through most anything and get it covered if we chose to. Depends on the dealer and the relationship with the OEM I suppose and of course times have changed since then. Can you help me with a service manual? Generacs website moves all questions to a dealer and around here most would rather sell a new unit and are in the electical supply business and not a servicing shop. Any help would be appreciated. And thanks again Curt.