Generac 04164-3 Portable Generator User Manual


 
12
Section 3 – Maintenance
Recreational Vehicle Generator
Figure 3.1 – Oil Maintenance Features
2.10 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
2.10.1 ATTENTION REQUIRED AFTER SUBMERSION
If the recreational vehicle generator has been submerged in water,
it MUST NOT be started and operated. Following any submersion
in water, have an Authorized Service Dealer thoroughly clean and
dry the generator.
2.10.2 OPERATION IN HIGH GRASS OR BRUSH
Never operate the generator while the vehicle is parked over high
grass, weeds, brush, leaves or any other combustible substance.
Such materials can ignite and burn from the heat of the exhaust
system. The generator exhaust system becomes extremely hot
during operation and remains hot for a long time after it has shut
down.
2.10.3 EFFECTS OF MOISTURE AND DIRT
Keep the generator set as clean and dry as possible. Protect the
unit against excessive dust, dirt, corrosive vapors, road splash,
etc. Permitting dirt and moisture to accumulate on generator
windings will have an adverse effect on the insulation resistance
of those windings.
When moisture is allowed to remain in contact with windings,
some of the moisture will be retained in voids and cracks in the
insulation. This causes a reduced insulation resistance and will
eventually cause problems. Dirt will make the problem worse,
since dirt tends to hold moisture in contact with windings. Salt (as
from sea air) also will worsen the problem since it tends to absorb
moisture from the air. Salt and moisture, when combined, form a
good electrical conductor.
3.1 CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL
LEVEL
For oil capacities and requirements, see section “Engine Oil
Requirements”. Check the engine crankcase oil level at least every
eight hours of operation, or before use. To check the engine oil
level, proceed as follows (see Figure 3.1):
1. Be sure the generator is as level as possible.
2. Remove the dipstick and wipe it dry with a clean, lint-free
cloth.
3. Install and tighten the dipstick cap; then, remove it again. The
oil level should be at the dipstick “Full” mark.
4. If necessary, remove the oil fill cap on the rocker cover and
slowly add oil until it reaches the dipstick “Full” mark. DO NOT
FILL ABOVE THE “FULL” MARK.
Never operate the engine with the oil level below
the “Add” mark on the dipstick. Doing this could
damage the engine.
5. Install and tighten the oil fill cap and the dipstick before oper-
ating the engine.
3.2 CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL
AND/OR OIL FILTER
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.
Change the engine oil after the first 25 hours of operation.
Thereafter, change the oil every 100 operating hours. Change
the oil more frequently if operating consistently under heavy
load or at high ambient temperatures.