Bryant
15
Figure 3.7 – Setting the Spark Plug Gap
3.7
BATTERY MAINTENANCE
The battery should be inspected per the “Service
Schedule,” Section 4.1. The following procedure should
be followed for inspection:
1. Inspect the battery posts and cables for tightness
and corrosion. Tighten and clean as necessary.
2. Check the battery fluid level of unsealed batteries
and, if necessary, fill with Distilled Water Only. Do
not use tap water in batteries.
3. Have the state of charge and condition checked. This
should be done with an automotive-type battery
hydrometer.
Do not dispose of the battery in a fire. The
battery is capable of exploding.
A battery presents a risk of electrical shock
and high short circuit current. The following
precautions are to be observed when working
on batteries:
• Remove the 7.5A and 15A fuses from the
generator control panel.
• Remove watches, rings or other metal objects;
• Use tools with insulated handles;
• Wear rubber gloves and boots;
• Do not lay tools or metal parts on top of the
battery; and
• Disconnect charging source prior to connecting or
disconnecting battery terminals.
Do not open or mutilate the battery. Released
electrolyte has been known to be harmful to
the skin and eyes, and to be toxic.
The electrolyte is a dilute sulfuric acid that is
harmful to the skin and eyes. It is electrically
conductive and corrosive. The following
procedures are to be observed:
• Wear full eye protection and protective clothing;
• Where electrolyte contacts the skin, wash it off
immediately with water;
• Where electrolyte contacts the eyes, flush
thoroughly and immediately with water and seek
medical attention; and
• Spilled electrolyte is to be washed down with an
acid neutralizing agent. A common practice is to
use a solution of 1 pound (500 grams) bicarbonate
of soda to 1 gallon (4 liters) of water. The
bicarbonate of soda solution is to be added until
the evidence of reaction (foaming) has ceased. The
resulting liquid is to be flushed with water and the
area dried.
Lead-acid batteries present a risk of fire
because they generate hydrogen gas. The
following procedures are to be followed:
• DO NOT SMOKE when near the battery;
• DO NOT cause flame or spark in battery area; and
• Discharge static electricity from body before
touching the battery by first touching a grounded
metal surface.
Be sure the AUTO/OFF/MANUAL switch is set to
the OFF position before connecting the battery
cables. If the switch is set to AUTO or MANUAL,
the generator can crank and start as soon as
the battery cables are connected.
Be sure the utility power supply is turned off
and the 7.5A and 15A fuses are removed from
the generator control panel, or sparking may
occur at the battery posts as the cables are
attached and cause an explosion.
3.8
COOLING SYSTEM
Air inlet and outlet openings in the generator
compartment must be open and unobstructed for
continued proper operation. This includes such
obstructions as high grass, weeds, brush, leaves and
snow.
Without sufficient cooling and ventilating air flow, the
engine/generator quickly overheats, which causes it to
quickly shut down. (See Figure 3.8 for vent locations.)
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DANGER
Section 3 — Maintenance
Bryant Air-cooled 7 kW, 12 kW and 15 kW Generators
SET PLUG GAP AT 0.76 mm (.030 inch)
7kW
MAINTENENANCE
