Maintenance
3.3.3 EMISSIONS INFORMATION
The Environmental Protection Agency (and California Air Resource
Board for generators certified to CA standards) require(s) that
this generator comply with exhaust and evaporative emission
standards. Locate the emissions compliance decal on the engine
to determine what standards the generator meets. This generator
is certified to operate on gasoline. The emission control system
consists of the following:
• Air Induction System
– Intake Pipe/Manifold
– Air Cleaner
• Fuel System
– Carburetor
– Fuel Tank/Cap
– Fuel Lines
– Evaporative Vent Lines
– Carbon Canister (for CA engines only)
• Ignition System
– Spark Plug
– Ignition Module
• Exhaust System
– Exhaust Manifold/Muffler
3.4 GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty of the generator does not cover items that have been
subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value
from the warranty, the operator must maintain the generator as
instructed in this manual.
Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly
maintain the generator.
All adjustments in the Maintenance section of this manual should
be made at least once each season. Follow the requirements in the
"Maintenance Schedule".
Once a year replace the spark plug and replace the air filter.
A new spark plug and clean air filter assure proper fuel-air
mixture and help the engine run better and last longer.
3.4.1 GENERATOR MAINTENANCE
Operate and store the unit in a clean dry environment where it will
not be exposed to excessive dust, dirt, moisture or any corrosive
vapors. Cooling air slots in the generator must not become clogged
with snow, leaves, or any other foreign material.
Check the cleanliness of the generator frequently and clean when
dust, dirt, oil, moisture or other foreign substances are visible on
its exterior surface.
Never insert any object or tool through the air
cooling slots, even if the engine is not running.
12
NOTE:
DO NOT use a garden hose to clean generator. Water can
enter the engine fuel system and cause problems. In addition,
if water enters the generator through cooling air slots, some
water will be retained in voids and crevices of the rotor
and stator winding insulation. Water and dirt buildup on the
generator internal windings will eventually decrease the
insulation resistance of these windings.
3.4.2 TO CLEAN THE GENERATOR
• Use a damp cloth to wipe exterior surfaces clean.
• A soft, bristle brush may be used to loosen caked on dirt, oil, etc.
• A vacuum cleaner may be used 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 the
generator. These openings must be kept clean and unobstructed.
3.4.3 ENGINE MAINTENANCE
When working on the generator, always
disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and
keep the wire away from the spark plug.
3.4.4 CHECKING OIL LEVEL
See the "BEFORE STARTING THE GENERATOR" section for
information on checking the oil level. The oil level should be
checked before each use, or at least every eight hours of operation.
Keep the oil level maintained.
3.4.5 CHANGING THE OIL AND OIL FILTER
Change the oil and filter after the first 30 hours of operation.
Change the oil every 100 hours or every season thereafter. If
running this unit under dirty or dusty conditions, or in extremely
hot weather, change the oil more often.
Hot oil may cause burns. Allow engine to
cool before draining oil. Avoid prolonged
or repeated skin exposure with used oil.
Thoroughly wash exposed areas with soap.
Use the following instructions to change the oil after the engine
cools down:
1. Clean area around oil drain plug.
2. Remove oil drain plug from engine and oil fill plug to drain oil
completely into a suitable container.
3. When oil has completely drained, install oil drain plug and
tighten securely.
4. Place a suitable container beneath the oil filter and turn filter
counterclockwise to remove. Discard according to local
regulations.
5. Coat gasket of new filter with clean engine oil. Turn filter
clockwise until gasket contacts lightly with filter adapter. Then
tighten an additional 3/4 turn.
NOTE: