Generac Propane Generator Will Not Start - Bad Regulator?

Generac Propane Generator Will Not Start - Bad Regulator? - LP3250

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3 жыл бұрын

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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#GeneratorRepair #SmallEngineRepair #SmallEngine #DIY #Fixed #Troubleshooting #HowTo

Пікірлер: 434

@diddledeedeepotatoes4213 3 жыл бұрын

We might have have to start calling you Hank Hill from now on. Seems you can fix propane and propane accessories too.

@dirtroadsailing6418 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@twigg2324 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@throwbo 3 жыл бұрын

@@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?

@tarstarkusz 3 жыл бұрын

But is the OEM to blame? It might just be a rare part and the seller has the price jacked up.

@tarstarkusz 3 жыл бұрын

@@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.

@nct9466 3 жыл бұрын

Greedy capitalist USA buying cheap Chinar parts and marking up 1000s %!

@YukonHawk1 3 жыл бұрын

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.👍👍😁😁

@jcondon1 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@jc-zh9kl 3 жыл бұрын

I like how that “good generac design” put the liquid propane lines right above the muffler. 🤔

@richardaston6361 3 жыл бұрын

Didn't know that much about LPG generators and the regulators but now I know a little more. Top job as ever 👍👍👍

@jcondon1 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@epicsiege8508 9 ай бұрын

We have used the kzfaq.infoUgkxOTeIs0vv4_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!

@HobbyMotorDK 3 жыл бұрын

Your patience and attention to detail is what makes your videos a joy to watch - thanks for sharing

@davidfrank2824 3 жыл бұрын

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

@tiamat9149 3 жыл бұрын

I don't know anything about generators but you make it look so interesting to watch.

@jcondon1 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@PaulMack1249 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@spiritadvertizing6632 Жыл бұрын

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.

@waynebrundidge206 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@phbrinsden 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@jcondon1 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Am surprised they screwed it together instead of something a little less serviceable.

@jimhuitt8952 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@cozyafloatisme 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@daleyurk4369 3 жыл бұрын

You never cease to amaze me. What a nice job. You're a brave man!

@ddssdickday 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@jcondon1 3 жыл бұрын

The EXL line is a very good series. Getting up their in years, but one of the better generators.

@hvachacker586 2 жыл бұрын

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

@DeadKoby 3 жыл бұрын

It's neat to see something different. I always enjoy seeing a less common engine, or fuel source. Cool stuff.

@KensSmallEngineRepair 3 жыл бұрын

Great diagnosis and fix Jim, as always!!

@jcondon1 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ken

@cameronerickson7869 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome video James, thank you for inviting us into your shop and teaching us about generators👍👍👍

@paulravitsky2898 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@francisbailey3831 3 жыл бұрын

A job well done James, you are the Generator master. Congratulations.

@TravisMontesano 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@jcondon1 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@isettech 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@dbeckley43 3 жыл бұрын

Great job James, thanks never saw the inside of a propane regulator.

@wotknot1757 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@jcondon1 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@gregorypierce6703 3 жыл бұрын

This by far has become one of my favorite videos but they are all right there at #1! 👍👍

@andyhamilton8940 3 жыл бұрын

Suspenseful, informative, and entertaining as usual James!

@RustyNail5856 2 жыл бұрын

James, you are the Generator master. i don't think there is anything you can't fix. job well done.

@bchrisl1491 6 ай бұрын

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. 👍

@johnclarke6647 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@ron827 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@jcondon1 3 жыл бұрын

A broken rope is always a bad sign.

@benkanobe7500 Жыл бұрын

For me, your most impressive fix! Congratulations. Well done!

@raymondj8768 3 жыл бұрын

GOOD MORNING ! YOU HAVE MAD SKILLS DUDE !

@alecsimages1 3 жыл бұрын

Just brilliant James. I hate companies that rip folks off. Well done.

@markwiley9516 3 жыл бұрын

James great fix and no money spent 👍

@jonminer9891 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@WHITEARKMUSIK 3 жыл бұрын

Ace job James as usual and a propane expert now, it’s hard to keep up with you 👏😃 Thanks for uploading James 😊👍

@moz2186 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@donfonta9816 2 жыл бұрын

Again, a very thorough exam and fix !

