My Power Pro 5500 Wen Generator will start with starter fluid but won't stay running?

SOURCE: The MOTOR on my Wen Power Pro model 5500 runs

The brushes need to be filed smooth or replaced. 15 minute job, remove 2 bolts on the generator cover ( side opposite the pull start ). Remove 2 more bolts holding a black plastic thing about 4 inches long on the left. Behing that piece, there is 1 bolt holding in the brushes ( red and white wire attached ). Remove the brushes and if they're not smooth, file down and reconnect everything. I was done in 15 minutes in the middle of Maine woods thanks to my Leatherman.

SOURCE: 5500 watt generator won't start.

With starting fluid, it runs, so this means spark and compression and valves closing properly. You mention gas flow, so gasolene is getting to the carb. This would then leave the problem being in the carb if indeed fuel is present at the carb. If you take apart the carb right now, is there fuel in the bowel? Or, remove the bottom screw on the carb, does gas flow out? Does it flow continuously or does it quit? This will indicate if the float valve is indeed opening. The only thing if you have fuel in the bowel and no start, even with the choke closed, is that the main jet must be plugged. Had the unit been sitting for quite a while with gasolene in it? Gas can "varnish" after a few months and this can cause plugging of the jets and other passages. How old is the gas in the unit? Old gas won't burn in the engine and this can also be a problem. Drain the tank, and carb, put some new gas in the unit and try it. You might have to take the carb apart again and use some carb cleaner to blow the **** out of all the carb passages. This should get it going again. Now, most important, when you get it running again, you need to adjust the engine speed so that you do not burn out any electrical equipment. If you have access to a frequency meter, plug it into the 120 volt outlet on the generator and adjust the speed so that the frequency with no load is 62 - 63 hz. This will allow the generator to drop to 60 hz under load. The adjustment is a 5/16 nut, right side of the upper engine, facing you.

SOURCE: Homelite generator model # LR 5500 not producing electricity

I have the same unit and same problem.
I have lost my owners manual. Did you figure out what needs to be done to correct the no output issue.

Kelly

• 3740 Answers
• Posted on Aug 26, 2011

SOURCE: EB5000 been sitting 6 months,

Hi and welcome to FixYa, I am Kelly

If the generator has sat for some time the fuel in the float bowl will turn into a varnish like substance (shellac). The residual fuel in the carb will have to be removed. You do this by removing the fuel solenoid (or bowl nut) which ever one youhave that secures the float bowl to the carb. Then take a screw driver and remove the main fuel orifice and remove the debris from the main fuel orifice. Clean the orifice with carb cleaner. DO NOT push anything into the hole! Also spray the brass tube that the main fuel jet screws into with carb cleaner. You should see carb cleaner being sprayed into the throat of the carb.

While the fuel float bowl is removed get a spray can lid and hold it under the carb float. Turn on the fuel selector and the fuel should completely fill the spray can lid in 8 - 10 seconds. If you do not have this amount of fuel flow you need to remove the main fuel line from the carb and re-check fuel flow. If the flow is good here then use carb cleaner in the float needle area to force any debris back out the fuel manufold connection that is now open because you removed the fuel line. If you still do not have fuel flow then check for debris in the fuel tank exit port, the fuel filter, the sediment bowl under the fuel shut off assembly.
Once again with the spray can lid under the float you should have fuel flow anytime the fuel selector is on and the float level is down. It should shut off fuel just as it reaches level. Any other result and the float and float needle will have to be removed, cleaned and inspected for debris.

Make sure to re-install the main fuel orifice in the treaded area that secures the float bowl in place and.re-connect the main fuel line to the fuel manifold / carb fuel inlet connection

If the engine has a fuel solenoid hook it up and and see of it is working as you turn the key / engine switch on and off before you reinstall the float bowl. You make have to hold the case of the solenoid against the engine to make a ground AWAY from any residual fuel for testing. I.e. don't burn up your generator.
Re-install the fuel float bowl and test the engine. It should now work just fine.
The above steps are successful most of the time on generatosr that have sat idle for an extended period. I have been working on generators large and small for over 40 years.

Thanks for choosing FixYa,
Kelly