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Section 2 – Operation
Recreational Vehicle Generator
2.4 BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
NOTE:
Instructions and information in this manual assume the genera-
tor has been properly installed, connected, serviced, tested and
adjusted by a qualified installation technician or installation
contractor.
2.4.1 INSTALLATION
Generator installation must have been properly completed so it
complies with all applicable codes, standards and regulations and
with the manufacturer's recommendations.
NOTE
Be sure the installation complies with all standards and codes
listed in the "Standards Booklets" section of this manual.
2.4.2 ENGINE LUBRICATION
Have the engine crankcase properly serviced with the recom-
mended oil before starting. Refer to the "Engine Oil Requirements"
section and "Checking the Engine Oil Level" and "Changine the
Engine Oil and/or Oil Filter" sections for oil servicing procedures
and recommendations.
Any attempt to crank or start the engine before
it hase been properly serviced with the recom-
mended oil may result in an engine failure.
2.4.3 FUEL SUPPLY
The engine must have an adequate supply of proper fuel to oper-
ate. Before starting it, check that sufficient fuel is available.
NOTE:
Depending on the installation, the generator may have either a
separate fuel tank, or it may “share” the vehicle engine’s fuel
tank.
2.4.4 COOLING AND VENTILATING AIR
Air inlet and outlet openings in the generator compartment must
be open and unobstructed for continued proper operation. Without
sufficient cooling and ventilating airflow, the engine/generator
quickly overheats, which causes it to shut down and may damage
the generator.
2.4.5 ENGINE EXHAUST GAS
Before starting the generator engine, be sure there is no way for
Before starting the generator engine, inspect for exhaust leaks and
ensure there is no way for exhaust gases to enter the vehicle inte-
rior and endanger people or animals. Close windows, doors and
other openings in the vehicle that, if open, might permit exhaust
gases to enter the vehicle.
DANGER
Generator engine exhaust contains DEADLY
carbon Monoxide, an odorless, colorless poi-
sonous gas. Breathing carbon monoxide can
cause: dizziness, throbbing temples, nausea,
muscular twitching, headache, vomiting, weak-
ness and sleepiness, inability to think clearly,
fainting, unconsciousness or even death. If you
experience any carbon monoxide poisoning
symptoms, move into fresh air and immediately
seek medical attention.
Never operate the generator set with the vehicle
inside any garage or other enclosed area.
Adequate, unobstructed flow of cooling and
ventilating air is critical for expelling toxic car-
bon monoxide gas and fuel vapors from the
generator compartment and for proper genera-
tor operation. Without sufficient cooling airflow,
deadly carbon monoxide gas can accumulate
and the engine/generator may quickly overheat,
causing serious damage to the generator. Do
not operate the genset in any confined space.
The exhaust system must be installed in accor-
dance with the genset installation manual. Do
not alter the installation or permit even partial
blockage of ventilation systems, as this can
seriously affect the safe and proper operation of
the generator.
Do not operate the generator if the exhaust sys-
tem is leaking or has been damaged or if you
have experienced carbon monoxide poisoning
symptoms during use. Shut down the generator
and do not operate it until it has been inspected
and/or repaired.
Never sleep in the vehicle while the genset is
running unless the vehicle has a working carbon
monoxide detector.
2.5 STARTING THE GENERATOR
NOTE:
Read the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions. The owner/
operator should become familiar with the vehicle in which this
generator is installed. Differences exist between vehicles. For
example, some vehicles may use a transfer switch to isolate
dockside power from the generator, while other vehicles may
use an isolating receptacle. Some vehicles may be equipped
with a DC converter, which allows the generator to power cer-
tain DC lighting and other DC loads.
To start the generator from either the generator control panel or
from the optional remote panel, proceed as follows:
1. Turn OFF electrical loads using the means provided in the
vehicle (such as a main line circuit breaker or transfer
switch).