5-1
Section 5. Operation
EXHAUST GAS IS DEADLY!
Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas. Car-
bon monoxide is poisonous and can cause unconsciousness and death. Symp-
toms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include:
•
Dizziness
•
Throbbing in Temples
•
Nausea
•
Muscular Twitching
•
Headache
•
Vomiting
•
Weakness and Sleepiness
•
Inability to Think Coherently
IF YOU OR ANYONE ELSE EXPERIENCE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS, GET OUT
INTO THE FRESH AIR IMMEDIATELY. If symptoms persist, seek medical atten-
tion. Shut down the unit and do not operate until it has been inspected and re-
paired.
Protection against carbon monoxide inhalation includes proper installation and
regular, frequent visual and audible inspections of the complete exhaust system.
PRE-STARTING
Preparation for initial and subsequent starts includes
careful checks of the oil, fuel, cooling, and electrical sys-
tems. Close the cylinder air housing door with all air
shrouds in place.
Before the generator set is activated, check all compo-
nents for mechanical integrity. If an abnormal condition,
defective part, or operating difficulty is detected, repair or
service the genset as required. Keep the generator set
free of dust, dirt, and spilled oil or fuel.
Accidental starting of the generator set
can cause severe personal injury or death. Make cer-
tain the generator set is stopped and disconnect the
starting battery cables (negative [-] cable first) be-
fore inspecting the generator set.
Oil Recommendations
The use of quality engine lubricating oils combined with
appropriate oil drain and filter change intervals are criti-
cal factors in maintaining engine performance and dura-
bility.
Use SAE 30 oil that meets the American Petroleum Insti-
tute (API) Classification of CE/SF. CD/SF oil may be
used in areas where CE/SF oil is not available. CE and
CD oils are designed for high temperature, severe duty
service.
A maximum sulfated ash content of 1.85 mass % is rec-
ommended to prevent guttering and valve burning.
The use of a multi-viscosity lubricating oil has been found
to improve oil consumption control and improve engine
cranking in cold temperatures while maintaining lubrica-
tion at high operating temperatures. While 15W-40 oil is
recommended for most climates, refer to the accompa-
nying table for oil viscosity recommendations for extreme
climates.
Limited use of low viscosity oils, such
as 10W-30 may be used for easier starting and pro-
viding sufficient oil flow at ambient temperatures be-
low -5
°
C (23
°
F). However, continuous use of low vis-
cosity oils can decrease engine life due to wear. Re-
fer to the accompanying chart.
If an engine is operated in ambient temperatures consis-
tently below -23
°
C (-10
°
F) and there are no provisions to
keep the engine warm when it is not in operation, use a
synthetic CE/SF or CD/SF engine oil with adequate low
temperature properties such as 5W-20 or 5W-30.
The use of a synthetic base oil does not
justify extended oil change intervals. Extended oil
change intervals can decrease engine life due to fac-
tors such as corrosion, deposits and wear.
