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3.4.1 GENERATOR MAINTENANCE
Generator maintenance consists of keeping the unit clean and dry. 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.
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
negative cable from battery. Also disconnect spark
plug wires from spark plugs and keep wire away
from spark plugs.
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.
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.
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 thereafter. If running this unit under dirty or dusty
conditions, or in extremely hot weather, change the oil more often.
NOTE:
Whenever possible, run engine for approximately five (5) minutes to
get the engine oil hot. This will aid in draining the oil.
Use the following instructions to change the oil while the engine is still
warm:
• Clean area around oil drain hose and plug.
• Remove oil drain plug from end of hose and oil fill plug to drain oil
completely into a suitable container.
• When oil has completely drained, install oil drain plug and tighten
securely.
• Place a suitable container beneath the oil filter and turn filter
counterclockwise to remove. Discard according to local regulations.
• 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.
• Fill oil sump with recommended oil. (See “Before Starting the
Generator” for oil recommendations).
• Wipe up any spilled oil.
• Dispose of used oil at a proper collection center.
3.4.6 REPLACING THE SPARK PLUGS
Use Champion RC14YC spark plug or equivalent. The correct air gap is
1.01 mm (0.040 in.). Replace the plugs once each year. This will help
the engine start easier and run better.
1. Stop the engine and pull the spark plug wire off of the spark plug.
2. Clean the area around the spark plug and remove it from the cylinder
head.
3. Set the spark plug's gap to 1.01 mm (0.040 in.). Install the correctly
gapped spark plug into the cylinder head.
Figure 19 - Spark Plug Gap
3.5 SERVICE AIR CLEANER
The engine will not run properly and may be damaged if using a dirty air
cleaner. Clean or replace the air cleaner paper filter every 200 hours. Clean
or replace more often if operating under dusty conditions. Clean foam pre-
cleaner every month or more often under dusty conditions.
To clean or replace foam pre-cleaner:
• Remove air cleaner cover, then foam pre-filter.
• Wash pre-cleaner in soapy water. Squeeze pre-filter dry in clean cloth
(DO NOT TWIST).
• Clean air cleaner cover before re-installing it.
Maintenance