Generac GP5500 question

[Mat4644]

I have a small air cooled Generac GP5500 with rope start. I've went through cancer treatment for over 3 years and it sat unused in the garage. It was shut down with Stabil and the carburator was ran dry. Drained gas, refilled and the thing came to life on the 9th pull.

Here's the issue. Looks like mice chewed a wire off and I've looked everywhere and can't find where it goes. It's from a solenoid on the bottom of the carburetor. Appears to run OK with it not attached. Downloaded the parts and owners manuals and there is no reference to the wire or solenoid on the carburetor.

 

[Topzide]

Its a fuel shut off solenoid. Fuel may leak into engine when not running causing washout! If tank isn't shut off before moving and of course with Ethanol fuel, may leak.

 

[Mat4644]

This is pull start no battery. Is this even an option for this model? All I found was 3 inches of wire clipped off and no other end to attach to. Parts manual does not show a solenoid on carburetor.

 

[Topzide]

Have you had anybody work on it, or did you buy it used? This could be why thats on there. If not. I'm just as confused. But if it seems to be running and producing power okay , I wouldn't worry about it. Just glad that you're on the other side of your treatments!

 

[Mat4644]

Bought it new in box from Home Depot a few years back. Only has maintenance run hours on it. Starting to wonder if the factory ran short on parts and substituted the carburetor from an electric start model. Runs very good unhooked. Only noticed it because of finding a short piece of wire chewed off by a mouse laying on the floor.

 

[ChuckT]

HD, and that ilk, have enough buyer power that they'll order a production run of an item to meet a "price point" so it's not a surprise to see an odd (to us) configuration.

 

[dodge man]

Is it the low oil shutdown?

 

[Mat4644]

It goes to the bottom of carburetor and through the sheath on the picture.

Happened to find an old thread on these generators. Looks like many Home Depots discounted them at $299.