5500 Generac _hot_ < Plus >
keep cranking a 5500 RPM engine that won’t start. You will wash down the cylinder walls with raw fuel, destroying the oil film and scoring the pistons.
Most Generac units include a low-oil shutdown sensor to prevent engine seizure. Always check oil levels before a planned outage. Is it Right for You?
There is a thriving aftermarket for converting the 5500 Generac to propane. A $100 conversion kit allows you to run on propane tanks, which never go bad (gasoline turns to varnish). This solves the carburetor issue permanently but reduces running watts to roughly 4,950.
During a major power outage, the Generac 5500 can keep your essential household utilities running smoothly: 700–1,200 Watts Sump Pump (1/3 HP): 800–1,300 Watts Window AC Unit: 1,200–1,500 Watts Microwave Oven: 1,000–1,500 Watts Home Security System & Wi-Fi Router: 100–200 Watts LED Lights (per room): 50–100 Watts Job Site and DIY Projects
The standard Generac warranty is 2 years consumer / 1 year commercial. Registering online is mandatory. If you lose the receipt, you are out of luck. 5500 generac
: Vital for homes relying on well water or flood prevention.
With safety features like COsense and powerful, reliable engines, it stands out as a dependable choice in the 5000-6000 watt class.
Owners of 3600 RPM units are used to adjusting valves every 2 years. The 5500 RPM engine needs it or annually.
: Replace the break-in oil after the first 20 hours of operation, and then service the oil every 100 running hours (or seasonally) thereafter. keep cranking a 5500 RPM engine that won’t start
Change the engine oil after the first 20 to 30 hours of operation to flush out any manufacturing particulates.
If your unit has an electric start:
These units are designed with user experience in mind, often featuring:
The 5500 Generac is the ideal choice if you are looking for a mid-range, durable, and versatile portable generator. Excellent power-to-weight ratio. Reliable, trusted Generac engine. Affordable price point for the power output. Great safety features (COsense). Cons: Can be loud, as with most gasoline-powered generators. Requires manual refueling every 10-11 hours. Always check oil levels before a planned outage
The primary appeal of the Generac 5500 lies in its specific power capacity. Providing 5,500 running watts, it occupies a strategic middle ground in the portable generator market. It is powerful enough to support several critical household appliances simultaneously, such as a full-sized refrigerator, a microwave, and basic lighting systems. While it may not have the capacity to power an entire modern home, particularly large central air conditioning units or multiple high-draw electric heaters, it offers sufficient energy to maintain comfort and prevent food spoilage during extended utility outages.
If you own a Generac generator that runs at (check your data plate), you do not own a typical "home standby" unit. You own a high-speed, liquid-cooled workhorse. While powerful, these units have a unique vulnerability: they destroy themselves very quickly if oil pressure fails.
The key spec to look for is . A true "5500" unit typically offers: