On this page
The power goes out on a storm night, the standby generator starts, and the house stays lit because the generator was serviced when it was due. Propane generator maintenance is a short routine: change the air filter, change the oil filter, change the spark plugs, and check the parts against the generator model. This guide walks through the routine step by step, with the kits that carry the parts.
SolarKitHQ earns a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Propane generator maintenance: the short answer
Propane generator maintenance is a short routine built around a kit: an air filter, an oil filter and spark plugs, plus a funnel for the oil change. Match the kit to the generator by kilowatts, engine size and model year, then change the parts on the interval the manual gives. The RARAYC listing states maintenance every 200 hours or 2 years, and more often in a dusty environment.
What a maintenance kit covers
Each kit here covers the parts of a tune-up. The air filter keeps dirt out of the engine, the oil filter keeps the oil clean, and the spark plugs fire the engine. The funnel carries new oil into the engine, and the chamois wipes up spills. The Generac kits state the oil is not included and must be bought separately, so check the oil grade in the generator manual before the service. The Hearthhub 2-pack (on Amazon) adds work gloves and a cleaning cloth to the filters and plugs.
Match the kit to the generator
Kilowatts, engine size and model year decide the kit. The Hearthhub 6485 kit fits 16kW to 26kW generators with a 999cc engine from 2013 on. The Generac 5665 kit (on Amazon) fits 20kW generators with a 999cc engine. The Generac 5664 kit (on Amazon) and the RARAYC 5664 kit (on Amazon) fit 13kW to 17kW generators with a 990cc engine: the Generac kit fits models from 2008 to 2012, and the RARAYC kit fits models from before 2013. Check the part numbers too: the air filter is 0J8478 or 0C8127, the oil filter is 070185E, and the spark plug is RC12YC.
The maintenance kits
The kits below carry the parts for the routine above: filters and spark plugs matched to the generator, with a funnel for the oil change. Match the kilowatts, engine size and model year before ordering.
| # | Product | Solar Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Hearthhub 6485 Kit 2-Pack | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |  Generac 5665 Maintenance Kit | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |  Generac 5664 Maintenance Kit | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |  RARAYC 5664 Maintenance Kit | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
Hearthhub 6485 Kit 2-Pack
A 2-pack maintenance kit with 2 air filters, 2 oil filters and 4 spark plugs for 16kW to 26kW air-cooled standby generators with a 999cc engine.
Pros
- 2 air filters, 2 oil filters and 4 RC12YC spark plugs in one pack
- Fits 16kW to 26kW generators with a 999cc engine from 2013 on
- Oil funnel, work gloves and cleaning cloth included
- Covers part numbers 0J8478, 070185E and RC12YC
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Title names 0J8478 while the bullets also name 0J8478S
- Fits 2013 and later models only
- No oil in the pack contents
Detailed Review
The Hearthhub 6485 kit is a 2-pack for air-cooled standby generators from 2013 on, with a 999cc engine and 16kW to 26kW output. Each pack holds 2 air filters, 2 oil filters, 4 RC12YC spark plugs, 1 oil funnel, 1 pair of work gloves and 1 cleaning cloth. The listing states the oil filters cover 070185ES, 070185E, 070185B, 070185D and 070185F, and the air filters cover 0J8478S and 0J8478.
Who it's for: owners of 2013 and later 16kW to 26kW standby generators who want a spare kit on hand. Who should skip it: owners of older generators or smaller models, who need the 5664 kit instead.
Its Solar Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 21/25, value 22/25, safety not scored (non-powered gear) and warranty 0/5: 73 of 90 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Fits | 16kW to 26kW, 999cc, 2013 and later |
|---|---|
| Contents | 2 air filters, 2 oil filters, 4 spark plugs, funnel, gloves, cloth |
| Air filter | 0J8478, 0J8478S |
| Oil filter | 070185E, 070185ES, 070185B, 070185D, 070185F |
| Spark plugs | RC12YC |
| Pack | 2-pack |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 12 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Generac 5665 Maintenance Kit
A genuine OEM tune-up kit with an air filter, oil filter, spark plug and funnel for 20kW home standby generators with a 999cc engine.
Pros
- Genuine OEM parts for 20kW Generac standby generators
- Air filter, oil filter, spark plug, funnel, chamois and manual in the box
- Reminder sticker included for the next service
- Designed for 999cc Generac OHVI engines
Cons
- Oil is not included and must be bought separately
- Fits 20kW generators only
- Warranty reads wear item, no warranty
- 1 spark plug in the kit
Detailed Review
The Generac 5665 is the genuine OEM tune-up kit for 20kW home standby generators with a 999cc Generac OHVI engine. The kit includes an air filter, oil filter, oil funnel, spark plug, chamois, instruction manual and reminder sticker. The listing states the oil is not included and must be bought separately.