@AntonioClaudioMichael 3 жыл бұрын

Very cool propane powered generator from generac @James condon

@gregorypierce6703 3 жыл бұрын

Your videos are FANTASTIC but this one blows me away, going the extra mile sure pays off. $$$👍👍

@kiddbrother3 3 жыл бұрын

you hit out of the park again!! you must be the luckiest man alive!!👍👍👍👍

@kerrygleeson4409 3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic job James a great learning channel for anyone 🦘🇦🇺👍

@billhartsfield424 3 жыл бұрын

I had a propane forklift with bad reg, took apart 20 times , never could fix, finally bought new reg. Pricey.

@jankamp8177 2 ай бұрын

If you dont know what to do with propaneengines ,dont start playing around with it . a explosion is near by

@gschappelle Жыл бұрын

Just fixed mine, the exact same issue, Thanks a lot

@robertcobert3029 Жыл бұрын

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

@Jewelrymaker 3 жыл бұрын

You are the GENERATOR WHISPERER! Nice job and thanks for teaching me some things!

@jcondon1 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@rayshutsa6690 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for another great video. I like how thorough you are. You explain everything very carefully and it is very understandable. 😀❤🇨🇦

@danbell1733 3 жыл бұрын

The generator whisperer! Great job !!!

@jerrybootneck1736 3 жыл бұрын

Another excellent video James. $400+ is a lot of money saved.

@wazza33racer 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@shawnmrfixitlee6478 3 жыл бұрын

Great problem solving there James ! You saved some huge $$ on this one ..ENJOYED

@davidholder3207 3 жыл бұрын

Great piece of detective work

@calvarybuilders5689 3 жыл бұрын

Nice going you're a True Detective! we should call you Colombo....... maybe a little rvt on the rubber gasket that fell out!!

@danielsherrill8630 2 жыл бұрын

Great video man I picked one up for 100 bucks and it had the same issue fixed in 10 mins thanks to you

@jcondon1 2 жыл бұрын

No problem 👍

@Continental1997 3 жыл бұрын

Very informative James. Thank you!

@davyarthurs 3 жыл бұрын

As you soon as you tried to start it I thought, that explains why the pull start was broke when you bought it then😜

@stevenoel2145 3 жыл бұрын

Great fix James, I like how you don't give up as i,ve had things like that happen to me too Great job fixing things and I enjoy watching all your videos.

@jcondon1 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

@jeffsmith9651 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@jcondon1 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@jakec3185 3 жыл бұрын

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

@jcondon1 3 жыл бұрын

They are, but at least they supply parts. Many do not...

@jamesmcmanamy4704 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@RC-fu6hg 3 жыл бұрын

That was a great video. I didn’t know you can rebuild propane regulators too.

@jcondon1 3 жыл бұрын

Neither did I

@mohamedismail4525 2 жыл бұрын

Good job and good luck.

@craigdreisbach5956 3 жыл бұрын

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

@jcondon1 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Craig

@emylrmm Жыл бұрын

A very nice repair!

@tiredoldmechanic1791 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@cheeto4493 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@Channel-gz9hm 3 жыл бұрын

@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.

@mikemckeown9477 3 жыл бұрын

Watched at 800 this morning was surprised you knew that much about propane Generators was interesting

@jcondon1 3 жыл бұрын

Funny thing is, I do not. This is the first one I worked on.

@davidhelmuth6654 3 жыл бұрын

Information is power! Thank you for sharing. 👍

@justinferello2020 3 жыл бұрын

I would love to buy this genny, it is such a cool design!

@vmaxride06 3 жыл бұрын

Great Video James ....

@thomasgibson8025 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@ericvaughn1126 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@thomasgibson8025 3 жыл бұрын

@@ericvaughn1126 Did you check your valve clearance?

@ericvaughn1126 3 жыл бұрын

@@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!

@kenbell9564 3 жыл бұрын

Good video James, keep up the good work!!! Ken

@dmmaddex 3 жыл бұрын

splendid diagnostic work

@jcondon1 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@wildefox1478 3 жыл бұрын

Great work as always James, that's great it was a simple easy fix in that regulator!

