OM864W 10/18
29
BATTERY CARE
SP-18. CHECK ELECTROLYTE LEVELS
1. Check the electrolyte level every 50 hours, or once
a month. Add distilled water to the manufacturer's
recommended level.
SP-18. CHECK CABLES AND TERMINALS
2. Batteries, cables, and cable terminals should be
checked and cleaned every 100 hours. Clean
corrosion with a water and baking soda solution.
Flush with clean water. Tighten terminals and grease
them to inhibit future corrosion.
3. Check the battery condition with a hydrometer every
750 hours.
Servicing
SP-20. WINTERIZING / OUT-OF-SERVICE
If the generator set will not be used for more than 3
months the following preparations should be taken for
long term storage.
• Change engine oil and filter, using API CJ or CK-4,
15W-40 oil.
• Run the engine up to at least 140
o
F from a small,
clean source of fuel dosed with either “Stab-il”
brand fuel system stabilizer (diesel engine formula),
or Stanadyne Performance fuel system conditioner.
If neither of these fuel treatments is available, you
may also use John Deere fuel system conditioner.
• Completely drain, flush, and fill the cooling system
with pre-mixed, 50/50, conventional ethylene-glycol
heavy-duty diesel engine coolant (with SCAs).
• Loosen alternator drive belt.
• Completely seal off intake and exhaust openings
with heavy plastic bags and duct tape.
• Cover entire engine in large plastic bag and tape
closed at bottom of bag-place several moisture
absorbing desiccant packs inside plastic bag Store
engine in original shipping crate, if possible, or other
suitable storage crate.
• Store engine inside a building (preferably climate
controlled) to prevent corrosion.
To Remove Generator Set from Long-Term Storage:
1. Take off all protective coverings and unseal all the
openings that were covered up.
2. Install batteries that are fully charged and connect
the terminals.
3. Install the fan and alternator belts if they had been
removed.
4. Fill the fuel tank.
5. Perform all pre-start checks.
6. Crank the engine for 20 seconds with the starter,
without letting the engine start. Wait 2 minutes and
crank the engine an additional 20 seconds to make
sure all bearing surfaces are well coated.
7. Start the engine and run at no load in a low idle for
several minutes. Make sure the engine is warmed up
and check gauges before going under load.
8. Check all gauges and check for leaks.
