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3.3 GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty of the generator does not cover items that have been
subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the
warranty, the operator must maintain the generator as instructed in this
manual.
Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly
maintain the generator.
All adjustments in the Maintenance section (3) of this manual should be
made at least once each season. Follow the requirements in the
"Maintenance Schedule" chart on page 14.
NOTE: Once a year you should replace the spark plug
and replace the air filter. A new spark plug and clean
air filter assure proper fuel-air mixture and help your
engine run better and last longer.
3.3.1 GENERATOR MAINTENANCE
Generator maintenance consists of keeping the unit clean and dry.
Operate and store the unit in a clean dry environment where it will not
be exposed to excessive dust, dirt, moisture or any corrosive vapors.
Cooling air slots in the generator must not become clogged with snow,
leaves, or any other foreign material.
Check the cleanliness of the generator frequently and clean when dust,
dirt, oil, moisture or other foreign substances are visible on its exterior
surface.
CAUTION!
Never insert any object or tool through the air cooling
slots, even if the engine is not running.
Note: DO NOT use a garden hose to clean generator.
Water can enter the engine fuel system and cause
problems. In addition, if water enters the generator
through cooling air slots, some water will be retained
in voids and crevices of the rotor and stator winding
insulation. Water and dirt buildup on the generator
internal windings will eventually decrease the
insulation resistance of these windings.
3.3.2 TO CLEAN THE GENERATOR
• Use a damp cloth to wipe exterior surfaces clean.
• A soft, bristle brush may be used to loosen caked on dirt, oil, etc.
• A vacuum cleaner may be used to pick up loose dirt and debris.
• Low pressure air (not to exceed 25 psi) may be used to blow away
dirt. Inspect cooling air slots and openings on the generator. These
openings must be kept clean and unobstructed.
3.3.3 ENGINE MAINTENANCE
DANGER!
When working on the generator, always disconnect
negative cable from battery. Also disconnect spark plug wires from
spark plug and keep wire away from spark plug.
3.3.4 CHECKING OIL LEVEL
See the “BEFORE STARTING THE GENERATOR” section on page 10
for information on checking the oil level. The oil level should be checked
before each use, or at least every eight hours of operation. Keep the oil
level maintained.
3.3.5 CHANGING THE OIL AND OIL FILTER
Change the oil and filter after the first eight hours of operation. Change
the oil every 100 hours thereafter. If you are running this unit under dirty
or dusty conditions, or in extremely hot weather, change the oil more
often.
Use the following instructions to change the oil while
the engine is still warm:
• Clean area around oil drain hose and plug.
• Remove oil drain plug from end of hose and oil fill plug to drain oil
completely into a suitable container.
• When oil has completely drained, install oil drain plug and tighten
securely.
• Place a suitable container beneath the oil filter and turn filter
counterclockwise to remove. Discard according to local regulations.
• Coat gasket of new filter with clean engine oil. Turn filter clockwise
until gasket contacts lightly with filter adapter. Then tighten an
additional 3/4 turn.
• Fill oil sump with recommended oil. (See “Before Starting the
Generator” on page 10 for oil recommendations).
• Wipe up any spilled oil.
3.3.6 REPLACING THE SPARK PLUG
Section 3 — Maintenance
Commercial-Industrial-Residential Portable Generator System
