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15 of 16 Rev. 5/2010 
Models: G5000S & G8000S 
Troubleshooting 
Symptom: Potential Causes  Solution 
Engine runs, low speed, bogs 
down under load or does not 
maintain 60Hz 
Remove/Clean spark arrestor   Remove, clean and replace. 
 
Choke is not open  Push choke lever in 
 
Over loading generator  Disconnect some appliances / devices 
 
Air filter is dirty  Clean air filter 
 
Fuel filter is clogged 
Contaminates will clog filter, not allowing 
fuel to get to engine 
 
Fuel filter is dirty 
Check for fuel flow to carburetor by remov-
ing drain screw. Clean or replace fuel filter. 
 
Fuel is contaminated 
Drain fuel tank and carburetor. Replace or 
clean filter and carburetor float bowl. Fill 
tank with clean fuel. 
Engine oil leak  Oil fill cap loose or cross threaded 
Wipe all oil off unit, remove both oil fill caps, 
inspect and replace. Tighten securely. 
 
Oil drain plug loose  tighten both drain plugs 
 
Debris under oil drain plug gasket 
Remove drain plug and debris. Inspect gas-
ket for damage and replace if damaged. 
 
Loose crankcase bolt(s)  Tighten crankcase bolts 
 
Valve cover bolt loose  Tighten bolt 
 
Oil leaking from shaft  Oil seals failed, call customer help line 
Fuel leak at tank shut-off  Shut-off valve loose 
Tighten nut on shut-off valve/replace shut-
off valve 
Fuel leaking out of carburetor  Fuel drain screw loose  Tighten fuel drain screw 
 
Carburetor float seat not seating  Flush with clean fuel 
Engine runs, Volt meter shows 0 
Volts, no power to outlets 
Breaker tripped 
Disconnect all loads and turn breaker to off 
and back to on to reset. 
 
Disconnected or damaged wiring inside unit  Call customer helpline 
Engine runs and volt meter 
shows 240VAC but no power 
goes to connected devices 
Faulty extension cord/power strip  Use different  power strip or extension cord 
 
Breaker or GFCI trippedon extension cord or 
power strip 
Rest breaker and remove loads from power 
strip 
Voltage too high/low  Engine speed low or high 
Verify frequency reading is 58Hz to 62Hz on 
meter. Call customer helpline if frequency is 
above 58Hz. See engine speed trouble-
shooting if engine speed is below 58Hz. 
 
Alternator damaged  Call customer helpline 
 
Speed screw damaged or bent  Call customer helpline 
Voltage is 120 VAC on 1 phase 
but too high/low on other phase 
Alternator phase is damaged  Call customer helpline