Generac Propane Generator Will Not Start - Bad Regulator? - LP3250
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ย. 2024
- Recently picked up this Generac LP3250 propane generator off of eBay dirt cheap for $57. It will not start. Engine has compression and spark. Could the propane regulator be bad on this 7 year old generator?
Generator Model: LP3250
Propane Regulator: 0J5785
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We might have have to start calling you Hank Hill from now on. Seems you can fix propane and propane accessories too.
Seeing a replacement price of nearly $500 for a Generac propane regulator would steer me away from ever buying any of their generators. Good job on fixing it for free!
Then they should offer a reasonably priced rebuild service. It is not acceptable to sell expensive items, then price-gouge on the cost of parts.
@@twigg2324 From the mfr's POV, it's better to gouge on the price of parts (or even discontinue them completely) so you have to buy a new one instead. Keeping millions of rarely ordered old parts in stock is a big pain in the ass/expense anyway. That propane only Generac is pretty rare (I don't think I've ever seen another one) - how many orders for regulators do you think they get?
But is the OEM to blame? It might just be a rare part and the seller has the price jacked up.
@@throwbo Piss poor service is one of the reasons prices are so low. Many long years ago, when you bought something like a generator or other fairly large ticket item, you weren't buying just the thing, but parts availability for many years. I can just barely remember when anything electronic came with a schematic. You simply cannot schematics these days.
Greedy capitalist USA buying cheap Chinar parts and marking up 1000s %!
We have used the th-cam.com/users/postUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!
Imagine that.....a 2 cent part would have caused someone else to spend over 400 bucks for a new regulator. I call that a HUGE win. Nicely done.👍👍😁😁
Thanks!
I like how that “good generac design” put the liquid propane lines right above the muffler. 🤔
Didn't know that much about LPG generators and the regulators but now I know a little more. Top job as ever 👍👍👍
Thanks
Your patience and attention to detail is what makes your videos a joy to watch - thanks for sharing
I almost bought one of these but didn't due to the small capacity. A few years later, I saw the reviews that were not all that kind. I ended up buying a Generac 7500 EXL and converted it to LP and love it!
The EXL line is a very good series. Getting up their in years, but one of the better generators.
I got a XG7000 and installed a NAT/LP kit and it runs good except the trade off of reduced power. I can get about 5.5-6kw run
I want to thank you I was having the same problem and after watching your video I was able to get my LP 3250 generator running.
Jim Huitt: Jim Morrison here and I echo your thanks! My LP 3250 only has two hours on it and now it won't start, likely, I believe, because I last shut it down by turning off the gas (dumb, I know). I appreciated all 43 minutes of James Condon's video and plan to attack the problem the same way! If the regulator isn't the problem I may also have messed up the hose from the tank to the regulator, so I'm going to replace that. That hose has a check valve in it that doesn't allow gas to flow when I turn on the tank. Don't yet know if that's normal!
I suspect generic doesn’t want people messing with the regulator innards. Liability issue with gas vapors etc. they know that there are few careful, thorough and technically savvy shade tree mechanics out there. Awesome instructional vid. Thanks James.
Thanks! Am surprised they screwed it together instead of something a little less serviceable.
I think I figured out why I like your channel so much. You remind me of myself. You're not afraid to take things apart and try to fix it yourself. And today society and throw everything away it's great to see someone taking their time and fixing something.
If you ever have issues or get yourself another propane generator and you need parts go to or Google where forklifts are repaired. I would bet that 90% of the forklifts at least in this country run on propane. They might even sell rebuilt kits for the regulator since they work on propane motors all the time.
Another great video look forward to watching the next one
I recently came across this tutorial and immediately became addicted. Having been an electronics technician in my working life and doing service/ repairs down to the component level, it’s a joy to watch Jim do the same thing with these small engines and generators, while taking the logical steps to troubleshoot, identify, and solve the problem. Refreshing to know there’s a few smart people out there still able to do this. Well done, my friend!
I completely agree. Jim is an expert in his field and most kind to take all that time to help us out. Electricity just went out and I can't get my generator 3250 to start.
