Battery Maintenance; Adjusting Valve Clearance - Generac 8kW Manual Del Usario

Maintenance
4.7

BATTERY MAINTENANCE

The battery should be inspected per the "Service Schedule" sec-
tion. The following procedure should be followed for inspection:
1. Inspect the battery posts and cables for tightness and corro-
sion. Tighten and clean as necessary.
2. Check the battery fluid level of unsealed batteries and, if nec-
essary, fill with Distilled Water Only. Do not use tap water in
batteries.
3. Have the state of charge and condition checked. This should
be done with an automotive-type battery hydrometer.


DO NOT dispose of the battery in a fire. The
battery is capable of exploding.
 A battery presents a risk of electrical shock
and high short circuit current. The following
precautions are to be observed when work-
ing on batteries:
• Remove the 7.5A fuse from the generator con-
trol panel.
• Remove watches, rings or other metal objects.
• Use tools with insulated handles.
• Wear rubber gloves and boots.
• Do not lay tools or metal parts on top of the
battery.
• Disconnect charging source prior to connecting
or disconnecting battery terminals.
Do not open or mutilate the battery.

Released electrolyte has been known to
be harmful to the skin and eyes, and to be
toxic.
The electrolyte is a dilute sulfuric acid that

is harmful to the skin and eyes. It is electri-
cally conductive and corrosive. The follow-
ing procedures are to be observed:
• Wear full eye protection and protective clothing.
• Where electrolyte contacts the skin, wash it off
immediately with water.
• Where electrolyte contacts the eyes, flush thor-
oughly and immediately with water and seek
medical attention.
• Spilled electrolyte is to be washed down with
an acid neutralizing agent. A common practice
is to use a solution of 1 pound (500 grams)
bicarbonate of soda to 1 gallon (4 liters) of
water. The bicarbonate of soda solution is to
be added until the evidence of reaction (foam-
ing) has ceased. The resulting liquid is to be
flushed with water and the area dried.
 Lead-acid batteries present a risk of fire
because they generate hydrogen gas. The
following procedures are to be followed:
• DO NOT SMOKE when near the battery.
• DO NOT cause flame or spark in battery area.
26
• Discharge static electricity from body before
touching the battery by first touching a ground-
ed metal surface.
Be sure the AUTO/OFF/MANUAL switch is

set to the OFF position before connecting
the battery cables. If the switch is set to
AUTO or MANUAL, the generator can crank
and start as soon as the battery cables are
connected.


Be sure the utility power supply is turned off
and the 7.5A fuse is removed from the gener-
ator control panel, or sparking may occur at
the battery posts as the cables are attached
and cause an explosion.
4.8 ADJUSTING VALVE
CLEARANCE
After the first six (6) months of operation, check the valve clear-
ance in the engine, adjust if necessary.
Important: If feeling uncomfortable about doing this procedure
or the proper tools are not available, please contact the Dealer for
service assistance. This is a very important step to ensure longest
life for the engine.
To check valve clearance:
1. The engine should be cool before checking. If valve clearance
is 0.002" - 0.004" (0.05 - 0.1mm), adjustment is not needed.
2. Remove spark plug wires and position wires away from plugs.
3. Remove spark plugs.
4. Make sure the piston is at Top Dead Center (TDC) of its
compression stroke (both valves closed). To get the piston
at TDC, remove the intake screen at the front of the engine to
gain access to the flywheel nut. Use a large socket and socket
wrench to rotate the nut and hence the engine in a clockwise
direction. While watching the piston through the spark plug
hole. The piston should move up and down. The piston is at
TDC when it is at its highest point of travel.
To adjust valve clearance (if necessary), (Figure 4.9):
1. Make sure the engine is at 60° to 80° F.
2. Make sure that the spark plug wire is removed from the spark
plug and out of the way.
3. Remove the four screws attaching the valve cover.
4. Loosen the rocker jam nut. Use a 10mm allen wrench for all
units excluding the 10kW, and a 8mm allen wrench for the
10kW, to turn the pivot ball stud while checking clearance
between the rocker arm and the valve stem with a feeler
gauge. Correct clearance is 0.002-0.004 inch (0.05-0.1 mm).
Hold the rocker arm jam nut in place as the pivot ball stud is
turned. Jam nut is 13mm for all units excluding the 10kW and
a 10mm for the 10kW.
NOTE: