OM-229 930 Page 30
SECTION 6
−
OPERATING WELDING GENERATOR
6-1. Engine Controls
Ref. 804 857-B / Ref. 229 219-C
1
Engine Control Switch
Use switch to start engine, select speed,
and stop engine. In Run position, engine
runs at weld/power speed. In Auto/Speed
position, engine speed responds to the
work activity and load:
Idle
2400 RPM
Compressor
2400 RPM
Small Stick/TIG Welding
Loads Up To 165 A
3000 RPM
Compressor
3000 RPM
MIG/Heavy Stick Welding
Loads
3600 RPM
Compressor
3600 RPM
Generator Power
3600 RPM
To view engine speed: with engine running
and Process Selector switch in any Stick
Hot position, cycle switch from Auto Speed
to Run three times. Meters will display en-
gine speed
±
16 RPMs. Turn machine off to
reset display.
Use switch to reset engine and compressor
oil change hours. See section 7-1.
The unit will not return to idle speed
when the remote contactor is on and
Process/Contactor switch is in any
Wire position. The unit will return to idle
speed in all other modes.
2
Engine Choke Control
Use control to change engine air-fuel mix
when starting engine.
To Start
: Pull out choke and turn Engine
Control switch to Start position. Release
switch and slowly push choke in when
engine starts.
If the engine does not start, let the
engine come to a complete stop before
attempting restart.
During cold weather some gasoline en-
gines encounter difficulties that are
easily remedied. See Section 6-2 and
To Stop
: Turn Engine Control switch to Off
position.
1
2
6-2. Cold Weather Engine Operation
Ref. 229 219-A
1
2
1
Engine Control Switch Position For
Infrequently Loaded Unit
2
Engine Control Switch Position For
Frequently Loaded Unit
Carburetor Icing
Carburetor icing causes the unit to drop be-
low the normal idle speed and then stall.
This condition occurs when the tempera-
ture is near freezing and the relative humid-
ity is high. Ice forms on the throttle plate and
inner bore of the carburetor. The engine
typically restarts without problems but soon
stalls again.
Treat gasoline with a fuel de
−
icer prod-
uct (isopropyl alcohol).
Place the Engine Control switch in the
Run position.
Run engine only when expecting to fre-
quently load it.
Breather Icing
Oil breather/pulse line icing occurs in se-
vere cold (continuously below 0
F). Mois-
ture accumulates in the oil from piston ring
blow
−
by if the engine is extensively idled.
This may cause vacuum line freezing, oil
breather tube freezing or ice in the carbure-
tor. All of these cause operating problems.
Due to ice in the lines, the engine may not
restart until it is warmed to above freezing.
Load engine and reduce idle times to
prevent engine shutdowns.
Use an electric fuel pump to avoid
pulse line freezing.
Install engine cold
−
weather kit.
Kohler (1-800-544-2444) offers kit for cold
weather operation. The user can install kit.
Kit pulls heated air from the muffler surface
into the carburetor and shuts the cold air off.
This increases engine temperature during
operation in both idle and high speed.
When the ambient temperatures be-
come warmer (above 45
_
F) the air flow
will have to be returned to normal.
Synthetic Oil
For temperatures below zero, synthetic oil
improves engine starting. After the 50 hour
break
−
in period, the engine oil can be
switched between synthetic and non-syn-
thetic type oils.
Do not extend the 100 hour recom-
mended oil change interval.
In severe cold, use synthetic grades 5W20
or 5W30. See engine maintenance label for
additional information.