On the bench you can substitute air in place of Propane for troubleshooting and testing to find and fix the leaking valve. Noted when removing the low pressure side the junk inside. The inside should be absolutely clean when taken apart. The debris on the low pressure valve appears to be an insect wing. Leaving the propane pigtail not connected is a way for bugs to get inside the high pressure hose, and if turned up, rain water can get in. Not a good idea to leave the bottle off of these units.
I don't know anything about generators but you make it look so interesting to watch.
Thanks
I was thinking while you were putting the high side back together why you didn't just check the rubber stopper, but you figured it out glad to see another success.
I though I looked at it before putting it back together. Glad I checked it again. I was too quick to blame the lockoff valve.
For future reference you might try US Carbureation. They sell kits to convert gas engines to dual fuel operation. They use two separate regulators. They may have a kit already made as a replacement or you may be able to feed the low pressure LP into the original carb as originally connected. I have used their kits twice and they worked great. They also supplied what I needed to run a 16Kw standby generator off of 40 lb tanks for testing.
Hey James, another great video, Sir. However as a piece of advice (no, not gonna harp about the lift table this time) Propane, butane, acetylene, are low pressure, low volume gasses. Coming from someone who was in the welding industry over 40 years, I always recommended to never open up the tank more than 1 full turn (acetylene 1/2-3/4 turn) provided the cylinder valve was working properly. Reason being for safety, IF there was ever any kind of fire, you immediately want to cut off the flow of the flammable gas. Easier and safer to turn off 1 valve-turn rather than 4-5 valve-turns, especially if flames are around the valve stem.
That is great advice! Had an incident years ago. Thankfully no fire, but had a ruptured line and liquid propane venting. Seemed like an eternity to shut that valve off.
If that is a full tank it could be slugging the system with liquid LP. Try it with a tank that is not so full of LP. I had a similar problem with my 36 inch Blackstone griddle. It worked fine with a 20# cylinder from Walmart but when I switched to a full 20# cylinder from my local gas company it shut right down. I now have a two stage regulator that makes it work perfectly with either tank.
This was my second visit to this video. Have replaced a bad regulator but was allowed to open one. Thanks for the knowledge of this video.
A badly worn starter rope is often the sign of a hard starting engine. Way too often, owners do not look for the reason for hard starting and continue to get their exercise.
I have never dealt with a propane powered engine so this video was very interesting and educational. A failure is often an opportunity to learn. Much of the world has never experienced the exhilaration of success like you do and this is a keeper for your own use because fuel will not go bad the oil may never need changing.
A broken rope is always a bad sign.
Great job James, thanks never saw the inside of a propane regulator.
You never cease to amaze me. What a nice job. You're a brave man!
I had a propane forklift with bad reg, took apart 20 times , never could fix, finally bought new reg. Pricey.
If you dont know what to do with propaneengines ,dont start playing around with it . a explosion is near by
I suspect Generac is concerned about liability selling a rebuild kit. I doubt that they make the regulator and parts for it can probably be sourced elsewhere. Century fuel products might be of some assistance.
I agree on the liability issue. You can't find rebuild kits for oxy/acetylene regulators either. They're out there, but no one wants to sell you one, only to the certified repair places.
@mister kluge Brake pads, calipers, lines, and rotors shouldn't be sold either then. Certified pros should work on brake systems only or you're putting everyone else at risk.
James, you are the Generator master. i don't think there is anything you can't fix. job well done.
Great diagnosis and fix Jim, as always!!
Thanks Ken
Great to see propane information. I installed a tri-fuel conversion kit on my Predator, it actually uses two regulators, high pressure for propane the low to carb. Nature gas I'd just use the low pressure regulator only. Anyhow, all the kits say the same, no choke, prime 2-3 seconds. They're very easy to "flood". Glad you got it figured out!
I bought three 5500 lp units. Very temperamental to consistantly start. I sold all three with written specific steps to start. I vowed never to buy another, and I understand why Generac discontinued both 3250 and 5500 models!
I have a GP5500 that someone converted to LP with an aftermarket regulator and no gas tank. It has low compression which I need to resolve before I get to messing with the LP, but plan on putting a universal gas tank and carburetor back on it if the LP proves to be a PITA.
@@ericvaughn1126 Did you check your valve clearance?
@@thomasgibson8025 Oh yeah. That's the first thing I did as I've had two pieces of equipment in the last 6 months that had 0 to very low compression and adjusting the valves resolved the issue on both of them. Appreciate the suggestion though!
Applause, applause. Well done. I am sure there was a deep sense of satisfaction at being able to return the unit to service without having to buy expensive parts. It is one of my favorite kind of problems. 👍
It's neat to see something different. I always enjoy seeing a less common engine, or fuel source. Cool stuff.
Hi, James. Lots of people say, "Be careful!" But being thoughtful first and then being careful works better. That is what you so. Very good instruction and an excellent example of craftsmanship. Thanks for sharing! Stay healthy!
As you soon as you tried to start it I thought, that explains why the pull start was broke when you bought it then😜
I just love your scientific solutions to find the problem. A lot of modern "mechanics" just throw replacement parts on defective devices until something works. Another good video.
A job well done James, you are the Generator master. Congratulations.
Had the same problem with mine. Used starting fluid to get it started and then it would run on propane. Then one day by mistake I tried starting it cold without the choke on and it started on the second pull on propane only! Not sure why this works but I have used this method for years now and it works every time.
Doc, this was very interesting. Patience and perseverance does work.
I've been wondering if you ever worked on propane generators. I bought a conversion kit for my Predator a year ago, and really got to put it to use this last winter with the ice storm we had. Here in Oklahoma propane runs pretty cheap. I can find an exchange cylinder the size you had for ~$15. And I don't have to worry about the fuel going bad. At some point I want to plumb it into my house natural gas and not worry about having enough fuel on hand. The conversion kit was about $20 plus the hose.
To check the low pressure outlet for leak thru, connect a plastic hose to the fitting. Place the other end of the hose in a cup of water. With propane or air applied to the inlet, check for bubbles in the cup of water.
That regulator is a custom built all-in-one unit. That's why it's a $500 part, but then Generac is known for expensive replacement parts. Good job showing how to repair the internals of a combined regulator/governor. Pull those stupid plastic rust sleeve off your exchange cylinders; they will last longer.
James great fix and no money spent 👍
Just got a free LP5500 generac. Shop reported bad regulator ! I’m taking her apart next chance… thanks
would suggest loctiting any screws inside a regulator and reassembling the regulator with LPG/Propane sealant compound to eliminate leaks. Interesting detective work, nice save James!
Excellent video!!! I found the exact same problem with my regulator! The rubber seal was loose inside. I noticed that it had originally been glued in, so I mixed a drop of 2-part epoxy and reinstalled the seal. It’s back to operational condition! Thanks for saving me tons of time and money! RC
I have to imagine the main reason they don't make a rebuild kit is to avoid the liability of someone rebuilding it wrongly and creating a bomb out of their generator. Great video as always! Super interesting seeing a portable propane generator. We have a whole house generator that runs on natural gas, never knew they made portable ones too.
Awesome video James, thank you for inviting us into your shop and teaching us about generators👍👍👍
Very cool propane powered generator from generac @James condon
you hit out of the park again!! you must be the luckiest man alive!!👍👍👍👍
Great video man I picked one up for 100 bucks and it had the same issue fixed in 10 mins thanks to you
No problem 👍
Nicely done. I've worked for an Industrial Generac dealer for 5 years now and this is the first time I've ever seen this animal. And, Yes generac replacement parts are stupidly priced
They are, but at least they supply parts. Many do not...
Two things left undone on this good generator that will cause later failure. 1. The rubber gasket inside the regulator high side not being super glued to the valve causing the same problem to reoccur. 2. The clamp holding the rubber hoses away from the hot engine not being bent closed to firmly hold hoses away from hot engine. Possible explosive situation. All this shows me to thoroughly inspect my generator if a propane fired unit.
IMPCO is a big name in LPG industrial engine fuel systems, they may make or have parts.
