I have a Coleman Pro-Gen 5000 with a Briggs and Stratton motor in it, I was wondering what kind of oil to use in it and what size sparkplugs I need

SOURCE: Oil for Coleman Powermate 5000 PM0545305.03

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

SOURCE: Oil for Coleman Powermate 5000 PM0545305.03

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

SOURCE: Need to know about this

To find a manual for this generator go to powermate.com and search your model and serial number. Good luck!

SOURCE: sparkplug replacement coleman 1850 generator

John if you pull the old plug out the plug number will be on the plug itself it will ahve the manufacture number and manufacture name. Otherwise take it to any parts store and they can match it. Nappa Auto parts will carry it for sure. Be sure to ask them what the gap is on it they will have in in the book but will be .0035 IN. I believe. Be sure to gap it as they are supposed to be gapped alread but some are not even close. Also Nappa will have the reference guide for the briggs and stratton engine but are a real common plug.

SOURCE: I'm looking for the 2 cycle oil to gas dilution

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