5
OPM-138/B
UNIT CAPABILITIES
GENERATOR CONNECTIONS
WL18000VE-03/A: 120 Volt and 240 Volt receptacles are
provided for connection to various loads. The diagram
below represents this 15,000 watt (rated output) generator.
A & B represent the 120 volt output legs of this generator.
Up to 7,500 watts at 120 volts (62.5 Amps) can be drawn
from the receptacles attached to either A or B output legs.
This generator is capable of producing 62.5 Amps of 240
volt current at C. Check the appliance or tool nameplates for
the current and voltage to insure compatibility. Remember
that power taken from C reduces the power available at
equally both A and B and vice versa.
STARTING ELECTRIC MOTORS
Electric motors require much more current (amps) to start
them than to run them. Some motors, particularly low cost
split-phase motors, are very hard to start and require 5 to 7
times as much starting current as running current. Capacitor
motors are easier to start and usually require 2 to 4 times
as much starting current as running current. Repulsion
Induction motors are the easiest to start and require only 1
1/2 to 2 1/2 times as much starting as running current.
Most fractional horsepower motors take about the same
amount of current to run them whether they are Repulsion
Induction (RI), Capacitor (Cap), or Split-Phase (SP) type.
If the electric motor is connected to a hard starting load
such as an air compressor, it will require more starting
current. If it is connected to a light load, or no load such as
a power saw, it will require less starting current. The exact
requirement will also vary with the brand or design of the
motor.
Self-exciting generators respond to severe overloading
differently than utility power. When overloaded, the engine
is not able to supply enough power to bring the electric
motor up to operating speed. The generator responds with
high initial starting current, but the engine speed drops
sharply. The overload may stall the engine. If allowed to
operate at very low speeds, the electric motor starting
winding will burn out in a short time. The generator
winding might also be damaged.
CAUTION: EQUIPMENT DAMAGE
Running the generator set under these conditions may
result in damage to the generator stator as well as the
motor winding.
The heavy surge of current required for starting motors
is required for only an instant. The generator will not be
damaged if it can bring the motor up to speed in a few
seconds of time. If difficulty is experienced in starting
motors, turn all other electrical loads off and if possible
reduce the load on the electric motor.
PREPARING THE UNIT
UNPACKING
CAUTION: EQUIPMENT DAMAGE
THIS UNIT HAS BEEN SHIPPED WITH OIL. Failure to
maintain the engine oil at the proper level will result in
serious engine damage.
When you unpack your engine-generator set be sure to
remove all the information sheets and manuals from the
carton.
1. As you receive your unit, it is critical to check it for any
damage. If any damage is noted, it is always easiest to
refuse the shipment and let WINCO take care of the
freight claim. If you sign for the unit, the transfer of the
ownership requires that you file the freight claim
2. Before proceeding with the preparations of your new
generator for operation, take a couple of minutes to
ensure the unit you have received is the correct model
and review the specification pages in this manual to
ensure that this unit meets your job requirements.
LUBRICATION
Before starting the engine, fill the crankcase to the proper
level with a good quality oil. The recommended grade oil
and quantity of oil required is listed in the engine operator’s
manual and under the service tab in this manual. The
engine normally holds 57 to 58 ounces (2.4 to 2.5 quarts) of
oil. Since there is some trapped in the engine, when filling
the crankcase the first time, use the dipstick (‘A’ in following
image) to ensure that you do not over fill the crankcase.
The full oil level mark on the dipstick is depicted in the
following image as ‘B’.
5
3110-00
60706-239
Self-exciting generators respond to severe overload-
ing differently than utility power. When overloaded,
the engine is not able to supply enough power to
bring the electric motor up to operating speed. The
generator responds with high initial starting current,
but the engine speed drops sharply. The overload
may stall the engine. If allowed to operate at very low
speeds, the electric motor starting winding will burn
out in a short time. The generator winding might also
be damaged.
CAUTION: EQUIPMENT DAMAGE
RUNNING THE GENERATOR SET UNDER
THESE CONDITIONS MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE
TO THE GENERATOR STATOR AS WELL AS THE
MOTOR WINDING.
The heavy surge of current required for starting mo-
tors is required for only an instant. The generator will
not be damaged if it can bring the motor up to speed
in a few seconds of time. If dif
fi
culty is experienced in
starting motors, turn all other electrical loads off and if
possible reduce the load on the electric motor.
PREPARING THE UNIT
UNPACKING
CAUTION: EQUIPMENT DAMAGE
THIS UNIT HAS BEEN SHIPPED
WITHOUT OIL
.
Failure to maintain the engine oil at the proper level
will result in serious engine damage.
When you unpack your new engine-generator set be
sure to remove all the information sheets and manu-
als from the carton.
1. This generator-set was in good order when
shipped. Inspect the generator-set promptly after
receiving it. If any damage is noted, notify the trans-
portation company immediately; request proper pro-
cedures for
fi
ling a “concealed damage” claim. Title
to the equipment and responsibility for
fi
ling a claim
rests with you when a generator-set is sent F.O.B.
shipping point. Only you can legally
fi
le a claim.
2. Before proceeding with the preparations of your
new generator-set for operation, take a couple of
minutes to insure the unit you have received is the
correct model and review the speci
fi
cation pages in
this manual to insure that this unit meets your job
requirements.
LUBRICATION
Before starting the engine,
fi
ll the crankcase to the
proper level with a good quality oil. The recommend-
ed grade of oil and quantity of oil required is listed in
the engine operator’s manual and under the service
tab in this manual. This unit was shipped with most
of the oil removed. The engine normally holds 2.4 to
2.5 quarts of oil. Since there is some trapped oil in
the engine, when
fi
lling the crankcase the
fi
rst time
use the dipstick (ref “A”) to ensure that you do not
over
fi
ll the crankcase. Reference “B” shows the full
oil level mark on the dipstick.
Oil is added to the engine by removing the oil
fi
ll cap
(ref “C”) and adding oil at this point. After
fi
lling the
crankcase to the proper level, be sure you properly
tighten the oil
fi
ll cap. NOTE: This engine generator
must be on a level surface before you check or add
oil to the system.
The necessity of using the correct oil, and keep-
ing the crankcase full cannot be overemphasized.
Engine failures resulting from inadequate or improper
lubricant are considered abuse and not covered by
the generator or engine manufacturer’s warranty.
Oil Recommendations
Outdoor temperatures determine the proper oil vis-
cosity for the engines. Use the chart to select the best
viscosity for the outdoor temperature range expected.
A
C
A
B
SAE
30
10W-
30
Synthetic
5W-
30
5W-
30
°
F
°
C
