13
GENERATOR PREPARATION
The following section describes the necessary steps to prepare the generator for use. If you are unsure about how
to perform any of the steps please call
1-800-232-1195
(M-F 8-5 CST) for customer service. Failure to perform
these steps properly can damage the generator or shorten its life.
STEP 1 - ADD/CHECK OIL
The generator is shipped without oil. User must add the proper amount of oil before operating the generator for
the first time. The oil capacity of the engine crankcase is
17.0 fl. oz.
(0.5 L).
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
CAUTION!
Keep the generator level. Tilting the genera-
tor to assist in filling will cause oil to flow into the wrong
areas of the engine and cause damage.
TO ADD OIL:
1. Place the generator on a level surface. Make sure the
engine is OFF before adding or checking oil.
2. Unscrew the oil dipstick (Fig. 4) from the engine.
3. Using an oil funnel or appropriate dispenser, slowly add
oil into the oil fill, being careful not to overfill the unit. Fill
the crankcase to the upper fill line so you can visually see
the oil coming halfway up the oil fill threads. See Fig. 5.
4. Reinstall the oil dipstick and firmly tighten it. Wipe clean
any spilled oil.
CAUTION!
For subsequent operation, the oil level should
be checked before each use, or after every 8 hours of op-
eration. The generator is equipped with a low-oil sensor
and will not start without a sufficient amount of oil. Follow
the instructions on the next page to check the oil level.
Synthetic 5W-30
30W
10W-30
• 30W Engine Oil
Temperatures above 40°F
• 10W-30 Engine Oil
Temperatures between 0°F - 40°F
• Synthetic 5W-30 Engine Oil
All temperature ranges
ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS -
Select good quality detergent oil bearing the American
Petroleum Institute (API) service classifications SJ, SL, or SM (synthetic oils may be used). Select
the SAE viscosity grade of oil that matches the expected operating temperature. For general use
(above 40° F), we recommend using 30W engine oil.
°F
°C
-20
0
20
32
40
60
80
100
40
20
0
-20
-10
10
-30
30
Fig. 3
Dipstick
Upper Level
Fill Line
Lower Level
Lower Level
Fill Line
Fill Line
Lower Level
Fill Line
Dipstick