Who it's for: owners of a 20kW Generac standby generator who want genuine OEM parts for the annual service. Who should skip it: owners of other sizes, who need a kit matched to their generator.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 29/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety not scored (non-powered gear) and warranty 0/5: 71 of 90 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Fits | 20kW, 999cc Generac OHVI |
|---|---|
| Contents | Air filter, oil filter, spark plug, funnel, chamois, manual, sticker |
| Oil | Not included |
| Weight | 1.55 lb |
| Model | 5665 |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 12 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Generac 5664 Maintenance Kit
A genuine OEM tune-up kit with an air filter, oil filter, spark plug and funnel for 13kW to 17kW air-cooled standby generators with 990cc engines.
Pros
- Genuine OEM parts for 13kW to 17kW Generac standby generators
- Air filter, oil filter, spark plug, funnel, chamois and manual in the box
- Reminder sticker included for the next service
- Fits 990cc Generac OHVI engines from 2008 to 2012
Cons
- Oil is not included and must be bought separately
- Fits 2008 to 2012 models only
- Warranty reads wear item, no warranty
- 1 spark plug in the kit
Detailed Review
The Generac 5664 is the genuine OEM tune-up kit for air-cooled standby generators with 13kW to 17kW output and 990cc Generac OHVI engines, made from 2008 to 2012. The kit includes an air filter, oil filter, oil funnel, spark plug, chamois, instruction manual and reminder sticker. The listing states the oil is not included and must be bought separately.
Who it's for: owners of a 2008 to 2012 Generac standby generator in the 13kW to 17kW range. Who should skip it: owners of 2013 and later models, who need the 6485 kit or the 5665 kit.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 29/35, build 21/25, value 20/25, safety not scored (non-powered gear) and warranty 0/5: 70 of 90 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Fits | 13kW to 17kW, 990cc, 2008 to 2012 |
|---|---|
| Contents | Air filter, oil filter, spark plug, funnel, chamois, manual, sticker |
| Oil | Not included |
| Weight | 1.5 lb |
| Model | 5664 |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 12 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
RARAYC 5664 Maintenance Kit
A 5664 maintenance kit for 13kW to 17kW Generac generators with a 990cc engine from before 2013, with a paper funnel and oil wipe.
Pros
- Fits 13kW to 17kW Generac generators with a 990cc engine from before 2013
- Replaces OEM part numbers 0C8127, 070185E and 070185ES
- Maintenance interval stated: every 200 hours or 2 years
- Paper funnel and oil wipe included
Cons
- Warranty reads No
- Compatible kit, not genuine OEM parts
- Fits models from before 2013 only
- No spark plug listed in the kit contents
Detailed Review
The RARAYC 5664 kit fits Generac 13kW to 17kW air-cooled home standby generators with a 990cc engine from before 2013. It directly replaces OEM part numbers 0C8127, 070185ES, 070185E, 070185B, 070185D and 070185F, and it includes a paper funnel and an oil wipe. The listing states maintenance is recommended at every 200 hours or 2 years, and more often in a dusty environment.
Who it's for: owners of a pre-2013 Generac standby generator in the 13kW to 17kW range who want the service interval stated. Who should skip it: owners who want genuine OEM parts, who need the Generac 5664 kit instead.
Its Solar Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 27/35, build 20/25, value 20/25, safety not scored (non-powered gear) and warranty 0/5: 67 of 90 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Fits | 13kW to 17kW, 990cc, before 2013 |
|---|---|
| Replaces | 0C8127, 070185E, 070185ES, 070185B, 070185D, 070185F |
| Service interval | Every 200 hours or 2 years |
| Weight | 1.4 lb |
| Model | ra293 |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 12 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How often to service
Service on the interval the manual gives for the generator. The RARAYC listing states maintenance every 200 hours or 2 years, and more often in a dusty environment. The Generac kits include a reminder sticker to mark the next service. Change the filters and plugs on schedule, even if the generator ran little, since a standby generator sits for long spells between runs and the parts age in place.
Run it outdoors only
Generators run outdoors only, far from doors and windows, because of carbon monoxide. Never run a generator indoors, in a garage or near an open window, and keep the exhaust away from the house.
FAQ: power away from the grid
What is in a propane generator maintenance kit?
An air filter, an oil filter and spark plugs, plus a funnel for the oil change. The Generac kits add a chamois, a manual and a reminder sticker, and the Hearthhub 2-pack adds work gloves and a cleaning cloth. Oil is not included, so buy it separately.
How do I know which kit fits my generator?
Match the kilowatts, the engine size and the model year. The kits here cover 13kW to 26kW, engines of 990cc and 999cc, and models from 2008 to 2012 or from 2013 on. Check the part numbers on the old filters and plugs against the kit.
How often should I service a standby generator?
Follow the interval in the manual. The RARAYC listing states every 200 hours or 2 years, and more often in a dusty environment. The Generac kits include a reminder sticker for the next service.
Does the kit include oil?
No. The Generac kits state the oil is not included and must be bought separately, and the Hearthhub pack lists no oil in its contents. Check the oil grade in the generator manual.
Can I install the kit myself?
The Hearthhub listing states non-professionals can install it, and the RARAYC listing states the parts fit without additional tools. Wear work gloves during installation, as the RARAYC listing states, and follow the instruction manual in the Generac kits.
Related solar guides
See the how to use a portable generator, the how often to change generator oil, the gas generator maintenance and the generator spark plug size guides.
