MAINTENANCE
17
• Use low pressure air (not to exceed 25 psi) to blow
away dirt. Inspect cooling air slots and openings on the
generator.These openings must be kept clean and
unobstructed.
Battery Maintenance
Other than float charging, described elsewhere, no
maintenance is required for the starting battery. Keep the
battery and terminals clean and dry.
IMPORTANT: Battery charging should be performed in a
dry location, such as inside a garage.
Fuel Valve Maintenance
The fuel valve is equipped with a fuel sediment cup, screen,
retaining ring and o-ring that need to be cleaned every
6 months or 100 hours (whichever occurs first).
1. Move fuel valve to “Off” position.
2. Remove sediment cup from fuel valve. Remove o-ring,
retaining ring and screen from fuel valve (Figure 15).
3. Wash sediment cup, o-ring, retaining ring, and screen in
a nonflammable solvent. Dry them thoroughly.
4. Place screen, retaining ring, and o-ring into fuel valve.
Install sediment cup and tighten securely.
5. Move fuel valve to “On” position, and check for leaks.
Replace o-ring if there is any leakage.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Oil
Oil Recommendations
NOTE: When adding oil to the engine crankcase, use only
high quality detergent oil rated with API service
classification SF, SG, SH, SJ or higher. DO NOT use special
additives. DO NOT USE SAE 10W-40.
1. Choose a viscosity according to the following table:
* The use of multi-viscosity oils (5W-30, 10W-30, etc.) in
temperatures above 40°F (4°C) will result in higher than
normal oil consumption.When using a multi-viscosity oil,
check oil more frequently.
** If using SAE 30 oil in temperatures below 40°F (4°C), it
will result in hard starting and possible engine bore damage
due to inadequate lubrication.
Checking Oil Level
Oil level should be checked prior to each use or at least
every 8 hours of operation. Keep oil level maintained.
1. Make sure generator is on a level surface.
2. Remove oil fill cap and wipe clean with cloth.
3. Verify oil is at the point of overflowing at oil fill opening.
• DO NOT expose generator to excessive moisture, dust, dirt,
or corrosive vapors.
• DO NOT insert any objects through cooling slots.
Improper treatment of generator can damage it and
shorten its life.
CAUTION
WHEN ADJUSTING OR MAKING REPAIRS TO YOUR
GENERATOR
• Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug and place
the wire where it cannot contact spark plug.
WHEN TESTING FOR ENGINE SPARK
• Use approved spark plug tester.
• DO NOT check for spark with spark plug removed.
Unintentional sparking can result in fire or
electric shock.
WARNING
5W-30, 10W-30
30, 10W-30
Figure 15 — Fuel Valve Maintenance
Sediment Cup
O-ring
Retaining Ring
Screen