Another success story, well done James! How about a video on storing our generators and maintenance tips? 👍👍👍
It would be a short video. Keep it stored inside, always keep the carburetor dry. If you store fuel in the tank swap it out once or twice a year. Once fresh stuff is in the tank, run it for a while under load.
Always better to drain all fuel from bowl and tank rather than using snake oils like "fuel treatment" or "fuel stabilizer".
@@staind288 Use ethanol free fuel and most of the storage problems go away.
@@staind288 I could never figure out how an ounce of stabilizer could make several gallons of fuel stay good and if it can, why don't they just put the stabilizer in the fuel to begin with? What is in that stabilizer and how does it work?
@@larrysmall3521 Other than super expensive pre-canned fuel and very expensive racing or aviation fuel, the nearest gas station that sells non-ethanol fuel for a reasonable price is an hour and a half round trip out to the countryside from my suburban area. I suppose it depends where you live - I gather that it's easier to find in rural areas where people have a lot of off road equipment.
How can you be sure that the seal won’t come off again? Great job!! How about showing how to convert a generator to LPG gas??
I cannot be sure on this one. It came out once and does not seem to have anything holding it in place other then friction. It must be a common issue with this regulator.
Anyway to add a touch of rubber cement around the perimeter?
Tips falling out of the impact, a real pia. The fix is hot melt glue. Clamp the holder in a vise, drop in a chunk of glue, put tip in and push down with something, heat with torch.
Sounds way better at the end on the last run and checks
That washer we in Australia call an appropriate washer and is used inolder brass toilet cisterns water inlet valves check from Australia
Nice job, it pays to double check yourself sometimes & look at the details!
I can understand Generac not offering a rebuild kit for that regulator. The regulator really should be sealed so it can't be tampered with. A faulty regulator, or a regulator that was not rebuilt correctly, could allow propane to escape into the atmosphere, notably inside your home and could cause a fatality.
I agree, they should have sealed it. Especially if they did not plan on selling rebuild kits. The condition it was in was very dangerous. Seems like it was a known problem with these units and they discontinued them.
@@jcondon1 Yes....Generac will not even support them anymore.
Who runs a generator inside their home?
I have an older Genuine Honda 7k propane generator that is my go-to since I only use it once or twice a year.
My Generac, LP 5500W Has set for 2 years because it would not start and only has 9 hours of run time on it. I seen this video this morning and went out and tore my regular apart and my rubber piece on the hi pressure side was completely missing. Made a new one and put it back together and it fired right up
Thank you so much
Brilliant. Just figuring it out that it wouldn't start because of lack of oxygen, to boldly tearing apart the regulator. Thank you so much. Kind Regards Craig
Thanks Craig
Watched at 800 this morning was surprised you knew that much about propane Generators was interesting
Funny thing is, I do not. This is the first one I worked on.
GOOD MORNING ! YOU HAVE MAD SKILLS DUDE !
Again, a very thorough exam and fix !
Just wanted to say thanks for this video. I was having a problem with the regulator. Took it in to a recommended generac service place. They said the regulator needed replacing. I followed you video step by step and was able to fix it which is a miracle as I’m not a DIY’er. For me that little circular rubber piece had cracked. I crazy glued it together and water sanded it a bit. Also had a bad hose from the propane to the regulator. However she’s running well now. Thanks again!
Glad to hear it. Trying to rebuild one of these without a rebuild kit is a challenge for anyone. I did not expect to get mine back together without leaking. Thankfully it worked out.
This by far has become one of my favorite videos but they are all right there at #1! 👍👍
Just fixed mine, the exact same issue, Thanks a lot
Excellent fix James. for future reference Vaseline is magic for rubber
Yes! I use aquaphor. Work wonders.
For me, your most impressive fix! Congratulations. Well done!
This saved me a lot of aggravation, thanks
Amazon has dual fuel carburetor conversion kits including a regulator with carb attached. Looks like an electric solenoid valve on the carb for selection. Needs bottle regulator. It gas a prime button too. Only $30 ! Looks like the regulator could be plumbed into the unit you repaired. Also, it is for gen sets.
Fantastic job James a great learning channel for anyone 🦘🇦🇺👍
Suspenseful, informative, and entertaining as usual James!
Nice fix. If the regulator is made by a third party company, could it be possible to get a repair kit from the manufacturer of the regulator? Great video, many thanks.
Probably. If they put their name on it, would be a much easier fix.
You are a man of many talents. I wonder if there is anything you wouldn't dismantle and fix?
True, but it was opening with the choke open in this case.
Awesome repair.
My 2 cents. I guess the manual is saying: use the choke to create a vacuum to pull in propane, if it gets flooded with propane, try without the choke. I agree it is not necessary.
Ace job James as usual and a propane expert now, it’s hard to keep up with you 👏😃
Thanks for uploading James 😊👍
Nice generator, at least propane doesn’t go bad if it’s old and the generator not been used for a long time
Another nice video
At 42 minutes I see a flash under the generator
I can't see well what it is is an electric flash
It's like a propane wall heater. It needed a little help to bleed the lines of any air
James ,well done .But when i order the set it was completethree peaces
You are the GENERATOR WHISPERER! Nice job and thanks for teaching me some things!
Thanks
Great video as usual. They don't make a rebuild kit because very few people will rebuild the valve correctly and will blow themselves up and then sue Generac.
Even industrial gas regulators rebuilt kits are not available due to rating being nulled by opening. The tolerance need to be measured especially on governor type regulators.
My guess is heat from the exhaust softened the little plug allowing it to fall out. High temp silicone may be the cure?
Just brilliant James. I hate companies that rip folks off. Well done.
I had a JLG scissor lift that ran on propane and gas. It was a b*tch to start on propane but it started easy on gas.
Well we say necessity is the mother of invention, but we see here that she is also the mother of further troubleshooting! So glad the $125 regulator would not have worked which wound up saving you the $. I have never had occasion to open a regulator, but see they are fairly simple and make use of what appear to be giant 2 stroke carb diaphragms, spring and metering lever. Very educational as always and keep them coming, James!
As an electrical contracting company that sells and installs whole house/business's generators, Generac has never been the go to brand ever, their reputation precedes them. Good job on the repair.
Thanks! People love Generac! They are an average generator at a premium price. But at least they support their stuff (even though expensive),
That was a great video. I didn’t know you can rebuild propane regulators too.
Neither did I
Hi James a great find for $57 and a quick fix too. I have an old single cylinder diesel generator 5500w I pickup on eBay for $139 it cost me and run great have been ask if I want to sell it but no way it for when I have no power
A small paper towel corner will HOLD that Bit in for you
Nice going you're a True Detective! we should call you Colombo....... maybe a little rvt on the rubber gasket that fell out!!
Your videos are FANTASTIC but this one blows me away, going the extra mile sure pays off. $$$👍👍
You can get cheap regulator on eBay and add to outside of generators
I have one free one I done it to and use it several times
Thank you for another great video. I like how thorough you are. You explain everything very carefully and it is very understandable. 😀❤🇨🇦
👍 Danke fürs Hochladen!
👍 Thanks for uploading!
👍 Very good and beautiful, thank you!
👍 Sehr gut und schön, danke!
Have recently started watching your videos. Excellent work! Please do a video on converting a gasoline-only generator to dual-fuel (LPG/Propane/NG) + gasoline. Hopefully, something specific to the Chinese 188F engine (GX390 clone). Maybe include do's and don'ts as well as pros and cons of doing the conversion. Thanks!
Will definitely do that at some point.
Good video. I have the same problem
Well I had no doubt somehow you would wind up fixing this somehow???? It is always a good idea to see if you can get it to run and you did that which encourages further actions. A $450.00 rebuild kit and that probably didn't replace that little plunger thingy?? To buy an OEM regulator seems to me that would be the way to go if somebody didn't have the mad skills that you have James. Thanks for the step by step as usual with great details. Thanks for sharing your video and knowledge with us. Ed
Thanks Ed
I m cert on propane equipment
Love it so simple system