MAINTENANCE
EN / WHISPER 3,5 / May 2006
19
4 MAINTENANCE
4.1 ALTERNATOR
The alternator does not require any maintenance. Periodic
inspection and cleaning is recommended, depending on
environmental conditions.
However when the alternator has been idle for a long
period attention to winding condition is recommended.
The condition of windings can be assessed by
measurement of insulation resistance to earth.
The CAPACITOR should be disconnected during this test.
A 500V ‘megger’ or similar instrument should be used. The
insulation resistance to earth of all windings should be in
excess of 1.0 MOhm. Should the insulation resistance be
less than this value, drying out the generator windings is
essential. Drying out can be carried out by direct warm air
from a fan heater or similar apparatus into the generator
air inlets or outlets.
All bearings are greased for life and not regreasable.
4.2 ENGINE
4.2.1
Preliminary instructions
All regular maintenance can be carried out when the en-
closure is open. For repairs we recommend to take out the
generating set to a workshop. The enclosure can be
completely removed by taking out the bolts form the
aluminium bars below the bottom of the capsule.
When oil and dirt have gathered in the enclosure
measures have to be taken to avoid spilling oil and
polluting the environment.
The first service on the engine should be carried out after
25 hours of its life. This also applies after a major over-
haul. In the first 25 hours the engine should receive
special attention:
Long periods of light or no load running in the first 25
hours may lead to cylinder glazing and high oil
consumption.
For the same reason it is of the greatest
importance to use the right oil specification
The first time starting up or after running out of fuel it could
be necessary to prime the fuel system.
4.2.2
Bleeding fuel lines
Ensure there is sufficient fuel. The Whispers are self
bleeding. Push the start button activating the electric
system and activating the fuel pump. When more time is
needed to bleed, push “start” and hold on the local control
panel (so not on the remote panel). Hold as long as
necessary to bleed the system.
Fig. 11: Self bleeding fuel lines
4.2.3
Valve clearance
Tightening torques, refer to § 5.4.2.
When the engine is in cold condition both valves should
have a clearance between 0.14 and 0.18 mm. The
adjustment has to be done at T.D.C. of the compression
stroke. Using a pocket light one can check the position of
the flywheel (refer to picture 12). By using the
decompression handle one can crank the engine easily
with a screwdriver to put the marks in line. Confirm that the
valves do not move up or down when the crankshaft is
turned about 20 degrees in normal and reverse direction of
rotation. If the rocker arms move the piston is on the
T.D.C. of the intake or exhaust stroke. In such a case turn
the crankshaft 360° in the direction of engine rotation
again. The piston is now at T.D.C. of the compression
stroke. After readjustment one should crank the engine for
20 rotations and check the valves again.
Fig. 12: Valve clearance