@jcondon1 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

@cdray1968 2 жыл бұрын

Great repair James!

@jcondon1 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@jantsbenzproaudio2953 3 жыл бұрын

Looking forward to see diesel generators being repaired next time. All of your videos is very relaxing to watch👍

@jcondon1 3 жыл бұрын

Do not see many diesels up for sale.

@sureshkumarc.k6534 3 жыл бұрын

@@jcondon1 dang

@throwbo 3 жыл бұрын

@@jcondon1 Not in these small sizes. You can get diesel generators inside of used light tower trailers for (relatively) cheap sometimes but cheap means like $800 minimum and not $50 and usually they have thousands of hours on the clock (which is not to say that they won't run for thousands of hours more - diesels can be very durable. Back in the day the Chinese used to make diesel generators in smaller sizes but I don't think these were ever very popular in the US and it's pretty rare to find a used one. If you could find a genset with a real Japanese diesel engine these are very durable but an old Chinese clone is a questionable proposition.

@paulsto6516 3 жыл бұрын

Good show!

@butler386 3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic fix. Very naughty regulator for sure. Thanks for the video.

@klinesgarage2551 Жыл бұрын

Great video! Thank you for making this.

@ericvaughn1126 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@paddlerpaul2577 3 жыл бұрын

Great information. Thank you.

@billsuess2200 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you it was helpful. I very much enjoy watching.

@edwinleach7401 3 жыл бұрын

Good job. Great find.

@jcondon1 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@MrRobert1603 2 жыл бұрын

Just got a free LP5500 generac. Shop reported bad regulator ! I’m taking her apart next chance… thanks

@delynnaddams8774 3 жыл бұрын

Best propane tutorial on KZfaq. Been looking for this fix. You made it look easy. Were gaskets available for the reg? Great job. Thanks

@nosaltiesandrooshere7488 3 жыл бұрын

👍 Danke fürs Hochladen! 👍 Thanks for uploading! 👍 Very good and beautiful, thank you! 👍 Sehr gut und schön, danke!

@calvinkirk1638 Жыл бұрын

Nice job, it pays to double check yourself sometimes & look at the details!

@channel168 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@somerandomguy3868 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent fix James. for future reference Vaseline is magic for rubber

@jcondon1 3 жыл бұрын

Yes! I use aquaphor. Work wonders.

@patrickboyd6486 3 жыл бұрын

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

@AntonioClaudioMichael 3 жыл бұрын

Sounds way better at the end on the last run and checks

@walterschneider7580 3 жыл бұрын

Another great video. Thanks.

@themowerman 3 жыл бұрын

Good video as always man.. hope all is good

@jcondon1 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mick! All is good. Hope you and your family are well.

@adnacraigo6590 3 жыл бұрын

You are a man of many talents. I wonder if there is anything you wouldn't dismantle and fix?

@jcondon1 3 жыл бұрын

True, but it was opening with the choke open in this case.

@michaelclutton8446 3 жыл бұрын

Nice generator, at least propane doesn’t go bad if it’s old and the generator not been used for a long time

@ProductiveLiving20 2 жыл бұрын

Hello there! I appreciate this video it helped me fix the one for my dad that is very similar. Fuel lock off valve issue.

@sgtJOOSEcapeS 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the Walk through instructions and I'm boutta service my Briggs and Stratton gen 3500watts

@giggiddy 3 жыл бұрын

Boutta???

@derf_the_mule1405 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@gaetansimard1594 3 жыл бұрын

Very interesting and instructive tks.

@nopudge1846 10 ай бұрын

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.

@myname295 3 жыл бұрын

Great job James! So interesting your work and videos are. I got very lucky with an Onan 10 CW in a1961 ice cream truck that had sat for years. I knew nothing about generators. I cleaned parts a bit and it ran well and powered the the Ippy Dippy Ice cream truck 3 successful summers. It was a horizontally opposed engine. Looked new w paint job and new decals. I’m sure I had to fiddle w things but it was very reliable. Never any repairs needed. Having watched and enjoyed probably most or all of your videos, I’d say I got lucky with that old. Onan. Cheers from Schuylklll County

@jcondon1 3 жыл бұрын

Onan makes good generators. With a little TLC it should last.