12
Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator
Section 4 Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Maintenance
Regular maintenance will improve perfor-
mance and extend engine/equipment life. The
manufacturer recommends that all mainte-
nance work be performed by an Independent
Authorized Service Dealer (IASD). Regular
maintenance, replacement or repair of the
emissions control devices and systems may
be performed by any repair shop or person of
the owner’s choosing. However, to obtain
emissions control warranty service free of
charge, the work must be performed by an
IASD. See the emissions warranty.
NOTE:
Call Powermate customer service at 1-
800-445-1805 with questions about compo-
nent replacement.
Maintenance Schedule
Follow maintenance schedule intervals,
whichever occurs first according to use.
NOTE:
Adverse conditions will require more
frequent service.
NOTE:
All required service and adjustments
should be each season as detailed in the fol-
lowing chart.
Preventive Maintenance
Dirt or debris can cause improper operation
and equipment damage. Clean generator
daily or before each use. Keep area around
and behind muffler free from combustible
debris. Inspect all cooling air openings on
generator.
• Use a damp cloth to wipe exterior surfaces
clean.
• Use a soft bristle brush to loosen caked on
dirt, oil, etc.
• Use a vacuum 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 generator.
These openings must be kept clean and
unobstructed.
NOTE:
DO NOT use a garden hose to clean
generator. Water can enter engine fuel system
and cause problems. If water enters generator
through cooling air slots, some water will be
retained in voids and crevices of rotor and sta-
tor winding insulation. Water and dirt buildup
on generator internal windings will decrease
insulation resistance of windings.
Engine Maintenance
Engine Oil Recommendations
To maintain the product warranty, the engine
oil should be serviced in accordance with the
recommendations of this manual. For your
convenience, maintenance kits designed and
intended for use on this product are available
from the manufacturer that include engine oil,
oil filter, air filter, spark plug(s), a shop towel
and funnel. These kits can be obtained from
an Independent Authorized Service Dealer
(IASD).
At Each Use
Check engine oil level
Every 100 Hours or Every Season*
Change oil
ǂ
Change fuel filter
Every Season
Replace spark plug
Check valve clearance***
Every 200 Hours or Every Season
Inspect/clean air filter**
ǂ
Change oil after first 30 hours of operation,
then every season.
* Change oil every month when operating
under heavy load or in high temperatures.
** Clean more often under dirty or dusty oper-
ating conditions. Replace air filter parts if
they cannot be adequately cleaned.
*** Check valve clearance and adjust if nec-
essary after first 50 hours of operation and
every 100 hours thereafter.
(000142)
Do not insert any object through the air cooling slots.
Generator can start at any time and could result in
death, serious injury, and unit damage.
WARNING
(000141)
WARNING
Accidental start-up. Disconnect spark plug wires
when working on unit. Failure to do so could result
in death or serious injury.
