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Section 3 — Maintenance
Portable Generator System
3.3 GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty of the generator does not cover items that have been
subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from
the warranty, the operator must maintain the generator as instructed
in this manual.
Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly
maintain the generator.
All adjustments in the Maintenance section of this manual should
be made at least once each season. Follow the requirements in the
"Maintenance Schedule".
NOTE:
Once a year replace the spark plug and replace the air filter. A
new spark plug and clean air filter assure proper fuel-air mixture
and help the engine run better and last longer.
3.3.1 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.
3.3.2 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.
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3.3.3 ENGINE MAINTENANCE
DANGER
When working on the generator, always disconnect
negative cable from battery. Also disconnect spark plug
wires from spark plug and keep wire away from spark plug.
3.3.4 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.
3.3.5 CHANGING THE OIL AND OIL FILTER
Change the oil and filter after the first eight 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 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.
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