What oil wieght oil does the powermate 5000 use

Easy to find information for Briggs. Look for the engine model number on the fan cover or block. The link below will answer all your questions about the engine.

http://www.briggsandstratton.com/engines/support/frequently-asked-questions/Engine%20specifications%20online/

Oil Type. Use new good quality oil such as SC, SD, and
SE grades. The oil to be used depends upon the temperature
at which the engine is operated:
Summer: (temperatures of over 40 degrees F/10 degrees
C) SAE 30 or SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40
Winter: (temperatures of below 40 degrees F/10 degrees
C) SAE 20 or SAE 10W-30

Manual here:

http://www.powermate.com/pdfs/2007/11/12/pm0401850-52.pdf

try to adjust fuel mixture screw

20:1 that's 1/4 pint to a full tank of fuel.

10-30W or a SAE30. usualy 600mls 0r 1200mls

You need a quart of regular old SAE 5W30 motor oil with detergent.
The engines on these generators are more or less the same as a lawn mower.
Don't forget to service/change the air cleaner when you change the oil, that should keep your generator producing full power.

Regards,
Carl

Yes, SAE5W30 is just the right oil for this machine,it will take about a quart to fill it up to the bottom of the threads in the oil fill hole.
The engine of this generator is essentially just like a lawn mower with a fixed throttle setting. You should expect all of the same issues as any small engine that's been sitting for a while. Check the fuel tank for water/debris, check the carb for fouling, check the spark plug, etc.

If the generator has been sitting for 3+ years without running you may need to flash it to get any voltage out of it. If you get the engine running and it won't make any electricity ask me directly and I'll talk you thru the procedure.

I looked on www.powermate.com for an owners manual but they only seem to have the parts list, rats.

Regards,
Carl

20kw means 20 KILOwatts (kilo=1000), so 20kw=20,000 watts
So the Powermate 5000 refers to wattage. 5000=5kw

Coleman 018-0060ct air compressor oil or equal
most hardware stores will stock it.

My answer:

First of all - Almost every 4-stroke Genset engine out there should use a minimum 10-30 or else a 10-40 oil blend tops. Best NEVER to use just a straight weight, as in a 30 or 40 weight, as that would be way too "high viscous" at colder temps and could destroy the engine due to overheating at MAX Genset LOADS!

Next - If the Genset is indeed brand new then you need to use the proper fuel in it, as certain mfr's require different fuel blends (such as with certain B&S - Briggs & Stratton - engines), and those engines are set up that way to run on that blend alone. Using the wrong gas blend could damage the engine.

You really need to get a factory Users Manual for your Genset there and read it through thoroughly!

If it has gas in it now (and hasn't run in 3 years?) chances are the whole gas tank, and fuel lines, and Carb as well will need to be cleaned out from contaminated fuel - as there definitely is gum and varnish built up everywhere in those fuel delivery areas esp the most important component - the Carb! Been there - seen that - cleaned that! So I KNOW for FACT.

As for the OIL LEVEL - that is fairly simple - as all you do is unscrew (or in some cases pull out) the dipstick, and check the oil for proper level on the stick as well as cleanness (2 finger test like with car oil), and if it's even black or a silvery color then it definitely needs to be changed out NOW! Refill with fresh oil and your done there.

Check the Air Cleaner for cleanness as well, and service the filter if a foam element, or replace it if a paper element.

If the fuel tank has an in-line fuel line filter and it looks dirty change it out as well. Esp if the gas tank is made out of metal.

Check the spark plug for proper gap, and heat range, and burn color if the Genset has been run already. Should be a nice "light tan" color. If dark and wet - then you have Carb flooding problems.

That about covers it...

Anything else problem wise feel free to ask me here in post follow-up and I'll be glad to answer it for you.

Please post me a reply as to the found problem there, and the resolve to it by following my recommendations above. Also please rate my troubleshooting fix as well.

Keep me posted and I'll follow up as well.

Best regards,

Frank