Section 5: Maintenance
To Clean the Generator
• Use a damp cloth to wipe exterior surfaces clean.
• Soft, bristle brush may be used to loosen caked on dirt
or oil.
CAUTION!
NEVER insert any object or tool
through the air cooling slots, even if the engine is
not running.
• 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 opening on
generator. These openings must be kept clean and
unobstructed.
DANGER!
When working on the generator
always disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug
and keep it away from spark plug.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Checking Oil Level
Oil level should be checked prior to each use or at least
every 5 hours of operation. Keep oil level maintained.
Changing Engine Oil
Change the oil after the first month of operation, then
every 25 hours. If you are using your generator under
extremely dirty or dusty conditions, or in extremely hot
weather, change the oil more often.
Change the oil while the engine is still warm from running,
as follows:
• Remove the oil fill cover and clean area around oil drain
plug (Figure 12).
Figure 12 — Oil Drain Plug
• Remove oil drain plug, sealing washer, and oil filler cap.
• Install oil drain plug and sealing washer. Tighten securely.
• Refill with recommended oil and check the level. See
• Wipe up any spilled oil.
• Replace oil fill cover.
Clean/Replace Spark Plug
Check and clean the spark plug every 50 hours of
operation or every three months, whichever comes first.
This will help your engine to start easier and run better.
• Remove spark plug access cover. Remove spark plug cap.
• Clean the area around the spark plug.
• Remove and inspect the spark plug.
• Replace the spark plug if electrodes are pitted or burned
• Check electrode gap with wire feeler gauge and set spark
• Reinstall spark plug.
Service Air Cleaner
Your engine will not run properly and may be damaged if
you run it using a dirty air filter element.
Check the air filter every use and clean or replace the paper
air filter element every 50 hours of operation or every three
months, whichever comes first. Clean or replace more often
Oil Drain Plug
if operating under dusty or dirty conditions.
12
Drain oil completely into a suitable container.
page 6 for oil recommendations.
CAUTION!
Avoid prolonged or repeated skin
contact with used motor oil. Used motor oil has
been shown to cause skin cancer in certain
laboratory animals. Thoroughly wash exposed areas
with soap and water. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF
CHILDREN.
DON'T POLLUTE. CONSERVE RESOURCES.
RETURN USED OIL TO COLLECTION CENTERS.
or the porcelain is cracked. Use recommended plug for
replacement.
plug gap between 0.028 and 0.031 inch (0.7 to 0.8 mm) if
necessary (Figure 13).
Figure 13 — Service Spark Plug