Generac GP5500 FloatPinFix carb leak

Changing out a float pin in a Generac GP5500 series portable genset. The new pin is an OEM Honda part made of polymer instead of aluminum. I made this repair in order for the float pin to resist corrosion from E10 fuel and avoid gasoline leakage due to a stuck float out of the carb overflow, which may be common on these models.
I have encountered this leak twice in the three years I have owned this generator. Generac will not cover problems related to fuel. However, I believe that the needle used in these carburetors is not robust enough to withstand common E10 fuel blends and thus, a dangerous fuel leak is prone to occur. Other generator manufacturers have had recalls for units that use the same carburetor for fuel leaks / fire hazard.

Пікірлер: 72

  • @ToanNguyen-oz9ee
    @ToanNguyen-oz9ee8 жыл бұрын

    where r u order oem Honda parts . Can u post the web site for us Thanks

  • @skilltech2357

    @skilltech2357

    4 жыл бұрын

    www.jackssmallengines.com/jacks-parts-lookup/part/universal/525554 will this one work?

  • @andrewkurz8596
    @andrewkurz8596 Жыл бұрын

    *100% best **Generater.Systems** I have used. A test for hurricane prep here in Louisiana: three AC units, 5000, 5000 & 8000, 3 fridges, 2 device power setups, 4 flat screens....AND I had 40% of the power meter to spare.*

  • @grahamalford2357
    @grahamalford23572 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the tutorial. I took my carb apart and then used metal polish on the pin. I loaded a q-tip on my drill with some metal polish and the inside of the pin shaft. It worked!

  • @adrianreyes4702
    @adrianreyes4702Ай бұрын

    Thank you! My relatively new Champion Dual Fuel 4550 starting watt 3650 running watt has that exact problem! Fuel is just flowing out there when I start it. Must be the same makers, or same makers of the part. Now I know the issue at least! Thanks again! Well done!

  • @brianbirkes6618
    @brianbirkes6618 Жыл бұрын

    ABSOLUTELY DANGEROUS!!! I bought a GP5500, It failed in less than 10 hours. Customer service did nothing despite it being a 100 percent design flaw. Seal failure allowed light rain to leak into the gas tank. rusted out. Cost $400 to replace. They don't care about their customers. The rust caused mine to stick and it flooded all over the back of my truck.

  • @fordpinto
    @fordpinto6 жыл бұрын

    I have a lowes version of that generator, bought it around 2007 after a large storm in the Chicago area knocked out my area for about 9 days. Threw in a 220 breaker and backfed the breaker box,(yes I killed the main) it was great having one of the few houses fully powered, while the rest of the neighborhood was dark. It ran for about 5 or 6 days non stop. After the outage was fixed,I put stabilizer in and ran for a bit and cut the fuel and ran the carb dry. Since then I've started it a couple times a year with fresh fuel and stabilizer, then ran it dry. I've only needed the generator 2 or 3 times for short outages, but I developed the same issue and of course it happened when I was going to need it. I'm in Tennessee now, our neighborhood is getting new power lines and poles, so I pulled it out of the shed to get ready,filled it with gas, and it was pouring out the carb. I ran across this video looking up the carb, I was curious what I was going to see inside the carb, I haven't tinkered with small engines in years, long before selonoids we're on them. I was able to give it a good cleaning and it worked for now, but will order the parts and have them on hand if it happens again. I'm beginning to think it's better to leave the carb bowl full of stabilized fuel when stored,as from the random videos I've seen, most of them stated they also ran them dry for storage.

  • @lvsoccer1870
    @lvsoccer18702 жыл бұрын

    Great video. We took apart our same generator and the tip of the float needle was all gummed up. We installed a new needle and no more gass leak. Thank you for the terrific information. Two thumbs up!! A++ info.

  • @topthatjh42

    @topthatjh42

    Жыл бұрын

    Did you use a Honda or original Generac float

  • @joesgarage8953
    @joesgarage89537 жыл бұрын

    Just a note that since I replaced the float needle with the plastic part, it has not become stuck due to corrosion issues for 2+ years.

  • @DiomedesArgos

    @DiomedesArgos

    6 жыл бұрын

    Joe's Garage thanks for the video. Followed the same procedure and unfortunately 2 years later I’m in the same boat again with a leaking carb. I wonder if a full Honda carb would work.

  • @joesgarage8953

    @joesgarage8953

    6 жыл бұрын

    Ouch. Sorry to hear that. Mine is STILL going fine with the plastic float needle in there. Maybe open your up and see what is causing it to stick now. If you used a plastic needle in there, I don't see how that part could corrode.

