Fig. 4
When a large motor or air-conditioning unit is started, the generator may shut down due to overload even
though the running power of the air-conditioning unit is less than the rated power of the generator. This is
due to the instantaneous amperage draw of the air-conditioning unit and is a short duration. If the generator
does shut down, allow 5 minutes to elapse before attempting to reconnect the generator to any loads or the
RV fuse panel. This is because the air-conditioning unit needs time to equalize the pressure inside the
air-conditioning unit and failure to wait adequate time is called short cycling.
It is also important to note that air density decreases as ambient temperature and elevation increases, which
causes the generator’s output to decrease. Generator power decreases approximately 3.5% of rated power
for each 1000 feet above sea level. See Fig. 5 below for typical calculations for the 4000i model generator. It
may be necessary to operate fewer appliances at higher elevations and increased temperatures.
Fig. 5
Altitude Adjustment
As noted above, the generator performance will decrease at high elevations due to the reduced amount of
oxygen available for combustion in the engine. To account for this, the carborurator contains an adjustment
to improve performance at high altitudes. The generator comes from the factory with the altitude
adjustment set for sea level.
1. To adjust the carburetor for high altitude operation, use road maps, GPS and road signs to
determine the local elevation.
2. Locate the high altitude adjustment knob (Fig. 6) located on the carburetor bowl, it is located
behind the air cleaner cover.
3. Rotate the knob (you may need a small tool to make the adjustment) to the local elevation.
4. Upon leaving high local elevation be sure to return the adjustment to lower elevations.
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