  • @oneangrycanadian6205

    @oneangrycanadian6205

    5 жыл бұрын

    Of course then won’t own up lol. Seems a lot of people have this problem and it is dangerous. For the cost of a simple pin that’s non corrosive You would think the would own up and send a fix the cheap bastards.

  • @arron19
    @arron19 Жыл бұрын

    Sept 2022 Hurricane Ian watch this video an you saved the day thank you!!

  • @TheArcV

    @TheArcV

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad to hear that - hoping for a speedy recovery for you

  • @chrisperkins5721
    @chrisperkins57217 жыл бұрын

    Thank you I goofed and had to replace gaskets and now struggling with a carb leak. Will order a Honda pin and make the change while I clean it all out. Appreciate the video!

  • @jted68
    @jted687 жыл бұрын

    Thank you. That was very helpful in diagnosing the same leak on my generator. It is a Honeywell branded 5500 unit....actually a Generac. Everything on mine looks exactly like your unit. I bought this generator in 2012 having no issues until yesterday. If I observe corrosion on the needle, I will take your advice and replace it with the Honda part. I also found a source for non-oxygenated gasoline in my area....all my small engines and motorcycle now run on that fuel. Thanks again for your video, it will save me a lot of hassle.

  • @jamesakenhead8858
    @jamesakenhead88586 жыл бұрын

    Excellent diagnosis... great part substitution... looks like a long term fix

  • @timothysnyder2624
    @timothysnyder26244 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for posting this video. I was able to clean and get it running. Yellow gunk covered everything. Only using Tru-Fuel from now on.

  • @netgeni59
    @netgeni597 жыл бұрын

    Thank you very much for posting this detailed video. I was able to use it for reference to disassemble my carb for cleaning and get my generator started again.

  • @mortalman6761
    @mortalman67615 жыл бұрын

    Great Info. My Powermate generator had the same issue. It fixed it and yes.... it dumps an excessive amount of fuel all over the place if not repaired. Thanks.

  • @SimmeringPotpourri
    @SimmeringPotpourri4 жыл бұрын

    I have a ETQ TG52T42 and I started mine up tonight to get it ready for the snow that is coming and sure enough it started to leak from the bowl. I'm going to buff mine tomorrow but I appreciate the video and hopefully it helped me pinpoint the problem.

  • @archiedoughman5329
    @archiedoughman53297 жыл бұрын

    Thank you very much in your very informative and educated info regarding Carburetor, now I know how to repair/fix my GenSet, thanks a lot and God Bless

  • @kwalshblvd
    @kwalshblvd3 жыл бұрын

    Huge help, thank you! I just completed my first small engine repair job.

  • @kwalshblvd

    @kwalshblvd

    3 жыл бұрын

    Also, I should add that I own a Champion Dual-Fuel unit from Costco. Looks exactly the same.

  • @genecoppola4420
    @genecoppola44207 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Joe, ordered the Honda part today..

  • @USR8823
    @USR8823 Жыл бұрын

    I'm having this exact same problem with my Generac generator. Thank you so much!

  • @quasimage7795
    @quasimage779510 жыл бұрын

    Excellent Video! Thanks!

  • @easternripple
    @easternripple8 жыл бұрын

    Your video was really helpful. My carb was completely gunked due to my negligence. I've since cleaned & repaired it thanks to your guide. I will now be much more stringent with maintenance. The manual says to change oil every 100 hours. I haven't put mine to regular use yet in 2 years. How often do you change the oil if not in regular use? I'm still searching for a polymer pin with your supplied item #. The suppliers I've asked all said they are all metal pins & I have to buy a full repair kit. Still searching. Thanks for your time here, very helpful.

  • @Watch-enthusiast.Florida
    @Watch-enthusiast.Florida10 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the video it help me fix mine 😊

  • @jamesrudolph7794
    @jamesrudolph77942 жыл бұрын

    Good information about this particular carburetor issue. For those with less mechanical aptitude please use the correct terminology for the hardware involved to avoid confusion.

  • @johnnyohness
    @johnnyohness2 жыл бұрын

    I have called everywhere and under that part number, the float pins in stock are the metal ones. No one seems to have polymer float needles. Where did you order your's Sir? Could you post your source, please?

  • @billcort8493
    @billcort84937 жыл бұрын

    thanks very thanks nice and step by step good

  • @joesgarage8953

    @joesgarage8953

    7 жыл бұрын

    You're welcome. Hope you are able to fix your carb. Note that models newer than mine (after 2013) may have better carbs that might have the issue fixed.

  • @billcort8493

    @billcort8493

    7 жыл бұрын

    my is model DEWALT DG300B HAVE SAME OF YOUR carb the part arrive today so tomorrow starts to work lol thanks

  • @paulmuller1443
    @paulmuller14436 жыл бұрын

    hope your still around i got the exact same problem now i have a number for the neddle. the generator i'm working on has no markings for the motor so i need a bowl gasket and gasket for the carb to a/f housing got any numbers i can use thanks

  • @JimmyDean1992
    @JimmyDean19929 жыл бұрын

    Great video? Using the plastic Honda pin completely stops this issue for good?

  • @captyoyo
    @captyoyo Жыл бұрын

    Fixed the leak on my generator but the generator won't start. Should I check the spark plug? Fuel is running thru the system.

  • @genecoppola4420
    @genecoppola44207 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Joe, what's up with the doll?

  • @mafelkins
    @mafelkins7 жыл бұрын

    I WOUNDER if it stayed fixed?

  • @andres3096
    @andres30966 жыл бұрын

    How you can tell when your carb is leaking? , I'm asking because mine trow a lot of dark smoke and I don't know if that's the problem help please

  • @joesgarage8953

    @joesgarage8953

    6 жыл бұрын

    The carb on my model used to leak because the metal needle would get stuck in the valve due to metal corrosion on the needle itself due to ethanol / gas mix. The result was not dark smoke -- gasoline would literally pour out if the top of the carb somewhere and flow down until it came off the bottom of the carb bowl and all over the ground. So your problem is probably not leaking carb. Dark smoke usually means your air-fuel mix is way too rich. This can be due to dirty or poorly adjusted carb, dirty air filter or some combination of these.

  • @johnhicks735
    @johnhicks735 Жыл бұрын

    That fuel you can remove ethanol fuel out of gasoline fuels that has it inside of it. By watching A video on KZread channel on how to that process step by step. If that's something you would be interested in learning how to do At home for your generator.,or even your lawnmower.& Etc. That's gasoline.,or even two stroke also known as 2 cycle fuel mixtures to.

  • @paulmuller1443
    @paulmuller14436 жыл бұрын

    what size motor and make got model#

  • @topthatjh42
    @topthatjh42 Жыл бұрын

    I know this was 9 years ago. Just curious to know if it worked

  • @louiedee279
    @louiedee2793 жыл бұрын

    I have the 5000 generac. It leaks out. I have not taken out carb. I will eventually have to take it apart.

  • @kungfu2toe
    @kungfu2toe7 жыл бұрын

    Its e10 and drying out the rubber hydroscopic e10

  • @ttiimmffiisshheerr499
    @ttiimmffiisshheerr4992 жыл бұрын

    Will that same pin work for a general 6500?.

  • @TheArcV

    @TheArcV

    2 жыл бұрын

    You mean for a Generac GP6500? Maybe. It depends on the carburetor shipped with that model and the model revision. Mine has a Huayi Standard of Japan carburetor. I bought my GP5500 back in 2011 or so. I believe that Generac has replaced the carb model in later models of generators so it might no longer be the same.

  • @JimmyDean1992
    @JimmyDean19929 жыл бұрын

    That's great. Mine has been pouring. It's a 2010. Will that pin work? I have 2-3ft of snow coming in 24 hours!

  • @joesgarage8953

    @joesgarage8953

    9 жыл бұрын

    You might want to look at Ken Vann's video too...much better of the disassembly. kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZXqGzNlvYbWpl84.html Also see his web site: home.earthlink.net/~kjvann/ The part number I used is at 11:03 in my video. Ken Vann used some other part number and a metal pin, which is documented on his site. But he had good luck with it.

  • @JimmyDean1992

    @JimmyDean1992

    9 жыл бұрын

    Okay thanks. Do you know if that needle will work with my year?

  • @joesgarage8953

    @joesgarage8953

    9 жыл бұрын

    JimmyDean1992 Not sure. I suspect Generac had the carb model changed at some point due to the leaks. Ken's site has some info on the carb model I think. Mine is around the same age as yours however so it might be the same.

  • @JimmyDean1992

    @JimmyDean1992

    9 жыл бұрын

    Seems like they still have not fixed the problem. Checked with the company and there is no recall. So I just cleaned it for now to get me by and then I have to order the plastic one that Honda makes as a replacement.

  • @mikehenderson1268
    @mikehenderson12684 жыл бұрын

    What would be the cost for taking it a shop[ for repair?

  • @joesgarage8953

    @joesgarage8953

    4 жыл бұрын

    To clean the carb and replace the float pin? Depends on the labor rate as the parts are cheap. I think you are looking at 100-200 USD. But they might not want to put in a plastic needle.

  • @mikehenderson1268

    @mikehenderson1268

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@joesgarage8953 Thanks, Joe. Seems a plastic needle would never get corroded. Thanks

  • @tinkergene
    @tinkergene4 жыл бұрын

    I replaced the needle with the Honda o e m - I cleaned the brass seat - and it still leaks a little- it’s not leaking from the bottom bolt - gas is coming out of the air cleaner so the Honda needle didn’t help me - that’s $ 23.00 spend for nothing

  • @TheArcV

    @TheArcV

    4 жыл бұрын

    You probably need a full carb cleaning and test. The float itself might not be buoyant enough to push the pin into the seat with enough pressure to fully shut off the fuel. So you might need to replace that also.

  • @chuck0683
    @chuck06835 жыл бұрын

    I have a 4000 Watt generator I bought used $40 it leaks around the same area

  • @helenah7668

    @helenah7668

    5 жыл бұрын

    Mine didn't just leak it POURED out in a 4 day outage :( . I'm going to try taking it apart from the bottom first as it seems much easier to me. Either way they took the solenoid off but I do understand more chance of stripping it. May as well change the oil while I'm fixing it...........better find a you tube for that too, lol.

  • @chaoticlizzards653
    @chaoticlizzards6532 жыл бұрын

    This happened to my 2020 Indian motorcycle, not happy about it

  • @aslanr6
    @aslanr65 жыл бұрын

    stabil is the problem, That stuff kills engine parts

  • @jeffflowers729
    @jeffflowers7296 жыл бұрын

    I have the Troy Bilt version of this generator with the same engine/carb. I inherited mine from a neighbor who moved away and just said it doesn't run. Anyway... I also discovered that turning the fuel on my carb would also flood. The solenoid could stop flooding if it were working correctly. Mine doesn't because it's not powered or not operating correctly. I don't think your solenoid is working properly either. I tried to freeze the video to verify but couldn't see. When the solenoid is NOT powered, engine off just stored, it should be extended to stop fuel flow to the jet. When it IS powered, it should retract allowing flow. On a bench test my solenoid needle extends when powered. This is wrong. Yours looks like it is retracted unpowered just like mine. Every youtube video on the subject of a carb solenoid shows that doing a bench test, powering retracts the needle. It just makes no sense that ours extends when powered and even more confusing, even extended it's not long enough to stop fuel flow. If it were our engines would not run. But it really is the job of the float/needle to stop fuel flow anyway. Think about how many small engine carbs don't have a solenoid. I realized watching youtube videos like yours that our carb is one of very few with that little spring on the needle. Except, mine didn't have a spring at all! So even with the float all the way up, the needle wasn't being pushed up enough to seal. I I think mine was at a shop by previous owner and they took the carb apart to diagnose and lost the spring and figured it wasn't needed since most don't have one. What I did was take a spring from a ball point click pen. Had to cut it trial and error to get the right tension but it works. I suspect it was really just your spring was worn since both needles have a rubber tip and the barrel was very clean. I think if you just gave the spring a little tug to stretch it a bit it may have solved your flooding issue. But kudos for finding that compatible Honda needle! with the new spring.... Edit: using the pen spring was short lived. started leaking again. After pricing out individual pieces, I just went with a complete aftermarket carb for $30.

  • @DiomedesArgos

    @DiomedesArgos

    6 жыл бұрын

    Jeff Flowers got a part number? I’m 2 years past the Honda polymer float swap and I’ve still got the issue. Luckily haven’t needed the generator.

  • @jeffflowers729

    @jeffflowers729

    6 жыл бұрын

    I ordered if off Ebay. I forgot to test the solenoid before installing it but doesn't matter. There's no carb leak so the float/needle is doing it's job and the generator runs fine. I do use the shut off valve anyway for good measure. If you order this one, in the write up it says manual choke only, but I easily took the lever off the old carb and installed it on the new carb. It even had the screw ready and waiting for the lever to be mounted. Comes with gaskets and fuel filter. I did need a small hose clamp as nipple on the carb is smaller diameter and to cut the existing fuel line to install the filter. If the link doesn't work it's item number 272884557267 and the seller is autoparts688. Good luck! www.ebay.com/itm/Carburetor-Fits-Troy-Bilt-XP-30477-030477-Pulsar-PG10000-PG10000T-Gas-Generator/272884557267?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649